The Lakelander - Issue 75

ISSU E 75

History A Dixieland Gem The Legend of Doc Photographic Memory

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We’ve served generations throughout Polk County and beyond for nearly 120 years. The key to longevity selling furniture that you

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Eagle Lake 1515 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 294-7749

Haines City 35495 Hwy. 27 (863) 422-3144

Lakeland - Lake Gibson 6625 US 98 N. (863) 858-3866

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

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C O N T E N T S ISSUE 75

ON THE COVER Photo by Paul Bostrom

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Clark Campbell marked as new

CONTENTS

50 FEATURES

48 • ARCHIVES

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64 • PEOPLE

Sunshine Rewind

Reaching the Summit

A fun and nostalgic trip through Lakeland’s history thanks to local archives and the evergreen beauty of black and white film.

A look back with a living Lakeland legend — the doggedly successful, remarkably interesting Doc Dockery.

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

JUST FOR

For over 100 years, Lakeland Regional Health has been proud to serve our growing community.

To meet all of your unique care needs, we have brought together over 250 exceptional providers practicing in more than 35 specialties at over 10 locations throughout Central Florida.

Care designed - Just For You Visit myLRH.org/physiciangroup or call 863.284.5000 to find the right provider for you.

Your Health. Our Promise.

myLRH.org/PhysicianGroup

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76 • TASTE

Eat, Meet Make History Learn the secrets behind the success and longevity of one of Lakeland’s revered dining spots.

86 • CULTURE

Restoring History A shared legacy of two of Lakeland’s most prominent families makes for a ton of impact and

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22 • MASTHEAD

30 • METRO

64 • PEOPLE

24 • EDITOR’S NOTE

40 • GREATER LAKELAND

76 • TASTE

26 • CONTRIBUTORS

48 • ARCHIVES

86 • CULTURE

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96 • HISTORY

Curt Patterson

Jason Jacobs

PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

RJ Walters

Jon Sierra

EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Advertising ADVERTISING DIRECTOR PRODUCTION MANAGER

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449 Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785

Editorial STAFF WRITER CONTRIBUTORS

Jordan Randall Jenna Macfarlane, Adam Spafford, Julianne Waller

Creative GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS

Erica Ronda Dan Austin, Paul Bostrom

Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR VP, FINANCE GENERAL COUNSEL

Jason Jacobs Deb Patterson Ted W. Weeks IV

Issue 75 The Lakelander is published twelve times annually by Patterson Jacobs Media Group, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

Contact: Patterson Jacobs Media Group, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 863.701.2707 • thelakelander.com Customer Service: 863.701.2707 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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L O C A L LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D Shawn and Dee McDonough opened the doors of S&D Real Estate Services here in Lakeland in 2014 with the focus and intent to create a real estate experience for their community. Together they have almost 50 years of experience in the real estate industry and provide residential, property management, and commercial services. Through effective communication, proven results, and progressive measures, S&D Real Estate Services ensures client goals are not only met, but far exceeded. That is our Service Without Compromise commitment.

www.SandDRealEstate.com

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When her choice matters most

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we are here to help Empowering Women with Medical Services, Options and Compassionate Support

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E DITO R ’ S N OTE

Refined by History History is the story of people who came before us that will continue to impact the people who come after us because of how it affected every one of us.

Our stories are not just intertwined; they depend on each other.

When you visit your favorite local restaurant, think about how there was someone who dug out the first road, laid the first block and hung the first “Open” sign.

When people gather to worship at church, consider the congregation’s origin is usually a small, devoted group of people whose united passion has been a catalyst to provide hope and healing to future generations.

When you read stories of locals who have overcome difficult pasts to enjoy great triumphs, it is a reminder that sometimes history is ugly, sometimes it is beautiful, and it is always being made by the people – including you and I – who are the characters present in it.

The stories of Lakeland officially started in 1885 when the city became incorporated, but the history started well before that.

As you travel with us through time, consider: • History often looks funny – but so do your high school pictures to friends and family • History is often swift and slow-moving at the same time; in 1893 Lakeland was noted by the National Register of Historic Place as an important rail yard with nearly 20 locomotives arriving and departing daily, yet

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our feature on Lakeland legend Doc Dockery includes the everpresent struggle to bring high speed rail to Florida • History is more than a written record, it is sights, sounds and smells – like a Coca-Cola building turned into a fire department, chatter of walkers around our many lakes, and fresh baked pies at Reececliff • History is worthy of both admiration and loathing because it has made us who we are but not everything about who we have become is quite where we need to get I believe we make the best kind of history when we first seek the welfare of our neighbor because that means not only are we considering someone else’s perspective, but someone is also stopping to consider ours. As the editor of The Lakelander, I want to listen to your stories, carefully place them into our shared history and strengthen a community that is rich with culture, character and possibility.

Let’s continue to make history together – one that makes a positive indelible mark that storytellers of the future can simply not ignore.

RJ Walters EDITOR

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C O N T R I B U T O R S THE CREATIVES AND PHOTOGRAPHERS THAT MAKE THE LAKELANDER

“Meet, Eat, and Make History: the Long Legacy of Reececliff Family Diner” written by Jenna Macfarlane, pg. 78

PAUL BOSTROM Paul Bostrom is a commercial and editorial photographer based in Lakeland. His happy place is in the studio, snacks on deck, doing meticulous stuff that nobody wants to do. If you’re still reading this, send him a picture of your dog on Instagram (@paulbostrom).

Just because that would be hilarious and make his day. paulbostrom.com

JENNA MACFARLANE Hailing from Sarasota, Jenna Macfarlane is a Southeastern University graduate who fell in love with Lakeland when she arrived. Jenna earned a degree in communications and is passionate about her craft; she believes the highest form of art is hope and seeks to communicate it in every piece she writes. @jenna_macfarlane

DAN AUSTIN How long have you lived in Lakeland?

