History of Stone Island

Nestled along the northeastern shore of Lake Monroe on the St. Johns River, Stone Island spans 1,100 acres of rich historical landscape. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, most likely the Mayacas or Timucuan, who thrived in this ecosystem teeming with wildlife and exceptional fishing opportunities. Archaeological excavations of local shell mounds have revealed fascinating artifacts that provide insight into the lives of these early inhabitants.

Spanish explorers first made contact with the island in the early sixteenth century, but it wasn't until the mid-1800s that the island began to appear in formal maps and legal records. Cornelius Taylor, a cousin of President Taylor, acquired the land through a substantial 30,000-acre Spanish land grant. In 1841, Taylor established the town of Enterprise, which would become the oldest continuously existing town in Volusia County. Its strategic location on Lake Monroe made it an ideal destination for steamboats, which transported Northern travelers seeking winter respite and carried freight from Jacksonville.

The island, previously known as Palm Island, changed hands several times. It passed from Taylor to Dr. Stalk, and then to "Senator" William C. Lawson in the 1920s. In 1924, Lawson constructed a magnificent Mediterranean-style mansion that remains an island landmark at the junction of Prairie Road and Timber Trail.

After a few years, the island was sold to a northern collective, leading to its official renaming as Stone Island, inspired by the distinctive rock formations along the shore. However, the Florida land boom eventually collapsed, and when Senator Lawson foreclosed, the unsold properties reverted back to him. During this time, his son, Sam Lawson, became actively involved in the business, and they began earnest development of the island. A complete power plant was established, and an abundance of deep artesian wells provided water to the growing community. Senator Lawson passed away in 1958 at the age of 91.

Following his father's death, Sam Lawson continued to sell lots in Stone Island Estates Unit One and laid the groundwork for further development of the island. In 1966, H.M. "Corky" Huffman formed a group called the Stone Island Joint Venture, purchasing the island from Sam Lawson for approximately $165,000.

To take advantage of tax benefits, this original group sold the property to the Stone Island Construction Company for $1,000,000 in 1968. This company was founded by Corky Huffman, Marvin Titus (the Vice President of the Joint Venture), along with Corky’s father, Jim, and his brother, Herky. Between 1969 and 1975, the construction company developed the land and built homes. By 1972, the early residents enjoyed their own water and sewer systems, a volunteer fire department, and a security patrol, marking significant progress in the community's infrastructure.

During this major development of Stone Island, lot owners constructing their residences had the option to rent rooms in Lawson’s original twenty-eight-room mansion, which now served as a clubhouse overlooking the lake. This clubhouse was equipped with a fully stocked bar, courtesy of donations from island residents, and a bartender was always on hand. One bartender even catered complete parties to homes on the island. The clubhouse frequently hosted meetings, parties, wedding receptions, and various gatherings, welcoming residents with its inviting fireplaces, plush carpeting, dance floor, and a screened patio furnished with comfortable seating. Additionally, a pool fed by natural artesian springs added to its allure. Eventually, shareholders of the clubhouse formed the Country Club of Stone Island Joint Venture Agreement, which stipulated that all shareholders were to be property owners in either Stone Island or Turtle Hill. Years later, the Hauck family purchased the unheated and unairconditioned building, which remains a private residence to this day.