Seasonal stories & historical reading
History of Lake Wales, Florida, USA
Journey back in time to Lake Wales, Florida, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Lake Wales, Florida, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Lake Wales
Lake Wales, Polk, FL
The site was surveyed in 1879 by Sidney Wailes, and the lake (originally called Watts) was renamed for him. The town was founded in 1911, and its name had been changed to Wales by the time a post office was established there in 1915. It developed as a centre for lumber milling and citrus growing, and later its setting amid myriad lakes made it a popular tourist spot.
The site was surveyed in 1879 by Sidney Wailes, and the lake (originally called Watts) was renamed for him. The town was founded in 1911, and its name had been changed to Wales by the time a post office was established there in 1915. It developed as a centre for lumber milling and citrus growing, and later its setting amid myriad lakes made it a popular tourist spot.
Sourcebritannica.com
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MAP
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VINTAGE LAKE WALES
Lake Wales Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Lake Wales, Florida, USA
Postcard
Hotel Dixie Wales-Bilt, Lake Wales, Fla.
Lake Wales, Florida, USA
Postcard
Tourist Village. 21 Modern Cottages. Lake Wales, Florida.
We are stopping at the Tourist Village while visiting the Singing Tower.
We are stopping at the Tourist Village while visiting the Singing Tower.
Lake Wales, Florida, USA
Postcard
The Singing Tower. Mountain Lake Sanctuary.
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to LAKE WALES
FLORIDA Survival Skills: Alligator Spotter and Hurricane Hero Ceramic Mug
Embrace your Floridian flair with our ceramic mug that tells the world, "I'm from Florida! That explains a lot about my skill in spotting alligators lurking in every body of water and ability to survive hurricanes with a margarita in hand." This mug is perfect for those who navigate life with a touch of humor and a whole lot of resilience.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Lake Wales: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Lake Wales through the years.
The land around the present city was surveyed in 1879 by Sidney Irving Wailes, who changed the name of a lake, then known as Watts Lake, to Lake Wailes.
The city of Lake Wales was established near the lake in 1911–12, planned by the Lake Wales Land Company.
2022 - Polk County, Florida bans books
Some of the books include:
"Two Boys Kissing" by David Levithan
"The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer
"Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher
"The Vincent Boys" by Abbi Glines
"It’s Perfectly Normal" by Robie Harris and illustrated by Michael Emberley
"Real Live Boyfriends" by E. Lockhart
"George" by Alex Gino
"I am Jazz" by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
"Drama" by Raina Telgemeier
"Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult
"More Happy Than Not" by Adam Silvera
"Beloved" by Toni Morrison
"The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison
"Tricks" by Ellen Hopkins
"Almost Perfect" by Brian Katcher
"Two Boys Kissing" by David Levithan
"The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer
"Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher
"The Vincent Boys" by Abbi Glines
"It’s Perfectly Normal" by Robie Harris and illustrated by Michael Emberley
"Real Live Boyfriends" by E. Lockhart
"George" by Alex Gino
"I am Jazz" by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
"Drama" by Raina Telgemeier
"Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult
"More Happy Than Not" by Adam Silvera
"Beloved" by Toni Morrison
"The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison
"Tricks" by Ellen Hopkins
"Almost Perfect" by Brian Katcher
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Lake Wales:
Bok Tower Gardens:
Start your journey at Bok Tower Gardens, a stunning botanical garden with a singing tower. Take a peaceful stroll through the lush gardens, enjoy the carillon concerts, and marvel at the breathtaking views from the tower.
Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center:
Delve into the local history at the Lake Wales Depot Museum. This cultural center showcases the city's past, including its role in the Florida land boom of the 1920s.
Spook Hill:
Experience the optical illusion at Spook Hill where your car seems to roll uphill against gravity. It's a quirky roadside attraction that always sparks curiosity.
Lake Kissimmee State Park:
For nature lovers, Lake Kissimmee State Park is a haven. Explore the hiking trails, go bird watching, or take a boat out on the lake. It's an excellent spot for picnics and enjoying Florida's natural beauty.
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park:
Another gem for outdoor enthusiasts, this park...
Read more
Start your journey at Bok Tower Gardens, a stunning botanical garden with a singing tower. Take a peaceful stroll through the lush gardens, enjoy the carillon concerts, and marvel at the breathtaking views from the tower.
Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center:
Delve into the local history at the Lake Wales Depot Museum. This cultural center showcases the city's past, including its role in the Florida land boom of the 1920s.
Spook Hill:
Experience the optical illusion at Spook Hill where your car seems to roll uphill against gravity. It's a quirky roadside attraction that always sparks curiosity.
Lake Kissimmee State Park:
For nature lovers, Lake Kissimmee State Park is a haven. Explore the hiking trails, go bird watching, or take a boat out on the lake. It's an excellent spot for picnics and enjoying Florida's natural beauty.
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park:
Another gem for outdoor enthusiasts, this park...
GENEALOGY IN LAKE WALES
Discover YOUR Roots: Lake Wales Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Lake Wales, Florida, USA
We currently have information about 8 ancestors who were born or died in Lake Wales.
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Updated: 10/12/2023 1:55:15 PM
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