“Initially, I was enamored with its
architecture,” she said. “Then I
started learning about Hiram Smith
Williams. His story is not just about a
self-made intellectual who achieved
success through his multifaceted skills.
Williams showed genuine concern for
his community and the basics necessary
for its development. He proved this by
opening up his home school to locals,
then investing his own money to build
a schoolhouse when his space became
too small.”
Mary Repass adds that Williams’
largesse reached beyond Brevard when
he willed $2,000 — a significant sum in
1921— to the Children’s Home Society in
Jacksonville, the nearest orphanage.
“Everything about his legacy makes
me proud to carry his story forward,”
she said.
Lawndale serves as a reminder of
Brevard’s rich history, a history that
spans far beyond the space program
for which the area is famous. As
development continues in the county,
more of this part of Brevard’s past
unfortunately fades away.
“We lose little pieces of that history to
the wrecking ball,” McKinney said.
74: SPACE COAST LIVING | SPACECOASTLIVING.COM
If you go …
Lawndale
Address: 1219 Rockledge Drive, Rockledge
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the
first Saturday of the month
Admission: A donation of $10 per guest is
suggested to aid with restoration efforts.
www.facebook.com/lawndale.rockledge.fl
“The loss of each building representing
our history in this area makes the continued
preservation of Lawndale all the
more important.”
The chamber pot was top-of-the-line in its day, as
were the white dress shoes.
Before box springs, rope beds needed to be tightened
with a bed wrench to retain support.
Myra Willimas' bedroom featured an Eastlake bed and
a wooden storage chest.
Docent Rebecca Corbitt tries on the latest turn-of-the-century hat at the dressing table in Lawndale’s master bedroom. Large windows not only brought the air and
light into the historic home, but afforded its residents with constant views of the Indian River.
/SPACECOASTLIVING.COM
/lawndale.rockledge.fl