Lakeland in Polk County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Sorosis Club Building
Photographed By AGS Media, December 22, 2011
1. The Sorosis Club Building Marker
Inscription.
The Sorosis Club Building. . In 1922 the Sorosis Club or sorority, a women's club in Lakeland, was organized. Named after the first incorporated women's club in America, the Sorosis Club of New York, the Sorosis Club's mission included service to the community, as well as social and cultural activities. This property was purchased in 1925 as the site for its new clubhouse. Plans for the Italian Renaissance building by W.B. Talley (1871-1956), a Lakeland architect, were approved in 1926, and construction was completed by N. L. Snelson in 1927 at a cost of $42,000. This clubhouse was the first community center in the city. The Italian Renaissance style was most popular in the United States between 1890 and 1935. Typical elements of the style include the symmetrical design to the front of the building, a flat roof with a low wall around it, wrought-iron railings, recessed porches with arches, and small classical columns. Goldenrod, the club flower of The Sorosis Club, is stenciled below the roof. Two large stone lanterns on each side of the front walk represent knowledge and leadership. The detailing of this building is unique in Lakeland, and unusual in the Central Florida region.,
A Florida Heritage Site.
In 1922 the Sorosis Club or sorority, a women's club in Lakeland, was organized. Named after the first incorporated women's club in America, the Sorosis Club of New York, the Sorosis Club's mission included service to the community, as well as social and cultural activities. This property was purchased in 1925 as the site for its new clubhouse. Plans for the Italian Renaissance building by W.B. Talley (1871-1956), a Lakeland architect, were approved in 1926, and construction was completed by N. L. Snelson in 1927 at a cost of $42,000. This clubhouse was the first community center in the city. The Italian Renaissance style was most popular in the United States between 1890 and 1935. Typical elements of the style include the symmetrical design to the front of the building, a flat roof with a low wall around it, wrought-iron railings, recessed porches with arches, and small classical columns. Goldenrod, the club flower of The Sorosis Club, is stenciled below the roof. Two large stone lanterns on each side of the front walk represent knowledge and leadership. The detailing of this building is unique in Lakeland, and unusual in the Central Florida region.
A Florida Heritage Site
Erected 2001 by the City of Lakeland Historic Preservation Board and the Florida
Location. 28° 2.3′ N, 81° 57.002′ W. Marker is in Lakeland, Florida, in Polk County. Marker is on Lake Morton Drive south of Vistabula Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker sits along the east side of Lake Morton. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 90 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland FL 33801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. The marker is capped with the logo of the Florida Historical Marker Program.
Regarding The Sorosis Club Building. The Sorosis Club building is a Contributing
Photographed By AGS Media, December 22, 2011
2. The Sorosis Club Building and Marker
Structure within the East Lake Morton Residential District (a National Historic District).
Currently, the building is home to the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. The building is available for weddings, banquets, meetings, and other special events.
Also see . . . Sorosis Building Website. from the the Junior League of Greater Lakeland (Submitted on January 23, 2012, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida.)
Photographed By AGS Media, December 22, 2011
3. The Sorosis Club Building and Marker
Photographed By AGS Media, December 22, 2011
4. The Sorosis Club Building
Now home to the Junior League of Greater Lakeland
Photographed By AGS Media, December 22, 2011
5. The Sorosis Club Building
Viewed from across Lake Morton
Photographed By AGS Media, December 22, 2011
6. East Lake Morton Historic District Sign
The Sorosis Club building is part of a national historic district.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2012, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,139 times since then and 140 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 23, 2012, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.