This is the historic home of African-American pioneer Lawrence Bernard Brown. The house is located…read moreat 470 L.B. Brown Avenue, Bartow, Florida. Mr. Brown was born into slavery in 1856 near Gainesville and he had limited formal education during his lifetime. Despite these setbacks Mr. Brown became a self taught master carpenter. He arrived in Bartow in the late 1880's and he became one of Polk County's most successful businessmen and community leaders. At the time of his death in 1941, Mr. Brown had accumulated a half a million dollars. Lawrence Brown was named "A Great Floridian" by the Florida Department of State. Mr. Brown purchased a plot of land, cleared it and in 1892 he built a 1,700 square foot, two story Victorian. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is believed to be the only home built by a formerly enslaved person to still exist in Florida. The street going past the house was renamed L.B. Brown Ave. in his honor. Mr. Brown and his wife Anna Belle went on to have seven children but only one of them had a child. That child never had children so there are no direct family descendants. Mr. Brown and his wife are buried in Evergreen Cemetery. The house eventually became abandoned and it deteriorated. It was slated for demolition by the city but they were reluctant to destroy it.. In the late 1990's Clifton Lewis, president of Corporation Of Neighborhood Improvement and other Bartow residents began restoration on the home and over two years returned it to it's original grandeur. Every year in mid February, Bartow holds an annual L.B. Brown Festival to celebrate the life of L.B. Brown. You can call for guided tours of the home (863) 944-6136. When the house is closed you are free to tour the exterior and out buildings. Parking is available in the field next to the house.

An amazing piece of history sitting right there in Bartow, Florida…read more We went as a field trip with our homeschool group. The folks in charge here are so passionate about their work. The tours are informative and thorough. Split into a tour of the outside, downstairs inside and upstairs inside, our tour was led by three different people. All amazing, full of educational information and clearly excited to share their knowledge. Feel free to ask questions! They love to engage in conversation about Mr. LB Brown, his history and the home they've worked so hard to preserve. It's a beautiful place, inside and out. It's a little sad that it's not more popular for school field trips from schools in the area. It's sitting there waiting, with people ready to share! The kids in our group were moved and excited to learn so much. Afterwards, there was lots of conversation about LB Brown! That says something! Very happy to have had the opportunity to check out the LB Brown House!

The historical home El Retiro was beautiful. We paid the extra $10 per person to do the tour, and…read morewe loved it. The tiling of the home gives me true future home ideas. The tour guides were super sweet and helpful. The house had two floors and was nice and warm when we visited, which was very cold that day. I was able to take home two recipe cards that I can't wait to try. Definitely wish I lived in this home.

I don't know why it took me so long to check out this place. Maybe because I already had an annual…read morepass and I have to pay more to get in. What a pleasant surprise. This was a cool place. To be so rich that you come only in Jan & Feb to enjoy the Florida weather. This place is still functional. There outlets, & working elevators. I love the architecture of this building. I love how it was decorated for the holidays. This is now a museums. Back in the days Bok tower used to hosted dinners, a huge Christmas decorations celebrations. Now it's an official museum so it's only to walk through. $5 for members & $7 for non members. Honestly, this is one and done. It's cool but will I go back. For what not sure.

I love finding a historical marker. They are filled with nuggets of interesting history about the…read moresurrounding area. I found this one while driving through Frostproof on my way to Lake Wales. This is not one of the blue state historic markers. Instead this green marker was installed by the Polk County Historical Society. When the government enacted the Indian Removal Act in 1830, the army was sent to drive all of the Native Americans out west on the Trail of Tears. The Seminoles resisted and the Second Seminole War broke out. Forts like this one in Frostproof were set up all across Florida to aid the US Army in their mission. The settlement in the area now known as Frostproof was established like many in central Florida at the time, as a fort, then called Fort Clinch. Fort Clinch was built on January 13, 1850 on the shore of what was then called Lake Mocha Poka. The fort was a stockade which consisted of six or seven buildings. garrisoned by 1st. Art., 7th Inf. U.S. Army and Florida Mounted Volunteers. Several men who served here went on to prominence during the Civil War. These included George G. Meade who would become a Union Major General, and Confederate Generals A.P. Hill, and Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson. The fort was named after the local Lake Clinch which was named after the popular Seminole War commander Duncan Lamont Clinch (1787-1849). Clinch served in both the 1st and 2nd Seminole Indian Wars. Three forts in total were named after him, this fort in Polk County (1850), Ft. Clinch at the mouth of the Withlacoochee River (1836) in what is now Levy County, and the most famous Fort Clinch (1847) which still stands in Nassau County. This settlement was abandoned only months later on June 8th. By the 1880s, Frostproof began to see its first permanent settlers as homesteaders were attracted to the abundant hunting and fishing in the area.