I am originally from Sarasota and moved to Lakeland to attend Southeastern University. I sure do miss the beach being so close, but I love the always-supportive community that Lakeland has to offer. I feel super lucky to have met some amazing people here and to call Lakeland a home away from home.

How/where do you draw inspiration as a writer?

I fell in love with classic literature in high school which inspired my initial desire to write.

As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve grown to

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love longform think-pieces and profiles from publications like The Atlantic and The New Yorker.

Words are powerful, and I’m inspired by anything that turns a story into an emotion, connecting mundane concepts with a greater meaning.

What does a perfect Saturday morning in Lakeland look like for you?

I really value slow weekends. A perfect Saturday morning for me would consist of some good craft coffee (I’m looking at you, Hillcrest) and a thrifting run with my roommates. Pair that with driving a couple laps around Lake Hollingsworth while listening to a good playlist, and I’m all set.

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Dan Austin is a Florida native photographer. He specializes in a unique style that combines the spirit of his subject with a detailed attention to lighting. Through this, Dan achieves a unique and wellthought-out aesthetic that can be seen in his images.

Danaustinphotography.com @danaustinphoto See the masthead on pg. 20 for a list of all contributing writers and photographers.

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AUTO ACCIDENT?

L E T T E R S COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

"THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS. . ." @littlelakelandloves // Instagram

For exceptional Chiropractic Care after a vehicle accident, contact Dr. Abraham and the professional team at New Hope Chiropractic in the Lake Miriam D O N ’T I G N O R E YO UR INJURIES .

We would love to evaluate and treat you!

"THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING...THANK YOU @LAKELANDERMAG"

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"AT MY FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP WITH MY FAVORITE MAGAZINE!" Dr. Abraham New Hope Chiropractic

@ericaronda11 // Instagram

Phone: (863) 682-1170 4788 S. Florida Av. Lakeland, FL 33803

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Strength Partnerships Communicating openly and honestly, and building relationships based on trust, respect, and caring have been part of Wauchula State Bank’s values since first opening for business in 1929.

This tradition continues today under the fourth generation of family leadership.

Experience the difference of banking with Wauchula State Bank. Come by the bank’s newest location in the historic Nathan’s Men’s Store building in the heart of Downtown Lakeland.

Commercial Bankers Scott Katz and Andrew Foreman pictured above.

“My favorite part of the bank is the customer service.

Wauchula State Bank has always been there for me.

Anything I ever want, Wauchula has it.”

Tom Massarella, Local Business Owner, pictured with Commercial Banker Scott Katz

M E T R O NEW AND NOTABLE IN LAKELAND

AN INVESTMENT IN CULTURE The Polk Museum of Art Expansion and Renovation

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he Polk Museum of Art has been an integral part of Lakeland’s community since construction on its building was first completed in September of 1988. The museum has since served as a valuable resource, one that offers the community of Lakeland a culturally copious social environment in which its members can encounter and share in original works of art from different cultures and periods in time. Now, over 30 years later, the museum is about to get a $6 million dollar upgrade.

In February of this year, the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College announced plans for a $6 million expansion, resulting in a total renovation of the museum. The 10,000 ft expansion will add more gallery, classroom, and art laboratory space. Such an upgrade will triple the museum’s current gallery space.

The museum’s expansion will be a two-story building addition located on

W I T H H O P E S T H AT T H E R E N O VAT I O N A N D E X PA N S I O N O F T H E MUSEUM WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL HANDSON EXPERIENCES FOR STUDENTS. . . THE POLK MUSEUM OF ART HAS ONE THING IN MIND: THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE.

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the northwest side of the current building.

The expansion plans to modernize the museum’s current exterior, while also adding much more space (10,000 ft).

The museum’s current entrance will be renovated, along with the flooring located throughout the first floor, the second floor galleries, classrooms, and office spaces.

The new expanded galleries and multifunctional exhibition spaces be able to feature more artwork from the museum’s large permanent collection that features art from around the globe.

With hopes that the renovation and expansion of the museum will provide additional hands-on experiences for students; including internships, volunteer opportunities, and pre-professional development programs, the Polk Museum of Art has one thing in mind: the people who live here. All of these efforts continue the upwards trajectory of the museum as they aim to become one of the nation’s leading academic fine art museums and scholarly centers for the study of the arts and visual culture. The museum plans to begin construction on the new expansion and renovation plans for the space later this year, and aim to be completed by spring of 2024.

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Saving More Than Brick Historic Lakeland, Inc. ensures the city’s most iconic buildings and homes can be enjoyed for generations to come.

he city of Lakeland officially became incorporated in 1885. Since then, hundreds of incredible, historic buildings have been built throughout the city and have added countless charm to the scenic views of Lakeland. Without these timeless buildings, the city would lack in beauty, character, and so many integral parts of its history. Historic Lakeland, Inc. and its board exists to make sure these historic structures of the past are preserved and maintained well into our city’s future.

Historic Lakeland, Inc. began back in 1979, with an

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initial goal of preserving the Frances Langford Promenade on Lake Mirror. Since then, Historic Lakeland has acted as an advocate for important architectural additions to our city and has aimed to preserve the architectural heritage of Lakeland.

The non-profit has put a lot of effort into saving many important historical architectural pieces of Lakeland’s history, including the Lakeland Terrace Hotel, the old Lakeland High School building (which is now Lawton Chiles Middle Academy), and the Coca-Cola building (which is now the Lakeland Fire Department).

Historic Lakeland has

also designated various buildings in Lakeland as “landmark buildings.” This title promotes the education of a building’s history and importance in Lakeland’s story, while also advocating for the building’s preservation, rehabilitation and reuse. The Polk Theatre, the Marble Arcade, the Terrace Hotel, the Park Trammell Building, the New Florida Hotel and others are just some of the buildings Historic Lakeland has designated as “landmark

buildings.”

