The year was 1876. Henry Addison DeLand took a vacation from his baking soda business in New York to visit his sister and brother-in-law, O.P Terry. They lived in South Carolina.
Perhaps it happened over several glasses of wine before dinner but whatever the occasion O.P managed to convince Henry to travel south and see some land O.P. bought in Florida.
Regrets set in immediately. Roads were rutted. The buggy ride was bumpy. Every day the weather stayed dry and hot. More than once Henry begged: “Turn back” but O.P. insisted that in a few miles Henry would “sit up and take notice.”
They left the swamplands and moved uphill to rolling terrain with tall pine trees. DeLand did indeed sit up and took notice.
Before the day was over he bought 159.1 acres and met some of the settlers. They spent the night with local settlers Captain Rich and his wife Clara. Very excited to hear news from up north, Clara went out and killed a chicken for a dinner feast.
Then DeLand stepped up to the plate in a big way, offering money to rapidly create schools and churches. DeLand incorporated as a city in 1882.
Naming a town after yourself part of Florida history
Naturally they named the town after him. Wouldn’t you?
Now, 138 years since DeLand visited and invested himself in the area, visitors are still sitting up and taking notice.
For those who like historic buildings, DeLand keeps its past well. The Athens Theater, a restored brick building with an exuberant façade hosts a buffet of plays and cabaret entertainment.
All of downtown historic DeLand has lovely historic brick storefronts and a lively mix of art galleries, restaurants, museums, an historic courthouse, curios and books. In fact, DeLand’s past is even found on the sides of old buildings. Murals featuring locals as models tell the town’s story.
Florida history painted on the walls of buildings in DeLand
Part of the mural walk in DeLand, Florida. Photo by Lucy Beebe Tobias
Doing a mural walk is a lovely excursion, so much so it is the subject of Chapter 25 in my book 50 Great Walks in Florida. Stop by the Main Street Association on Woodland Avenue (this is the ‘main street” area, about 6 blocks long) and ask for the mural booklet that describes where all the murals are, who painted them, and the history depicted.
Words to the wise – for your day visit to this town full of Florida history do not be seduced into parking on Woodland Avenue (the main drag). This is a two-hour parking area and enforced. Instead take any side street and opt for a three-hour parking, or find free parking.
We found for our day visit we needed five hours – an hour to walk around looking at murals, then lunch and browsing. One recommendation for lunch – Santorini’s Greek Cuisine on Woodland. One reviewer said, “It is better than Greece” Hummm. Test it out!
We followed food and fellowship by browsing in shops including the highly eclectic café Dick and Jane’s where gourmet coffee and sandwiches partners with creative crafts by local artists. Another favorite was Florida Victorian salvage and antiques – a warehouse full of Florida’s past, much of it rescued from the wrecking ball.
Consider doing an overnight visit. This leaves plenty of room for doing more – visiting museums like the DeLand Naval Air Museum and the DeLand Museum of Art. Be sure and check hours when they are open so you won’t be disappointed by a “closed” sign.
An aviator’s jacket at the Naval Air Station Museum, DeLand. Photo by Lucy Beebe Tobias
On one overnightwe stayed at the DeLand Country Inn Bed & Breakfast. Every room in the 130- year-old house is decorated in historic splendor and breakfast is the full Monty.
The DeLand Country Inn, a B&B in DeLand. Photo by Lucy Beebe Tobias
Bring your walking shoes and build in a block of time to walk around Stetson University campus, directly across the street from the Museum of Art. Their brick buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.
It comes as no surprise to find out that Henry DeLand along with Dr. John Griffith started DeLand Academy in 1883. In 1884 DeLand Hall opened. It is the oldest building in Florida still in use for higher education. It is in the middle of the Stetson campus.
Tucked away on the campus is Gillespie Museum where rocks and minerals take center stage and many are breathtakingly beautiful.
DeLand Hall at Stetson University. Photo by Lucy Beebe Tobias
Nearby places to visit include DeLeon Springs State Park. Inside the park is the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle Tables have built in griddles. Order your choices (we favored the buckwheat) and make your own pancakes at your table. This is a “must do” Florida experience!
Upcoming in DeLand
January 8 – Wine, Women and Chocolate from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. downtown.
January 10 – Artisan Alley’s Farmers Market from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Organic and local produce, plants, orchids, breads – held every Friday.
January 18 – Taste of DeLand. More food experiences! From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door – downtown DeLand becomes an outdoor café. No pets please.
New Year – Let’s Get Walking
Start your New Year off with lacing up your walking shoes and walking the walks in 50 Great Walks in Florida. The scenery keeps changing and the discoveries are delightful. Like a signed copy of 50 Great Walks in Florida? Contact Lucy directly at her e-mail: mailto:[email protected]
Anyone living in the Sarasota area is invited to hear Lucy speak on 50 Great Walks in Florida at a meeting of Singles on the Go on Sunday, January 12 at Grace Presbyterian in Sarasota. Visitors are welcome. Free. Starts at 2:30 p.m., the talk is at 3 p.m. See you!
MORE TO EXPLORE
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