Mascotte
The settlement, which became Mascotte, dates back more than 100 years. In
approximately 1885, J.W. Payne settled in Mascotte and named the town after a
ship, The S.S. Mascotte. The name comes from the French spelling of the word
“mascot,” which means a person, animal or thing supposed to bring good luck.
The early settlers of Mascotte had to go by horseback to Leesburg to obtain
supplies and food that they were unable to kill themselves. Also, mail was
carried from Okahumpka by horseback until the railroad was completed in 1887.
Theodore Ruff was the first Postmaster, as well as the first store owner in
Mascotte.
Around 1900 a two story schoolhouse was built in Mascotte. The first teacher in
the two story schoolhouse was William Tidd. Mascotte’s first physician was Dr.
John Rosenberg, and the first Mayor of Mascotte was George M.Meyers.
The Empire Church, which was four miles south of Mascotte, was established in
1871 and was the first church in South Lake County. The oldest church in
Mascotte was built in 1904 and is the same building now occupied by the Mascotte
Methodist Church.
Contact Information:
City of Mascotte
P.O. Box 56
Mascotte, FL 34753-0056
Phone: (352) 429-3341
Fax: (352) 429-3345
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