(This page is continually being updated. If you have historical documents or information please forward it to Christine Pace.)

This is the place we have chosen,

Seeing a haven of rest.

Here where the sun is the brightest,

Here whet the days are the best.

Most of our years are behind us,

lok not to the past with regret.

We have broken the ties that have bound us;

we have time for adventuring yet.

For this is a high bold decision,

To leave all the roots where we grew.

And come to this land full of wonder,

And start here a lifetime anew.

Though we bring with us only the memoires

Of the days that we lived in the past,

The visions will rise u before us

And we can grasp a bright dream that will last.

So at evenings we will watch every sunset,

And when we are tired, we’ll rest.

Til the shadows of night fold around us

In the haven we’ve found …….this is best.

                            -Michael J. MIller

Fedhaven’s poet, circa 1960-70

Original photo of Fedhaven, 1965.

This is the article from the FB page about Nalcrest and Fedhaven, the previous name of Lakeshore.  Very interesting information that you may enjoy! Click here to continue reading.

 Lakeshore, formerly known as Fedhaven, is an unincorporated community in Polk County, Florida, United States. Lakeshore is located in eastern Polk County, 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Nalcrest and 11 miles (18 km) east-southeast of Lake Wales. The community was established in the 1960s as a retirement community for former federal employees, and was thus named Fedhaven; when the land was later sold to private ownership, its name was changed to Lakeshore. Lakeshore has a post office with ZIP code 33854; Fedhaven and Lake Wales are both considered alternate addresses for the community. In 2004, three hurricanes severely damaged Lakeshore.

The Fedhaven facility was impressive when it was completed in 1965 by the United Federation of Postal Clerks an was located on 129 acres, 10 miles east of Lake Wales, Florida.  The development had 500 garden type apartments containing 1,931 rooms.  There was a 500 seat auditorium building, recreational facilities (hobby room, tables for cards, chess and bingo), shuffleboard, swimming pool, and cabanas. Picnic grove with private lake frontage, marina, library, a dispensary, beauty shop, coin operated laundromat, chapel and its own post office.  The campus was laid out in a way that made all these amenities in easy walking distance. It must have been easy to agree with the advertisement when it said, “The more you see of Fedhaven-unusual-cool and peaceful-the more confident you are that you made the right choice”.

Fedhaven Garden Apartment, 1965.

Fedhaven was started in 1964 as a retirement community sponsored by the United Federation of Postal Clerks and managed by Stevmier, Inc.,  developers.  Unlike its sister community of Nalcrest that was just to the west of it, Fehaven was not financially underwritten by the union.
Optimism ran high that Fehaven would be the premier retirement community in the Lake Wales area and no  less than 100 resident were expected within the first few month of its official opening on January 1, 1965.

Roy Hallbeck, President, took the Federation of Postal Clerks and several of his officers visiting the project to celebrate the opening with a cookout.  James Reilly was hired as Resident Manager and had a very high optimism that Fedhaven was going to be a great benefit to the Lake Wales area.  Joe and Betty Pentz were the first residents of Fedhaven.  When they arrived, the road around the town’s perimeter was not yet completed and the lagoon that was to separate the apartments and courtyards from the island was yet to be excavated.  They settled on apartment 52 and signed the lease on December 13, 1964. The apartment was not yet finished so they moved for a few nights to Nalcrest.  The apartment fronted on the lagoon and had an unobstructed view of the island and its reception facilities.  They became instant celebrities and were examples of the pioneering spirit of those early settlers that Mike Miller described in the poem quoted above.

In November of 1965, Jim Reilly finally had a sufficient number of residents to appoint the officers of the first Fedhaven Residents Association. There were only 72 residents at this time.  Earl Hoffman was President, Estehr Yarnall Secretary, Joe Pentz Treasureer.  Charles Smith, Helen Meehan and Bill Mitchell,. It was their charge to work with Jim Reily to establish the constitution and by-laws. On April 1, 1966 the first election was held and Les Wagner was elected President, Earl Hoffman, Vice President, Esther Yarnall Secretary and Joe Pentz was Treasurer.  While the structure now wised to govern the  community, life and activities remain informal undoubtedly due to the small number of residents.  It was not until 1967 that formal clubs and committees began to be formed and representatives to the Executive Committee were appointed to oversee many of the activities at Fedhaven.

