Subject: Community Life

Photos from the Senior Citizen's picnic in July 1991.

On parade along Lakeland Rd

Members of the “greatest generation” enjoy a day at Carr’s Beach in Annapolis, Maryland, during the 1940s. Carr’s Beach was a summertime retreat for African Americans from its opening in 1929 until the late 1960s. As part of the famous “Chitlin Circuit,” it attracted some of the era’s greatest African-American musical talent. The Chesapeake beaches were not racially integrated until the 1950s. (Courtesy of Pearl Lee Campbell Edwards and James Edwards III.)

At the end of the urban renewal process, Lakeland had its first park. Developed along the south side of Lakeland Road, it includes a pavilion, basketball and tennis courts, and a playground. There are trail links to Lake Artemesia, the Paint Branch Trail, and Anacostia trails. On opening day, July 30, 1983, participants came from all parts of the community to celebrate, including members of St. Andrew Kim Catholic Church, which had purchased the historic building that once housed Lakeland High School. Members of the church’s performance group posed with other event participants. In the rear are, from left to right, State Delegate James Rosapepe, Mayor Alvin Kushner, College Park City Councilmembers Joseph Page and Anna Owens, and event organizers Thelma Lomax and Michael Middleton.

Mayor Alvin Kushner, Jim Herl, Arthur Dorman, unknown, Jim Roseapepe

At Lakeland's Tavern left to right George "Duke" Smith, George Brooks, Jr, Jenette Brooks, James Weems, Mary Weems

With cake during celebration of wedding anniversary

Photographed in 1965, Luke Gray had a favorite sitting spot by Pierce Avenue. Often his friends George Falls and Willie Laney would join him.

View of Sunday School Picnic

May 16, 1958 program held at First Baptist Church of College Park. Artists were community members and friends

Meeting in Parish Hall of Embry AME Church

Sunday School picnics were a summer highlight for Lakelanders. Everyone would pack a lunch and meet on the third Saturday in July at an amusement park or beach for a day of fun in the sun. The community’s two churches regularly came together for the outing. In 1962, the Embry A. M. E. Sunday School outing took place at Carr’s Beach in Annapolis, Maryland. From left to right are John Webster; Mary Weems Braxton; and Wilmer, Delphine, and Maxine Gross. (Courtesy of the Gross family.)

Violetta Sharps, Miss Lakeland 1963, greets the crowd during that year’s Elks Day Parade. Among the groups marching that day was Lakeland’s own majorettes. This parade was one of many that took place over the years in the Lakeland community. The Elks’ parades promoted healthy competition between lodges throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Captured in the photo below, marching down Lakeland Road, is one of several marching bands invited to participate. (Courtesy Pearl Lee Campbell and James Edwards III.) .

In the 1940s and 1950s much of the organized entertainment in Lakeland was provided by social clubs. The Counts’ escorts are, left to right (first row), Evelyn Giles Tyner, Mary Weems Braxton, Mary Walls Weems, Bernice Lancaster Walls, Julia Mack Carroll, Mary Douglas Tolson, and Dorothy Mack Allen; (second row) Pearl Brooks Briscoe, Gertrude Walls Corprew, Florence Wethers, Mary Brooks Brewer, and Elizabeth Mack.

In addition to good, home-cooked food and the opportunity to visit with friends and family members, on this day in 1963 there was the added attraction of pony rides. On the left is Avis Matthews on a pony led by her uncle, Lester Gray; her sister Carol is riding a pony led by Ronald Brooks.

In the summer of 1944, neighbors enjoyed a day relaxing in the rural countryside of Lakeland. In this photograph, longtime neighbors proudly show off their newest neighbor, infant James "Little Jimmy" Edwards III. Sitting in the cornfield, from left to right, are Lola Giles, Viola Brooks, Cecelia Brooks, Gertrude Brooks, and Morris Crump. (Courtesy of Mary Hamlett Harding.)

Sick visit, Agnes Gross, unknown, Pauline Gray, Dessie Randall Thomas

Banquet Honoring Hattie Sandidge

Home parties were an important part of the Lakeland social scene. In this circa 1964 photograph, Lakelander Ernest Brown, left, a former member of the Ink Spots, the popular vocal group of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, and saxophonist Samuel Hollomand treat guests to a jam session. The party took place in the recreation room of the James Weems family.

Lakeland Day

Youth performers

Images from event in honor or Hattie Sandidge. Image top left Vera Claiborne presents a song, right top honoree and family members greeted by State Delegate Pauline Menes, bottom row left Elwood Gross at lectern bottom right unknown

Members of the 1975 Banquet Planning Committee honoring civic leader Hattie Sandidge included many steadfast members of the Lakeland Civic Association and longtime Lakeland residents. Pictured at the banquet are City Council member Charles Carroll and his wife, Julia Mack Carroll.

