A Brief History of Lawtey, Florida ~ www.lawtey-fl.com

Lawtey, Florida

A Brief History of Lawtey

William Lawtey
For whom Lawtey was named for
(Picture courtesy of Sharon Petiprin)

Corner of US 301 and Lake Street (Fast Track station there now)

Lake Street - Early 1900's
(This View is looking from the current intersection of 301 and
Lake Street)
(Courtesy of Sharon Petiprin)

Lawtey-The Beginning
What is now known as Lawtey, Florida started back around 1871. A man named, T.J. Burrin started up a saw mill, after leaving
Cleveland, Ohio. He moved to Florida and had purchased a large tract of land, whereas Lawtey is now located.

Lawtey was established in 1877, by a group of individuals from Chicago, Illinois. They came to the warmer climate of Florida in
hopes of better health and to seek wealth in orange groves. Once they arrived, T.J. Burrin donated around 220 acres for the
new settlers to establish a town. This new town was named for the son-in-law of the leader of the Chicago group, Colonel V.J.
Shipman.

The newcomers were quick to establish orange groves, along with stately homes. Around 1886-87, it was reported that Lawtey
maintained a population of about 250 and had three general stores, two cotton gins, a saw mill, local school and a Methodist
church.

During the winter of in January of 1886, a freeze hit the local area that froze the oranges solid on the trees. It is said a slow
thaw, and gentle rain that followed saved the crop from any serious damage. The settlers went on as normal. However, the
winter of 1894-95, on December 28, 1894, the lows hit 14 degrees. It was recorded that many of the smaller trees burst open
from the cold, and the larger ones even suffered damage. Once again, the settlers were not worried, by February 2, 1895 they
considered the damage to not be too bad. However, a few days later, it was recorded that temperatures in the area plummeted
once again, the area found sunrise temperatures of 12-13 degrees, and it snowed in several areas. This snap freeze
destroyed the orange groves. This caused a major blow to Lawtey's economy at the time.

This tragedy lead to a new crop to soon emerge after the orange groves. In the early 1880's, a local grower by the name of
Guy Knickerbocker started to grow strawberries. From this, Lawtey can take the credit of introducing the strawberry to Bradford
County. From Guy Knickerbocker's attempt, it was discovered that the soil and climate were well suited to strawberries. Other
settlers gave strawberry crops a go as well.

Not all of the settlers fled once the freezes had wiped out the orange groves and destroyed their dreams.

One of the most prominent ones that was listed is Mary Todd, wife of Doctor Todd. She was known as "Aunt Mary" and was
credited for organizing the 'Ladies Village Improvement Society of Lawtey'. Under their control, Lawtey remained one of the
cleanest towns in the state.

Mary Todd was also responsible for the former oaks that once lined Lake Street in downtown Lawtey. She was said to have
actually gathered many of the seedlings herself from the forest. She was also said to have developed a reading circle, which
developed into a library. She was also known to have taught singing, music and other activities to the younger citizens of
Lawtey. The Todd home still stands today, located at the end of Lake Street. The current owners have maintained it well and
are preserving a bit of local history as well.

On a darker note, it is written that even with the good occurring during the time, conflict soon arose between the remaining
Chicago settlers and those who moved in from surrounding areas. When darkness fell, no one would dare to venture outdoors
for fear of the lawless groups that would wander about. In 1903, a brawl between rival gangs caused the Starke National Guard
unit to be brought into town. Things grew better through the years however.

During its time from it's founding, through the years, Lawtey grew into a nice small town. The intersection of State Street (now
US 301) and Lake Street was lined with businesses and such. It was growing into a prosperous community.

Then came the Depression of 1930. Most of the businesses in Lawtey became vacant, and many of the homes were
abandoned. The business buildings were left to deteriorate and many of the stately homes that were left were burned down.

Lawtey has struggled since, but has remained a small town with residents who take pride in their community.

State Street (Now US 301) Looking South - Early 1900's
(Courtesy Sharon Petiprin)

Grace Methodist Church - 1889
(Courtesy Sharon Petirpin)

Lawtey - Today
Today, the City of Lawtey still maintains a "small-town" charm. Residents are accepting of strangers as if they were long-time
friends. Everyone here will still offer you a friendly "hello" if you pass them on the street. The community is also host to several
events throughout the year, check the site for more information on these events.

Hometown proud, is one phrase that can be used to describe the residents of Lawtey. They are definitely proud of their
community. The city has it's own small, local grocery store, as well as two convenient stores. Lawtey also has it's own school
campus, the Lawtey Community School. Lawtey has maintained it's own local school since it was established back in 1877.
Currently, the local school offers classes for grades from K - 8th. It is proudly supported by the local community,

The local school is also going through a construction phase, as older classrooms are being demolished, new wings are being
built. For more information, please check out the Lawtey School page. The new school is set to be completed by early 2008.

In September, 2006, the City of Lawtey annexed in an additional 120 acres. This annex is planned to become a new housing
development offering up to 236 new homes to the area. Development is expected to being on this new subdivision in early 2008.

Future growth in Lawtey? It's soon to come.........

This site, www.lawtey-fl.com, is owned and maintained by David Stegall of Lawtey, Florida. I created this site as a show of my support towards the City of Lawtey and surrounding area.
It is the intention of this site to provide everyone with local event information and more.

I welcome comments and suggestions. Please feel free to CONTACT ME.

© www.lawtey-fl.com

TJ Burrin & wife Jeanette Turner Burrin
These pictures provided as a coutesy of Marianne Burrin Marcussen. Use of these pictures
require persmission.