It’s no secret that Lakeland has a love of historic homes, but how often do you think about the pioneers of Lakeland who originally built + inhabited them?

Today, we’re looking at three noteworthy homes in the South Lake Morton Historic District and the influential Lakelanders for whom they are named.

The Columbus Deen House, 417 Frank Lloyd Wright Way

On the corner of what was formerly known as East McDonald Street and Success Avenue sits the home of Columbus W. Deen, a bank president and real estate developer in the early 1900s. Deen built this house in 1912 for $15,000 (that’s somewhere in the ballpark of $511,000 in 2026).

Following Deen’s death in 1927, the home served as a private hospital and sanitarium before being sold to Florida Southern College for use as a dormitory, and later as a fraternity house.

William Reid House | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

The William Reid House, 1055 Success Ave.

If you happen to pass this home, you’re passing a piece of history that once housed William Reid, a former city commissioner and two-term mayor. The home was built for Reid and his wife, Ellie, in 1924. Only four years before he served as mayor for the first time in 1928 and again in 1931.

A black-and-white photo of a historic craftsman-style house with a covered front porch, steps, and surrounding trees. — Lynn W. Bloom House | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

Lynn W. Bloom House, 719 South Blvd.

This bungalow bloomed from 1918 to 1920, when it became home to the president + publisher of the Lakeland Morning Star. That newspaper later became the Lakeland Star-Telegram and, over time, was folded into what's now the Lakeland Ledger.

Herman Watson House | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

The Herman Watson House, 926 Success Ave.

It’s no secret that Lakeland has a love of historic homes, but how often do you think about the pioneers of Lakeland who originally built + inhabited them? Here's how these three noteworthy homes in the South Lake Morton Historic District got their names.

A vintage black-and-white photo of a two-story historic home featuring prominent white columns and lush surrounding foliage. — The Angelo Raymondo House last sold in 2024 for $830,000. | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

Angelo Raymondo House, 733 S. Mississippi Ave.

This homeowner called upon accomplished architect E.C. Hosford to design his family's Classical Revival crib, pictured above. Hosford also designed the original Polk County Courthouse in 1908.

A black-and-white photo of a historic craftsman-style house with a covered front porch, steps, and surrounding trees. — Bloom only lived here for a couple of years before moving a few streets east. | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

Lynn W. Bloom House, 719 South Blvd.

This bungalow bloomed from 1918 to 1920, when it became home to the publisher of the Lakeland Morning Star. That newspaper later became the Lakeland Star-Telegram and, over time, was folded into the Lakeland Ledger.

We wonder if Watson walked to work, since Watson Clinic was originally located nearby in the Marble Arcade building downtown. | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

The Herman Watson House, 926 Success Ave.

Dr. Herman Watson and his wife, Lucille, built this two-story bungalow for their family in 1924. Aside from being a prominent surgeon in Lakeland, Watson is also remembered for founding Watson Clinic in 1941.

A vintage black-and-white photo of a two-story historic home featuring prominent white columns and lush surrounding foliage. — Angelo Raymondo House | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

Angelo Raymondo House, 733 S. Mississippi Ave.

This homeowner may have been the son of a noted builder (his father built the downtown Raymondo Building), but he called upon accomplished architect E.C. Hosford to design his family's Classical Revival crib. Hosford is known for designing the original Polk County Courthouse in 1908.

A black-and-white photo of a historic one-story bungalow home with a screened front porch, lawn, and palm trees. — G. Edmund Everett House | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

G. Edmund Everett House, 1111 Success Ave.

This bungalow was built for Edmund and Pearl Everett in 1925. Edmund was the principal of Lakeland High School, the oldest public high school in the city. Later, he became superintendent of Lakeland Public Schools.

Wondering if any history-making Lakelanders once roamed your halls? Access the Special Collections Library on the Lakeland Public Library’s website to search your own historic home by address. If you find an interesting historic tale, share it with us so we can celebrate your home’s unique history.