When members of a community are able to recognize and honor their city’s past, they’re better able to grow and move forward into the city’s future.

Preserving architectural pieces of Lakeland’s past that have helped build the city to where it is today is an important part of our story, and Historic Lakeland Inc. is the driving force for these sentiments.

A WALK TO REMEMBER If you’ve ever walked past or around Lake Mirror, then you’ve surely noticed its immense beauty during a sunset, or its calming peacefulness in the morning light. But do you know the history of Lake Mirror, and the many different stories that cover each and every inch of the lake? Lucky for you, Stacy Smith of Lakeland’s Parks and Recreation department would love to share.

On the fourth Tuesday of each month, October through March, Smith shares his deep knowledge of Lakeland along with his love for storytelling with the Lake Mirror Historic Tour. Always free to

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attend, you’ll find Smith dressed in period garb while holding a lantern as he walks you and your group around the lake, sharing stories that cover Lake Mirror and its surrounding areas. You’ll even enter the Frances Langford Promenade Loggia, a covered gallery where guests can see pictures and videos to go along with the stories they’ve heard on the tour.

TOURS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 25 ATTENDEES Call the Lake Mirror Office at (863)-834-2280 come October to reserve your spot!

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A New Way to Tell Lakeland’s Story Innovative space at library to indulge multiple generations in stories of place, time and people.

n exciting new space to learn about Lakeland’s history is coming to the Lakeland Public Library.

The Lakeland History and Culture Center, a brand new 1,400 square foot space within the library, will open its doors in the fall of 2022.

The space will serve as a research space that shares comprehensive stories of Lakeland’s important history, inclusive of those who have contributed and continue to contribute to the city’s culturally diverse history. The center will spotlight many features, including a brand new exhibit gallery, the Lakeland history room, a DIY digital space, programming for the Lakeland History and Culture Center, and the Lakeland archives.

The gallery will guide visitors through artifacts, narratives, interactive touch screens and more to learn more about Lakeland’s story. The inaugural exhibit, opening in the fall of 2022, will be an overview of the Plant Railroad System being built across central Florida. The exhibits in the gallery will rotate and share various parts of Lakeland’s story. That includes sharing information about various events, industries, and different members of the community who have contributed to Lakeland’s development and success.

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Visitors can visit the center in the fall and talk to staff members to receive help finding information about Lakeland’s history, including local yearbooks, property plans, artifacts, maps, photographs, genealogical materials, and more.

BODEGA MARKET For the very first time, downtown Lakeland is set to receive its very own bodega storefront. bodega Market, a 1,500 square foot convenience store that will be in the building that was previously home to Silver Ring Cafe, is set to open its doors this fall.

The market is owned by Lakelanders Yohansi and Amaury Santana, owners of Divicious Deli and Coffee Shop. They plan to feature a mixture of local and name brand products as they aim to provide residents of downtown Lakeland with a convenience store that is finally within walking distance.

Not only will the shop be a short walk away for downtown residents, but bodega Market will also feature curbside and pickup options, bodega Market plans to stock everything from deli cold cuts to frozen food to vegetables to fruits to various snacks and alcohol.

LakelandGov.net 100 Lake Morton Drive Lakeland, FL 33801

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The bodega Market will be located next to Munn Park with tentative plans to be open on Monday through Saturday, from 7a.m. to 7p.m.

Tarek G. Garas, MD

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Two convenient locations to serve all your OB-GYN and pelvic floor needs.

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Watson Clinic Bartow Building B

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For more information or to make an appointment, please call 863-680-7312 or visit www.WatsonClinic.com/Garas.

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METRO

Black & Brew Becomes a Trio New South Lakeland spot to feature drive-thru service, exciting new menu items.

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Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro has been a staple to Lakeland’s historic downtown for 16 years. Now, a third Black & Brew location is set to open later this year in South Lakeland.

The new location for Black & Brew will take over the old southside Krispy Kreme location. Black & Brew owner Chris McArthur announced on social media that the new location for the Bistro will include a drive-thru, making it the first Black & Brew location to include a more convenient way to get your favorite beverage, pastry or entree. McArthur also shared that the site will include indoor and covered patio seating for 60 visitors.

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The new location is set to include fan favorites from the other two Bistro locations along with some new menu items exclusive to the south-side location. A Chimichurri Steak Bowl, Mojo Citrus Chicken Bowl, and a Yellow Curry Cauliflower Bowl are all items that are being workshopped for the new location now.

The other two Black & Brew locations include the one near Munn Park at 205 E. Main St., which first opened for business 16 years ago and the second location, at the Lakeland Public Library at 100 Lake Morton Drive.

New Black & Brew location: 4209 S Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33813

WE'RE DIFFERENT. Lakeland Christian School equips students for a lifetime of LEARNING, LEADERSHIP, SERVICE & WORSHIP.

Schedule your campus tour today to discover what makes Lakeland Christian School unique.

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Greater Lakeland LAKELAND

AND BEYOND

Written by Jordan Randall Photos by Karen Moore

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In 1989, Moore moved to Lakeland from Upstate New York.

Now both Moore and her husband, who she met here in Lakeland, are retired- and quite the travelers. In fact, Moore has been to 49 of the 50 states, after just recently returning from Utah and being able to cross it off her list. The only state that remains is Maine, which is on the agenda.

“My husband always plans our trips,” says Moore. “All I get to do is show up. He’ll be looking up things like Bryce Canyon National Park in preparation for our travels, meanwhile I’ll be Googling “old signs Salt Lake City.”

The signs Moore photographs preserve the past. They represent an era of visual branding and advertising that has since evolved and changed quite drastically. What was once commonplace to have bold colors, strange shapes, and eye-catching fonts, has since been traded in for the modern trends of minimalistic branding and a more simplistic design approach. Sure, all designs serve their purpose in their respective times. But it goes without saying that the characteristics of these vintage signs Moore captures are not only conspicuous, but nostalgic. And they’re worth keeping around.

