OVIEDO, Fla. – Nestled in the heart of Oviedo, Florida, the Lawton House stands as a living testament to the city’s pioneer spirit and rich architectural heritage.
This charming, white-frame 135-year-old home is more than just a relic of the past; it’s a gateway into the stories of the families, educators and visionaries who helped shape the Oviedo we know today.
Built around 1890 by J.H. Lee Sr., the house originally stood near the old downtown crossroads. In 1910, Lee sold the home to his daughter, Charlotte “Lottie” Lee, and her husband, Thomas W. Lawton Sr. The couple undertook a remarkable effort to move the house to its current location, rolling it carefully on wooden logs to 200 W. Broadway St., where it remains to this day.
For over four decades, Thomas W. Lawton called this house home, leaving an indelible mark on the community. A dedicated educator, he served as a teacher and school principal before becoming Seminole County’s longest-serving superintendent, a position he held from 1916 to 1952. His impact on local education was so profound that in 1968, the Oviedo school was renamed T.W. Lawton Elementary School in his honor.
Today, the Lawton House serves as the headquarters of the Oviedo Historical Society and operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s storied past. Clara Fiskerud, the Society’s president, recently gave us a tour, pointing out the many artifacts and exhibits that bring Oviedo’s history to life.
Among the portraits hanging on the walls of the Lawton House, one stands out - not of a Lawton but of another key figure in Oviedo’s history: Andrew Aulin, Sr.
A Swedish immigrant, Aulin became the area’s postmaster in 1879 when the settlement was still known as the Lake Jesup Settlement. Seeking a name that reflected Florida’s Spanish heritage, he chose “Oviedo,” inspired by the Spanish city of the same name. Thanks to Aulin’s vision, the town was given a name that has endured for 100 years.
Beyond its famous residents, the Lawton House contains countless artifacts that offer a window into life in early Oviedo.
From antique typewriters to well-worn sewing machines to an iron so large it could double as a love seat, each room is filled with relics of daily life from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore these treasures and learn how Oviedo once earned the title of “Celery Capital of the World.”
If you’re eager to step back in time and uncover the stories that shaped Oviedo, the Lawton House is open to the public on the first Saturday of every month.
Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the town’s roots, a visit to this remarkable home is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the pioneers who helped build this thriving community.