From testimonial dinner in honor of Hattie Sandidge

During testimonial dinner

Ella Falls and Maggie Brooks, two of Lakeland's early residents, were neighbors residing on the east side of Lakeland for more than fifty years. Here they are shown enjoying the lakeside view while taking a stroll with their parasols.

Front Harry Braxton, Billy Matthews, Rear Clarence Gray, Jessy, al, Bernard brooks, George Henry

Images from testimonial dinner for Hattie Sandidge hosted by Lakeland Civic Association at Paint Branch Elementary School Image top left shows Mrs. Sandidge, center flanked by her husband on the left and Dervey Lomax to the right the image below features the Sandidge family

In the 1940s and 1950s much of the organized entertainment in Lakeland was provided by social clubs. These clubs met monthly at the homes of the members. Dinners were part of the gathering and provided the host an opportunity to showcase both their cooking ability and their tableware. The Duchesses and the Counts social clubs sponsored an annual formal dance at Lakeland Hall and sometimes posed for professional photographs. The Duchesses social club was photographed here during their 1947 evening social event. They are, from left to right, Mary Walls Weems, Cecilia Brooks Stewart, Gertrude Walls Corprew, Evelyn Giles Tyner, Florence Wethers, Martha Edwards, Pearl Brooks Briscoe, and Eliza Gray.

In the 1940s and 1950s much of the organized entertainment in Lakeland was provided by social clubs. These clubs met monthly at the homes of the members. Dinners were part of the gathering and provided the host an opportunity to showcase both their cooking ability and their tableware. The Duchesses and the Counts social clubs sponsored an annual formal dance at Lakeland Hall and sometimes posed for professional photographs. The Counts appear here in formal tails and white gloves. The gentlemen are, left to right (left row) Gasson Bradford Sr., James Weems, Anderson Walls, George Walls, Charles Carroll, and Harry Braxton Sr.; (right row) Mack Allen, John Webster, William Sharps, Aubrey Corprew, Chesley Mack, and Ashby Tolson.

This flyer advertises the 1925 Union picnic. For many years the First Baptist Church and Embry African Methodist Episcopal Church sponsored a joint annual Sunday School picnic. It was held at Suburban Gardens in the Deanwood neighborhood of the District of Columbia. Unlike others, the seven-acre amusement park welcomed African-American visitors to enjoy the roller coaster, Ferris wheel, swimming pools, and picnic grounds. Suburban Gardens opened in 1921 and was in operation until 1940.

The Baltimore Afro American January 7 1928 p 19 Lakeland, Maryland Pastor Rev. J.W. Wing held New Year’s Eve services On Friday at 8:00 PM the Embry AME Church Sunday School held Christmas exercises. Effie Stewart from Baltimore is visiting her parents and other family members during the holidays. Mary Walls held a parlor social on Monday to benefit the Odd Fellow’s Club. Julia Mack is home with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.W.C. Mack for the holidays. She is a student at State Normal School. Bessie Mack has been at home sick for a few months she is getting ready to return to school at the State Normal School. The Sunshine Girls’ Club of DC had an event at Groce’s (Gross’) Hall on December 26th. It was well attended. During the holidays Mary Tinsley and Marie Walls from Chester, Pa visited parents and other relatives in Lakeland. Last Monday Verna Waters from Elkridge. Md visited Georgiana Hughes. Several have new Arcola heating plants in their homes. They include J.W. Mack, James Stevenson, John Spriggs and Harriet Wright.

The Baltimore Afro American April 14, 1928 Lakeland, Maryland A Thanksgiving service was held at First Baptist Church for Harmony Temple No. 349 of Bladensburg on Sunday evening at 3:30. The pastor of First Baptist, Rev. Abbot preached. At Embry AME Church Sunday School was held at 9:30 and Rev. Wing preached at 8:00 in the evening. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Johnson, Charles has been at home for two weeks due to a lacerated tooth. On Tuesday evening Eunice Johnson was given a surprise party. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Moody, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Brooks, Mr. and Mrs. James A. Gray, Emma Conway, Susie Briscoe, Eliza Gray, Gertrude Walls, Pauline Gray, Louis Gray, Elmo Poole, Henry Henson and Charles Stewart attended the event. Miss Johnson was given many gifts. Mr. and Mrs. Victor Randall hosted her mother, Emma Rollins and younger siblings over the Easter holiday. The Gays had visitors on Easter Sunday. They were two sons with their families, M. Willis, Miss Brooks, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Turner from Washington and their children and Elizabeth Tilghman from New York. Julia Mack is at home for the holiday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.W.C. Mack. Miss Mack is a student at Bowie Normal School. On Thursday many parents and children attended the annual field meet in Marlbora(o). On Sunday James H. Gray, Louis Gray, Arthur Brooks, Joseph Thomas, George Robinson, and Raymond Jones went to Blue Plains on a visit to the Old Folk’s Home. On Sunday Rex Isaac, from Laurel, MD visited Mrs. Arthur Brooks.

