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Haines City Historical Museum, 1001 Ingraham Avenue, Haines City, FL (2026)

06/18/2026

So sorry for the problem on this wonderful post about Lane-Holt Funeral Home. I was trying to make a correction and it got deleted. I will have to repost later. (I had an emergency and had to go to the emergency room.) Nell Judy Johnson🥰

06/17/2026

MORE ADS ON OLDER HAINES CITY BUSINESSES!
We are proud to present more earlier advertisements from Haines City businesses taken from phone telephone books and other publications. We hope they will bring back pleasant memories of owners and doing business in Haines City! More ads to be posted later. Enjoy!

06/16/2026

DID YOU EVER SHOP AT LOVETT’S GROCERY STORE?
Lovett’s Grocery store was located at 111 North Sixth Street as part of the Siegel Building.
The Siegel building was built at the corner of Jones (now Main Street) Avenue in 1937 and contained three stores, 106 - 111 Ninth Sixth Street.
The Siegel building was designed by Pierce and MacEwen and constructed by Layton and Mullinax, Winter Haven contractors.
Lovett’s grocery store was located adjacent to the A & P Grocery store (Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company). Some customers would shop both stores looking for weekly specials.
Advertising for Lovett’s specials was published in the Haines City Herald and painted on the windows or written in a large chalkboard in front of the store.
The store carried a full line of groceries and had a large meat market. Customers even enjoyed shopping with the convenience of new shopping carts developed in 1937. And, of course, SPAM which was invented the same year, was a big hit for the house wives.
Lovett’s finally moved to a new location on Ingraham Avenue and became Table Supply which later became Winn-Dixie.
The Haines City Pharmacy moved into the old Lovett’s site and operated there for many years. The Siegel building had many owners and was finally sold to Kathy Prince and Sharon Gardner. (More about the Siegel building tenants to be posted later). The city acquired several of the historic buildings and constructed its city complex and public library.
We would like to thank Lovett’s Grocery Store for being a part of Haines City’s history.

06/15/2026

DID YOU EVER WONDER ABOUT THE MAJESTIC HOME ON PENINSULAR DRIVE NEAR PENINSULAR COURT?
Well, the home was built by Haines City’s famous builder, S. J. Robinson in 1921 for Frank Alfred Randall and his wife, Myla Yale Randall. It was a showplace and everyone would drive by just to see the beautiful home.
The home had 3,398 square feet with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It was built in the Neoclassical style and the large porches provided comfort during warm weather.
The home was situated at 400 Peninsular Drive in front of the Randall’s large citrus grove. They had a large barn in back that housed 23 miles used to haul the Randall’s citrus crops and for all their grove caretaking. The sandy soil prevented the use of tractors at that time.
Frank was born in Oakloosa, Iowa on April 4, 1864. He was the sister of Hazel Elliott’s mother. Frank married Myla Yale who was the sister of Jed Yale and who had many family members in Haines City. Myla was born on December 1, 1872. They had two girls, Irene Louella and Leila. Leila married Pope Cameron and Irene married Colin Gunn.
Frank had bought 40 acres, sight unseen, before coming to Haines City. The family first lived with the Sample family at the “Crescent” home overlooking Lake Eva. They built a small home on Fifth Street, then a larger home on the corner of Hinson Avenue and Fifth street. The Randalls’ prospered and they finally built their dream home on Peninsular Drive.
In addition to buying land and planting citrus groves, Frank invested in local businesses and the construction of new buildings. Since he was originally a concrete maker in Nebraska, he made blocks and foundations for many properties in the area as well as installing sidewalks on Sixth Street. He was the principle in the Randall and Philpot Real Estate Company and also helped organize the Haines City Citrus Growers Association.
Both Frank and Myla were prominent citizens in Haines City’s formative years. They were active in all community events and very active in their church, the First Christian Church of Haines City. They were faithful members and staunch supporters and helped with the relocation of the new church to 705 South 14th Street in 1959.
Sadly, Frank passed away in March, 1960 and Myla passed on December 31, 1963.
We would like to pay tribute to Frank and Myla, and the entire Randall family, for all the contributions made to Haines City over many years. The Randall legacy remains to this day. Thank you for being a part of Haines City’s history.

