Rockledge in Brevard County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Lawndale
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, March 24, 2017
1. Lawndale Marker
Inscription.
Lawndale. . This house is one of the last remaining examples of Queen Ann architecture in the area. The tall proportions, a variety of surface textures and the irregularity of plan are representative of this style. One of the most predominant characteristics is the turret located on the southeast corner of the house, with the exterior walls showing several combinations of shapes and styles of shingles. It was the homestead of Hiram Smith Williams, his wife Cornelia, and their children Sydney and Myra. Williams moved to Rockledge in 1874, began construction of this house, and became one of the first Indian River Fruit citrus farmers, shipping his fruit under the label "Lawndale." Williams was the first Postmaster for the City of Rockledge (1875-1881) and a post office was established at this site. He was also Brevard County Treasurer (1874-1883) and the first State Senator representing Brevard County for two terms beginning in 1884. Williams was a strong proponent of education, establishing one of the first schoolrooms in the area on the second floor of this house. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Rockledge Drive Historic District.
This house is one of the last remaining examples of Queen Ann architecture in the area. The tall proportions, a variety of surface textures and the irregularity of plan are representative of this style. One of the most predominant characteristics is the turret located on the southeast corner of the house, with the exterior walls showing several combinations of shapes and styles of shingles. It was the homestead of Hiram Smith Williams, his wife Cornelia, and their children Sydney and Myra. Williams moved to Rockledge in 1874, began construction of this house, and became one of the first Indian River Fruit citrus farmers, shipping his fruit under the label "Lawndale." Williams was the first Postmaster for the City of Rockledge (1875-1881) and a post office was established at this site. He was also Brevard County Treasurer (1874-1883) and the first State Senator representing Brevard County for two terms beginning in 1884. Williams was a strong proponent of education, establishing one of the first schoolrooms in the area on the second floor of this house. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Rockledge Drive Historic District.
Erected 2007 by Brevard County Historical Commission, Preservation Education Trust-Brevard County Tourist Development Council and
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the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-609.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 28° 19.892′ N, 80° 42.932′ W. Marker is in Rockledge, Florida, in Brevard County. Marker is on Rockledge Drive (State Road 515) 0.2 miles south of Barton Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1219 Rockledge Drive, Rockledge FL 32955, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2017, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 566 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 27, 2017, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.