The Baltimore Afro American October 13 1928 p. 16 Lakeland, Maryland There will be a Rainbow Wedding at the Odd Fellows’ Hall in Lakeland on the evening of Friday, November 2. The event will be sponsored by the Magaline Household of Ruth No. 6379 On Sunday evening Mr. and Mrs. James H. Gray hosted Rev. and Mrs. E.N. Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. William Gross and Mr. and Mrs. Guss have new Arcola Heating Plants. Mr. and Mrs. John Brooks are visiting their daughter and son-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hamlett. Several Lakeland residents went to Brentwood, Md on Friday evening to attend a political mass meeting. The Lakeland Community Band played during the event. On Saturday evening Dorothy Mack, Chesley Mack and Clarence Gray traveled to the State Normal School in Bowie, Maryland to witness a football game. They were hosted by Bessie and Julia Mack as well as Robert Gray, students at the institution.

The Baltimore Afro American September 24, 1927 p 16 Lakeland, Maryland On Monday schools opened. Attendance was good. On Tuesday several residents traveled to Laurel for the six-part joint school meeting. Attendees from Lakeland were Ellen Johnson, Ellen Briscoe, Mamie Weems, Chesley Mack, Cornelia Jiles, George Randall, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. James Gray. Mr. and Mrs. George Randall hosted the sister and brother-in-law of Mrs. Randall, Mr. and Mrs. McLeod from New York City. The list of sick in the community includes Hattie Burke, Eliza Bowie, Fannie Brown, Thomas Johnson, and James Singleton. Yesterday Bessie and Julia Mack returned to Bowie Normal School. Pauline Gray is back home after a two month stay in Atlantic City, NJ. On Sunday Mr. and Mrs. John Spriggs made a visit to Thomas Greene who is ill in Crownsville, Md For the last week Georgianna Stewart has been ill. She is getting better. Last Sunday Benjamin Thomas was hurt when he was hit in the head with a baseball bat by his brother. He is unwell. On Friday night the Union Band of Lakeland will have a regular meeting at Embry AME Church.

The Baltimore Afro American December 3, 1927 p 14 Lakeland, Maryland Rev. Wing went to Dent’s AME Church in Bladensburg for services. On Sunday Bertha Gray and Irene Clark hosted Mr. and Mrs. Mills and their daughter from Highridge Maryland. Julia Mack was at home with her parents during the holidays. On Saturday Charles Stokes of Baltimore visited Bessie Mack. On Sunday Mr. and Mrs. James H. Gray hosted Rev J.W. Wing and Mr. and a Mrs. Frank Turner from Washington DC. On Saturday Sarah and Rosetta Brooks left for New York. They have no set plan to return. Hannah Thomas is home from the hospital Those sick include Agnes Forest, Alberta Ross, Janie Tabbs, Ruth Taylor and Nannie Tate.

The Baltimore Afro American June 3 1921 pg 11 Lakeland On June 1 there was a rally at First Baptist Church. Present for the event were Rev. Manokey of Campbell AME Church, Anacostia DC, Rev A.A. Murray of Bladensburg, Md, Rev. Dames of Embry AME along with their congregations. The event was held by George Branson and Rev. M. W. Lucus is pastor. Despite thunder showers $12 was raised and the church was at capacity. A.C. Tolson has been sick in bed for two weeks. He is now getting better and is out and about. Mildred Russell is still ill but she is improving. Julia Douglas hosted Julia Mills, Lily Cregg, Matilda Chesley, Rev and Mrs. Manokey of Anacostia DC as well as Rev and Mrs. Dames, Mr. and Mrs. J.W.C. Mack and family for dinner on Sunday. Lakeland School No. 3 District 1 held graduation exercises at Fairmont Heights MD on May 26,27 and 29. Graduates from Lakeland were Ames W. Brown, James. E. Lomax, Cara O. Briggs, Anna R. Gross, Arlina Madeline Hicks and Louise C. Lewis. Attendees were Mrs. S.J. Lewis, Benjamin Hicks, Julia Mack, Bessie Mack, and young Lewis. Mrs. S.J. Lewis has returned home after attending her father’s funeral in North Carolina. Principles of the Community Club of Lakeland are 1.To better traveling conditions 2. To have lights installed 3. To bring about Christian unity in the Lakeland community.

