Volunteers labor for years to preserve home of a remarkable pioneer
FALL 2021: 69
Docent Brandon McKinney plays the piano that was given to Williams’ daughter, Myra, when she graduated from Rollins College in 1898.
Talk about aging gracefully.
Lawndale is pushing 150 years, but the historical
home along the banks of the Indian River in
Rockledge does not look its age. Thanks to some 20 very
good friends, Lawndale remains vibrant and ready to
welcome guests.
“We are thrilled with the positive response of our visitors,”
said Carole Pope, president of Preservation and Education
Trust Inc., which was formed by volunteers who scraped,
painted, caulked and otherwise labored to return Lawndale
to its original glory.
“The group evolved to save the house when we learned the
county was considering selling the property,” Pope explained.
These friends have worked for 20 years to restore the
residence of Hiram Smith Williams, a fascinating individual
who rose from carriage maker to the area’s first state senator.
In 1874, Williams traveled from Alabama to Rockledge with
his family and all he could bring by wagon and steamboat
The Florida State Historical Marker tells the history of Lawndale.
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