The Casements in Ormond Beach

Things to do in the summer

In the spirit of finding fun, (mostly free) indoor events to escape the Florida heat!

To visit the Casements, we are venturing a little bit north to Ormond Beach. Whether you are relocating to coastal central Florida, already live here part of the year, all of the year, or are just visiting, Ormond offers fantastic options for dining and shopping, as well as miles of our famous beaches.  

The Casements, named for the large hand-cut casement windows that adorn the mansion, has been beautifully restored to function as the Cultural Center for the City of Ormond Beach. Set on the shore of the Halifax River, and just two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, the late John D. Rockefeller's winter home is known as "The Jewel of Ormond Beach."

The Casements welcomes visitors Monday through Friday from 1-4 pm, and Saturday from 10:00am to 12pm. Tours are conducted on the hour. Come learn about the history of the mansion and grounds for free! Visit special displays including Boy Scouts of America historical memorabilia and a collection of Hungarian festival costumes and artifacts. The Casements also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including monthly movies under the stars, cooking classes, festivals, and more.

Monthly Gallery Exhibits:

Each month the Casements’ Gallery displays various local artists and photographers. The exhibits open with a free public reception on the First Friday of every month from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Please call The Casements (386) 676-3216 for information.

25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176 – Visit their website.

 

Creative Florida Living 

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Mary Bethune House

Things to Do in the Summer
 In the spirit of finding fun, (mostly free) indoor events to escape the Florida heat!

Mary McLeod Bethune was born July 10th, 1875 in Mayesville, South Carolina. Born Mary Jane McLeod, she was the 15th of 17 children and the first in her family born free. Bethune’s childhood home was a small cabin built by her father and brothers on their cotton farm.

After the opening of the Trinity Presbyterian Mission School near Mayesville, little Mary Jane became the first in her family to receive a formal education. She excelled in her studies and quickly realized the value of her education. This early opportunity afforded Bethune a lifetime of successes. Bethune went on to become a noted educator and civil rights leader. This was not only a feat because of her color but also because she was a woman. 

 

Fondly referred to as the “Retreat,” this historic home was built in 1904.  During her years as president of the thriving Bethune-Cookman College, the home was where Mrs. Bethune raised her son and grandson, hosted various dignitaries and guests, and spent her last years after retirement. 

In 1953, two years before her passing, Mrs. Bethune willed the home to the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation to serve as the organization’s headquarters and a place to “awaken people and have them realize there is something in the world they can do.”

Today the home is preserved as a museum on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach. It was designated a United States National Historic Landmark in 1974, for its association with the life of Mary McLeod Bethune.

Filled with fascinating memorabilia and artifacts from Mrs. Bethune’s illustrious career, aswell as photos of famous visitors and U.S. presidents, the facility, which is situated on the scenic grounds of Bethune-Cookman University is operated as a museum. A brick structure added to the house serves as an archive of Mary McLeod Bethune papers. Highly informative guided tours are available Monday-Friday between 10am-3pm. 

The house is located at 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard in Daytona Beach. Call (386) 481-2121 to make an appointment for a Saturday tour. Or email the Foundation.

Visit the Facebook page for more information

Creative Florida Living 

Janet's Real Estate Site