Hello Thursday.
April 18 2024
Nestled on two acres of land in Bartow is the Wonder House, a four-story stone + steel construction built by Conrad Schuck and his nine children in the 1920s.
Conrad, a contractor and quarry dealer living in Pittsburgh, packed up his family and moved to sunny Bartow in the 1920s after being told by doctors that he didn’t have much time left to live. Inspired to leave a legacy after his passing, Conrad set to building the home of his dreams, using his background in building and geology to his advantage.
Despite living another 40 years and working continuously on the Wonder House, Conrad and his family never actually moved into their labor of love. Instead, Conrad hosted tours of the house as it progressed through various stages of construction and completeness.
Here are some of our favorite fun facts regarding the mysterious + mystical house:
- Conrad never drew up blueprints for the house, it was completed entirely from scratch using only his mind’s eye. Blueprints were eventually completed 11 years later, in 1937.
- Originally, the property was 14 acres. Conrad used the property to grow produce and keep livestock, including goats. Over the years, the property was sold off in parcels and now remains at two acres.
- The Wonder House’s walls are 18 inches thick in some places.
- Conrad was known for collecting unique trinkets and oddities and displaying them proudly, including snakes in jars, taxidermy, and at one point even a coffin.
- Most of the construction was done by hand by Conrad’s children. According to an interview with one of his sons, Conrad insisted on the kids using chisels and hammers to dig out the basements, despite newer tools + technology being available.
In 2015, Drew Davis + Krislin Kreis purchased the home for $162,750 after it had spent a few years passing hands + sitting abandoned. Now, you can tour the home during the holiday season.
Click the blue button below for more fun facts, Bartow's "good Cruella Deville," the Wonder House's present owners, and the home's appearance on Florida Men on Florida Man and Netflix.
Which of these is NOT another name for the Wonder House?
We're wondering if you'll get this one right...
- The house that breathes
- The crazy house
- The house of a thousand gadgets
- The whimsy house
Today
- Let it Throw | Thurs., Dec. 2 | 5-9 p.m. | The Joinery | Free | Play in some fun outdoor games + enjoy deals on drinks.
Friday
- First Friday: Hometown Holiday | Fri., Dec. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Experience live music, vendors, family fun + play in Rudolph’s games, take pictures with Santa. 🦌
- Holiday Fly-In Festival and Car Show | Fri., Dec. 3 | 8 a.m.-7 p.m. | SUN 'n FUN Expo Campus | $12+ | Spend your weekend at the second annual Holiday Fly-In with plenty to do including a hot air balloon launch, airplane display, 5K, and car show. 🛫
Saturday
- Mistletoe Market | Sat., Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Downtown Bartow | Free | Shop for holiday gifts from local vendors, enjoy music, food, and a visit with Santa.
Sunday
- Polk County Out of the Darkness Walk | Sun., Dec. 5 | 1-4 p.m. | Lake Parker Park, 820 E. Robson St. | Free | Promote mental health awareness in the community at this two mile walk. 👟
Monday
- Trivia Night | Mon., Dec. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen | Free | Bring your friends to Trivia night + enjoy happy hour prices all day. 💭
Tuesday
- Fall Baking | Tues., Dec. 7 | 6 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School | $50 | Learn to make freshly baked fall treats including oatmeal baked apples, pumpkin cinnamon rolls, apple cheesecake, and hot chocolate cake rolls. 🍂
Wednesday
- Happy Hips Yoga | Wed., Dec. 8 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Yoga Pointe, 2539 S. Florida Ave. | Prices vary | Athletes can stretch out their hips in this yoga class that will help with flexibility and strength.
Thursday
- Book Talk | Thurs., Dec. 9 | 6-7 p.m. | Pressed LKLD | Free | Discuss the book “Tribe” by Sebastian Junger + get 15% off the book when you purchase your copy from Pressed.
- Lakeside Village Live | Thurs., Dec. 9 | 6-9 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | Catch the Z Street Trio performing hits from the 20’s through today, as well as holiday classics.
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
This lightweight, soft, and cozy sweater is perfect for any time of year, but especially winter | Photo by Quince
Yes, you read that right. Quince’s mission is to democratize luxury — because everyone deserves a bit of luxury at affordable prices.
