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137 W. Michigan Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720
Phone: 386-740-6813
About
the Museum
 The
DeLand House Museum was built in 1886 by DeLand's first attorney,
George Hamlin, who also developed the Hamlin Orange. Originally
a one and a half story structure, the house was built upon land
purchased from Henry A. DeLand, the founding father of the City.
At the time, the site extended all the way to Woodland Boulevard
and had an orange grove from the house to the street.
In 1893 John B. Stetson, the hat manufacturer and benefactor
to the university that bears his name, purchased the home for
faculty housing. Ten years later Dr. Charles Farriss, professor
of Greek at the University, purchased the home. During the time
of his ownership, Dr. Farriss made significant changes to the
building which transformed the simple house into a residence
that embodies classical styling and character. By raising the
roof, he added the second floor and relocated the interior stairs.
He added the full-height Greek revival portico on the East elevation
and the entry porch on the South side.
Dr. Farriss' hobby was working with leaded and stained glass.
His work can be seen around the main entrance doors, the transom
above the side entrance, over the fireplace in the North parlor,
and in some of the cabinet doors.
Another if the interesting features of the house is the firewood
trolley by the wood burning fireplaces where the stored logs
could be pulled back and forth between the rooms to feed the
fires as needed. The bow-bay window in the South parlor is a
particularly beautiful and unique architectural feature and
believed to be part of the original construction. The well preserved
floors, stairway and woodwork are of heart and curly pine.
The home changed ownership several times over the years and
in the 40's during wartime when housing was scarce, the second
floor was converted to two apartments while the owner retained
an apartment on the first floor. The sun rooms on the West side
were added at that time.
In 1988 the house was purchased by Robert and Hawtense Conrad
and donated to the City. Assisted with funds provided by the
City of DeLand and the County of Volusia many individuals, businessmen,
contractors, and suppliers united to devote their time, materials,
and expertise to restore the structure to the period when the
Farriss family lived in it. The DeLand House Museum was completed
and dedicated in 1990.
Ninety-five percent of the period furnishings in the museum
have been donated by interested, dedicated, generous citizens
of the area. A unique feature of the museum is the fact that
the history of West Volusia County is on the walls depicted
in the extensive collection of period photographs. The authentic
artifacts and memorabilia displayed in the cabinets and cupboards
trace the history and development of DeLand and the surrounding
area.
The DeLand House Museum is a living museum where students at
all levels can come to study local history. It is used by the
West Volusia Historical Society as its headquarters and
repository. |
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Visiting
Hours/Contact Information |
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The Henry A. DeLand House Museum
137 W. Michigan Avenue
DeLand, Florida 32720
Phone or Fax: 386/740-6813
www.delandhouse.com
e-mail: delandhouse@msn.com
Tuesday - Saturday
12 Noon to
4 P.M.
Closed Sunday and Monday
Open other hours for group tours by appointment
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