738 S Jefferson Avenue - Built 1925

Uncovering Lakeland's Hidden Histories: 738 S. Jefferson Avenue

 

The century-old history of 738 S. Jefferson Avenue is officially marked by only eight families. Across all of these stories, a distinct theme emerges: a history of strong, enterprising, and engaging women who have owned and occupied the home for well over half of its life.

 

The Early Years: Renters and Transients (1925-1945)

 

Though the home was built in 1925, city directories note it as 'vacant' in 1926 and 1928, highlighting the volatile post-boom real estate environment.

 

The first documented occupants, appearing in the 1931 directory, were Charles W. & Carmen Clark.

 

• Charles grew up in the lost town of Manatee (now incorporated into Bradenton), while his wife, Carmen Ferguson, was from Indiana. They married in 1914 in Bradenton, where Charles had worked as a fruit packer.

 

• The couple relocated to Lakeland around 1927, where Charles initially worked as an equipmentman for Standard Oil. They soon moved into 738 S. Jefferson Avenue, where they rented for the tidy sum of $30 per month.

 

• The economics of the Depression era likely affected the family, and they soon moved to Chiles Street. Charles used the following years to train as a carpenter, and by 1940, the family moved to Englewood, where he worked professionally as a carpenter until retirement. Their son, Patrick Clark, however, remained in Lakeland, employed at the Growers Administrative Committee at the Citrus Center Building.

 

The Post-War Era: Widowhood and Resilience (1945–1988)

 

Just after World War II, the home saw the arrival of its first owners, beginning a four-decade period defined by the resilience of its female residents.

 

• 1945–1965: Abbott "Alvin" & Mabel Chandler (Owners)

 

• Alvin, a native of Rhode Island, married Mabel in 1909. Mabel was from a good family and a proud member of the D.A.R. They settled in Hartford, Connecticut, where Alvin worked as a foreman, superintendent, and eventually a commercial traveler (sales representative) for the rubber (tires, oil, gas) industry.

 

• They began visiting Florida as snowbirds and made Lakeland their permanent home in 1945. Sadly, Alvin passed away in 1948, leaving Mabel a widow. Mabel lived in the home for another seventeen years until her own passing in 1965.

 

• 1970s Decade: Clara Dickson (Owner)

 

• Following the Chandlers, the home saw another strong woman take up residence. Mrs. Clara Dickson, a widow, owned and remained at 738 S. Jefferson for nine years until her own passing. The home was then sold by her son.

 

• 1980s: John & Jane Kunneke (Owners)

 

• The house was sold to John & Jane Kunneke. They remained for about eight years, operating an interesting home business: the Jane Pierce & Associates, Advertising Agency, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of the residents.

 

A Legacy of Female Stewardship (1988–Present)

 

The home’s most stable period began in the late 1980s.

 

The Kunnekes sold the home to Kristin Lamonte in late 1988, who has owned it ever since—a remarkable tenure spanning over 35 years.

 

For the last ten years, the home has been rented by Tammi & Kris Murray. Tammi provides a fun, contemporary tie-in to the home's long history as she is a huge fan of Halloween and goes "all out" with decorating!

 

This beautiful home's story is indeed a testament to the strength and enterprise of the women who have cared for it, from the D.A.R. member and the advertising executive to its current long-term female owner and her festive tenant.