Lynn Haven in Bay County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Jerry & Stella Van Kleeck Home

1911

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 17, 2025

1. Jerry & Stella Van Kleeck Home Marker

Inscription.
Jerry and Stella Van Kleeck came to Lynn Haven from New York in 1911 with their three grown children, Roy, Irene and Anita. They built this home on Wisconsin Avenue south of 14th Street (lot #8 / block #249) in 1911. In 1920 the house was moved to this location. In 1912 Jerry Van Kleeck and son Roy owned and operated a “draying” (freight hauling) business and also sold building supplies to the new town. Most goods came to Lynn Haven on the steamship “Tarpon” and were unloaded and delivered from the old Lynn Haven City Docks. By 1917 the business was known as “Van Kleeck Hardware Company” owned by son Roy. The original cottage has been added onto but many interior elements of the original house still remain. It was owned by members of the Van Kleeck family until 1945 when it passed into other hands.

Erected by Lynn Haven Heritage Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.

Location. 30° 15.019′ N, 85° 39.114′ W. Marker is in Lynn Haven, Florida,

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in Bay County. It is at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and West 5th Street, on the right when traveling north on Georgia Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 503 Georgia Avenue, Lynn Haven FL 32444, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nina Roberts Van Kleeck House (a few steps from this marker); John M. & Edna Cooley Home (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); John & Retta Ackerson Home (about 500 feet away); James M. & Mary Ellis House (about 600 feet away); The Witbeck Cottage (approx. 0.2 miles away); Harry H. Lynn Home

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 17, 2025

2. Jerry & Stella Van Kleeck Home & Marker

Looking east from Georgia Avenue. West 5th Street is in the left background.

(approx. 0.2 miles away); The Bates Home (approx. ¼ mile away); Union Soldier Monument (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lynn Haven.

Also see . . . Lynn Haven, Florida (Wikipedia).

Excerpt: Lynn Haven was founded in 1911 by Union veterans from the American Civil War. The town was named after W. H. Lynn, a primary stockholder of the St. Andrews Bay Development Company, the corporation that owned and developed the land on which Lynn Haven grew.

(Submitted on April 21, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.