LAKELAND

LAKELAND

REGIONAL NEWS & STORIES – CURATED FOR LAKELANDERS

he beauty of the past is all around us. But as each day passes, that beauty has the potential to fade into obscurity- unless we choose to preserve it. Karen Moore, a retired nurse living in Dixieland, has made a hobby out of photographing vintage signs. Her own method of historic preservation, Moore is passionate about preserving the beauty and nostalgia found in the relics of a bygone era.

Moore’s journey of photographing vintage signs began here in Lakeland nearly 20 years ago.

“These signs have caught my eye for years. About 20 years ago, I was walking up South Florida Avenue. It was a nice, cool January morning and the sky was beautiful. I walked from Dixieland up to Main Street and took pictures of those signs.

They were so charming and special. Many of those signs are gone now. But by photographing them, it’s a way of historic preservation. Because once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.”

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W I N T E R H AV E N

There are various events and locations locally where you can find Moore’s photographs. Just recently, her work was featured in Mitchell’s coffee shop for a month-long stay. And in November, you’ll find Moore and her work at the Dixieland Alley Fest, an event Moore is working on with the Dixieland Neighborhood Association.

“We used to have something called the Dixieland Spring Art Fest, which had been going on since 2013 until Covid happened. Now we’re bringing it back as the Dixieland Ally Fest on November 19th. It’ll have food, art, music and more, and will span the Dixieland alley from Dixieland Relics to Cob & Pen. It’s going to be a great time.”

Moore sells her art to those who might be interested in hanging it in their home or their business, but it’s never been her first priority. She has really just been interested in preserving these relics of the past, and having fun with it.

“When I’m traveling, you know, if I’m off the interstate, I’m happier,” says Moore. “Because then I’m on little roads that might have signs. And so my husband will say “You look on that side and I’ll look on this side.”

We’re just scouring. We’re looking for signs the whole time. And there’s always new roads to travel, no matter where you go, which is what makes it exciting. It’s like a treasure hunt for me. It’s just so fun.”

Moore’s collection of photographs has grown immensely since she first began shooting vintage signs in Lakeland nearly 20 years ago, going from a handful of photos to hundreds. Some of her first sign photos were taken of Vito’s Italian Restaurant, Austin and Barnett Electric, and Bernice’s Ladies Apparel in Lakeland, all of which are gone now. Now, Moore has photos of vintage signs in countless states and cities all across the country.

“When I started I had maybe 13 photos of signs and now I’ve got a couple hundred,” says Moore. “And I just keep adding to the collection, you know? I might photograph 10 signs and maybe only 2 or 3 of them are worth printing, framing, selling, you know?”

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LAKELAND

“IT’S LIKE A TREASURE HUNT FOR ME. IT’S JUST SO FUN.”

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GAINSVILLE AVO N PA R K

“PEOPLE REALLY ENJOY SEEING THEM, AND THAT’S WHAT MOTIVATES ME MORE THAN ANYTHING”

“People really enjoy seeing them, and that’s what motivates me more than anything,” says Moore. “I sell photos of these signs, but I really like people to see them. I don’t have a website. I don’t really care to. It’s not a part-time job for me. It’s a hobby. I don’t want a job. I just retired from a job. So I just want to do the fun parts of it. But if someone wants a print of one of my photographs, I’d love to get them that.”

LAKELAND

@karenmoorevintagesignphotography 863.738.8288

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BUILDING HOPE Written by Jordan Randall Photos courtesy of Jill Green

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e all have our beliefs that ground us and can help keep us centered and focused. But beliefs without actions are just words. Jill Green, founder of Hope House, is an example of a Lakelander with a big dream in her heart who is putting her beliefs into action, and helping out a slew of new moms in the process.

Several years ago, Jill Green first dreamed of Hope House. She envisioned a place that would house and assist new moms, ensuring they are equipped to not only survive the challenging and sometimes frightening chapter of motherhood, but also thrive in it. She dreamed of a place where moms would be encouraged to choose life for their unborn child because of the tangible support and extended community that was ready to wrap around them.

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

“As a mom myself, I know the joys of motherhood,” says Green, a mother of four boys. “I wanted to give an option to moms who may want to experience that joy but feel like their only option is to terminate that life. A mom might feel like because they lack the resources or support, having a kid couldn’t possibly work out for them.”

Green said the hopelessness of some expectant mothers who feel all alone in their journey is what compelled her to create a place where hope abounds.

Hope House is not a shelter or a rehab facility, it’s a training ground — a training ground for first time expectant mothers to gain confidence as a mother, until they can operate on their own. Hope House’s mission is simple: to serve, equip and empower new moms who have chosen life for their babies.

“Our program will be 12 months long, and our moms will live with us for all 12 of those months,” Green says. “The idea is that by the time that they leave our house they would feel equipped and empowered to the degree that they can confidently live a life that is thriving — a life where these moms are not having to rely on government assistance or just be struggling on their own.”

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Jill Green Founder of Hope House

The training mothers will receive during their time in Hope House will be comprehensive: from basic life skills such as resume building or managing finances, all the way to essential mom stuff, like how to change a diaper or give your baby a proper bath. Every mom in Hope House will learn about the responsibilities of having a kid, but also how to better take care of themselves.

As for the physical house itself ?

Well, you might recognize it from the 1991 coming-of-age movie My Girl. The sprawling Victorian home is located in Bartow and is more than 7,500 square feet.

“When we walked through the house for the first time, it was just incredible how perfect it was for us because it used to be a bed and breakfast,” Green says. “So the setup is just perfect. Lots of bathrooms. I could talk about the house for hours.

And I could tell you the miracles that have happened for us to get this house. I mean, it was crazy.”