Quince’s cashmere sweaters are made with 100% Grade A cashmere, have 1,500+ 5-star reviews, and come in 10 colors — all for just $50 (read: 50-70% less than what you would pay with other brands). Pro tip: Shop Quince’s full collection before the chill of winter sets in and receive free shipping + returns on all orders.*
Weather
- 76º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain
Development
- A vacant 1925 Lake Morton building is getting new life. The 719 E. Palmetto St. building was home to the Lakeland Rubber Stamp Co., a barbershop, and a dance studio. Now, new owners Scott Kontny and Ryan Smith have secured a yoga studio to be the building’s first new tenant. (The Ledger)
Number
Holiday
Lakelander
- Queen’s Lemonade Palace is operated by 13-year-old “Queen” Michaelah Williams, a student at Sleepy Hill Middle School in Lakeland. Michaelah started her lemonade business when she was only nine years old and now caters for special events and is regularly found selling at the Poor Porker. 🍋 (The Ledger)
Try This
- Snowfall is forecasted in Lakeland. Kind of. The 41st annual Snowfest is returning to Lake MIrror on Sat., Dec. 4 from 5-9 p.m. Have each family member bring a canned food donation to see artificial snowfall, a 30-ft Christmas tree, and Santa + Mrs. Claus in a snowglobe. ❄️
Cause
- Riley’s Reindeers, a Lakeland charity, is ready to distribute 2,000 toys to families in need this holiday. This Sun., Dec. 5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. families can go to Hunt Fountain Park (2020 Duff Rd.) and choose two toys per child. 🧸 (ABC Action News)
Shop
- Little Bus Books is heading to Winter Haven today from 6-9 p.m. at Union Taproom. Stop by to see the full collection of holiday titles, gift ideas, and works from local authors. 📚
List
- Looking for the best hotels to recommend to your out-of-townn guests this holiday season? Check out this list by Culture Trip, featuring local stays like The Terrace Hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, and Hyatt Place. Once their stay is booked, plan your family’s excursions using our complete guide. ✈️
Show
- Lake Wales’ Orange Blossom Revue, formerly a barbeque competition with live entertainment, will be all about the music when it happens this Friday and Saturday. Tickets start at $55 and concert goers can expect to hear music from Blackberry Smoke, The Wood Brothers, The Steeldrivers, and The Hummingbirds. Check here for the full set list. 🎵
Shop
- In case you missed it, 6AM Rewards has officially launched. Join now with the email you’re reading this with, then start discovering all the ways to earn + redeem points for discounts and free Lakeland merch at The 6AM Shop.
Correction
- Yesterday, we shared some incorrect info on purchasing a home via Southern Homes’ preferred lender. For a limited time, Southern Homes is offering zero closing costs if you use their preferred lender. Browse available homes (both complete homes and homes under construction) and call (888) 899-7434 for more details. 🏡
🎵 On the first day of Christmas, Juice Box gave to me, deals. The Juice Box had some technical difficulties on Small Business Saturday and are making up for it with 12 Days of Deals for all text club members. Members who subscribe to texts will get offers through Dec. 12 ranging from discounts to freebies.
Text KALE to 51660 and respond YES to make sure you won’t miss out.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Just use #LALtoday on social media.
Points Balance
zero? That can't be right
EARN FREE GEAR
Keep earning and learn other ways to earn points here. Then redeem them for exclusive Lakeland swag at The 6AM Shop.
Share now with your friends, family, and all Lakeland lovers! Just click the buttons below:
Here is the unique referral link for you: ⤵️
Copy, paste, share + save this in a safe spot... or check here each morning anytime you need it.
Editor’s pick: Yesterday, we asked what kind of parade-goer you are, and here’s what you had to say:
- 36.5% of you said “The Homebody — I stream it from my couch”
- 31.1% of you said “The Quickie — I pop in then I’m out”
- 24.3% of you said “The Camper — I have to save my spot”
- 8.1% of you said “The Surveyor — I watch from a distance”
Missed yesterday's newsletter? We gave you all the deets on this year's Lakeland Christmas Parade, which you can read, before you head to your folding chair's prime real estate, here.
LALtoday Team
Editorial: Katelyn, Rilee, Kaylee
Sales: Kailey
Advertise with us.
Send us a scoop, question or feedback.
Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?
|
