At Hacking the Road, we are dedicated to finding ways to help people live a Better Life ... on the Road! We are full-time travelers and experience seekers, and we want to share our stories with you. We believe that travel opens hearts and minds, and makes the world a better place. Join us as we explore each new destination.
This Blog is part of our travel series covering the state of Florida in the United States.
THE CASEMENTS CULTURAL CENTER IN ORMOND BEACH
The Casements property was the winter home of John D. Rockefeller and his family, and is now open to the public
Our visit to The Casements was one of the highlights of our 11-week stay in Ormond Beach, located just 6 miles/10k north of Daytona Beach. Reading the history of this special place online had us hooked from the beginning.
Ormond Beach Cultural Center ... Jewel of Ormond Beach ... Rockefeller's winter home ... famous visitors like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Roy Rodgers ... beautiful gardens ... who wouldn't want to visit?
The historic Casements building and manicured grounds lie on the banks of the Halifax River
The Casements name originates from the "large hand-cut casement windows" throughout this magnificent early century mansion. Entering the reception area, one can't but help feel the history of the place. The Casements Guild has done a marvelous job restoring and decorating everything.
The mansion was built in 1913 by a local clergy man and his wife. John D. Rockefeller, Sr., bought it in 1918 and made it his family winter home.
The property lies on the banks of the Halifax River, with a view of the Granada Bridge
The original property sat on about nine acres of beautifully landscaped land, bordered by the Halifax river on the west side and a few blocks from the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The Rockefellers even had their own private access trail to the ocean. The original Rockefeller gardens are said to have been quite inspiring.
Rockefeller relished the chance to play golf and watch the automobile races on the beach when he came for his winter escape.
The family loved to entertain the rich and famous movie stars, racing celebrities, barons of American industry, and the politically powerful. Their Christmas parties were an annual spectacle to behold. Rockefeller died at age 97 in his beloved Casements home in 1937.
The stunning contrast of wood and glass in the entrance of the Casements building
The Casements was sold in 1940, and converted into the Casements Junior College through 1951. Between 1951 and the eventual City of Ormond Beach purchase, The Casements served in several capacities, including an extension of the Ormond Hotel, a retirement facility, and as a school.
The Casements was put on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1973, and purchased by the City of Ormond Beach in 1974, and is also designated as a Florida Heritage site.
This Florida Heritage site was put on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1973
The City found the property in disrepair and used federal U.S. grants for the restoration. The Casements Guild was formed in 1979. Today, the Guild members serve as docents and tour guides on the premises.
Given its cultural and historical designation, The Casements is much more than just the Rockefeller winter residence. The third floor of the mansion houses two permanent community-sponsored exhibits.
A historical exhibit of Boy Scouts memorabilia is housed on The Casement's third floor
The Boy Scout Historical Exhibit was originally part of an Eagle Scout project. Having been involved with the Boy Scouts, Brownies, and Girl Scouts in our younger days, we were quite interested in the history and great artifacts on display.
The Hungarian Folk Exhibit showcases a great variety of Hungarian folk art and authentic hand-made costumes, and has been curated by the local Horvath family. Many of the artifacts were hand-stritched by Mrs. Horvath. There is some beautiful artisan work in this collection.
The vibrant collection of authentic Hungarian folk art and hand-stitched costumes
The Casements has a very active cultural mission today. The community is invited to free movies on the river at the beginning of each month. Their calendar has a robust schedule with all kinds of offerings--including classes in art, fitness, language, and cooking.
The community is also encouraged to use the facility for special events and weddings. The rental prices are very reasonable.
The grounds and gardens are a beautiful setting for community functions
Discovering the history of the community is part of the significance of each place we visit. The Casements was an important part of the city's history, and now plays an essential role for its citizens in the present. The building and the grounds surrounding it are well maintained, and the property is a real jewel for the city of Ormond Beach.
Up Next: BUC-EE'S TRAVEL CENTER