1st I want to thank my friend Ariel W for providing the captivating historic account of this…read morebeautiful building - well done my friend... Mall vs Arcade - What's the difference? Most of us are familiar with the term "Mall" associated with the modern shopping venues being indoors or outdoors "Arcades" are usually designed as covered passages in which the shops are located on both side and are usually multi-storied, most are from earlier periods and all that I've had the privilege of visiting are architecturally amazing and so nostalgic. I was taken back after discovering this treasure in Lake Wales since most I've experienced are located in larger cities - downtown Cleveland, Ohio comes to mind. The Rhodesbilt Arcade is a beautiful example of the period architect and well worth a walk through, the breeze-way transcends time, if you have a few minutes to spare take a stroll through history and take a seat and daydream about what it must of been like when it first opened. For a town of less than five thousand souls when this magnificent structure was erected it must have been quite the sight and people probably traveled from miles around to see it. Renovations have preserved it so generations to come can enjoy it, just as generations from the past have...

The Rhodesbilt Arcade is a historic building in the commercial historic district of Lake Wales…read more This area of Lake Wales was built during Florida's land boom years in the 1920's. The arcade was erected between 1924 and 1926 and it stretches between Park Avenue and Stuart Avenue. The Rhodesbilt Arcade was built by Jesse T. Rhodes who was nicknamed Good for his craftsmanship and quality of work. In addition to this arcade he built many of the first homes in Lake Wales. Rhodes was born in 1833 in Indiana. He arrived in Florida in 1913 at the age of 30 with his wife Alice in hopes that the warmer climate would help with his poor health. At the time he settled into a Lake Wales, the town was only two years old. He would go on to influence much of the early architecture of the town. This building is designed in a Mediterranean style with a curved parapet, ceramic tile, and arched doorways. The arcade also has hardwood floors, antique tile, and stained glass windows. The two story building is equivalent to today's shopping malls. The interior of the building held store fronts and offices lit by high skylights. Arcades were the most popular type of commercial building in the 1920's. This one still has business and offices operating out of it today. In later years Mr. Rhodes entered the real estate business and subdivided land into commercial and residential tracts. His wife Alice was the first insurance agent in Lake Wales. Mr. Rhodes passed away in 1932 at the age of 48 but his greatest achievement The Rhodesbilt Arcade still stands in downtown Lake Wales. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

Beautiful historic home. Would love to tour the inside but a drive by in the beautiful neighborhood…read morewill have to do.

This is a historic house located in downtown Bartow at 590 East Stanford Street. Named the Benjamin…read moreFranklin Holland House,, it is also known as The Gables and the Roy Trent Gallemore House. The house was built in 1895 and was designed by architect E.R. Wharton. The two and a half story house is in the frame vernacular style with shingle elements and it is considered one of the best examples of a shingle style home in Florida. There is a one story wraparound screen entrance porch. Benjamin Franklin Holland was known in Bartow as a pioneer and a public servant. He was born in Carroll County, Ga., in 1846. When he was 17 he was a Confederate soldier in a battle at Kennesaw Mountain in Georgia that saw half of his company killed. During the battle he was wounded and by the time he recovered the Civil War was over. To heal from a shattered hand and tuberculosis he moved to Polk county where he married and had three children. He founded Polk's first abstract business and served in three county offices: school board member, county commissioner and county treasurer. One of his children became Florida governor Spessard Holland who grew up in the home. The house was listed on the US Register of Historic Places in 1975. It is a private residence so you can only view it from the street but it is a beautiful home and worth a drive by if you are in the area.

