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The 111 year old Frame Vernacular structure received multiple exterior modifications over the years, which included overlaying asbestos siding on top of the existing wood siding and enclosing the porch. Despite these earlier modernizations, the structure was in a deteriorated state in 2016, when an investor acquired the property with the intent to rehabilitate.

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The 1.5 story house at 128 N. Oak Ave was constructed in 1906 and is a contributing structure to the Orange City National Register Historic District. Newspapers of the day indicate Dr. Ira C. Curtis and his wife Laura purchased the lot in 1905 and began construction in January of 1906. Since that time, this location has maintained a residential use. The property changed hands several times over the years.

Arcadia - The former dwelling of Dr. I.C. & Laura Curtis - 128 North Oak Avenue

Stroll through Orange City's well-known historic area to discover the charm and fascinating past of prominent founding families. 

The Albertus Cottage is an old, 5-room house that was once the property of Mr. Albert Dickinson. The exact date of the home is not known, but is presumed to be c.1890 or earlier. Albert was a member of one of Orange City’s most philanthropic families.  Albert and Emma Dickinson had the house moved from the center of town to make way for the library they had commissioned in honor of Albert’s late sister, Melissa Dickinson. The 5-room house was moved to the current location at the corner of South Holly and East Rose Avenues in 1917. He later willed the structure to his youngest sister, Dr. Frances Dickinson, who in turn gave it to her friend, Miss Bertha Fuller. Through the actions of Miss Fuller, the Orange City Home Demonstration Club became occupant, and later owner of the property. The building housed the Home Demonstration Club and the 4-H Clubs from 1922-1994, when it was ultimately given to the City. The stipulations passed down from Miss Fuller’s deed requires the structure to be used for educational purposes. Sadly, the building fell into disrepair and in 1999, the City prepared to have the structure demolished. Through a dedicated grass-roots effort led by City Councilman Gary Blair, the structure was saved and rehabilitated, funded partially through a $36,500 preservation grant from the Florida Department of State. The building was dedicated on April 5, 2002, and named the Albertus Cottage in honor of Albert Dickinson. In 2007, the Village Improvement Association Orange City Woman’s Club (VIA) began leasing the structure from the City. Today, the structure provides educational opportunity to visitors that come to explore the history of Orange City through the poster displays that cover the interior walls. According to the VIA’s Art Director, Bob LaFleur, “The small space of the structure does not lend itself well as a traditional display museum for artifacts and collectibles, nor is it suitable for group activities of any large size. Nonetheless, there is abundant charm and ambience to this place that calls for recognition.”

Once home to the local 4-H Club Homemakers Extension, this two story structure was moved to its present location in 1915. Built before 1900, this former dwelling is now the clubhouse for the Village Improvement Association Orange City Woman's Club (VIA). Visitors can learn about Orange City's cultural and environmental history through poster displays. The VIA also publishes a town history book "Our Story of Orange City, Florida", available to purchase. 

