DeLand Magazine
January 2007
Cover Story

JT

The magnificent structure known as Stetson Mansion sits grandly on Camphor Lane, just off Spring Garden Avenue in DeLand. Floridians from surrounding areas and most local residents are either unaware of the home’s existence or completely uninformed as to its history. Most seem to think the Mansion is associated with Stetson University, others have just grown used to considering it another aging house, abandoned, and left for time to take it’s toll — all that is about to change.

After learning that the Stetson Mansion was not protected from demolition, J. T. Thompson and Michael Solari purchased the home for half a million dollars and embarked on their mission to not only save the home, but to breath new life into the residence. “It was our time to act,” says Solari, “as an architectural and urban historian, I am committed to pre s e rving the compilation of architectural elements incorporated into this estate.”

With that goal in mind, Solari and Thompson have invited manufacturers, designers, and sponsors (many local), to fully update the mansion and grounds. This “adaptive restoration” process will integrate new technology, design and art while pre s e rving the original integrity of the home. These modern touches will bring the Stetson Mansion into the 21st century and still maintain its original beauty and ties to the past.

As J.T. Thompson states, “I don’t want it (the mansion) to be a memorial to 1886 because the house is so much more than that.”

Much more than that indeed. A visit to the mansion today, even in its current state of flux, would serve to make Mr. Thompson’s words very much an understatement.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1978, the 8500-sq.-ft. Stetson Mansion is impressive in its size, structure and many styles. Designed by the noted architect George T. Pearson, the mansion was built in 1887 at a cost of $125,000. Interestingly, the house is only half the size Mr. Stetson originally intended to build. Reportedly, his wife Elizabeth was not as enthusiastic about the project, and construction was cut short. Evidence of this fact is in plain sight when strolling the grounds surrounding the mansion, because the additional proposed wing was never added, the actual front of the house is relatively plain in comparison to the ornate curves and planes which define the Baroque style on the back of the house.

With its unique blend of cottage, Tudor, Moorish, and Polynesian details, the mansion presents an excellent example of high Victorian architecture. At the time of its construction, the home consisted of nine bedrooms, six baths, six fireplaces (each made of hand-carved wood), 10-foot ceilings, 229 windows (some leaded of the Tiffany style), carved woodwork, and a grand staircase complimented by breathtaking stained and rare rounded glass windows. The first two levels of the home come complete with exquisite inlaid parquet floors, each grand room exhibiting a diff e rent pattern. The Stetson Mansion is a masterpiece of design and a testament to the craftsmanship of the time.

Besides the main house, another structure of interest is located just next to it: an 800-plus-sq.-ft. schoolhouse (see photo below) built just to educate Mr. Stetson’s children. Its high planked ceiling takes ones imagination to the waters of the South Pacific. Possibilities for the schoolhouse renovation are endless.

The Stetson Mansion is regarded as one of America’s top 300 historic homes, an obvious point of pride for its new owners. As J.T. Thompson explains, “The house is in the top 300 due to its architecture and history: architecturally because it incorporates so many styles into one home, creating this spectacular structure, and historically due to the notable guests the Stetsons frequently entertained.”

Schoolhouse

Between the years of 1887 and 1906 the Stetsons hosted such nobles as the Astors (John Jacob Astor was one of the many unfortunate victims aboard the Titanic), The Mellons, The Vanderbilts, Henry Flagler, Baron Frederick DeBary (of famed DeBary Hall), Presidents Grant and Cleveland, and King Edward VII (then Prince of Wales). Another of Stetson’s noteworthy friends was none other than Thomas Edison who actually installed the mansion’s electricity.

With a vast array of sponsors on board and restoration of the Stetson Mansion in full swing, anticipation is building for the official unveiling which is tentatively scheduled to take place October 2007. Plans are being made for a two-month, fullscale showcase open to the public and media. This will be the first time the general public will have the opportunity to get a look inside the building which, until now, has just been a local curiosity. The showcase, perhaps most importantly, will provide contributors and sponsors a grand environment in which to promote their wares and garner the publicity they so richly deserve for being part of such an historic undertaking .

All proceeds from the event will be donated to The DeLand Museum of Art (see page 18) and used to further enhance their children’s programs.

“The difference that the arts can make in a child’s life is extraordinary,” says Thompson. “That is why we are so inspired to help the DeLand Museum of Art advance their programs with children through this project.”

With such admirable goals, tireless ambition, and community support, Solari and Thompson have set into motion a plan that will assure the Stetson Mansion continues to stand as a monument to DeLand’s history for generations to come.

The Stetson Mansion School House and Gardens
1031 Camphor Lane • Deland, FL 32720
(386) 873-0167 • Visit www.stetsonmansion.com for more information.

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