When Green submitted an offer for the infamous My Girl house, not only was her offer matched by other potential buyers, but Hope House didn’t have a penny to its name. But when the owner of the property heard about what Green dreamed of using the My Girl house for, Green received a call.

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“The owner of the home ended up calling and sharing with me that his parents ran a single mom’s home when he was a little boy,” she says. “But even so, it would make no sense for him to accept our offer. We had no proof of finances. It’s insane that the listing agent even presented him with our offer. But, you know, I believe just God orchestrated everything.”

The next day the owner called back and said he and his partner were willing to take the risk. They accepted Green’s offer.

When Hope House opens, the home will house up to eight mothers and their children at a time. Currently, Hope House is planning to open the doors of the historical home in fall 2023, due to the extent of rehab that the legendary property needs. Green, a visionary who is self-employed and worked for Southeastern and Highland Park Church, says her hope and prayer is that the Hope House model can be duplicated.

“Our goal has always been to have multiple homes so that we can give more expectant moms the opportunity for care.” says Green “And my dream is that eventually Hope House would have such a great reputation that businesses and companies are eager to hire the moms that come out of our program because we have such an excellent reputation of how we develop our moms and prepare them for what’s next. I’ve always hoped that our moms would be contributors into society and into our community here in Lakeland.”

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“OUR GOAL HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO H AV E M U LT I P L E HOMES SO THAT WE CAN GIVE MORE EXPECTANT MOMS THE OPPORTUNITY F O R C A R E .”

To stay up-to-date on its progress or get involved as a volunteer or donor, visit hishopehouse.com.

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ARCHIVE

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rewind A look back at Lakeland’s early years.

hen something new is built or something old gets refurbished, time can make it difficult to picture what it was like before.

It’s even harder to imagine a city at its inception - and remarkable to think that what’s considered ordinary now would have been extraordinary then. That beautiful lake drive with picturesque footpath? It was once a dirt road with more cattle than

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Written by Adam Spafford Photos courtesy of The Lakeland Public Library

vehicles or pedestrians. That quiet block downtown – it was once a city center. This short retrospective gives us a small, but enlightening glimpse at Lakeland’s beginnings. It should inspire an appreciation for the lives and work that made our city what it is, and a resolve to keep up the good work for those who come after us.

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1880's ABRAHAM MUNN In 1882, investor Abraham Munn of Kentucky purchased the land that became central Lakeland and within a few years offered subdivided lots for sale through his Lakeland Improvement Company.

Munn set the stage for Lakeland’s future economic growth when he struck a deal with the South Florida Railroad to make Lakeland a stop on its line – which he helped accomplish by building a rail station with his own resources.

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1880's FIRST BAKERY Certainly not as sophisticated or spacious as modern-day favorites like Born & Bread or Honeycomb Bread Bakers, Lakeland’s first bakery used a natural power source – while providing a great location for people who wanted to stare ominously.

1884 EARLIEST KNOWN PHOTO OF DOWNTOWN Taken from the intersection of Pine and N. Florida, this might be the earliest extant photograph of downtown Lakeland. In the foreground is The Lakeland News office.

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1897 KITCHEN CAMP LAKE MORTON During the Spanish American War, Lake Morton was the campsite for nearly 9,000 soldiers on their way to Cuba. This photograph captures one of the camp kitchens where they received daily nourishment.

1907 LAKE HOLLINGSWORTH DRIVE Long before the picturesque pathways and iconic houses, Lake Hollingsworth Drive boasted a more rural kind of beauty.

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1908 MAIN STREET Main Street. We hope this gentleman knew about the two-hour parking limit.

The Kentucky Building on the right included a dentist’s office and a candy store, both presumably owned by the same enterprising individual.

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1911 HOME BUYERS The quest for a home in Lakeland is nothing new – this photo captures prospective home buyers more than a century ago, each with an escalation clause in his contract.

1912 STREET PREACHERS ARRESTED Modern-day Lakeland is home to a large thriving faith community. More than 100 years ago though, “Got a license for that street preachin’?” This group was arrested and jailed for public proselytizing without first obtaining permission.

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1913 HORSE DRAWN FIRE DEPARTMENT If your house caught fire in 1913, the brave souls and horse-drawn fire wagon of Volunteer Company No. 1 would be there — eventually.

1920's YA R N E L L B U I L D I N G The Yarnell Building is replete with commercial history and here it is captured in its original purpose – the Yarnell Storage and Transfer Company.

You’ll notice the company’s phone number on the building: 109.

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1924 B OAT I N G O N LAKE MORTON A young woman prepares to take a rowboat on Lake Morton.

1925 A LEGACY FOR THE AGES The Wilson brothers' father purchased land north of 10th St. that became known as the Wilson Quarters.

The brothers were influential leaders and elders in local churches, and several of them lived past 100.

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1930 AERIAL OF LAKE MIRROR PROMENADE This aerial view of the Lake Mirror Promenade gives a glimpse of the remarkable amount of development in Lakeland’s first half-century, no doubt thanks to Munn’s prescient railway stop and early residents’ hard work in the citrus, cattle and phosphate industries.

1920 CITRUS FRUIT HARVESTERS Citrus was an early economic boon for Lakeland. These gentlemen load boxes of oranges for transport.

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HOUSE

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1938 SA I L B OAT R AC E S This sailboat race isn’t an early Orange Cup Regatta – which actually began five years before this image was taken – but it does beautifully capture a fun day on Lake Hollingsworth.

1940 LAKELAND AIRPORT HANGAR This sailboat race isn’t an early Orange Cup Regatta – which actually began five years before this image was taken – but it does beautifully capture a fun day on Lake Hollingsworth.

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Built by Publix associates for Publix associates.

Publix Super Markets Inc. founder George Jenkins was known for his generosity and encouraged a “people helping people” culture. He wanted Publix associates and their families to be at their best financially— at every phase of life. In 1957, Mr. George saw his dream come true with the establishment of Publix Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU).