The Albertus Cottage/Homemakers House

Orange City’s earliest Black families appear to have initially settled along the outskirts of the town. However, as the community grew, the land around Mill Lake became an attractive centerpiece for Orange City’s Black families.  Orange City’s first map drawn by E.R. Trafford in 1877 identifies “Mill Site Lakes”, a cluster of three independent lakes, surrounded by a “Beautiful Drive”. One can imagine the beauty of the scenic lakeshore bounded on the east by Leavitt Avenue and on the west by the “Hotel Park” (see map). Beyond the business district of the bustling town and south of the growing white neighborhood, the land around Mill Lake was soon occupied by the town’s growing Black population. Its rich soils encouraged economic independence for families by supporting produce farms. A rare 1894 map of Orange City shows the former cluster of lakes as a single lake by the name “Lake Zulu”. The lake served as a community gathering place for generations. With several churches established around the lake shore, many of which are no longer standing, the lake was often used for baptismal ceremonies. It was a common place to find folks swimming, fishing and enjoying a pleasant scene around the beautiful lake. In more recent years, Mill Lake began to display signs of degradation from various environmental inputs including surface water pollution from land development and agricultural pursuits. The Florida Department of Transportation piped storm-water runoff from Volusia Avenue to the lake when the highway was widened in the 1960s. This polluted runoff progressively contributed to the deterioration of the lake’s water quality and appearance. The additional water also caused disastrous flooding to the homes surrounding the lake during heavy rain events. To solve the flooding issues, a pipe was installed in 1986, allowing water from the lake to be pumped out to the St. Johns River whenever lake levels rose too high. It was about this time the State installed a chain link fence around the lake essentially closing Mill Lake off to community access. Efforts by the City to restore the lake began in the late 1980s with the City’s first Parks and Recreation committee. Committee members Suzanne Brant, Wayne Wellmaker and Shoshana Resnick worked to design and fund a restoration project with walking paths and picnic areas. Unfortunately, the City met years of setbacks, and their plans were put on hold. In 1996, the City’s Leisure Services Department successfully reopened the area around the lake for fishing and with a walking path. However, impaired water quality and invasive plants continued to choke out the once pristine lake. In 2018, the city finally realized their dream to properly restore Mill Lake and the original park-like setting along its “Beautiful Drive”. The city added modern enhancements, including picnic pavilions, lights and a broad paved path along the shore line. Mill Lake continues to serve Orange City’s enduring Black neighborhood while gaining the appreciation and affection of the greater Orange City community.

A historical centerpiece for Orange City, this lake has recently received significant hardscape and landscape improvements, bringing long overdue attention to this treasured lake. Take a stroll around the lake for a refreshing scenic view of native flora and fauna. Enjoy a picnic at one of the many pavilions stationed around the lake or cool off in the splash pad. 

Mill Lake Park

The founding of the Mt. Barrien Baptist Church occurred just as settlement of Orange City began in earnest in 1876. The congregation established the A-framed structure standing at 314 E. Cherokee Avenue in 1885. At the time, the road had no name and was just a dirt path. Later the road was named Lemon Ave. The name changed to Cherokee Avenue in the mid-1930s. The Mt. Barrien Baptist Church structure had bell tower located to the left on the northern face of the building. The large windows allowed for fresh air to circulate through the structure. The building was located in a traditional Black neighborhood. The building lacks ornamentation or decorative details. The round stained glass window at the peak of the north gable is a later addition, installed after the bell tower was removed. In the late 1960s, the structure was sold, and a new building was constructed on the north side of Mill Lake. Over the next 10 years, the building provided a location for various church denominations to hold services. That was until the building was sold again to a family that converted the structure into a dwelling. A second floor loft was added to the existing choir loft. A spiral staircase and third floor were also added. Today the structure holds the position as the oldest house of worship and the oldest African American cultural heritage structure in Orange City.

The oldest surviving structure originally built as a house of worship in Orange City. The congregation that erected this building remains active today. At 99 years old, the former church was renovated into a single family dwelling in 1984. The structure retains the original location, orientation and physical characteristics, except for a bell tower that was removed in order to relocate the bell to the new building on the south side of Mill Lake. 

Former Mt. Barrien Primitive Baptist Church - 314 E. Cherokee Ave.

This residential structure was constructed in 1889 for Dr. Ebenezer Turner Robinson, his wife Emma L. and their son Benjamin. The gable front and wing design represents a subtype of Folk Victorian architecture, which is characterized by the presence of Victorian decorative detailing on simple folk house forms. Folk Victorian structures are identified by porches with spindlework detailing (turned spindles and lace-like spandrels) or flat, jigsaw cut trim; cornice-line brackets are also common. This structure lacks textures and varied wall surfaces characteristic of a true Queen Anne Victorian design. Originally, the house was built at a different location, possibly on East French Avenue. When Mr. and Mrs. James Walden purchased the house in August 1904, they relocated the dwelling to its current location in 1905. After the relocation of the house, the Walden's lived in the house for one year while their new house was being built next door at 110 North Oak. The Little Walden Cottage survived Orange City’s devastating fire on March 11, 1909, as did the Walden House. Along with these new structures, oak and palm trees were planted in the right-of-way of Oak and East Graves Avenues. The scenic streetscape is an excellent example of Orange City’s historic roots.

