History Comes to Life at DeBary Hall
Posted On: May 20, 2024
Teeming with history and far removed from 21st century life, DeBary Hall Historic Site provides an intriguing glimpse into a tranquil time gone by. The popular site at 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary, offers glimpses of the 19th century tourism boom, orange fever, and steamboating on the St. Johns River.
Built in 1871, DeBary Hall was the winter retreat of Frederick deBary, a champagne merchant who chose the St. Johns River country for his hunting estate. DeBary tried his hand at orange growing and commercial steamboating, but his Florida estate became best known as a center for hunting and hospitality.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, some of the country’s wealthiest people visited DeBary Hall to spend winters hunting, fishing, and swimming in the cool springs nearby, then relaxing in the shade of the veranda enjoying a cool drink and the news of the day. DeBary reportedly entertained Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Grover Cleveland, the Astors, Goulds, Vanderbilts, and the Prince of Wales, who went on to become King Edward VII.
Today’s historic site covers 10 acres and includes an 8,000-square-foot mansion, a visitors center and gift shop, and renovated stables that are perfect for meetings, weddings and family reunions.
If this sounds interesting, come on down to DeBary Hall! You’ll find remarkable buildings, a treasure trove of historical images, and many good stories. Tours of the mansion are available from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission prices are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and younger. There’s no charge to walk around the grounds.
DeBary Hall Historic Site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s owned by the State of Florida and managed by Volusia County’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Division. For more information, call DeBary Hall at 386-668-3840 or visit https://www.volusia.org/debaryhall.
