Booker T. Washington’s visit to LAL

The history of the Washington Park Community

Exterior shot of Washington Park High School in black and white

The original Washington Park High School, circa 1938 | Photo via Lakeland Public Library Special Collections

You’ve heard us talk about the Moorehead community before, but did you know it was closely related to another Black community in north Lakeland?

The Washington Park community was established in the early 1900s, but it wasn’t until Booker T. Washington — an influential Black American, advisor to Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, and founder of the Tuskegee Institute — visited, that the area got its name.

On March 5, 1912, roughly 2,000 individuals from Lakeland and beyond paid a 50-cent admission to hear from Washington. Over the course of 90 minutes, crowds listened intently as he advocated for the education of Black communities.

Newspaper clippings detailing Booker T. Washington's visit in 1912. — Newspaper clippings detailing Booker T. Washington’s visit in 1912.

By 1921, Washington Park’s population had doubled, and student enrollment at Lakeland’s existing Black school, the Moorehead School, was reaching its capacity. In 1926, a two-story brick building on the corner of Tenth Street and North Dakota Avenue (now Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue) became Lakeland’s first high school for Black students: Washington Park High School.

It was Florida’s sixth Black high school, and in 1930 ten students — Elnora Bryant, Velma Dickerson, Peaches Felder, Celeste P. Green, Inez Harris, Maggie Jordan, Vera Lucas, Lucy Lloyd, Maxwell Saxon, and Inez Shipp — became Lakeland’s first Black high school graduates.

LAL_Washington_Park_Senior-Class_1939_jan2023 — Teacher Nettie L. Adderly and Principal Q.J. Adderly stand beside Washington Park High School’s graduating class of 1939.

In 1949, the school was renamed Rochelle High School, after prominent Black community leader and educator William A. Rochelle. A new school was built a few blocks down North Dakota Avenue two years later, and the original structure operated as a middle school and elementary school until Polk schools were desegregated in 1969 and the structure was demolished in 1970.

In 1992, Rochelle School of the Arts reopened as Florida’s first-ever performing arts school, and the second performing arts school nationwide.

Head to the Lakeland History and Culture Center’s Ties that Bind exhibit — specifically the “Crossing Ties” display — to learn more about the events that led to a unified city, including Booker T. Washington’s visit.

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Monday, Jan. 9

Generators — Using the My Heritage Resources | Monday, Jan. 9 | 6-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library History Room, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Meet with other genealogy fans to learn tips for researching your family history — some genealogy knowledge is recommended.
Scavenger Hunt | Monday, Jan. 9 | 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Public Library, 325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven | Free | Head to the Winter Haven Public Library for a scavenger hunt featuring significant events in Dr. King’s life — for children grades K-5.

Tuesday, Jan. 10

Munn Park Public Forum | Tuesday, Jan. 10 | 5-7 p.m. | Magnolia Building, 702 E. Orange St., Lakeland | Free | Share your ideas for the revitalization of Munn Park with local officials at this public forum.

Wednesday, Jan. 11

General Knowledge Trivia w/ Top Dog Concessions | Wednesday, Jan. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Put your general knowledge to the ultimate test with this free round of trivia.

Thursday, Jan. 12

Medical Spa January PEEL Event 2023 | Thursday, Jan. 12 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Medical Spa at Watson Clinic, Bella Vista Building, 1755 N. Florida Ave, Lakeland | $75 | Calling all skincare experts — book yourself a ZO Stimulator Peel and get money towards your purchase of ZO products at this event.

Friday, Jan. 13

Lakeland Magic vs. Greensboro Swarm | Friday, Jan. 13 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $12-$158 | Watch the Lakeland Magic tip off against the Greensboro Swarm at Orlando Magic Night — the first 1,000 fans will receive a free Lakeland Magic lunchbox.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

77º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain

Traffic

Stop right there. The City of Lakeland is converting traffic lights to four-way stops at seven intersections: The intersections of Kentucky Avenue, Tennessee Avenue, and Missouri Avenue at Main Street and Lemon Street, plus the intersection of Orange Street and Iowa Avenue. For a visual, check out LkldNow’s article. 🛑 (LkldNow)
South Pipkin Road is closing today (south of Maple Drive) for three weeks while crews install a 48” stormwater drainage pipe. Pro tip: Pad your travel time with a few extra minutes for detours — drivers will be directed along West Pipkin Road and Old Medulla Road to Waring Road.

