1018 E Lexington Street - Built 1924

Uncovering Lakeland's Hidden Histories: The Anchor of Academia – 1018 E Lexington Avenue

The homes on East Lexington Street are critical to the history of the College Park Addition, and today we turn our attention to 1018 E Lexington Avenue. This home, along with 1017 and 1040 (now 1046), was one of the first three addresses ever listed in the 1924 city directory, a testament to its pioneer status in the neighborhood.

Like its neighbor, 1017, the home was listed as 'vacant' in 1924, suggesting it was fresh construction. Over the past century, 1018 has hosted a compelling mix of pioneering merchants, high-level academics, and long-term residents whose lives mirrored Lakeland's growth.

The Early Link: Merchants and an Aspirational Move

The first occupants of 1018 in 1925 were Elbridge M. & Alma Lewis.

The Lexington Bridge: The Lewis family is a key connection in our series, as they only lived here briefly before moving to the other end of the street, to 1046 E Lexington, around 1930. It was from that address that Alma and Elbridge launched The Handicraft Shop downtown, where they became professional hand weavers.

The Aspirational Move: The early 1930s saw brief tenants, including Howard & Helen Barnum, both instructors at Florida Southern College (FSC). Their one-year residency saw them bounce to 5 Lake Hollingsworth Drive for their next home.

The Academic Core: Yale Ph.D. and Stability

The house found its first real anchor in 1936 with Kenneth & Lois Weihe, who stayed through at least 1947. Their story cements the home's deep connection to FSC:

Dr. Weihe's Distinction: Ken Weihe was an associate professor of English who held a Ph.D. from Yale University (and a Master's from the same institution). Though the city directory was modest, listing him only as an 'instructor' early on, his credentials confirm that this home housed a high-level academic who helped shape the college through the 1930s and 40s.

Mid-Century Transitions: Business, Deployment, and Retirement

The 1950s brought turbulence, reflecting national events and local business shifts.

The Davis Family (1950–1952): Arthur & Julia Davis owned the Davis Pharmacy in Tampa. During this time, their son, Arthur Jr., was serving in the US Navy during the Korean War, leaving his wife, Marilyn, to live with her in-laws. After the war, the family downsized and simplified. Arthur Sr. sold his business and took a less demanding clerk position at the Works Pharmacy, opting to avoid the commute and high stress of running his own store. The home was a hub of military and family life during this period.

The Connell Family (1959–1965): Stability returned with Reuben & Oveda Connell. Reuben was a shift supervisor at the American Cyanamid Company. After Reuben passed in 1962, Oveda remained as an empty-nester before selling and moving on in 1965.

The Long Anchor: A Quarter-Century of New Beginnings

In 1968, the home gained its longest tenant, Elizabeth Batke, beginning a 26-year anchor period that lasted until 1994.

Elizabeth and her husband, Charles, lived here together for 15 years until his passing. Elizabeth remained in the home, a fixture of the neighborhood, for another 11 years as a widow. She met and married James Whittington, an inspiring example of a senior adult finding a new chapter in life after raising two sons. Her long tenure—a quarter-century—provided essential stability to the block.

The home’s modern history maintains a charming theme: that of a facilitator for new life stages:

Linda Leonard bought the home as a single lady in 1994 and moved out seven years later as Mrs. Miskimen.

Brad Sundgren bought the home as a single man in 2002 and moved out 14 years later as half of Brad & Jennifer, husband and wife.

Today, Craig Register continues the long tradition of stability, serving as the current owner for the last decade. 1018 E Lexington Avenue stands as a testament to the cycles of academic aspiration, economic stability, and enduring human connection.