Dillard migrated to Central Florida from Virginia with his wife, Mattie Showalter, in 1887. He established himself primarily as a citrus and vegetable grower, but he also operated the M. V. Dillard and Company Garage, which was managed by his son, Marvin Dillard. In addition, he founded the Bank of Winter Garden, served as Wnter garden City Commissioner and a Florida State Legislator, and helped rebuild Downtown Winter Garden after two destructive fires in 1909 and 1912. Some of the buildings that Dillard helped construct include the Dillard and Boyd General Merchandise Store, the Shelby Hotel, and the Mann and Mills Dry Goods Store. He also donated land to the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Collection, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Collection, Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida., Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>