Was your home considered modern 120 years ago? | Photo from Sears and Roebuck Companies via Wikimedia
In 1908, in the midst of the mail-order catalog era, Sears, Roebuck and Company issued the first “Book of Modern Homes and Building Plans” in an effort to increase its sales of building materials — and many Lakelanders placed their orders.
The first catalog listed 44 different styles of homes ranging in sizes, options, and costs that readers could purchase. By 1916, these catalog homes came with every material that was needed to build the house, all the way down to pre-cut lumber, windows + paint. There was even a style called “The Lakeland” offered from 1911 to 1922.
Home plans started at $452 when the catalog was first released. | Photos from Sears and Roebuck Companies via Wikimedia
Once a family chose the home style they wanted, all they had to do was mail a check to Sears and Roebuck — which even had financing options available — and a few weeks later, the parts would arrive by train. The financing application didn’t ask demographic questions about ethnicity or gender, which gave home ownership options to those who faced discrimination locally.
Here’s an example of the “Lakeland” style of home still standing today in Ohio. | Screenshot via Google Maps
Because the company ordered the building materials in such high volume, it was able to keep prices low while providing high-end finishes like oak flooring. In 1913, “The Lakeland” home would have cost up to $3,972. That’s around $127,000 in today’s money — less than half of the current average home price in Lakeland.
The last catalogs were sent in 1940, and some 75,000 Sears and Roebuck kit homes were built over those 32 years. Historic Lakeland Inc. says there are several Sears homes in the area, but the team behind a private national database doesn’t have any listed withinLakeland. Could yours be the first?
Self-Watering Systems for Plants | Monday, Oct. 21 | 5:30-6:50 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Never forget to water your plants again after learning tips from Lakeland Water Utilities.
Mindful Reset Monday | Monday, Oct. 21 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $35 | Start your week on a calm note with a sound bath session on the farm.
Salsa Fundamentals | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | $10 | Gain a better understanding of salsa dancing with classes + socials in Munn Park.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Trick Or Treat Yourself | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 7 p.m. | Bloom Shakalaka | $125 | Craft a Halloween-themed floral arrangement with a beverage in hand, then take it home at the end.
Friday, Oct. 25
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Experience | Friday, Oct. 25-Saturday, Oct. 26 | 9 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $22 | Arrive early and grab a prop bag at the pre-show before a midnight showing of this cult classic.
SEU Preview Days are designed especially for high school juniors and seniors + college transfer students. | Photo provided by Southeastern University
ICYMI: College is about so much more than studying.
From campus life and interest-driven clubs to student resources and faculty interactions, the components of a positive college experience are many. That’s why SEU Preview Days at Southeastern University are so important.
Get an idea of what student life is like through a campus tour that includes touring the campus, meeting SEU students, learning about job + social opportunities, visiting classes, seeing student housing, and more.
Learn about your field of interest (or explore your options if you’re unsure).
Meet faculty and get to know the university’s student services + program offerings.
Meet with Enrollment Counselors and ask about scholarships and financial aid.
Today’s the first day of early voting before the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Voting in Lakeland? Head to the Polk County Government Center on East Parker Street or the Simpson Park Community Center — and read our election guide before casting your ballot.
Number
In a workshop last week, city leaders shared that more than 900 buildings were damaged across Lakeland during Hurricane Milton. In addition to homes + other businesses, Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland Linder International Airport, and the RP Funding Center experienced major damage. (The Ledger)
Community
If you lost food during the storm, several local food pantries are here to help. Find one near you that works year-round to provide meals for the nearly 14% of Polk County residents that are food insecure. (LkldNow)
Outdoors
Circle B Bar Reserve will remain closed indefinitely as the site absorbs excess storm water from Lake Hancock. However, there’s good news for those looking for outdoor recreation: Bonnet Springs Park will reopen today at 8 a.m. (The Ledger)
Plan Ahead
The next Art Crawl festival is set for Sunday, Nov. 3 at Swan Brewing, and the featured artists are being unveiled. Visit the free festival to browse + shop works by local artists like Meredith Pope, Jeremy Rivera, and more.
Stroke survivors, their loved ones, and community members can join Lakeland Regional Health for a Stride for Life stroke awareness walk. Register to join the free, leisurely walk around Lakeside Village on Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Seasonal
Fancy Farms Market is officially open for the season and introducing a new menu full of apple + pumpkin. Stop by Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. this fall for a caramel apple milkshake, pumpkin pecan cobbler, or apple cider slushies.
Arts
Think you know your art? The AGB Museum is seeking more volunteer docents to lead guests on tours. Docents receive art history training and join monthly meetings. Apply by Sunday, Nov. 3 to be considered.
Learn
There are only a few tickets left for Ethos Roasters’ final coffee brewing experience of the year. Snag your seat to learn the secrets of brewing the perfect cup of joe on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. Plus, attendees will leave with a dripper + bag of fresh coffee.
Try This
Checkmate this out — Academy Prep Center’s Chess Fest is set for Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This community event will feature family activities, food trucks, a book signing with chess expert Steve Abrahams, and matches against Academy Prep’s players.
Eat
Party like it’s 1924 by dining at the Terrace Grille this October as the restaurant (and Terrace Hotel) celebrates 100 years by traveling back to its roots with 20s-themed events and experiences, like special menus, a three-course prix-fixe dining menu, and hidden speakeasy. See details + make a reservation.*
Tech
Scammers’ tactics are increasingly sophisticated — OmniWatch offers a groundbreaking layer of identity protection (think: 24/7 monitoring, full-scale identity restoration, and up to $25,000 in scam insurance).*
Category
Shop
Swap, sell, and save
Donate professional outfits to Top Buttons’ Wearing Confidence Program. | Photo via Top Buttons
When it comes to Lakeland’s shopping scene, we love a good treasure hunt — and a good bargain. So get in, we’re going shopping.
Silver Moon Swap Shop
This drive-in movie theater becomes a swap shop every Saturday + Sunday. Gates open at 5 a.m. with free entry for shoppers, and it usually lasts until 12 p.m. If you want to sell your wares, there’s a $10 fee on Saturdays and a $20 fee on Sundays.
Top Buttons
A thrift store + boutique all in one, sales here benefit programs to help local teens and young women build self-confidence. The shop is also seeking volunteers for its upcoming Empower Her: Strength from the Inside Out event on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Hidden Gem Consignment
Sell your ready-to-wear women’s apparel, shoes, children’s clothing, and baby equipment to this consignment store. It’s also been donating clothing to those in need after Hurricane Milton.
With a taste of cooler weather last week and apple back on the menu at Fancy Farms Market, it’s finally starting to feel like fall in Lakeland. Now, I just need to find a local place for apple cider doughnuts. Know of a spot? Doughnut hesitate to fill me in.