06/12/2026

A TRIBUTE TO HAINES CITY’S BELOVED JIMMY LOVETTE!
James Thomas “Jimmy” Lovette was born in Bartow on January 20, 1938. His father was Thomas Fletcher Lovette and his mother, Alma Mills Lovette. They lived on Scenic Highway at the curve for many years. Alma was known for her friendly greetings in the school lunchroom and as a greeter at Wal-Mart.
Jimmy married his high school sweetheart, Cerease Lavern Taylor in 1958 after they graduated from Haines City High School in 1957. Cerease was the only child of Russell Watson Taylor, better known as “Tom” and Lillie Orastine Taylor. The family lived on 13th Street.
Jimmy and Cerease purchased their home at 315 North 13th Street from Howard and Dorothy Widner on February 5, 1959. Cerease still lives there-68 years! The home was enlarged when they had two boys, Russell and Steve. A large workshop was added for Jimmy’s tinkering with his vast collection of antique tools and other collectibles that he displayed at antique shows.
Jimmy worked at Lane-Holt Funeral Home for 54 years before retiring. We remember that Jimmy knew everyone in northeast Polk county and that he gave such personal care to the families of the deceased. The funeral home was lucky to have someone that gave such caring service for so many years.
For fun, Jimmy and Cerease enjoyed boat trips, especially the Boat-a-cades on the Kissimmee River before it was straightened. They also enjoyed going to gospel sings. Jimmy had been the choir director at Eastside Baptist Church and also sung solos when requested. They attended Eastside Baptist until it closed and then became members at Christian Heritage Baptist Church in Winter Haven.
Jimmy was also a member of the National Guards and an avid member of Flywheelers Antique Engine Club. He attended all the Flywheeler events displaying his large collection of antique tools and his antique tractor.
Cerease loved working in her garden and being a homemaker. She had been an active member of the Haines City Junior Woman’s Club for many years. Among their community projects, they baked cookies and cakes to be mailed to servicemen overseas. She even dressed as a Christmas tree at a district meeting!
Jimmy and Cerease were charter members of the Northeast Polk County Historical Society, Inc. which does business as the Haines City Historical Museum. He was instrumental in getting the few remaining members of the VFW to gift their building to us for a museum. He worked tirelessly in the renovations of the building in order to open the museum in 2012. He was a past president and served as a faithful member until his passing.
At our Museum Christmas party in 2019, it was our honor for us to proclaim December 19, 2019 as the JAMES T. LOVETTE DAY to celebrate all the hard work he had done for our museum. His knowledge of local people, places, and businesses in Haines City was legendary. If we could not find the answer, we would call Jimmy, and of course, he could recall the information along with a story to go with it!
Sadly, Jimmy passed away on January 23, 2020 after a long illness. We would like to pay tribute to both Jimmy and Cerease for their love of our community and for being a part of Haines City’s history.

06/11/2026

DID YOU ATTEND ALTA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT 801 SCENIC HIGHWAY?
Alta Vista Elementary School was built in 1962 at 801 Scenic Highway. The founding principal was J. D. Jenkins.
The school served students from Haines City, Lake Hamilton, and Dundee for grades K-6. The school expanded several times over the years adding classrooms and supporting buildings.
The Bradford Lee Vandiver outdoor classroom pavilion was added in 1979. It was completed to honor Brad who had been killed while walking home from the school. Brad was the son of Earnest and Frances Vandiver.
With additional traffic on Scenic Highway, another entrance to the school was made on Walsdorf Way in order for students to load and unload at the school.
The school added many portables and finally outgrew the facility. The last school year at the location was 2024- 2025. Plans were made for a new school to be built on site and the students were transferred a mile and a half south to the new school at 2885 Scenic Highway in Scenic Terrace which was completed in 2023.
We understand that the move will be permanent at the Scenic Terrace location and that the current site will eventually host a new school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. We wish the students the very best at their new location.
Sadly, the old Alta Vista Elementary School building has been demolished this month and is being readied for new construction. Many locals have driven by during the demolition with a tear in our eyes. It is always sad to lose a historic building in our town.
The old Alta Vista Elementary School building holds many great memories. We hope that you will share your story and photos of the students, teachers, principals, lunchroom staff and fun times at the school.

