714 Jefferson Avenue - Built 1925

From Norway to Lakeland: The Enduring Legacy of 714 Jefferson Avenue!

Every home in our historic district holds a unique story, and today we're delighted to share the remarkable journey of the family behind 714 Jefferson Avenue, currently home to Jason and Jordan Weiland and their family.

Our tale begins across the Atlantic, with John Johnson, born in Norway in 1887. In 1906, John embarked on his American dream, immigrating to the United States. After working manual jobs, likely in New York City, he found steady work at the naval yards in Norfolk, Virginia. It was there, in 1918, that he met and married Stella M. Pidgeon. Stella hailed from Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Irish immigrants, and it was there they tied the knot on September 24, 1918. We're even sharing an attached photo that appears to be from their wedding or reception, or perhaps another family event shortly after they were married, given Stella's appearance and the absence of their daughter. Their American dream truly bloomed with the birth of their first daughter, Stella Sabina, in late 1919.

A New Horizon in Lakeland

John, fluent in both Norwegian and English, was clearly a man of ambition and skill. By 1920, his hard work had paid off, rising to become the foreman of a piledriver team. Interestingly, during this time in Norfolk, Stella's brother, Thomas Pidgeon, also lived with them and worked as a piledriver contractor—possibly under John's very leadership!

In 1923, the Johnson family made a significant move, relocating to Lakeland, Florida. While their exact connection to the city remains a bit of a mystery – perhaps ties to Stella's large family, or news of Central Florida's rapid growth – they landed here and quickly made their mark.

They initially set up home at 216 W. Walnut Avenue (those charming two-story multi-unit addresses just west of Florida Avenue South that still stand today). John quickly found work as a concrete worker, an industry he dedicated himself to for the next 27 years. He steadily progressed, becoming an independent contractor and eventually a general contractor, even securing road construction contracts!

A Family's Footprint on Jefferson Avenue

The Johnson family expanded during their time in Lakeland, welcoming two more daughters: Joanne Annette (born in 1926) and Margaret (born in 1928). Both Joanne and Margaret would go on to attend Lakeland High School in the mid-1940s. It's fascinating to imagine family life in their cherished home at 714 Jefferson Avenue, where they raised their girls and watched John's business flourish for over a quarter-century. According to the 1930 census, their home was valued at $5,000, and the 1940 census notes John's annual income as $2,600 from the previous year.

We have another wonderful family photo (attached with the post!) showing Stella Sabina when she was between 4-8 years old. In this picture, her uncle Thomas Pidgeon is also present with his car. We're still trying to confirm if the house in the background matches any part of 714 Jefferson Avenue, which might help us pinpoint if the photo was taken just before their move to Florida in 1923, or during a later visit by Thomas to Lakeland.

John passed away in early 1950 at 63, laid to rest in Lakeland's Oak Hill Burial Park. Stella, however, returned to New Jersey shortly after his passing, living with her daughter Margaret. While Margaret eventually married Robert Shaw in New Jersey, the other daughters also found their paths: Joanne married Navy Lieutenant Edward Farry in 1944 and settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado, raising their family there. Stella, the eldest, pursued a notable career as a classic stage and concert singer before marrying Leo Marchetti in 1960 and also making her home in New Jersey. By 1951, after nearly three decades, the Johnson family's direct presence in Lakeland had concluded.

But their legacy certainly lives on! Today, Jason and Jordan Weiland are raising their own family and making new memories in this lovely home at 714 Jefferson Avenue, continuing its rich history within our vibrant community.

So, I guess the only question our readers might wonder is were Thomas and John already working together at the shipyard when Thomas introduced John to his sister, or did something play out in the reverse? We may never know.