The Little Walden Cottage was built for Dr. Robinson in 1889. James Walden purchased the Doctor's cottage and began preparations to move it to his lot. The structure was disassembled and moved to its current location in 1905. The home represents a fine example of Folk Victorian Frame Vernacular architecture.

Little Walden Cottage - 122 North Oak Avenue

Louis P. Thursby built this house on North Oak Avenue as a winter home for his family as its location was close to the school. Their summer home was located at Blue Springs Landing where he was Landing-Master. Louis and his wife Mary had ten children.  Four children passed at birth or infancy, and Louis Jr. died at age six from a rattlesnake bite while putting the farm animals away for the night. The home represents the Florida Frame Vernacular or Cracker architectural style, one of the characteristic styles of homes in the nineteenth and early twentieth-century in this area. The style is characterized by frame construction with clapboard or batten siding, one to two stories with either side gable, front gable, hipped or pyramidal roof with metal roofing.  Today the house is known as the Isabelle Thursby House, the daughter of Louis and his wife, retired in 1949 to Orange City after a long career of teaching to her parents home. Isabelle Thursby was educated at St Joseph's Academy in St, Augustine upon her graduation she taught a brief time in Georgia. Winning a scholarship in home economic from a private school in Worcester Massachusetts. Continuing her studies she attended the University of Chicago. While at the university she accepted a teaching position in Alaska where she remained for four years. Her first position in Alaska was in Killinoos, a small fishing village in Juneau. She later moved to Juneau to teach home economic. Isabelle also went onto teach in California and then Arkansas in 1916 where she became the head of the Home Demonstration Department for the state. Eventually Isabelle became a Specialist in the Food Demonstration Department at Florida State College for Women headquartered in Tallahassee. She traveled through out Florida for her work in food conservation. She found time to write bulletins for the Florida Agricultural Extension Services and Home Economics. Her bulletins can still be found on line today.She retired from the college in 1949. In her retirement, Isabelle while at home and a grove she purchase on Merritt Island worked on budding, grafting and air layering of various citrus trees. She was very involved with civil rights and the Hollywood Cemetery in Orange City. Isabelle died in 1970 at the age of 92.

The residential structure was constructed in 1910 for the family of Louis P. and Mary Thursby. Today, the home is attributed to Louis' daughter Isabelle. "Belle" returned to her family's home after her retirement in 1949 from Florida State College for Women where she held the position as a Specialist in Food Demonstration. During her career, Isabelle conducted many experiments in budding, grafting, and laying of citrus. She was considered an authority on Florida fruits. 

Isabelle Thursby House - 224 North Oak Avenue

Originally, this home was owned by John Dean and Maranda Graham. The Grahams were residents of Conway, Massachusetts. The Grahams first visited Orange City in 1882, most likely to visit Maranda's cousin Richard M. Tucker. The Tucker's were also from Conway, Massachusetts and were seasonal visitors to Orange City in the 1880s. Deciding to invest in property and citrus, Richard Tucker purchased all of block 13 on North Oak Avenue and a few lots to the south. Richard built a large house near the center of the block on Oak Avenue between University and French Avenues. The Tucker's planted citrus trees on the remaining vacant block. In January of 1883, the Graham family purchased their lot from Maranda's relatives and later that year began construction of their seasonal residence. In March 1883, a local newspaper South Florida Times, noted the completion of the Graham's house and commented on the beautiful trimmings adorning the home. John began as a bookkeeper at W.W. West’s establishment. While employed by West, John promoted the hardiness of young citrus trees after the freeze in early 1886. John and his son Fred later operated a general store in a brick building constructed at the same location as West’s store, on the southeast corner of East Graves and South Holly Avenues.  The Graham’s home at 246 North Oak Avenue survived the town's great fire that occurred on March 11, 1909. The Grahams remained as owners of this home until 1919. John passed away after a short illness in 1914. Maranda passed away in 1918, both are interred at Hollywood Cemetery.

