I found one reference:

"The Town of Montverde ...
Past industries included ... and the original manufacturing plant of the Snapper Mower (originally called the Snappin' Turtle). The Snapper was developed in Montverde by Alex Smith and his brother Neal and has become well known all over the world."
http://mymontverde.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5&Itemid=89

I've seen pictures of the original Snapping Turtle mowers from the 50's. No front wheels! They had some kind of slides with back wheels.

This obituary substantiates the placard in the museum.

Intersting history!

Here is a link that might be useful: William Smith Obituary

It's pretty well known around here that Snappers are made in McDonough but weren't invented here. Less spoken of is where they were invented. Thanks. Best Wishes--Carl Atlanta GA

My husband's father was Alexander Smith and he and his brother, Neal, did invent and manufactured the Snappin' Turtle in Monte Verde, Florida. Mike (my husband) purchased Smitty's Snappin Turtle Mowers from his father in 1971. He sold the store in 2000. The new owner renamed the store, Sanford Mowers.

Thanks for the update. It's interesting to see how things come to be. I'm really glad I got to stop in at that museum!

I heard a story recently in Montverde where in order to sell the mowers he would go door to door and tie the mower to a stake or tree via rope and let the mower mow the lawn by "itself. "

I live in Montverde. From what I have been able to piece together the mowers were built from 1948-1951 ish here in Montverde, then everything moved to GA . Lucious Smith was a college graduate, farmer, school dean and inventor. His last invention was at the age of 80 ! At one time he owned 450 acres in Montverde which I think only has around 1300 acres total . For credits sake his brother also co designed the mower apparently. Lucious is buried in the Montverde cemetary https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/60013197/lucius-neal-smith.