Indians once roamed this island we now call home. The island’s 1100 acres, situated on the northwest shore of Lake Monroe on the St. John’s River, created a perfect home for the Aborigine tribes, where wildlife and good fishing fulfilled all their needs. The primary aboriginal mound on the point of the island has unearthed many treasures of this bygone era.

Many professional archaeologists have made investigatory trips, but the most famous treasure was discovered by amateurs in 1971 – the skeleton of a 27- to 30-yea- old woman embedded in limestone. The lady is believed to have been sleeping there for about 5500 years. She now resides at the museum at Tomoka Park, Ormond Beach,

Skipping forward a few thousand years, the first white men were the Spanish explorers who invaded Florida early in the sixteenth century. In 1841, the town of Enterprise was founded by Major Cornelius Taylor and became a thriving community as the county seat. Enterprise is the oldest town of continuous existence in the Volusia County. Its location on Lake Monroe made it easily accessible by steamboats, which brought Northerners here to “winter” and goods from Jacksonville. The railroad discharged its freight from the North, and side-wheelers plied up and down the river.

Capt. Jacob Brock, owner of the Brock Line of Steamers, built a lavish hotel where the Methodist Children’s Home now sits and welcomed many famous guests of the time. Brock was also instrumental in building the All Saints Episcopal Church, which still stands in its original state, a fitting reminder of the town’s illustrious history. (see page 4 for more information on local historic buildings.) Meanwhile, on the island, poachers were actively engaged in illegal activities, with boats docking at night at a Stone Island dock.

Among the early owners and sole inhabitants of the island were Arthur B. and Olive Commons. Visiting Florida from the Hoosier State, they “discovered” Stone Island and fell in love. They engaged in the various pursuits of farming, and they delighted in the results. Olive was an artist and created exquisite miniatures on porcelain of all the island scenes.

In the early 1900s “Senator” William C. Lawson and his family came to Florida from Virginia. He was active in Florida real estate. Lawson bought the island, then called Palm Island, and began plans to develop it as a quiet, secluded paradise. Although active in politics, “Senator” Lawson was never elected to any office. He was a champion for government reform . . . perhaps an idealist ahead of his time, constantly fighting the system. Mr. Lawson’s concept for the layout of the island formed the basis built on by future developers. The “Senator” built his family a beautiful Spanish mansion in the 1920s, and it is still an imposing sight under the tall trees overlooking the lake at the junction of Prairie and Horseshoe Roads.

After a few years, the island was sold to a northern syndicate, and the name was changed to Stone Island, due to the rock formations along the shore. The big Florida land boom “busted,” and when the “Senator” foreclosed the island reverted back to him. By this time, William Lawson’s son, Sam, was active in the business, and together they began the development of the island in earnest. A complete power plant was installed and water was provided by an abundance of deep artesian wells. “Senator” Lawson died at the age of 91 in 1958.

In 1966, the Lawson family sold the approximately 1,000-acre property to H. M. “Corkey” Huffman for around $165,000, to a Joint Venture , which included Mills- Nebraska Lumber Co, Palmer Electric Co., Wittgenstein & Geller Accountants, and H&M Construction Co – all Orlando/Winter Park based companies. H&M Construction was led by Corkey Huffman, President, and Marvin Titus, Vice President/Treasurer.

Around 1968, Corkey Huffman, Marvin Titus, Corkey’s father Jim, and Herky Huffman formed the Stone Island Construction Company to begin development of what he dreamed would be an island paradise following the “Senator’s” basic plan – and they bought lots from the Joint Venture as needed.

About a year later, they began marketing lots through realtor, Lucy Doughty. The Lawson mansion became a clubhouse (NOW A PRIVATE HOME ON PRAIRIE), the swimming pool (since filled in) sparkled with natural spring water, and folks practiced their golf game on a three-hole course. Nature paths, horse trails and parks completed the quiet, country atmosphere. But, this island paradise soon faded in the midst of government red tape.

The Huffman family hailed from West Virginia and, like “Senator” Lawson before him, Corkey was an idealist and outspoken in his criticism of government. As he went head-to-head with the county and federal government on how the island should be developed, his dream of an island paradise became more like a nightmare. He finally tired of fighting bureaucratic fine print and literally sailed away on a 2-masted schooner. Corkey was quoted as saying, “There’s a lot of open sea out there, and I can just move from one island to another” . . . and he did just that!

In 1974, due to the gas shortage and a slump in the economy, sales dried up, Corkey liquidated some assets, and an H&M partner, C. C. Tomlin, became involved in marketing the island properties.

** SOME INFORMATION PROVIDED TO EPS BY MARVIN TITUS, WHO WAS A STONE ISLAND PROPERTY OWNER, LOCAL ENTERPRISE RESIDENT, AND DIRECTOR OF THE ENTERPRISE PRESERVATION SOCIETY, INC., AS INFORMATION WAS BEING GATHERED FOR THE ENTERPRISE HERITAGE CENTER MUSEUM.

Since that time, several developers tried unsuccessfully to complete development of the entire island. But, the island does still continue to grow with new homes, and the dream continues for the island that is paradise . . . almost!

Enjoy and protect our unique environment!

Stone Island – Some Interesting Facts

• There are approximately 237 homes in the Stone Island, Stillmeadow and Turtle Hill communities, from the original home built in 1926, to a large estate at the end of Sioux Trail on the banks of Lake Monroe.
• There are still several undeveloped lots and acreage tracts in the community.
• The Stone Island Homeowners’ Association privately maintains all roads (except for Stone Island Road [a county road], Stillmeadow and Turtle Hill). There are public school bus stops on the island for the children of all ages who live here.
• A community horse stable stalls 10 horses and is usually subject to a waiting list. Interested parties need to fill out an application and make a deposit with the Barn Manager, who will be happy to discuss all of the rules and assessments with you.
• The community tennis courts are available to all Island residents. If you are interested in using the tennis courts, contact the Sports and Recreation Committee chairman for information and rules of use.
• The Boat Ramp is gated but open to all Stone Island residents, with operating hours from sunrise to sunset. All landowners on Stone Island, regardless of their involvement in the Homeowners’ Association, have free access to the boat ramp area. If you have any questions or to get a ‘resident sticker’ for the boat ramp, contact us at info@mystoneisland.com.
• Stone Island has many social events including: Easter Egg Hunt for the island children; Fourth of July parade and cookout; Halloween party; Santa Claus’ visit for the children; and much more.
• A “Ladies’ Get Acquainted Luncheon” is held each February/March at the home of one of our residents. Invitations are sent to all of the women in our community. The Ladies’ Luncheon offers an opportunity for our residents to get to know their neighbors as they gather with new and old friends, and gives us all an opportunity to welcome new residents. This event is sponsored by the Stone Island Hospitality Committee.
• The Picnic Pavilion and Fire Pit in the park area near the boat ramp is a great addition to island amenities, thanks to the HOA and the efforts of invaluable volunteers who made this project a reality. The pavilion includes picnic tables, electric and water hook-ups, and a brick base for removable barbeque grills to be used during our wonderful events. Since this is not a public park and is only for residents use, we need everyone’s cooperation to keep it clean. Any resident who would like to reserve the use of the pavilion and fire pit for a personal event (wedding, anniversary, birthday,  graduation, etc) may do so under the Amenities tab on the home page of our website or feel free to contact us at info@mystoneisland.com.
• Park benches are installed at various locations around the island. As you walk, bike, run, or take a golf cart ride around this beautiful island retreat – stop, sit, relax and enjoy one of the many fabulous views this island offers to its residents. Check out the locations of the benches on the map located before the Residential Listings