Unraveling the Enigmatic Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror
Lakeland, Florida — where history meets elegance and charm at the Frances Langford Promenade, a place that has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, witnessed transformations and rebirths. Nestled between Lemon Street and Lake Mirror Drive, this iconic site, also known as the First Civic Center and the Lake Mirror Promenade, has an intriguing tale to tell. So, grab your virtual tickets and get ready for a witty tour through the captivating history and evolution of the Frances Langford Promenade!
History and Development - A Journey Back in Time
Our adventure begins on the back porch of Tom Appleyard, the Chamber of Commerce President in the early 1920s. With a vision in his heart and community support at his side, he conceived the idea of Lake Mirror Park. The renowned architect, Charles Wellford Leavitt of New York, was entrusted with creating a master plan for the park, and in the years that followed, his creative brilliance began to shape the mesmerizing Promenade and loggia that we see today.
As the 1920s embraced the nation, Lakeland proudly became a part of the "City Beautiful" movement, and the Promenade with its ornamental lamp posts and Corinthian columns rose above Lake Mirror like an ornate entrance to a Venetian palace. It's no wonder the January 1930 issue of National Geographic hailed it as the crown jewel of the south!
In 1946, the city of Lakeland honored one of its native daughters, the talented Frances Langford, who not only graced the world with her music and acting prowess but also served the nation through her work with the United Service Organizations. Thus, the Promenade was rechristened as the Frances Langford Promenade, standing tall as a testament to her brilliance.
Ah, the loggia! This fascinating structure designed by Charles Wellford Leavitt has sparked rumors and stories throughout the years. While its original intent was to be a stage, locals have woven tales of Blinky the Alligator's secret home, passageways leading to underground tunnels, and even the ghosts of Lakeland's past. Truth or legend? The answer lies within the Lake Mirror Historic Tour, an adventure not to be missed! More about that later!
Redevelopment - Reviving the Magic
As the 1960s and 1970s rolled by, the Frances Langford Promenade suffered from neglect, and its grandeur began to fade. But fear not, for when the going gets tough, the tough get going!
Enter Historic Lakeland, a passionate group of local citizens determined to restore the Promenade to its former glory. Their efforts culminated in 1983 when the Promenade found its place on the prestigious U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
In 1979, the Downtown Lakeland Community Redevelopment Area came into being, breathing new life into the park and surrounding areas. With a grant from the Florida Department of Historic Preservation and a master plan in hand, the city embarked on a journey to revive its beloved jewel.
The restoration and redevelopment efforts reached their pinnacle in 2010 when the master plan's goals were finally achieved. Today, Lake Mirror Park stands tall as a center of community activity, hosting diverse events, providing open spaces for residents, employees, and visitors to unwind, and offering a picturesque venue for celebrations and gatherings.
The Lake Mirror Historic Tour - Unearthing Lakeland's Enchanting Past
In the heart of Lakeland, where neoclassical architecture dances along the edges of Lake Mirror, lies a captivating journey through time - the Lake Mirror Historic Tour. For residents and visitors alike, seeking to immerse themselves in Lakeland's rich history, this tour is an adventure not to be missed. Led by the ever-enthusiastic Stacy Smith, the tour offers a delightful blend of researched facts and intriguing tales, transporting participants through the annals of time.
Picture this - the fourth Tuesday of each month in the evenings, Lake Mirror's loggia at the top, adorned with arches, becomes the meeting point. There, you'll find Stacy Smith, dressed in period clothing and carrying a lantern, ready to embark on the journey through time. As a native Lakelander and city employee, Smith's passion for history and dedication to unearthing the city's past led him to delve deep into the archives more than a dozen years ago.
"I found all of the things that were interesting to me," Smith remarks, reflecting on his exploration into Lakeland's history. His discoveries became the foundation for the Lake Mirror Historic Tour, which has now been enthralling participants for eight years. Armed with historic pictures on his trusty iPad, Smith regales the crowd with a fascinating timeline, spanning from the 1800s to the present day.
The tour's historical timeline takes root primarily with Thomas Jefferson Appleyard Jr., the manager of the Chamber of Commerce. Back in 1923, Appleyard envisioned turning Lake Mirror into a Civic Center adorned with grand structures, influenced by the renowned City Beautiful Movement. Examples of the movement's results include iconic landmarks like Bok Tower, Central Park in New York City, and the Washington Mall in D.C.
Designed by the world-premier architect Charles Leavitt, construction on the Civic Center began in 1926 and concluded two years later with a grand celebration attended by 50,000 people, including Florida's governor. Columns and a long promenade reminiscent of the Chicago World's Fair's Court of Honor grace the walkway. But, like any good mystery, there are elements missing. The original plans included an obelisk, a ticket booth, and an amphitheater, but the economic crash of the time led to their cancellation.
As the tour progresses, whispers of secrets beneath the lake surface begin to emerge. Stories of possible tunnels from prohibition days or underground pathways for transporting money add an aura of mystery to the already captivating tour. Smith's demonstration of a hollow sound within the loggia fuels curiosity and intrigue.
Despite a decline in the 1950s, marked by the construction of a road around the Civic Center, Historic Lakeland and local donors rallied to breathe life back into the area in the 1980s. Lake Mirror was eventually listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1983, and the restoration efforts culminated in 1986. Thanks to the dedication of those involved, the structures around the lake were lovingly fixed, performance venues were established, and the promenade regained its former glory.
In 1946, the walk around Lake Mirror was dedicated to the beloved Frances Langford, Lakeland's most famous former resident. Having attended Lakeland High School and achieved fame through a national hit song, Frances Langford's legacy remains interwoven with the Promenade's beauty and charm.
During the tour, Stacy Smith unveils architectural details that often go unnoticed by the average passerby. His keen eye and expertise shed light on the intricacies of the Promenade's design, enriching the experience for all who join in the adventure.
Beyond the walls of the Promenade, Smith peppers the tour with amusing anecdotes that tickle the funny bone of participants. From Blinky the Alligator, the lake's famous resident, to a mischievous pet goat causing mayhem at city hall, laughter echoes amidst the tales of the past.
As the Lake Mirror Historic Tour draws to a close, participants depart with newfound knowledge, a deeper appreciation for their city's history, and the enchanting allure of the Frances Langford Promenade etched into their hearts. For those seeking to unearth the secrets of Lakeland and walk in the footsteps of the past, this delightful journey offers a mesmerizing experience that resonates long after the lanterns are extinguished and the loggia falls silent once more.
The Everlasting Charm
As we bid adieu to our delightful tour, one thing is abundantly clear - Lake Mirror Park, with its Frances Langford Promenade as its crown jewel, is a testament to the timeless allure of Lakeland, Florida. From its historic roots and the "City Beautiful" movement to its rebirth and redevelopment, this enchanting site continues to capture hearts and imaginations alike.
So, whether you're an intrepid explorer eager to uncover the mysteries of the loggia or a lover of scenic beauty seeking a tranquil spot to relax, Lake Mirror Park welcomes you with open arms. As Lakeland's most cherished location, it has withstood the test of time and will continue to stand tall, inviting visitors to be a part of its everlasting charm.
And with that, dear readers, we conclude our journey through the whimsical and captivating history of the Frances Langford Promenade. But remember, the tale is never truly over; it continues to evolve with each footstep taken along the Promenade's elegant walkway. So, the next time you find yourself in Lakeland, make sure to bask in the beauty of this majestic park and savor the rich history it holds. Until then, may your travels be filled with wonders and may the spirit of the Frances Langford Promenade live on in your hearts, forever!