Visitors' Center
latest addition to historic DeBary Hall
Frederick deBary, a 19th century wine merchant from New York,
recognized the area along the St. Johns River as the perfect spot
for hunting, fishing and entertaining, so he built a large vacation
home and welcomed guests to his little slice of heaven. Today,
deBary's home is known as DeBary Hall, a Volusia County
Government-managed historic resource that recently opened its new
visitors' center.
DeBary
Hall is an 8,000-square-foot home that was the centerpiece of
deBary's holdings which, in the 1800s, included some 6,000 acres and
many outbuildings, stables, and a working farm. It fueled the
beginnings of America's early love affair with Florida as a vacation
destination, as the world's most prolific region for growing citrus,
and for steamboating.
There
was a sense of pride and an air of excitement when county officials
marked the opening of the visitors' center with a well attended
public event October 29.
"DeBary
Hall is a treasure that gives us a chance to experience 19th-century
Florida," said Bill Long, who represents residents of the region as
the District 5 Volusia County Council member. "The restoration of
DeBary Hall is a milestone in preserving the state's cultural
heritage. The addition of facilities specifically designed to
welcome visitors and celebrate the vision and life of Frederick
deBary ensures this important part of history will be shared among
future generations."
The
celebration included period actors strolling the grounds,
refreshments, children's activities, free admission to DeBary Hall
and the visitors center, and free showings of the new DeBary Hall
lmagidome theater presentation.
The
major restoration of the 130-year-old DeBary Hall was completed
three years ago. The latest project included the visitors' center,
gift shop, office, meeting space, trailhead, restroom facilities,
archive storage, and the theater. With completion of the ambitious
project, county officials expect to accommodate more requests for
access to the complex. Inquiries on the use of the facility have
included student tours, weddings and other social functions,
meetings and conferences and other special events.
Grants
from the Volusia ECHO program, the Florida Development Assistance
program and Florida Department of Transportation Enhancements
Program made the construction project possible. The City of DeBary
and Friends of DeBary Hall citizens group have been active
contributors to the restoration. The investments already are paying
dividends.
"DeBary
Hall is an important icon in the history of our area," said Nancy
Maddox, Volusia County's Leisure Services' Culture and Heritage
Program Manager. "The visitors' center makes it possible for us to
share the rich history of DeBary Hall and the St. Johns River."
Maddox said that additional restoration efforts on the grounds
include the stables and the exterior of the tenant's quarters, both
of which are under way.