This residential structure was constructed in 1883, and represents Folk Victorian architecture. The home retains several identifying features of the original construction including flat, jig-saw cut trim, cornice-line brackets, and the gable-front-and-wing façade that was a popular form in the southern states. The original owners, John and Maranda Graham, contributed greatly to the growth and prosperity of Orange City. 

Graham House - 246 North Oak Avenue

Address: 345 North Oak Avenue The residential structure was constructed in 1926 and is a contributing structure to the Orange City National Register Historic District. It represents a primarily Bungalow architectural style, characterized by a low pitched roof on a gabled or hipped roof with large over hanging eaves with exposed beams that embodies the Craftsman style of 1900-1920. The original owner of the property was the Rev. Cornelius Sweet, a Methodist minister and Civil War veteran from New York. Rev. Sweet built the brick house after moving with his wife Charlotte to Florida in 1926. Mr. Sweet sold the bungalow in 1939, returning to his home in NY until his death in 1940. Dr. Cary T. Mitchell was a 1912 graduate of the University of Chicago Medical Department who specialized in medicine of the eye, ear, nose and throat. In 1939, Dr. Mitchell, left a successful location in Nashville, Tennessee to move to Orange City. He purchased the property at 345 North Oak and opened a practice in DeLand for ear, nose and throat. In 1961, he closed his practice in DeLand and moved his equipment to his residence where he continued to practice general medicine. He served as Mayor of Orange City from 1942-1944, and during World War II was in charge of The Rationing Board. Dr. Mitchell was a member of the Masons, the Pilgrim Community Church and the Regional Blood Program of the American Red Cross. The house was also the home of Orange City's former Mayor Tom Laputka from 2011-2016.

The house at 345 North Oak Avenue represents an example of Craftsman Bungalow residential architectural style of which only few example exist in Orange City. This house originally had a porte-cochere, which was located a the North end of the front porch and leaded glass transom windows on the first floor. In the last few years this house has received much renovation to the exterior and interior, which includes a brick paver driveway and new landscaping. 

Dr. Carey Mitchell House - 345 North Oak Avenue

This two-story residential structure was constructed in 1917. It is a contributing structure to the Orange City National Register Historic District. It represents a primarily Mediterranean Revival architectural style, which began late in the nineteenth century peaking in the 1920s and 1930s. The characteristics of Mediterranean Revival architecture is similar to Spanish Revival architecture with low pitched roofs with broad over hanging eaves. The roof originally boasted characteristic red clay barrel tile, but is now clad with modern shingles. The walls of the structure maintains the original stucco finish. This style is based on palaces and seaside villas which were built in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and became popular in California and Florida. The land where this home stands today was once owned by Richard and Julia Tucker. Their large, ornate dwelling was reduced to ashes by Orange City's most devastating fire in 1908. The Tuckers moved to a new home across Oak Avenue and sold the burnt land. The land laid fallow for nine years before a new home would be constructed in its place. Records show Hugh C. and Jane P. Murray, from Willimantic Connecticut, purchased Lots 1, 2, &amp; 3 of Block 14 from A. Boyd Smith and Lois Robinson Smith in January 1917. By March 28, a newspaper announced the Murray's new home would be built by J.H. Bates and Sons, a DeLand architect and builder. Bates and Sons were also busy constructing the new Melissa Dickinson Memorial Library during the same time. The Murray's were prominent members of the community. After her husband's death, Jane became a winter resident of Orange City. She was known for her generous donations to the First Congregational Church of Orange City, which included an extension of the church sanctuary to house a donated organ and also a gift to build the parish house.

The stunning house on Oak Avenue is known to some locals as the Coquina House, as the house is rumored to have been constructed of coquina stone. This Mediterranean Revival house is unusual to the city and most of Florida because of its full attic and finished basement. The house has recently been renovated on the inside.

