DeBary Swing Bridge 1890

DeBary, the River City, is on the northeast shore of Lake Monroe in East-Central Florida. It is so named for one of its earliest residents, Samuel Frederick deBary.  

Highway 17-92 DeBary 1930

Volusia County's southwestern border town lies from the St. Johns River bank to booming Deltona. DeBary's near neighbor, Enterprise, was one of the first Central Florida settlements and readily accessible via the river. 

Today, DeBary boasts a beautiful lakeside state park, Gemini Springs, has recreational access to the St. Johns at Highbanks. DeBary, laden with fine  homes along manicured fairways retains small town stature with easy access to I-4 and U.S. Highway 17/92.

Frederick deBary
January 4, 1871, S. F. deBary bought 3 parcels of land from Oliver and Amanda Arnett.  The property abutted Lake Monroe and was not far from Enterprise and the Brock House.  deBary built his mansion on high land, overlooking Lake Monroe less than a mile from the waters edge. DeBary Hall is an impressive antebellum mansion designed for entertainment in the grand tradition. It contained the first swimming pool in Volusia County.

Born January 12, 1815 in Germany, S. Frederick deBary lived his life as a prominent wine importer, businessman and sportsman. Frederick deBary also became a shipping mogul owning the side-wheeler "George M. Bird", and steamers "Fred deBary", "Carrie" and "City of Sanford". All ships made regular runs  through the east coast on the St. Johns and Halifax Rivers.

Beginning in 1871, deBary traveled from New York to spend his winters in DeBary Hall until his death in 1898. It remained the winter home of his family until his great-granddaughter died in an airplane crash in 1941.  

Today DeBary Hall is an historical site that welcomes visitors and special events..  
DeBary Hall web site

DeBary Hall Historical Site is open Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. The fee is $3 for adults, $1 for youths age 5-12. Children under age five get in free.

The hall is available for weddings, festivals, and other events. Call Nancy Maddox at (386) 736-5953 for more information or to book special group tours.

 

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