PEFCU continues to honor Mr. George’s mission by supporting Publix associates’ personal financial needs at every step of their journey. PEFCU was built by Publix associates for Publix associates.

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1937 SPRING TRAINING No other major league team and its spring training city have had a longer relationship than the Detroit Tigers and Lakeland.

1937 BILLBOARD Lakeland, still hospitable after all these years.

1937 GROCERY It’s impossible to imagine a Lakeland without Mr. George and the indelible mark Publix has made on the city. George Jenkins ultimately bought this Lakeland Grocery Store on N. Florida Avenue where it became part of what is now the city’s largest employer.

1940's F LW Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright looks out on the construction of Florida Southern College, a campus he oversaw the construction of 13 structures on .

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SUMMIT R E A C H I N G

n the benches where many a sunrise and sunset have been marveled at along the Lake Hollingsworth Loop, conversations abound.

If people could tune into a frequency that listened in on those conversations they would hear, amongst other things: reflections on the past and hopes for the future; exchanges about elected officials and with elected officials; stories about events that took place just blocks away as well as experiences on other continents; painful beginnings, successful endings and everything in between; lively debates from Republicans, Democrats and Independents; words about those who served in wars past and what might cause conflicts to come; and good ole’ boys and established businessmen alike just trying to make sense of the human experience.

T H E

The truth is if a passerby heard stories like that on the shores of Lake Hollingsworth, they all very well could have been told by the same man the doggedly successful, remarkably interesting 89-year-old Doc Dockery.

For more than six decades he has been strolling around the lake, talking to locals he calls “bench buddies,” and for just as long he has been making an indelible impact on Lakeland and around the world.

FIRST, A MOCCASIN Standing in front of the newly completed eight-story Summit Consulting building along the Lake Mirror skyline in downtown Lakeland, Dockery admires a structure that is not his, but would likely not be standing there without him.

Written by RJ Walters Photos by Paul Bostrom

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The CliffNotes version of that story reads: self-made businessman sells growing workers compensation business he started in Lakeland for millions in the mid-1980s, and nearly 40 years later the thriving company employs more than 700 workers across 14 states and has the largest market share of any workers’ compensation company in Florida.

The long-form of that story is built on so many interwoven stories that Dockery actually published an autobiography titled “Country Boy” in 2011. (you can access a free digital version of it at www.countryboydoc. com) It is a self-directed version of his journey from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, where he was born and his dad abandoned the family when Doc was 8, through an admirable career in the military all the way to prominence that included friendships with several Presidents and visits to nearly every corner of the globe.

But the peculiar part to him is that the scenes of his life revolve heavily around the people, places and inspirations of a city that he once said “would probably not have been his choice if he had been looking for a place to call home forever.”

At 26 years old, Dockery had completed an 8-year stint serving in the Air Force, and was ready to start a career, but he needed to finish his

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degree. He applied to the University of Miami, the University of Florida and Florida Southern College. He decided he would enroll in whichever school would transfer over the most credit hours from his previous university work.

“By one credit hour, Florida Southern won out over the others,” Dockery says.

“That’s how I got here.”

COUNTRY GRIT, CITY HUSTLE One could spend days reading about how Dockery ascended from a part-time writer who lived on a daily food budget of 25 cents to an executive in the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors’ Association to an entrepreneur who opened Summit Consulting, Inc., and became a millionaire by selling it less than a decade later.

One also doesn’t have to search hard to learn plenty about his very public marriage to decorated Florida Senator Paula Dockery - who campaigned for the governor’s seat for a short time in 2010 who he has been happily married to for 32 years.

But what is equally as interesting about this Lakeland legend is the people he has met, the people he has impacted for and what he attributes his success to.

“Loving and learning how to interact with other people,” he says, is one of the keystones to his many accomplishments.

“People that I brought in to help me have been responsible for my success.”

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His propensity for hiring employees with a strong drive and purpose stems from his own experiences. When asked about how he became willing to take risks, Dockery says it began out of necessity. After his dad left the family, his mom fell ill and was bedridden. One day, she called Crafford (his middle name) to her bedside, and asked him to step up.

“She said…you've got to cook something for us. And I say 'Okay, mom, what will I cook?’ We had potatoes and that's the only thing - so I cooked potatoes.

“I said, 'Mom, how do I cook?' and she said, 'Well we have a stove in the kitchen.'

So I guess the first risk I took was lighting a kerosene stove at 8 years old.”

In one of his first business ventures he played it safe and hired a guy who fit the bill on paper, but he quickly realized lacked the necessary intangibles. He fired him, and soon after hired a man with no experience who he could tell was teachable and driven. The partnership was profitable for both.

At Summit, one of his many valuable employees over the years started in an entry level role, but she strived to grow along with the company. Summit helped put her through school to earn her accounting degree at Florida Southern, and soon after she came back to Doc and shared her desire to earn a Master’s.

Eventually she earned her Doctorate and ended up being an accounting pro-

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fessor at a college. She epitomized three traits that Doc said guided his hiring mentality over the years: ambitious, hard working and unafraid to fail.

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“. . . B A C K THEN BEING A D E M O C R AT, HELL, IT WAS THE THING TO DO, AND THERE WEREN’T ANY REPUBLICANS”

A POLITICAL WALTZ As he excelled as a businessman, Dockery also found his voice as a public servant.

In his younger years, Dockery was a registered Democrat, but by 1970, when he ran for a spot on the Polk County School Board, he was a Republican.

His transition to Republican began when he took a liking to gubernatorial candidate Claude Kirk. Dockery’s first official campaign contribution was a small wad of cash he donated to Kirk’s campaign at an event at the Lakeland Holiday Inn. That was just the beginning, and as one Tampa Bay Times article puts it, “Dockery emerged as one of the pioneers who helped build the Florida GOP into a dominant force.”