I was in Frostproof for the 30 Mile Scenic Highway Yard Sale, In search of a boost of caffeine I…read morestumbled on Mister Chris' Coffee Gallery which is located in the historic Atlantic Coast Line Train Depot in downtown Frostproof. The railroad came to town in 1911 and the station was built in 1912. The railroad helped to transport citrus from farmers all across the Lake Wales Ridge. To care for this restored landmark Mister Chris roasts coffee from around the world and ships it across the Continental United States. Today the depot is in the two acre Freedom Station Park. The park is a venue that can be rented and it also stages events such as Wall Street Market in Freedom Station Park and the "Mister Chris' Community Campfire series. This unique coffee shop combines history, music, art, and coffee, all the things I love. As you sip your coffee there are six rooms to explore: Hall of History, the Brew Ha Ha, the Study, the Paris Cafe, the Music Room and the Workshop which is the brew bar, gift shop and entertainment area. The workshop is located in what was once the depot cargo area. Chris has a collection of teapots, Beatles memorabilia, train stuff related to the depot, antique furniture, albums, collectibles, art, and on and on. I put my coffee down in a table and was startled to see a fish swimming under it. I didn't realize it was a fish tank table. There are surprises around every corner. Mr. Chris is a trusting soul. Coming from South Florida I couldn't believe he leaves all of his things out for people to look through and enjoy. This is such a wonderful business. I would come here every day if I could.

Such a great place! Loved the decor and atmosphere. There was live entertainment tonight and she…read morewas pretty good. We only had a cup of coffee which was good. I look forward to returning the next time I visit Frostproof.

The Saint Anne Shrine may be one of the most unique religious sites in Central Florida. There is a…read more100 year old shrine in the middle of a residential neighborhood that is across the street from a lake. The history of Saint Anne dates back to the 1920's when a contingent of French speaking Catholics came from Canada to Florida to escape winter. Six miles outside of Lake Wales they built a shrine to St. Anne de Beaupre, Mary's mother and the grandmother of Jesus at their winter retreat. On the south shore of Saint Anne Lake, fellow Canadian and winter resident Napoleon Pelletier helped them to build a white chapel, a towering grotto that was a replica of the site where the Virgin Mary appeared at Lourdes in France, a pedestal with a statue of Jesus Christ. and a tiered monument to Saint Theresa. A moat was added surrounding the grotto and a bridge to cross it was built out of native Florida rock. It didn't take long for the faithful to began to flocking to the shrine. One of the stories say these included French artist, Francies Marsollier and his son stricken with tuberculosis. He pledged to dedicate his life to beautifying the shrine if his son would live. As the son began to heal, Francies painted murals in the church and created sculptures for the grounds. Another story had Napolean Pelletier arriving at the lake with his son stricken with cancer and when the boy was healed by the water of the lake, Pelletier stayed and built the shrine. As word spread of the healing powers of the lake, more people came to visit the shrine including a Catholic Bishop to bless the cross Franciers made. At its height of fame, thousands of people would show up for the Feast of St. Anne on July 26th. During WWII people stopped coming. By the early 1960s, the Catholic Diocese of Orlando de-sanctified the church and tore it down. The sculptures made by Franciers were taken to other churches or lost. In the 1980's a priest attempted to sell the shrine as a housing lot but the neighbors came together to prevent the sale and saved what was left of the shrine. Today you can still see the remains of the shrine by the lake and the grotto. To find the grotto look for the white cross between houses 1233 and 1270. In the grotto area is the grave of Napolean Pelletie. The marker says Napolean was born in Canada in 1857 and he passed away on March 7, 1942. According to the marker he is credited with building and maintaining the shrine while he was alive. Based on the offerings left it looks like the shrine is still being used today. It is so peaceful and serene here. I was the only person on a weekday. If you are visiting downtown Lake Wales it is only about a 15 minute drive out to the shrine.

