1011 E Monroe Street - Built 1925

Uncovering Lakeland's Hidden Histories: 1011 E. Monroe Street

 

The century-old history of 1011 E. Monroe Street is anchored by a compelling theme: "The Connecting Home." From its first owner who managed the nation's rail lines to a long-term resident who worked for the telephone company, this house served families whose jobs were integral to linking Lakeland to the wider world.

 

The Early Years: Railroads and Generational Shifts (1926–1947)

 

The home was constructed in the boom-and-bust years of the mid-1920s (late 1925 or early 1926). Its first owner established the central theme of connection.

 

• 1926–1940: Robert S. & Nora E. Pearce (Owners)

 

• Robert S. Pearce was an Engineer for the ACL Railroad, the lifeblood of Florida commerce.

 

• By 1940, the family's story became a complex example of multi-generational living. The records show Nora E. Pearce (widowed) had moved to 729 E. Parker, accompanied by a student, Robert S. Pearce (III). Meanwhile, Robert S. Pearce (II) and his wife Alvada occupied the 1011 E. Monroe address. Notably, Alvada Pearce was the Secretary for Florida State Theatres Inc., a powerful regional entertainment company.

 

• 1942–1947: A Post-Boom, Pre-War Pause

 

• The home was listed as vacant in 1942.

 

• By 1945, John D. & Cleo E. Thomas were residents, with John serving as the Manager of the Bowling Center of Lakeland on S. Florida Avenue—a center of local community connection.

 

• In 1947, R. Evans & Mildred C. Davis moved in, continuing the transportation theme as a Rate Agent for Railway Express.

 

Connecting the City: Telephones and Mail Routes (1954–Present)

 

The home was again vacant around 1950/1952, after which it settled into a remarkable period of long-term stewardship, once again rooted in communications.

 

• 1954–1962: Howard M. & Naomi D. Keen (Owners)

  • Howard Keen continued the connection theme, working as a District Plant Supervisor for the Telephone Company for nearly a decade.

 

• 1963–1964: Allen & Leda Flatt

 

• This family, with Allen Flatt working as a Carpenter, purchased the home but sold it in November 1964 after a relatively short stay.

 

The Marie Pritchard Era: A 47-Year Anchor

 

The longest and most stable period in the home’s history began with a woman whose life was intertwined with local communications infrastructure.

 

• 1965–2022: Marie Costakis / Marie T. Pritchard (Owner)

 

• Mrs. Marie Costakis first moved in as a Clerk for General Telephone.

 

• In 1975, she was listed with Fred E. Pritchard, a Carrier for the Postal Service, firmly establishing the house as a center for communication professionals.

 

• The couple formally changed the title in 1978 to Marie P. & Fred Eugene Pritchard.

 

• Marie remained in the home until her passing in 2021. Fred sold the home shortly thereafter in October 2022.

 

• 2022–Present: Sandra Jacobs

 

• The current resident is Sandra Jacobs, who purchased the home in 2022. The home now continues its journey with her, maintaining its long tradition of single-family residency and community connection.

 

From the steam engineer connecting cities by rail to the clerk connecting voices by phone, 1011 E. Monroe Street has always been a home at the center of Lakeland's vital communication network.