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“...back then being a Democrat, hell, it was the thing to do, and there weren’t any Republicans,” he says.

That’s part of the reason he ran for the School Board — to put a face with the local Republican movement — and to his complete surprise, he won that race.

He parlayed his influence, business acumen and relational currency into a seat at many tables over the years.

One issue he spent an abundance of time, energy and personal finances on was bringing a high-speed rail system to Florida that would span the length of the East Coast. Floridians today know that such a system is still not complete, but Dockery made significant in-roads that led to a lot of the high-speed rail infrastructure that is now in place.

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

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In 1988, Florida Gov. Bob Martinez appointed Dockery to the Florida High Speed Rail Commission. Dockery’s commitment to a rail system that would rival the bullet trains of Asia and the connectional framework of systems in Europe was so great he spent nearly $3 million of his own money to help get an amendment passed to the state constitution in 2000 that required the construction of a high-speed rail system that connected at least five major urban centers. Four years later, voters repealed the amendment.

Today, Dockery notes the success of the Brightline system in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, but also admits he learned a long time ago that making progress in politics is a lot like learning to dance.

“It wasn’t an engineering thing, but it was political,” he said. “It was and still is and always will be.”

NO REGRETS In his office, Dockery sits across from an expansive map of the world. The countries he has visited are yellow, while the rest of them are green. One could argue that Dockery has seen more of the world than he has not.

Where is one place he would like to visit if he could hop on a plane today and have an itinerary set tomorrow?

Greenland.

“It was difficult to go the last time I checked because you had to fly into Denmark to then get to Greenland, but I expect it’s easier now,” he says.

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Ask Dockery if he has any regrets though, and you’ll have to be comfortable with a long pause as he tracks back through a colorful, purposeful life.

“I don’t have any real regrets in my life. I don’t,” he says looking off into the distance. “I’m sitting here thinking…

I’ve had some, but they are just small and you make changes to adjust.”

Dockery said until recently he was somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of “his legacy” but some of his colleagues have helped put it in perspective for him, either through conversations like the ones he’s enjoyed over the years around Lake Hollingsworth or through letters like one he received in the mail recently from former Florida Senator Rick Dantzler.

The note included the statement: If you were younger, you’d leave both parties and build the Independent party into a force because you were a builder.

“You see, a note like that…still I’ll get them,” Dockery says. “How could a person want a better legacy?”

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“I DON’T HAVE ANY REAL REGRETS IN MY LIFE. I D O N ’ T ,” H E S AYS LO O K I N G OFF INTO THE DI S TA N C E . “ I ’ M SITTING HERE THINKING…I’VE HAD SOME, BUT THEY ARE JUST SMALL AND YOU MAKE CHANGES T O A D J U S T .”

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TH E LON G L EG ACY O F REECECL IF F FAM ILY DIN ER

Written by Jenna MacFarlane Photography by Dan Austin

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he Southern diner is an American staple. Before brunch became an aesthetic experience, it was a simple one; a comfortable and unassuming place to land, where there’s something for everyone.

Reececliff Family Diner has been a classic Lakeland spot for meeting and eating for 88 years. The longest-running restaurant in town, Reececliff opened in 1934 as the “Ducky Wucky” and quickly became a haven for the public. Young and old gathered at Reececliff, establishing it as a sort of monument on South Florida Avenue. Guests have ranged from a rumored Elvis Presley appearance to certain appearances by the likes of Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sheriff Grady Judd, and former Vice President Mike Pence.

The restaurant represents Lakeland as a whole — a welcoming community that

feels like home, no matter where you’re from. Reececliff is not a museum. It is a living ode to what once was, a historical scene open to new players.

Inside, the bustling kitchen pumps out Saturday brunch specials: eggs, bacon, grits, home fries. Reececliff welcomes new crowds while honoring old traditions. Classic dishes haven’t changed.

Stop by on any given Thursday and you will find locals enjoying a classic turkey dinner with cranberry sauce and fresh baked bread.

“We peel at least 50 pounds of potatoes per day,” says James Bronkhorst, owner and operator of Reececliff. “Our mashed potatoes and home fries are made fresh. Our pies, from scratch.

There’s no question for us. It’s just what we do.”

Old Lakeland lives here: a clock with the iconic Publix logo and framed black-and-white, sun-stained photos adorn the walls.

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“ I N A WAY, I T WA S SCARY COMING O N B OA R D AT A R E S TAU R A N T T H AT ALREADY HAD SO MUCH HISTORY BEHIND IT”

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Bronkhorst wanted to move closer to family, and relocated from Texas to Tampa in 2001. Only a year later, he decided to buy Reececliff over a cup of coffee with Robert Pope, Jr. The Pope family had owned Reececliff for three generations when Robert decided to pass the baton. He knew Bronkhorst had experience owning and operating restaurants, and left it in good hands.

“In a way, it was scary coming on board at a restaurant that already had so much history behind it,” Bronkhorst recalled.

“But I didn’t want to change much.

Southern food is all about sticking to your roots. So I preserved the good stuff.”

Bronkhorst’s business strategy? Take care of the customers, and take care of the employees.

“If you come to work and do the right thing, everything works,” he says.

Reececliff ’s long-term employees prove it. Employees like Miss Jeanette, Reececliff ’s expert pie baker, worked at the restaurant for nearly 60 years.

“She walked in, 17-years old and looking for a part time job, in 1953. She baked our pies until 2010.”

Bronkhorst also mentioned Ms. Willie, a cook and connoisseur of their classic dishes, who’s been there since 1974 — and still works in the kitchen today.

After taking over, Bronkhorst kept things simple, but did make several small tweaks. He began opening the restaurant earlier and made a few facade improvements. He also introduced the coconut cream pie, working with Miss Jeanette to perfect the recipe. Today, that pie is the best-selling pie on the menu.

Over nearly nine decades, Reececliff has seen its share of highs and lows.

