Tierra del Lago Cigar was founded by W. H. Streeter in the mid-1890’s in Lakeland, Florida. He used 85 dollars of gambling winnings to start his business.
He moved the company to 1908 N. 36th Street, Gary, FL in 1908. At this time, Gary was just east of Ybor City. The town of Gary was annexed into Tampa in 1923.
In 1919, Streeter moved Tierra del Lago to Ybor City proper. The factory started up again on the corner of 18th Street and Pansy Avenue (between 21st and 22nd Avenues), where it remained until late 1926.
Cigar brands – La Luz (tm 1907), Uno, Cuba del Hey, La Rama, Clarencio
In 1920, Tierra del Lago ran afoul of the Cigar Manufacturers Association. They declined to join the group and were denied cigar boxes. The factory had to cease operations for some time until differences could be worked out.
W. H. Streeter had a few other cigar companies registered in the area. I found mention of a W. H. Streeter Cigar Co registered on Central Ave in St. Petersburg, FL.
The last cigar company I found Streeter involved in was Streeter, Fernandez & Co. It was founded between partners B. M. Balbontin (President), Antonio Fernandez (Vice Pres) and W. H. Streeter (Sec. & Treasurer). Fernandez and Streeter were the active officials for the company. Mr. Fernandez was known for his previous work as one of the very best tobacco leaf men and cigar manufacturers, employed the last nine years as foreman at the “Charles the Great Factory”. This company would later be legally changed to A. Fernandez & Company in 1916.
Photo Gallery (click images for full view)
Top row: Cuban immigrants working at Tierra del Lago (1909), retail mailer
Bottom row: Trade magazine ad for La Luz
The building at 1908 N. 36th Street still stands. After the cigar factory vacated, the building was used by the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Florida – Tampa Lodge No 240 starting in 1919. The lodge stayed there for a few years until a larger facility was needed for their expansion.
The building has also been used as a place of worship for True Love Missionary Baptist church and as a private school.
The building now appears to be vacant.
Great News for Gary in East Ybor. The Tierra del Lago Cigar Factory is going to become a City of Tampa Local landmark! Anyone have a old photo of this factory? I did find this web site https://thecigarsmokingman.com/…/ybor-city-cigar…/
Thank You for this post. We live on the same block.
You are welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!