“I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.”
John D. Rockefeller
After
passing by this magnificent building many times, we finally had time
to stop and check it out. All we knew about this building was that
at one time, John D. Rockefeller Sr. owned it. So on a beautiful
December day, we were excited to visit The Casements and were
particularly happy to get to see it when all the lovely Christmas
decorations graced the mansion. We parked in the parking lot next
to the house and walked up the manicured walkway to the front doors.
We were surprised there was no admission cost to visit.
This
mansion is within the city limits of Ormond Beach and is now used as
a cultural center with a picturesque park across the street that sits
on the banks of the Halifax River which is now a part of Florida
Intracoastal waterway. The beautiful mansion was built in 1913 by
Reverend Dr. Harwood Huntington, from New Haven, Connecticut.
Grace, Reverend Huntington’s wife was given this prime lot from her
family. The couple later bought two more lots in 1913. It was
named The Casements after the windows on the building that are
attached to its frame by hinges on the side and opens like a door.
The window glass was imported from France.
When
we entered the building, we walked into a massive central foyer that
was exquisitely decorated with magnificent and colorful decorations
for the holiday season. Standing in the foyer, you could look up to
the second floor and view the amazingly beautiful staircase. Walking
around downstairs of this building were many historic photos as well
as beautiful holiday decorations. These decorations that grace the
mansion are a great memorial for Mr. Rockefeller since he always
elaborately decorated his home and celebrated with large Christmas
parties. He loved giving out dimes to his neighbors who would visit
him along with this poem that is thought to be written by Mr.
Rockefeller himself. “I was early taught to work as well as play;
my life has been one long, happy holiday. Full of work and full of
play. I dropped the worry on the way, and God was good to me
everyday.” What great words to live by.
John
D. Rockefeller, a retired Standard Oil Tycoon, bought this mansion in
1918 to be used as his winter residence. He was 78 years old when he
bought this home for $75,000 which included another house that was
located on Riverside Drive. He had hoped to live here till he was
100 but unfortunately died in his bedroom on May 23, 1937, short of
his goal by three years.
The
9000 square foot mansion, considered the Crown Jewel of Ormond Beach
is located at the base of the Granada Bridge. The mansion includes
eleven bedrooms and eleven bathrooms, a large dining room and living
room, and a kitchen located on the first floor. As elaborate as the
home was, Mr. Rockefeller had a frugal streak and decorated his house
with second hand furniture. Which is a stark contrast since Mr.
Rockefeller was know for his elaborate parties and was known to
socialize with many famous people like, Will Rogers, Harvey
Firestone, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford. His neighbors knew him as
“Neighbor John” who loved golf, watching auto races on the beach,
and meeting at Hotel Ormond.
After
Mr. Rockefeller passed away, The Casements was sold to Maud Van Woy,
the headmistress of The Fairmont Junior College of Washington, D C.
That college remained open until 1951. It was then used as a
religious retirement facility and school. It later became a
transient hotel and in 1973 was bought by the leaders of Ormond Beach
who renovated the run down property. That same year it was added to
the National Register of Historic Places.
We
really enjoyed walking around this elegant house and learning about
the history of the home and the life of John D. Rockefeller. There
is also a lovely gift shop. After we left the home, we walked
across to the park across the street that is a beautifully manicured
and designed park. This was a great stop. If you are ever in
Ormond Beach, be sure to visit. They are open from 8:30 – 5:00
weekdays and 8:30 to noon on Saturdays. This home can also be
rented out for functions.
Take care and bye for now. Till next time.
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