06/09/2026

WHICH PAINT STORE IN HAINES CITY WAS IN BUSINESS THE LONGEST?
Why, it was Whisler’s Paints located at 706 Ingraham Avenue!
Thomas Leroy Whisler was born in Big Cabin, Oklahoma on February 4, 1932. He married Chloe Vanhooser who was born in Dodge, Oklahoma on December 31, 1931. They had two sons, Geoff and Mark.
They sold their dairy in Oklahoma and the entire family moved to Haines City in 1957 to be near Tom’s sister, Rose. She was called “Boots” and had married Martin Carlton, who was the son of Ellis and Della Carlton, prominent business owners.
Tom first had a radio and TV shop in the Polk Hotel. He later became the manager of the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store at 706 Ingraham Avenue. Cecil Baker had built the store and leased it to Sherwin-Williams.
Tom and Chloe purchased the building from Cecil Baker on December 8, 1975. He expanded the Sherwin-Williams paint sales to include wall coverings, carpet, and custom window treatments. They were very helpful in finding the right products for your needs. Tom later changed the line of paints to Benjamin Moore Paints and also carried other brands.
Tom and Chloe purchased their home at 911 Hill Drive from John and Louise Dewell on February 28, 1967. Tom still lives there.
In addition to operating the paint store, Tom was active in the community. He was a member and past president of the Haines City Rotary Club, and the Scoutmaster of Troop # 153 for many years. He also found time to be a volunteer fireman. Geoff tells stories about riding on the fire truck heading to emergencies with his dad. Tom is also a lifetime member and supporter of our Haines City Historical Museum.
Chloe worked at the State Bank of Haines City and later worked at US Agri Chemicals in Davenport. She was a longtime “Pink Lady” volunteer at the hospital. Sadly, Chloe passed away on June 22, 2009.
The boys enjoyed growing up in Haines City and doing all the guy things. Geoff joined the Air Force after graduation and became a pilot. He flew for Fed Ex for many years and is now retired and lives in Minnesota with his wife Ann.
Mark married Debbie Willoughby and lived in Haines City before moving to Winter Haven. He worked at the paint store and he and Debbie purchased it on January 24, 2007 when Tom retired. Mark continued the tradition of providing good service to all their customers. He expanded the 1, 875 sq ft building by adding a 1,500 sq ft metal building.
Mark was very active in the Haines City Merchants Association and worked hard in getting people to shop Haines City. He raised bees and would sell honey at the store and to his friends. He was an avid cyclist and you might see him on the area roads whizzing by on his racing bike.
Sadly, Mark passed away on October 13, 2022 after a long illness. Debbie leased the store to Haines City Paints for a short while and finally to the The Way Center for its second Way 2 Shoppe store. They had a ribbon cutting on September 8, 2025 and sell furniture and more. The store has been well received by our community.
In April, 2024, a colorful Haines City - Heart of Florida Mural was painted on the west wall of the building for everyone to enjoy. We were pleased that it included the Whisler name.
We would like to thank Tom and Mark for operating Whisler’s Paints in Haines City for so many years and the entire family for being a part of Haines City’s history.