Learn

Tomorrow is the first day of the Polk Museum of Art’s four-week Art History Lecture Series. Register online to learn more about some of the world’s most renowned artwork housed in American museums. The series, which is $250 for PMOA members and $350 for non-members, concludes with a champagne reception. 🖼

Number

$6.75 million. That’s how much Flagship — “an outpatient health care real estate firm” — paid for a 27,910-sqft office at 250 Ave. K SW, Winter Haven. Flagship owns 240 other healthcare properties, including nine others in Florida, where it provides “property and asset management services.” (Business Observer FL)

Deal

In the mood for a sweet treat? Head to Ax-Caliber (204 E. Orange St., Ste. 102) on Wednesday, Jan. 11 for $5 small milkshakes all day long in honor of National Milk Day. Choose from classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and coffee. 🍫

Health

Lakeland Regional Health is hosting a Stroke Survivor Support Group on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 11:30 a.m. Register online to get more information and connect with others experiencing similar situations.

Stat

51%. That’s how many of you want to read about the historic buildings of downtown Lakeland, according to our recent poll. As far as Lakeland’s early settlers go, 31% of our readers are highly interested. Finally, 18% of you want to read about historically significant communities. Thanks for voting, Lakeland. 🗳

Finance

A high credit score makes it much easier to be approved for loans, make large purchases, take on financial assets, and even rent an apartment. If improving your credit score is on your 2023 resolutions list, here are 10 tips that will help improve your score in a matter of months. 💸 *

Featured Deal

Ayan Wellness is offering a New Year Weightloss Membership at $399 per month (valued at $850 per month) through Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. Members can lose unwanted weight and build muscle to help create a healthier life.*

Eat

Looking to step up your at-home brunch game? Host an ultimate bagel brunch with all the fixings, including Vita Cold Smoked Salmon — which happens to be buy two, get one free at Publix GreenWise Market now through Wednesday, Jan. 11. 🥯 *

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COhatch is now open 🎉

Coworking space COhatch is coming to downtown Lakeland

Photos of the interior of COhatch Lakeland

We spy with our little eye: Roomy seating, locally brewed bevs, and more. | Photos via COhatch

The property at 211 E. Main St., located between Nineteen61 and Linkster’s Taproom, just got a new tenant: COhatch, a working and social space with locations in the Midwest.

COhatch celebrated its grand opening on Friday, Jan. 6 with public tours, food trucks, a community mural, and more. If you weren’t able to stop by, check out photos of the space here.

Collaboration with existing coworking spaces

COhatch is joining Lakeland’s existing coworking scene, working in tandem with Catapult and The Well to supplement the needs of Lakeland’s entrepreneurs and business owners. Catapult president, Christin Strawbridge, believes COhatch’s expansion to Swan City validates the growth of Lakeland’s startup and small business community. “We are proud to be a part of an expanding ecosystem alongside other great collaborative workspaces.”

To learn more about COhatch, the perks for members, and more, click below.

GOhere for COhatch info

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: I’ve been researching the Washington Park neighborhood and Booker T. Washington’s 1912 visit. In my research, I found this photo — but here’s the catch — LuAnn Mims, Librarian Supervisor at the Lakeland History and Culture Center, told me that the photo in question was actually taken in Lakeland, TN.

I’m a little bummed that we don’t have any photos of Washington’s visit to Swan City, but the story still fascinates me. If anyone in your lineage was present for his now-famous 90-minute speech, let me know. Additionally, if you or anyone you know grew up in the Washington Park or Moorehead neighborhoods, we would love you to share your story with us.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Meet the bakers behind DOU Bakehouse, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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