On June 2, 1967 it was announced that the Federal Housing Administration had acquired Fedhaven”s deed in lieu of foreclosure.  Max Young was appointed Management Broker for the FHA and Ed Cutting was immediately made resident manager replacing Jim Reilly.  By October of 1970 Fedhaven was fully leased, two years and four months after the FHA had taken over.  Ruth Miller stared the Coffee Klatch in October, and The Haven Restaurant as well as a volunteer fire department were started.  In May of 1971Fedhven was put out to bid and sold to Real Estate Management and Service Co (REMSCO) for $4,350,000.  The following month the new owner announced a change of name to Highland Village and told the residents that the apartments would be converted to condominiums.  They would be priced between $10,500 and $14,500. This became very controversial and there were many meetings and protests by the residents.  After several months of fighting, it was announced by the FHA that they would not allow REMSCO to convert the apartments into condos. However they did allow a rate increase from $81 to $100 monthly for the efficiency units, and $86 to $105 for one bedroom units and $105 to $121 for the two bedroom apartments.  The battle was won bu at a great cost to the community.  Many of the most active and effective residents and leaders had left to live elsewhere.  However, the remaining recidents who loved the community  sponsored a two-year anniversary celebration on November 15, 1975.

Odds and Ends….

Helen Meehan was “The Alligator Lady” and hand fed them daily! She was a true animal lover and was known to feed birds, squirrels, bunnies and any other creatures that happened by. 1969

Early karaoke singer? Or Edwin J. Hughes, First National Bank of Lake Wales speaking at Fedhaven party.   1967

The Splash Party was a big hit in the late 60’s with Fedhaven’s very own swim team. A fashion show, musical entertainment and refreshments rounded out a great event in 1968 at Fedhaven.

The Can-Can Girls: Jane Hessin, Lee Karapuz, Doris Muller and Becky Curran

The Entertainers, 1990’s

During the 1990’s era, Lea and Bill Foley were residents of Fedhaven, and started a group called “The Entertainers”.  One of their early productions, Long Ago and Far Away, was actually the Second Annual Play for The Entertainers and was given rave reviews by all who enjoyed the production.  The first half took place a the Far Away Cafe in the French Motiff. The can-can girls were Jane Hessin, Lee Karapuz, Doris Muller and Becky Curran.

After the classic can-can, the Tango dancers, Bea Maloney and Marvin Reck did a traditional tango with a humorous flair.  Becky Curran and Lee Karapuz did a lip-sync to “Sisters”.  The Far Away Bartender was Bill

Bill Foley as the Far Away Cafe Bartender

Foley and sang “Mimi” to a very pert and French waitress, Lea Foley.

Fran Kelly presented a delightfully risqué version in lip-sync  to “Never Giver Anything Away” captivating the audience

Fran Kelly

Walter Muller and John Scales were the Frenchmen who evidently frequented the Far Away Cafe joining in the frivolity.  The Saloon Girls were very entertaining as they danced their way to the foot-stomping music of “Long Ago Saloon”.  

                                                                                      The colorfully dressed

The Dancing Saloon Girls kicked up their heels in fine fashion!

dancers were Dollyb Aggas, Adeline Rutz, Lillain Duseau and Helen Cesly, Hope Scales and Fran Kelly.The singers were accompanied on the piano by the very talented Grace Robertson.

Al Rutz, Fran Kelly, and Joe Hauf in the Roaring 20’s.

The Entertainers presented their third annual show, The Roaring 20’s in 1993 and dedicated the show to the memory of Jerry McCormick. An entire era -complete with music- came roaring back to the auditorium at Fedhaven.  The production recaptured the sights, sounds and sites of an American era of “Charleston” dancers, bootleg drinks, flasks and flappers.   The opening act took place in New York City’s

John Scales and Shirley Fick

famed Grand Central Station, including sounds of roaring rains and a “Honeymoon Express” built by the members of the group.  Along the sights were a fruit vendor with cart, a bevy of knee flashing flappers, a speakeasy, and tunes with a lively tempo that had the entire audience begging for more!  The show was

Lea Foley and Helen Pine are ready to do the Charleston!

produced by Doris Muller, with June Sevela and Helen Pine as directors.  The choreography was by Becky Curran, Gerry Collins and Lee Karapuz.  Mary Russo was the pianist.  Costumes were by May Stalker, Doris muller and Lea Foley.

The Entertainers had some wild and wacky times at Fedhaven.  From major productions every year, to crazy, fun moments between good friends.  Below are some of the craziness that was enjoyed by all!