06/08/2026

A TRIBUTE TO CLAUDE E. HOLMES, SR.!
Claude Edward Holmes, Sr. was born on November 11, 1923 in Warrington, Florida.
He was married to well known educator Wilhelmena Wilson Holmes for 44 years. They had a son, Claude E. Holmes, Jr., and son Glennis and daughter Claudette.
Claude, Sr. was a prominent civil rights leader, businessman, and the first African American mayor of Haines City. He was elected mayor for the city and served in 1973, with subsequent terms in 1975 and 1977 and 1982.
He received his Mortuary of Science degree from the Atlanta College of Mortuary. He founded the Claude E Holmes and Son Funeral Home in 1957 which became Holmes Funeral Home and currently operates as Holmes Funeral Directors. It is located at 601 Claude E Holmes, Sr. Avenue, which was named after him. It is owned by Claude E. Holmes, Jr. and his wife, Deliria and their son, Claude E. Holmes, III. They proudly provide funeral care to citizens throughout northeast Polk county.
While serving on the city commission and as mayor, Claude, Sr. spearheaded many development projects in the city including the Holmes Villas Complex, Parkview Village Complex, Northeast Day Care Center, Valencia Hills Housing projects and the Haines City Community Development Center.
He was also instrumental in major street paving, Downtown Redevelopment, Mayor’s Youth Council, and securing various Federal Grants for city projects.
Claude, Sr. was chosen Man of the Year in 1983. He was a member of the Black Mayor’s Conference, Haines City Civic League, Florida Mortician Association, the Elks, the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Polk Opportunity Council. He was also a proud veteran of the US Air Force during World War II.
Claude, Sr.’s impressive accomplishments during his terms as mayor and on the commission earned him a lasting legacy in municipal government in Polk County.
Sadly, Claude, Sr. passed away on November 28, 1989 and is buried at Oakland Cemetery. His wife passed on April 5, 2004.
We would like to pay tribute to Claude, Sr. and his entire family for their many contributions made to Haines City over the years.

06/05/2026

A TRIBUTE TO SILAS & EDYTHE FUNG!
Silas Henry Fung was born on March 26, 1903 in Portland, Oregon. His siblings were Lai, Eunice, Annie, Paul and Tim. His brother Tim was a commercial artist and brother Paul, an accomplished cartoonist.
Silas became a freelance commercial artist who had studied at Meyer Beth College of Art in Chicago. He was also a member of the Philharmonic Society of China while in Chicago.
He attended and was impressed by the Chicago World’s Fair 1933-1934 “Century of Progress”. After the World’s Fair closed, Silas recognized the significance of the event and was able to salvage important relics and mementos and display them in his large “Worldsfairama” he constructed.
While in Chicago, Silas met and married Edythe Julius Shum on June 23, 1930. Edythe was born on January 14, 1907 in Canton, China. She emigrated to America in 1921. They had two children, Daniel and Irena.
Edythe became a successful life insurance agent for Sun Life of Canada selling policies throughout Canada and the United States to Chinese emigrants. She was featured in the documentary, Random Acts of Legacy in 2016.
The Fungs relocated to Florida and found the perfect location in Haines City at 905 Prado Grande. It was the previous Golf Grounds Estates Country Club located on Lake Brown. They purchased the property on May 31, 1952 from Charles and Jessie Kuhn. The building was constructed in the Mediterranean Revival style at a cost of $80,000 and was designed by Franklin Adams, a Tampa architect. The building was 4,300 sq ft with an open-air pavilion for dancing. The clubhouse made a beautiful home with a perfect place to display Silas’ large World’s Fair exhibit.
The Fungs later built a duplex on the property to accommodate his many guests that visited and toured the Worldsfairama. The exhibit was even a subject in Ripley’s “Believe it or Not” on September 6, 1937!
The Fungs became prominent community leaders. They hosted elaborate dinner parties of Chinese cuisine for Chamber and special events in the community. They often occurred along with viewings of his Worldsfairama.
Silas was also a noted musician who hosted organ performances at his home. He was a member of the Haines City Symphonette and played the piano at Haines City Rotary Club meetings and Kiwanis Club Club meetings. He could play any tune requested without music!
In 2016, home movies that Silas had recorded between 1930 - 1852 were discovered and made into the documentary “Random Acts of Legacy”, a film by Ali Kazimi. The movies were noted for their unvarnished representation of family life, at home, church and play, offering a surprising counter-narrative to stereotypes of Chinese Americans in the day.
The Fungs sold the home to Robert and Edythe Norman on August 31, 1973. The duplex was sold to Janice Bowen on April 24, 2002 by their daughter.
Sadly, Silas passed away on February 4, 1997 and Edythe passed on January 4, 2000. They are buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Haines City. The World’s Fair exhibit was donated to the Museum of Industry in Chicago.
We would to thank Silas Fung and the entire family for all the contributions made to Haines City.

Haines City Historical Museum

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