What do you get when you have a 100 year old mystery combining a supposedly magical healing spring,…read moreFrench Canadian Catholic tourists, rare Florida rock, the mother of Mary, a greedy priest, and a heroic neighborhood all in the middle of nowhere in Lake Wales? You get the marvelous Saint Anne Shrine. Yes, all that and so much more. I literally found this place by googling something else and kind of freaked out. How did this exist and I not know about it? I immediately made plans to go here since it was less than an hour away. Lots of people online made hints about how hard it was to find. Pish posh, not. How to find it: Follow your GPS. When you get to the lake, go to the left and start driving around, please go slowly. The Shrine is located between houses #1233 and #1270. When you see the large white signpost on the right hand lake side, slow down and park on the right. When you see the small white cross on the left, that is the field you walk through to get to the shrine. (Please do not disturb the neighbors. If you see them, please smile and wave. They are nice people.) The Shrine itself is modeled like a grotto and is devoted to Saint Anne, the mother of Mary. The legend* is, Napoleon Pelletier, a French Canadian Catholic tourist and his cancer stricken son were camping here and his son swam in the lake and the waters cured him. Napoleon named the lake after Saint Anne and brought all his friends down to build the shrine and it's church dedicated to her back in 1920. It became a very popular place amongst tourists of all kinds, but especially the Canadians. Unfortunately WWII put an end to that and the Diocese of St. Augustine de-sanctified the entire complex in the 1950s/60s and tore down the church and most of the shrine, leaving just the bits that are left. In 1981, a priest tried to sell the land to build a home (!) but was stopped by the neighborhood. *There are other legends. Behind and off to the side of Saint Anne's shrine, is a smallish shrine to Saint Therese of Lisieux, The Little Flower. Her Statue is long gone but was replaced by a statue of Mary, but I doubt anyone minds. It is quite interesting in how it was built, almost pyramid in nature with palm tree trunks backing it. Mosaics are everywhere. Lovely to see, but not all are in good shape. I'll be honest. The place does need some TLC. The local Catholic Church that is supposed to take care of it needs to do a better job. The neighbors do what they can and keep the weeds to a minimum and the grass mowed. I suspect they pick up trash as well because I did not see any at all. The Shrine is beautiful. That cannot be denied. No matter your faith, there is an air of calmness around. Lizards and butterflies abound everywhere. We saw a family of Florida Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis) calmly walking around yards and then to the small sandy area at the Lake. Bromeliads were blooming wild everywhere. If you are interested in Florida's hidden treasures, than this is an place that is a must-see. For more info https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ste_Anne_des_Lacs https://www.theledger.com/article/20150324/Lifestyle/608071694

Along US-98, the Lorida School House in Lorida, Florida, is a preserved historic rural school…read morebuilding dating back to 1925 and rebuilt in 1934. It quickly became the center of community life. Beyond teaching grades one through eight, it hosted church services, socials, elections, and holiday events. During the Depression, the outdoor canning kitchen behind the school was vital, giving families a place to preserve food together. The marker reads, "The first school house in the Lorida community, the Sunnyland School, was built on this site in 1925. A 1933 hurricane destroyed the school, and the Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt it using the original plans and identical materials. The school reopened from April 1934 until early 1956 for grades one through eight, and later kindergarten. The Rev. Joseph Reish was the principal and his wife, Margaret, was a teacher. The school term was six months long with four teachers and about 80 students. During the Great Depression, an outdoor community canning kitchen was built behind the school house. This four-room vernacular school house was built of cedar and pine on a brick pier foundation. It exhibits a low-pitched hip roof with exposed clipped rafter ends, and was covered with diamond-shaped, tin shingles. The floors are varnished wood with a recessed front entrance. The building has remained essentially unchanged. The community restored the school house in 1976 as a project for the United States Bicentennial. Over the years, it served as a place for the community to gather for a variety of purposes and represents one of the few remaining rural school houses in Florida." Its cedar and pine construction, diamond tin shingles, and varnished floors reflect both durability and simplicity. Students often helped maintain the building, and the short school term matched the rhythms of farm life. After closing in the 1950s, the school continued as a gathering place until its restoration in 1976. Today, it stands largely unchanged, a rare surviving rural schoolhouse that embodies both education and community resilience in small-town Florida. [Review 1456 of 2025 - 2140 in Florida - 25009 overall]