Foley Blue Ribbon 1989

Easter Events 1989

As part of the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Fedhaven, the first Hole in ONe Tournament 1990 was a huge success.

In 1994 Corn on the Cob was presented by The Entertainers.  It was their fourth production and again was a big hit with the Fedhaven crowd.

More craziness from The Entertainers of the ’90’s:

In 2004, Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne were responsible for the worst natural disaster in Polk County history, with more than $1.2 billion in property damage from the three storms. Charley, Frances and Jeanne were responsible for the worst natural
disaster in Polk County history, causing nine deaths, more than $1.2 billion in property damage and destroying about 2,300 homes and businesses. (IF ANYONE HAS PHOTOS OF THE HURRICANE DAMAGE IN 2004 PLEASE FORWARD THEM TO CHRISTINE PACE)

Here are some pictures of what Lakeshore (Fedhaven) looked like in 2004-11. Thanks to Betty Epplin for sending these pictures.

In 2009 new roofs were sorely needed at Lakeshore.  Construction started and dragged on and on and on……as the truck was moving into position to work on the town center, an accident occurred and caused the truck to get stuck for a few days.

During 2010 a new idea occurred to a few gals at Lakeshore: Rose Pribis, Norma Potter and Chris Purdy start the “Second Hand Rose” thrift shop.  After ten years it’s still going strong and is a great addition to the town center.  The store contributes a lot of funds to the community on a yearly basis!

In 2018, Lakeshore had it’s first triathlon.  This wasn’t just any triathlon, it was the Lazy Triathlon. You may be wondering what a Lazy Tri is all about!  As in any triathlon, participants ran, biked, and swam thier way to a healthier state.  Instead of doing it all in one day, the “athletes” had the entire month of February to complete their goals. Medals were awarded to the fastest finishers in each category. Bronze : 2 mile swim,50 mile bike, 20 mile run/walk. Silver: 3 mile swim, 70 mile bike, 30 mile run/walk.  Gold: 7 mile swim, 120 mile bike,  50 mile run/walk.  Ironman: 10 mile swim,  200 mile bike, 90 mile run/walk.  47 people participated in the event.  Medal winners were: Ironman Goal; Marcia Santelli, Gold, Dominic Mega, Silver, Christine Pace, Bronze.  Gold Goal: Conrad Graczyk, Gold, Jan Olcott, Silver, Marisa McCraig, Bronze.  Silver Goal:Sandy Williamson, Gold, Alice Zebracki, Silver, John Zebeck, Bronze.  Bronze Goal: Ray Peters,Gold, Brenda Swannack, Silver, Bill Swannack, Bronze. Team Goal: Nelli Ortiz and AbrahamMedina,  Gold, Craig and Deb Schroader, Silver, and Linda and Jim Peters, Bronze.

In 2019, the second annual Keep Your Colon Rollin’ Triathlon was held.  The entire month of February was again available to meet the goals.   58 participants were competing for medals and, more importantly, bragging rights!!  Medals and t shirts to given to all participants.  The goals this year

Lakeshore Pool morning of the triathlon start!

were: CODE PINK: 1 mile,swim, 25 mile bike, 10 mile walk/run.  CODE PURPLE: 2 mile swim, 50 mile bike, 20 mile run/walk. CODE REDz: 3 mile swim, 70 mile bike, 30 mile run/walk.  CODE BLACK: 7 mile swim, 120 mile bike, 50 mile run/walk.  CODE BLUE: 10 mile swim, 200 mile bike,  90 mile run/walk.  Medalists included: Pink: Deb, Gold; Evelyn, Silver; Mary Ellen, Bronze;  Purple: Nelli, gold; Alice, Silver; Jim, Bronze.  Red: Linda, Gold; Abraham, Silver; Janet, Bronze; Black: Marcia, Gold; Jim P, Silver; Jan, Bronze.  Blue: Conrad, Gold; Chris, Silver; Dom, Bronze.

During the summer and fall of 2020, the Beautification Committee worked very hard to update and beautify the Lakeshore area, making it an international area of peace and beauty.

Winter of 2020 Golf Cart Parade!

(This page is continually being updated. If you have historical documents or information please forward it to Christine Pace.)

Thanks to Ernie and Pat Gunter for the loan of  The Pioneers of Fedhaven: The First Ten Years and to Norma Potter for information and pictures. Thanks to Deborah Hall for the scrapbook and information on “The Entertainers”. If you have memorabilia to share, please do so!