750 S Ingraham Avenue - Built 1924

Uncovering Lakeland's Roots: The Complete Story of 750 S. Ingraham Avenue

Every historic home has a tale to tell, and today we're peeling back the layers on 750 S. Ingraham Avenue, a beautiful Lakeland residence that became a beacon for a family seeking new beginnings. This charming home is currently cherished by Michael and Kathy Jimenez, whose family has maintained a remarkable legacy of stewardship here since 1959.

Part I: Cora Clark and the Furniture Empire

Our story begins far from Florida, in Manhattan, NY, where John Clark (a Scottish mine foreman) and Cora Snyder, both originally from Luzerne, Pennsylvania, married in 1898. They welcomed two daughters, Stella and Lucy Ruth (b. 1907). Sadly, John passed away suddenly in June 1918 from Bright's disease (kidney disease), leaving Cora a widow.

Just three years later, in 1922, Cora made the bold move to relocate to Lakeland with her daughters, likely drawn by the heavily advertised, booming Central Florida real estate market.

Early Lakeland Life: Initially, Cora and her daughters rented rooms in grand homes on South Florida Avenue, starting at 804 S. Florida Avenue (where SunTrust Bank now stands). It was here that Stella met Luther Humphreys, and they married in the spring of 1923. Luther and Stella stayed at 804, prompting Cora and Lucy Ruth to move to 608 S. Florida Avenue (current site of Centennial Bank).

Traders Furniture Company: Newlyweds Luther (25) and Stella (24) launched the exciting Traders Furniture Company! Their store was located at 701 N. Florida Avenue, the two-story brick building at the northeast corner of Myrtle and Florida, easily recognizable today by the tiled entrance reading "TRADERS." Luther and Cade Long ran the shop, with Stella expertly handling the bookkeeping.

Moving to Ingraham: In 1924, 750 S. Ingraham Avenue was constructed. Cora, at 60 and still a widow, moved into this lovely new home with her 14-year-old daughter, Lucy Ruth. Luther and Stella soon joined them, and the house quickly filled with the joy of a growing family.

The Next Generation: The family grew with the births of Mary Ruth Humphreys (1924-1989), John Humphreys (1927-1984), Margaret Humphreys (1930-2019), and Charlotte Humphreys (1932-2017). All three granddaughters went on to have children in the 1950s and 60s, further weaving the family into Lakeland's fabric.

The Next Chapter: Stella & Luther moved next door to 746 S. Ingraham around 1930, where they were neighbors for the next five years. Lucy Ruth (who was also employed at Traders) married Albert Hamilton Smith in January 1935. Albert, a slight man at 5'10" and 127 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes, also worked as a salesman at Traders.

A Legacy Left Behind: Five months after Lucy Ruth’s wedding, Cora passed away in 1936. Lucy & Albert Smith remained at 750 the following year (followed by their son Albert Smith Jr in 1938, before moving to Manatee County by 1940). Soon after Cora’s passing, Luther and Stella sold 750 S. Ingraham and moved into a larger home off Lake Hollingsworth at 415 Miramar Road. The Traders Furniture Company remained a successful business until nearly 1950.

Part II: Turnover and Transition (1936–1959)

After the Clark-Humphreys family left, the home entered a period of short-term residency, reflecting the difficult economic times. Several homes along Ingraham Avenue, including 750, stood vacant for at least a year or two.

1942 Directory: George & Eloise Clegg were the next occupants, living here for four years at most. George worked in the Claims Department for "State Empire Service," likely an insurance company out of New York.

1945 Directory: Louie & Frances Jordan resided here for a couple of years. Louie was first listed as a Clerk for the ACL Railroad. By 1947, he had decided to stay in town, moving to 748 E. Vistabula to become the Manager of the Mann Brothers (Fruit Packers).

1947–1958: David & Alice Fairfield brought a period of stability, remaining for a decade. David was a retired New York policeman and WWI veteran who retired to Lakeland. During his residency, he worked casually for Florida Southern College in several unique capacities: as a Painter (1950 & 1958), a Professor (1952), and even as a Maintenance Man (1955)—a true Lakeland retiree!

The Still Family: A 65-Year Legacy

The home's period of short-term residency ended in 1959, ushering in an era of multi-generational stewardship.

1959–1990: Thaxter C. & Hazel C. Still moved in. Thaxter and his brother, Tom, were the owners of the Still Brothers Amoco Station for over 30 years. The Stills, a sizeable family with roots in Kathleen, had previously lived in the north Biltmore Park area at 512 Clayton Avenue. Thaxter passed away in 2006, leaving the house to his children.

Since 2007, Kathy (née Still) & Michael Jimenez have been the owners and occupants. Their family's dedication to this home spans over 65 years and counting, securing their lead for the longest single-family occupancy and carrying on the legacy of long-term stewardship that defines the best of our historic neighborhood.