DeLand-Deltona Beacon
October 10-15, 2005
Page A-3

"Plans Call for Stately Mansion to Become Designer Showcase"

Stetson Mansion, above, the stately DeLand home built by millionaire hat-maker John B. Stetson, has been sold to two South Florida motel owners who hope to raise funds to renovate the historic building by turning it into a showcase for manufacturers and designers. At left, new owners J.T. Thompson, on the upper step, and Michael Solari stand on the mansion's staircase before one of its stained-glass windows. They paid $565,000 for the mansion at 1031 Camphor Lane on DeLand's west side. The home was built more than a century ago, which sits on slightly more than 2 acres of ground. Although local tradition holds the mansion was built in 1886, Thompson said evidence uncovered as the renovations are getting under way indicate construction may have begun slightly later. No matter when it was built, the mansion still reflects some of its past glory, in such features as the wood paneling on the first floor, evident in the room shown below. At lower left are an old schoolhouse on the property, and one of the bathrooms on an upper floor.

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