“History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.”
― Winston S. Churchill

On Sunday we visited the DeBary Hall in DeBary, Florida. It was a guided tour, so we learned a lot about this beautiful house and its owner.  It was so interesting!

Frederick DeBary was originally from Germany and came to NY to represent Mumms champagne.  He became very successful and made a fortune.  On a trip to Florida, via steamboat on the St. John’s River, he fell in love with the area and decided to buy land and build a hunting lodge.  

DeBary Hall was built in 1871.  It was a hunting lodge to host his family and friends from NY, in the summer.  He entertained some of the wealthiest and most prominent people of the time, including presidents.

It had all the newest and best amenities at the time.  He spared no expenses to provide his family and guests with the best of everything.  He even imported the birds to be hunted.  They ate all that was hunted.

There is a lot more interesting information about the house, property and its owner, but I am keeping with my resolve of posting more, so I am stopping here. 

As usual I didn’t take many pictures. I was enamored with this gorgeous house and didn’t want to miss any of the guide’s explanations.

As a lover of bread I had to take a picture of the toaster. I also took a picture of his grandson’s letter to his son Adolphe.