We’re coming up on the end of August, but we just can’t shake that summer feeling. Let’s go back into the Lakeland Public Library’s photo archives to relive the magic of summers gone by.
We’re getting “The Great Gatsby” vibes from this photo taken in 1920.
Photo via Lakeland Public Library
Francis Beach Pavilion
Anyone down for a dip? The Roaring Twenties were in full swing at this entertainment center on the south side of Lake Hollingsworth. Built by businessman J.L. Francis in the summer of 1915, this was the place for swimming, dancing, and boating. It lasted until 1939, when it was torn down.
More than 6,000 cadets graduated from the school.
Photo via Lakeland Public Library
Lodwick School of Aeronautics Final Cadet to Graduate
This graduate got his wings in the last ceremony on Aug. 1, 1945. Lodwick was a civilian flight training school, but it helped train both American and British pilots for World War II. Today, the land has been transformed into Tigertown, where you’ll find Detroit Tigers and Flying Tigers baseball games.
Who can forget the “wigglin’ and quiverin’” seen on stage 69 years ago?
Photo via Lakeland Public Library
Elvis Presley at the Polk Theatre
The King came to Lakeland for a performance on Aug. 6, 1956, and fans are still talking about it today. According to the library, that’s Officer Gordon Lord holding back the kids trying to reach for the singer.
Now here’s a fashion show we would buy tickets for.
Photo via Lakeland Public Library
Chamber of Commerce Fashion Show
Stripes were all the rage for summer when this photo was taken in 1969 at a Lakeland Chamber of Commerce event. We vote to bring these back.
Hey Alexa, play “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper.
Photo via Lakeland Public Library
Children at Oscar Pope Elementary School
Nothing tops these faces from the last day of school in 1977. That’s Principal Jay Erwin on the left — we bet he was just as happy as the students.
This photo from the library’s Ledger archives shows students moving into Florida Southern in 1985.
Photo via Lakeland Public Library
Florida Southern College Move In Day
The end of summer always means the beginning of another school year. Here, students Janine Seanga and Cort Douglas move into FSC carrying important cargo in 1985: a boombox.
