duPont-Ball Library - Stetson University
Newsletter Fall 2006
The Stetson Mansion Revived

A little more than a year ago, J.T. Thompson and Michael Solari wandered into the Stetson library looking for information. They had recently purchased the "Stetson Mansion" and wondered what we might know about the house. Although much of the house's history has been lost over time, quite a bit of information on the mansion can be found in the files of the university's archives, including a wonderful old scrapbook of turn-of-the-century-photos.

John B. Stetson, the Philadelphia hat manufacturer for whom the University is named, built his mansion as a winter residence in DeLand in the late 1800s. The 8,500 square foot home is reportedly half the size Mr. Stetson wanted to build on his 300 acre orange grove on the southwest side of town; legends has it that his wife Elizabeth did not care for Florida and thus the original plans were scaled down. Designed by the noted architect George T. Pearson, the Stetson Mansion was built in the frame vernacular style and presents an excellent example of high Victorian architecture. The architect also designed the university's Elizabeth and Chaudoin Halls. With the property now reduced to two acres, the house is listed in the national historic register.

Six fireplaces, carved woodwork, and original Tiffany-style leaded and stained and rare roundel glass windows adorn the home. Exquisite inlaid parquet floors have a different pattern in each grand room on the first two levels. The front staircase is a central feature.

Still standing behind the mansion is the 800 square-foot schoolhouse built for John B. Stetson's two sons (original chalkboards still intact). Originally there were a number of outbuildings for staff, gardens, ponds, groves and a "pinery" - an area planted with pineapples and covered with a shed which was heated in the winter to keep the pineapples from freezing. One well known resident, Beauregard the 10-foot alligator, lived in a fenced-in pond on the property and was quite the local attraction. Mr. Stetson kept other exotic animals such as monkeys and parrots.

John B. Stetson was instrumental in bringing electricity and street lights to DeLand, building both the first electric plant and the town's ice factory. The mansion's original electrical panel, looking like a piece of art, sits in a hallway of the home in a glass-front wood cabinet.

John B. Stetson often stayed in his winter home until his death in 1906 and had an important influence on the University. Mr. Stetson was in his DeLand home when he suffered a heart attack and died in his bathtub, which is till on the second floor of the house. Because of the original bathtub and other artifacts in the home, the new owners have been talking to HGTV about possible filming an episode of the series "If These Walls Could Talk" at the mansion.

A number of people have owned the house throughout the years, but none have taken on a complete restoration of the property. J.T. and Michael have great plans to create a showcase home, and they have invited designers, contractors, suppliers, and other sponsors to join them in the renovation. Much work has already been accomplished; more than 100 rolls of wallpaper have been removed from the walls, the porch has been rebuilt, and the exterior has been painted. As you drive by, it is clear that the Stetson Mansion is slowly coming back to life. You can learn more about the designer showcase and builders' exhibition or take a virtual tour of the mansion at www.stetsonmansion.com.

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