Frederick deBary Day will Honor DeBary Hall’s Founder
Posted On: February 5, 2025
Celebrate the life and times of DeBary Hall’s fabulous founder, Frederick deBary, on Saturday, Feb. 15. Staff and volunteers will lead tours of the historic site’s mansion and grounds at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
DeBary, a European champagne merchant, developed a winter estate for friends and family in 1871. He initially tried his hand at orange growing and commercial steamboating, but his Florida estate soon became a center of sport hunting and hospitality.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, some of the country’s wealthiest people visited DeBary Hall to spend their 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 and Vanderbilts; and the Prince of Wales, who went on to become King Edward VII.
Today’s historic site covers 10 acres and includes the 8,000-square-foot mansion, stables and other structures.
Registration for Frederick deBary Day is required; call 386-668-3840. Admission is $5 for ages 13 to 49, $4 for seniors (50 and older), and $2 for children ages 3 to 12.
