Tour of one of Polk's iconic buildings, or party in downtown Lakeland | Things to do
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The building is one of Polk County’s iconic landmarks, but a lot of folks haven’t gotten the chance to really explore it.
From 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 20, the Polk County History Center’s doors will open to lead guests on a tour of the historic building, which from 1908 to 1987 served as the county courthouse.
Guests for the free tour at the center, 100 E. Main St., will join History Center Curator of Collections Bartholomew Delcamp for the tour. He will be dressed to portray courthouse architect E.C. Hosford as he would’ve appeared in 1908. Along the tour, guests will be able to see the neoclassical architectural elements that Hosford incorporated into the design that defines this iconic building.
For April, the focus is also on the continuous preservation work being completed on the building.
Myrtice Young, Polk County historic preservation manager, said the tour highlights what she considers one of the most important examples of architecture in the county when it was built in 1908 and had additions to it in 1926.
“I think it’s interesting for people to have the opportunity to tour the building and engage in architectural accoutrements throughout the building,” she said.
Some of those include original tiling and pinewood floor.
'Bringing the hope:' Grammy-nominated Christian artist Jeremy Camp comes to Lakeland April 21
“It gives people the opportunity to have a curated tour to talk about the architecture and the first architectural plans for the building,” she said, adding “interesting stories” about the building go along with the tour. “It’s just a great, interesting tour.”
For information, see www. www.polk-county.net/events/polk-county-history-center-architectural-tour-2/ or call 863-534-4386.
Friday Night Live
Downtown Lakeland ‘s Munn Park turns into entertainment central when Friday Night Live returns with food, music and fun. Starting at 6 p.m. Friday, April 19, folks are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and grab a dinner and an alcoholic drink from a downtown business. The event has a state liquor license, so attendees can leave a bar or restaurant with a to-go drink to enjoy in Munn Park while listening to the band Proper Wednesday. For information, see www.downtownlkld.com/news/friday-night-live-april-19 or call 863-683-2783.
Mike Monts de Oca
Longtime Winter Haven singer-guitarist will play Winter Haven’s Union Taproom starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 20. There’s no cover charge. For information, see www.uniontaproomwh.com/events or call 863-268-4921.
Night at the Swing Club
From 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 19, the Polk Theatre will swing the night away with a “Night at the Swing Club.” In the theater, 121 S. Florida Ave., the Brigham Young University-Idaho Sound Alliance and Vocal Union Sound Alliance, an 18-piece big band with a rhythm section, trumpets, trombones and saxophones, will keep the dancing going. Their repertoire spans the history of the jazz tradition from early dance bands to modern jazz orchestras. Tickets are $15 and $20. For information, see www.polktheatre.org/events or call 863-682-7553.
Also at the Polk Theatre:
Movie: "Crimson Tide," 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 18, $5. Rated R.
Movie: "Finding Nemo," 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 20, $5. Rated G.
Christian singer Jeremy Camp: Camp performs 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, April 21, after his March 29 show was postponed. $35, $45, $55.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Tour Polk's old courthouse, or party in Lakeland | Things to do