The Baltimore Afro American January 21 1928 p 14 Lakeland, Maryland The pastor, Rev. J.W. Wing held services at Embry AME Church. Officers were elected for the Bible class held on Sunday evenings. The teacher will be Rev. Wing, James H. Gray will act as president, Robert R. Gray will be secretary, Cornelius Giles will act as treasurer. On Sunday night Mary Falls joined Embry AME Church. Cornelius Giles was sick for a week but is out and about again. Young Randolph Brooks is at home sick with pneumonia. On Sunday evening Susie Briscoe hosted Mr. and Mrs. William Chase, Katie Dock and William Lee of Bladensburg. On Sunday evening Miss Minor hosted Rachel and Mary Jackson and Robert Oston of Washington DC M. Everhart of Washington DC will be taking a room in the home of Miss Minor during the winter.

The Baltimore Afro American August 4 1928 Page 19 Lakeland, Maryland At Embry AME Church Sunday School was held at 10 am followed by morning services by pastor, Rev J.W. Wing at 11 am. Rev, Jones from Brentwood AME Zion Church gave the sermon at 3 PM. Many members of that congregation were also present. At the evening service three children of Mr. and Mrs. George Brooks were christened. Rev. Mrs. J.A. Maxey, evangelist from Washington DC gave sermon at First Baptist. On Monday August 6th the Baptist ministers’ Conference of Washington DC will meet at Lakeland First Baptist Church from 12 to 5 PM. Lunch will be served. Rev. A.P. Abbott is pastor. There was a moving picture show at Embry AME Church on Friday evening. Mary Spriggs was chairman for the event. Maggie Mack sponsored a rally which raised $30 for a pulpit set. Rev. Wright preached a sermon. Washington Harpist Princess Richardson will perform a concert at First Baptist Church on Monday evening August 6. Mr. and Mrs. George Gross are hosting ing their daughter Margaret Gray and grandson Charles from New York. An entertainment for the orphan children of Washington DC was held at Mack’s Park. The event was sponsored by Morning Star Lodge No. 40 and Forest Temple, No. 9, I.B.P.O.E. of W of Washington DC Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thomas hosted his sister, Mary Boldin and her daughters Anna, Agnes, Mary and Alice for a week’s visit. On Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thomas hosted Mr. and Mrs. Maron Mack, Louise Mack, Marion White, Miss Brown, Carrie Cole of New York and Eddie Smith. Maggie Mack hosted a number of people at her home. They were Rev. D.G. Mack, pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, The wife of Rev. Mack and his daughter from Baltimore, and an evangelist and friend, Rev Wright from Washington DC. Julia Briscoe hosted Clinton Collins a professor at the State Normal School in Bowie, Noah Taylor, Brent Thomas, Charles Cornish, Elsie Young from Tee Bee, Md. Hilda Kemp, Alice Douglass, and Dean Williams of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Johnson hosted Elizabeth Stubbs and her daughter May from Washington DC Julia Mack and Helen Briscoe visited Baltimore for two weeks

The Baltimore Afro American April 21 1928 p 14 Lakeland, Maryland On Sunday at 10 am Sunday School took place at Embry AME Church. Rev. Jasper of Brentwood preached at 3 pm. He was accompanied by some of the members of that church. Rev Wing, Embry’s pastor preached his farewell sermon at 8 pm. Friday night there was a contest sponsored by the Federation of Women of Brentwood, Bladensburg, Hyattsville and Lakeland. The event was a benefit for the new high school. First Baptist Church had communion service at 3 pm Mr. and Mrs. George Gross Sr are celebrating the birth of a new grandson in New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dory, Harriet Hughes, Beatrice Thomas, Hattie Thomas, Ferdinand Hughes and young Josephine and James Waters visited Baltimore on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. James Gray ad Mrs. Irene Clark hosted Mr. and Mrs. Louis Sellman of Contee Maryland on Sunday. Mrs. Contee is the sister of Mrs. Gray. On Wednesday evening Mrs. Ralph Conway gave a birthday party for her husband. Present were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Moody, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Randall, Mr. and Mrs. Alex James, Mr. and Mrs, James A. Gray, Mrs. Millie Jones, Noamlitha Hodge, Mrs. Henry Conway, Eunice Johnson, Gertrude Waller, Sarah Rollins, Joseph Thomas, Eugene Brown, Arthur Brooks, Earl Johnson and Louis Gray. The monthly meeting of the Parent-Teachers Institute took place at Brentwood AME Zion Church. Attendees from Lakeland were the president George Randall, Mamie Weems, secretary, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Mack with their daughters Bessie and Dorothy, Julia Briscoe, Ellen Briscoe, Mr. and Mrs. James Gray with their son Robert, Mary E. Johnson, Mary Brooks and Ambrose Green.