The COVID-19 pandemic was tough

James Bronkhorst Owner

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The restaurant has been serving locals for nearly 90 years

Reececliff has long been celebrated by locals and visitors

on restaurants, including Reececliff, and Bronkhorst closed the business for five months. He didn’t reopen right when he could; Reececliff remained closed until Bronkhorst felt safe enough to invite employees and customers back inside.

“We just try to take care of people,” says Bronkhurst. His stubborn compassion paid off.

“The past two years, we’ve been better than ever. People are loyal. If you’re good to them, they’ll support you.”

Bronkhorst sees a bright future ahead for Reececliff.

“We’re going to keep making renovations and serving good, classic food,” he says, sticking by the strategy he’s now maintained for 20 years. He’s in the process of onboarding a new online ordering platform, propelled by the pandemic and something he is hoping will add to the restaurant’s succes.

“Customers are always calling me over to their table, just to tell me they’ve been eating here since the 1960s,” says Bronkhurst. “People respect the history and uphold the longevity of this community. Reececliff is stable, and we’re not slowing down. We will be here for a long time to come.”

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A retro Publix clock accentuates its local centric vibe

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Written by Julianne Waller Photography by Paul Bostrom

A Shared Legacy Between Two of Lakeland’s Most Prominent Families

W hen brothers Brian and Jimmy Waller, owners of Waller Construction and Waller Insurance, purchased the historical Publix building in Dixieland, they weren’t aware of its history – but considering the family’s history with Publix and the Dixieland area, it seems like fate. In 1950, Brian and Jimmy’s grandmother, Lee Miller, moved from Chicago to Lakeland.

She began working in the Publix Accounting Department soon after.

“MY MOM WORKED IN THE PUBLIX OFFICE FOR OVER 30 YEARS. WHEN S H E S TA R T E D , T H E R E W E R E O N LY EIGHT WOMEN IN THE OFFICE"

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“My mom worked in the Publix office for over 30 years. When she started, there were only eight women in the office,” remembers Bobby Miller, Lee’s son. “The administrative office was just down the hall from ‘Mr. George,’ (Publix founder George Jenkins) and he would often stop by to chat, or participate in a birthday celebration. When I would stop by the office to see my mom, she would always take me in to say hello to Mr. George.”

In 2006, when the brothers (along with Bob and Tom Waller) purchased the building that is home to the Waller Construction and Design Center, the distinctive art deco features associated with Publix were noticeably missing. The previous owners had removed most of the art deco features associated with Publix, like terrazzo floors and the historical clock sign – but the Waller family worked to restore the building to honor its original design. With the help of architect John Kirk, they were able to restore the flooring, the clock sign, the roof with rounded corners, and a few other art deco features to really make it stand out.

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“We know [Lee] would be very proud of how we have operated out of this building and how we have honored her memory and spirit with the amazing restoration of the Publix building history,” says Jimmy Waller, founder of Waller Insurance.

Brian Waller said once the renovations were complete, they actually worked directly with a Publix historian.

“We were given access to many old photographs that we proudly display in our Design Center,” he says. “Our connection with Publix goes back 70 plus years now–and we are very loyal to Publix and so grateful for what they have done for our family and for Lakeland.”

Apart from restoring the Publix building, Waller Construction and Waller Insurance have had a significant influence on the design and aesthetic of the Dixieland area. Waller Construction has renovated many homes and commercial buildings in Dixieland, such as Waller Plaza, Waller Lofts, Lean Spaces (formerly Vito’s Restaurant) and Bomar Trophy.

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“We’re very proud of our commercial remodeling projects in Dixieland,” Jimmy says. “We feel the improvement to the building adds to the overall value of the area’s commercial corridor.” The opportunity to do business in Dixieland is very meaningful to both brothers, and beyond business, the Waller family has a longstanding personal connection to the area.

“Our family moved to Dixieland in 1915, and at least one family member has resided there since,” says Brian. “ I still like to visit Drane Park and love working so close to that area.”

It’s clear that family is very important to Publix and Waller Construction.

Multiple photographs of Robert “Bob” Waller, the founder of Waller Construction and Brian and Jimmy’s grandfather, are showcased in Waller Construction’s showroom. Since Robert founded the company, three generations of family have

“KEEPING OUR PROMISES IS KEY TO EXPERIENCING LIFE AS WE DREAM IT CAN BE, IT EMPOWERS US TO DREAM BIG, TO GROW I N TO A N D O C C U PY T H AT DREAM, AND THEN TO O U TG R OW T H AT D R E A M AND DREAM EVEN

played instrumental roles in the businesses.

“I believe our Father, Bobby Waller and our Grandfather Bob Waller, blazed a trail for us to follow,” says Jimmy. “We love being a successful medium sized family-owned business in Lakeland.

Our goal is to be a best-in-class family business through the areas of construction, insurance and real estate.”

Today, Waller Construction has completed more than 15,000 jobs, while Waller Insurance serves more than 4,000 clients. Family members have served on numerous City of Lakeland advisory boards, including Historic Preservation, Code Enforcement, zoning adjustments and appeals, and Community Redevelopment.

The Waller family has also hosted many community events over the years.

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Waller Construction has also completed many notable commercial remodeling projects throughout Lakeland, including work for companies and organizations like the RP Funding Center, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, Santa Fe Catholic, Powerscreen, Black & Brew, Gordon Foods, and more. In the future, the Waller family hopes to continue to grow and take on even more projects that will better Lakeland’s community.

“We’re very thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of this business community and help add authentic value to so many people's lives,” says Jimmy. “We sincerely believe Lakeland is a truly great city and that we have a very bright future ahead.”

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HISTORY

Maloho’s Beauty Salon Located on Kentucky Avenue, was a hair salon and beauty shop that featured a permanent wave machine (see reflection in mirror) 1936 Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library

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A legacy of great healthcare.

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