The Life and Legacy of L.B.Brown
A LOCAL LANDMARK TO A NATIONAL NARRATIVE OF PERSEVERANCE
Mr. Brown was named a “Great Floridian” by the Florida Department of State and the Florida League of Cities.
listed on the National Register of Historic Places and may be the only one of its kind in Florida, still in existence, that was built and owned by a former slave
listed on the National Register of Historic Places and may be the only one of its kind in Florida, still in existence, that was built and owned by a former slave
listed on the National Register of Historic Places and may be the only one of its kind in Florida, still in existence, that was built and owned by a former slave
listed on the National Register of Historic Places and may be the only one of its kind in Florida, still in existence, that was built and owned by a former slave
listed on the National Register of Historic Places and may be the only one of its kind in Florida, still in existence, that was built and owned by a former slave
featured as part of the exhibits at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
listed on the National Register of Historic Places and may be the only one of its kind in Florida, still in existence, that was built and owned by a former slave
featured as part of the exhibits at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Exhibits
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Pantry Ite
Explore the unique and thought-provoking exhibitions that Design 1 hosts throughout the year, featuring works by internationally renowned artists and emerging talents from around the world.
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Pantry Ite
Pantry Ite
Discover how Design 1 is contributing to the field of cultural research and conservation through innovative studies and collaborations with leading scholars and institutions.
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Pantry Ite
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Discover how Design 1 is contributing to the field of cultural research and conservation through innovative studies and collaborations with leading scholars and institutions.
Exhibits
Exhibits
Exhibits
Discover how Design 1 is contributing to the field of cultural research and conservation through innovative studies and collaborations with leading scholars and institutions.
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Exhibits
Discover how Design 1 is contributing to the field of cultural research and conservation through innovative studies and collaborations with leading scholars and institutions.
Umbrella
Umbrella
Discover how Design 1 is contributing to the field of cultural research and conservation through innovative studies and collaborations with leading scholars and institutions.
Exhibits
Following the death of his father, Peter in 1885, Lawrence moved to Bartow, Florida. Due to the recent discovery of phosphate and the construction of the railroad, Polk County experienced an economic boom. Adhering to his father's final request, Lawrence brought his mother, Catherine, to live with him in Bartow. His wife, Elizabeth, apparently died sometime in the late 1880's.
Continuing the pattern of his earlier successes, Lawrence acquired property in Bartow and built a large number, perhaps as many as 50 - 60 houses, which he sold or rented.
In 1897, Lawrence married Laura Lee for a second time. She was the daughter of one of his tenants. This marriage dissolved within 2 months. Lawrence appeared to live contentedly with his mother for nearly ten years.
Through determination and thrift, Brown became a prosperous businessman and a leading citizen in the Bartow community. He became a faithful member of the newly organized Mt. Gilboa Missionary Baptist Church, where he served for many years as the church clerk.
In 1909, Lawrence Brown married a beautiful widow named Anna Belle (Granger) Burnette. Together they reared seven children and enjoyed a happy union until her death in 1938. She contributed significantly to the marriage as a result of her intelligence, strong will, and dedication to her husband and children.
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Design 1 Museum: A Journey Through Time
The Legacy of L.B. Brown
Born into slavery in 1856, Lawrence Bernard (L.B.) Brown rose to become one of Florida’s most accomplished African American entrepreneurs, master carpenters, and community leaders. Through extraordinary determination, exceptional craftsmanship, unwavering faith, and remarkable business acumen, Brown transformed adversity into opportunity, constructing dozens of homes and establishing a legacy that continues to inspire more than a century later.