1043 E Lexington Street - Built 1926

1043 E. Lexington Avenue: A Century of Resilience (1926–2026)

 

As we look toward 1043 E. Lexington’s 100th birthday, its story has evolved into one of the most complete family chronicles we’ve shared. From the "ghost towns" of Polk County to a 66-year single-family legacy, this home has been a witness to it all.

 

The Boom, The Bust, and the Recovery

 

Built in 1926, the home’s infancy was a sign of the times. Its first occupant was Clyde Hamilton, a clerk at the City Drug Store. By 1928, it was owned by realtor John Taylor and his wife Lettie. However, the real estate crash took its toll, and by 1931, the home sat vacant.

 

William Terrell Brooks and his wife Helen (1934–1940) guided the home through the Depression. Their tenure tells a story of economic survival: Terrell started as a refrigerator salesman, was forced into a role as a delivery driver for years and eventually worked a filling station. By 1941, as the economy finally turned, he regained his footing as a tank truck salesman for D.O. Sloan.

 

The Alderman Era: From Brewster to Lexington (1942–1959)

 

In 1941, Michael and Gordie Alderman arrived from Brewster, a ghost town about ten miles southwest of Mulberry. Michael was a pillar of the local citrus industry, serving as Supervisor for the Grower’s Administrative Committee. Since 1939, this group has regulated the industry via Federal Marketing Order #905—setting the standards for everything from fruit size to packaging.

 

The Alderman home was a bustling hub for their children, whose careers grew alongside the city:

 

• Wilford Alderman: Stayed behind in Brewster initially but moved to Lakeland in 1950 to work as an embalmer at Snook Funeral Home.

 

• Roland Alderman (USN): Served in the Navy and worked as a carpenter for Ewell Engineering alongside his wife Mary. He was eventually promoted to Dispatcher and moved just two doors down to 1033 E. Lexington.

 

• Ralph Alderman (USMC): Served in the Marine Corps and started as a "helper" at Food Machinery Corp. He worked his way up to Clerk and finally Order Writer, later moving out with his wife Betty.

 

• Michael Alderman (USN): Served in the Navy before taking a position as a warehouseman for Publix. He and his wife Faye eventually settled on S. Crystal Lake Drive, where he was promoted to Supervisor.

 

The Mystery of the Coopers (1959)

 

Before the next long-term family arrived, Roy and Edra Cooper owned the home briefly in 1959. Roy worked for the government (listed simply as "USA"). Given their abrupt departure from the directory, it’s likely they were reassigned shortly after moving in, leading them to sell the home that summer.

 

The 66-Year Discovery: The Risener-Ford Legacy

 

This is the heart of the home's history—a three-generation thread that began in 1959.

 

Risener Generation: The Riseners (1959–2001) John Daniel Risener, an engineer for the ACL Railroad, and his wife Elsie purchased the home from the Coopers. They were the neighborhood anchors for 41 years.

 

Ford Generation: The Ford Connection (2001–2009) In 1967, their daughter Jacqueline announced her engagement to Dennis Ford, a veteran of the 6th Special Forces. Following John’s passing, Jacqueline took ownership of her childhood home in 2001, ensuring the property stayed in the family.

 

Mock Generation: The Present Day (2009–2026) In 2009, Jacqueline passed the torch to her daughter, Mel Ford. Today, Mel and Shelly Mock are the third generation of the Risener/Ford family to call 1043 home.

 

2026: A Century Marker & Rebirth

 

After a devastating fire in early 2025, the community has watched as Mel and Shelly spent a year on a total structural refit. As they prepare to move back in, the home stands as a 100-year-old testament to family resilience. We are honored to present them with a Century Marker to officially welcome them back to the neighborhood!