Type: Photopage 8

Wedding reception of Pearl Lee Campbell and James Edwards III at Embry AME Church parish hall.

Council Portrait There is another copy of this image in the archive from a different collection

James Edwards III and Pearl Lee Campbell Edwards at Embry AME Church

In honor of Lakeland's centennial year. The event was organized by Lakeland Civic Association

Coach Estee B. Wells and co-captains Robert Moore and Elijah Norris led the Lakeland High School football squad to a second undefeated season and the state football championship in 1946. Pictured on the field at Lakeland High School are the coach and members of the football team.

Block 44, Lots 2 & 3 8121 54th Ave Gilbert Thomas

Dessie Randall Thomas

Project Parcel 19-8

Center image is that of Leon and Sarah Robinson of Pierce Avenue

Around 1935, these boys were photographed in their Sunday best, which included knickerbockers. “They’re wearing knockers,” commented Leonard Smith, who grew up in the era, upon seeing this photograph. “You were dressed up then.” In the rear is Henry “Buck” Johnson, and in the front row, far right, is Charles Dory. Dory as a teen was a star basketball player for Lakeland High School and went on to work as a cook for the railroad. He was also a deacon of the First Baptist Church of College Park. (Courtesy of the Randall family.)

Leonard Smith moved from Beltsville as a young man to Lakeland. He attended Maryland State College. Smith entered the U.S. Army in 1950. He is shown at a master gunner's course in Fort Bliss, Texas. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant during his time in the army. Upon returning Smith became a leader for the American Legion Post in Lakeland, and in 1972 became the first African American American Legion Commander for Prince George's County, where 16 of the 19 posts were predominantly white. As county commander, he led a membership of 7,000.

Exhibition wall

In 1970, Prince George’s County officials reported that only a few of Lakeland’s streets were paved, lighting was inadequate, and home values lagged behind those of neighboring white communities. The report failed to mention contributing influences, such as the disparity in economic prospects and the lack of financing opportunities for residential and commercial properties. African Americans were primarily dependent on unregulated private lenders; bank mortgages were rarely granted. Here are two homes on Lakeland Road circa 1968.

The 2007 Smith family reunion was held in Lakeland Community Park, as it is every other year. In alternate years, the family reunion is held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Several members of the family continue to live in Lakeland, and many others still consider Lakeland their home. Family members traveled from as far as Texas to attend the 2007 reunion. (Courtesy of Julia Pitts.)

Presentation on Lakeland History during Black History Month at University of Maryland for Resident Services staff

Navahoe Street

Hattie "Dora" Campbell Chappell

First Baptist Church of College Park crowned Gwen Williams Miss First Baptist during a fund-raising pageant held at the church in the summer of 1970. Williams won by raising more money for the church than the other competitors. The Young People's Volunteer Choir provided music for the evening. (Courtesy of Thelma Lomax)

J. Chesley Mack is seated second from the left in this 1957 photograph of the College Park Town Council. He served as a member of that legislative body from 1945 until 1957. Mack was one of the first in Lakeland to complete a course of higher education. He was an influential local leader, a successful businessman, and a chef employed by the University of Maryland.

Fourth-generation Lakelander Lisa Hollomand started learning to skate at the Wells Rink in College Park. Her teacher recognized her talent and her parents invested in years of private lessons. Between high school and college, from 1985 to 1987, Hollomand performed for two tours with Disney on Ice. This photograph was taken during a performance in 1985. After her tours, she taught skating at a number of area skating rinks. (Courtesy of Mary Day Hollomand.)

The oldest Church in Lakeland was organized in 1891. Congregants purchased a building, renovated it, and it became the First Baptist Church of Lakeland. Services were held in the homes of various community members during and before the construction of the church.

At the intersection of Lakeland Road and Rhode Island Avenue

Classes held at Lakeland Elementary School by Prince Georges County Recreation Department

The youngest of nine children, Clarence A. Gray Sr. was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in September 1945, at the same time his brother Ridgley was stationed overseas. Returning to his base after a visit home to Lakeland for the Labor Day weekend, Private Gray wrote to his brother: “The war is over, and if you are like me, you are glad knowing everybody will be going home shortly. I have more training to go….I don’t know where then. I hope home.” Clarence and Christine Gray reared thirteen children in Lakeland.

Dessie Randall, James Edwards, Jr., and George Arnold are pictured here with other members of the 1933 graduating class of Bowie Normal School. Randall was one of the first Lakelanders to seek a post-secondary education. She was a member of the first graduating class of Lakeland High School in 1931. Edwards later moved to Lakeland and raised his family in the community. Arnold taught at Lakeland High School and died in a car accident after attending a picnic at Carr’s Beach with friends from Lakeland.

In 1942, Edward Lee Tyner was home on leave from the U.S. Navy. Here he celebrates with his wife, Evelyn Giles Tyner, next to him on his right, and friends. They are, from left to right, Eunice Johnson, the Tyners, Vera Johnson Matthews, Mary Weems, Mary Walls Weems, and unidentified.

Out on the town friends front far right is Mary Braxton

Dervey Lomax Fountain on Pierce Avenue in the plaza between Paint Branch Elementary School and College Park Community Center

Once the City of College Park adopted the Urban Renewal plan in 1970, two thirds of the community's households--mostly in the eastern and western sections of Lakeland--had to vacate their houses. After families had moved out, several of Lakeland’s homes were burned as training exercises for the local fire department. Here is a photo of one such incident.

Embry AME Church After church renovation James Clemons, Ethel Lockerman, unknown, ? Gray, Leon Robinson, Spenser Briscoe, Agnes Gross, unknown, Barbara Seldon,

Rev. Jessie Williams with guests

Members of the Lakeland community have always been active in civic affairs. For many years, the City of College Park has held annual events honoring those who serve on its various citizen committees and boards. The City of College Park honored Lakelanders in 1969 at a dinner event, where certificates were presented by Mayor William Gullett (far right) to (from left to right) Hattie Lewis, Mary Weems Braxton, and George Brooks, Jr.