The Murray House - 344 North Oak Avenue

The original owners, Richard Madision Tucker and his wife Julia A. Phillips, came to Orange City during the winter months from Conway Massachusetts. They first arrived in the 1880s as investors in land and citrus. Julia’s sister Mary also lived on North Oak Avenue with her husband Emmerson Markham in the former estate of William F. and Adele Leavitt. Mr. and Mrs. Leavitt had received the house as a wedding gift from her father Dr. Seth French. As winter residents, the Tucker’s first residence in Orange City was a beautiful estate built about 1882. Their first home was often listed among “the finest homes in Volusia County”. Unfortunately, the elaborate Folk Victorian wood framed house was reduced to ashes in a disastrous fire on March 9, 1909, along with seven other structures. The Tucker’s did not wait long to use the insurance money rebuilding.One of Orange City's most respected builders, Morris C. Wheldon, began construction of this two-story residential dwelling in July 1909. Mr. Wheldon had left Wisconsin in the 1870s to become an early pioneer of Orange City, contributing greatly to the development of town. His other remaining works include Reverend Halliday’s home at 347 W. University Ave., the Wm. D. Heebner’s packing house and barn at 620 Monastery Road, the Walden House at 110 N. Oak Ave., and the Congregational Church parsonage at 201 W. University Ave. He also is attributed to a home for James N. Proctor (of Proctor and Gamble) in Daytona as well as several structures at the Cassadaga Spiritualist camp.This two-story dwelling represents Classic Revival architectural that was popular in Florida from 1895 to 1940. The gable-on-hip roof is surfaced with metal crimp panels. The semi-circular full-height portico directs your eyes to the entry. The columns are finished with iconic capitals and decorative shingles adorn the second-story frieze. The home is flanked by chimneys on the north and south elevations. Hardscape elements, such as a classical statue on the front lawn, compliment the styling of the home. The grounds contain native landscaping, including large oaks and a well manicure lawn making this structure and site an excellent example of Orange City’s historic roots.

Tucker House – 447 N. Oak Avenue
This stately home was constructed in late 1909 for Richard M. and Julia Tucker. Their first home, located across Oak Avenue, was destroyed in Orange City’s worst fire earlier that year. This two-story home exemplifies Classical Revival architecture with a symmetrical design and a semi-circular tiered portico on the primary façade. 


Tucker House - 447 North Oak Avenue

The Alling house was built in 1908. The original owner was Samuel C. Hood, a local biologist who was involved in Orange City's camphor gum government experimental station on South Carpenter Avenue. Edward and Lillian Alling purchased the house in 1919. He was metal pattern manufacturer from New Britain, Connecticut. Edward set up a foundry on his property where he designed and cast memorial tablets, wall plaques and house markers for friends and neighbors. He also repaired the Town Hall bell. Mr. Alling was a member of the Masons and reached the rank of Illustrious Sovereign St. Honore Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine in 1911. He served as the former president of the Orange City Library Association, and over 30 years as a trustee. In 1926, Mr. Alling and four other men, incorporated the Orange City Bank where he served several terms as the president. He was proud that the bank did not fail in the crash of 1929. Edward served as mayor of Orange City for four terms (1923,1927,1928 and 1929). During his service, he was instrumental in forming the projected to build a new unified town hall. He donated the land for the building and also helped in selecting the Sanford architect, Elton J. Moughton, to design the building Edward Alling helped establish the Orange City Chapter of the Red Cross through correspondence and travel to Washington D.C. to describe the need for the organization in the city. He was the local chairman for Orange City's Chapter of the Red Cross for two years and then was elected to the Board of Directors. Edward would later donate a building for the city's chapter of the Red Cross in 1941. During the Great Depression, he made several trips to Washing D.C. to procure flour for those in need when others had failed. He also helped to distribute the flour.

This residence, turned Bed and Breakfast, was constructed in 1908.  It represents the Florida Frame Vernacular architecture, which boasts characteristic wood frame construction with clapboard siding, two full stories with a pyramidal roof punctuated by gable dormers. The property was owned by Edward B. Alling, a prominent member of the community and most notably known as Mayor of Orange City. Alling was instrumental in establishing the Orange City Chapter of the Red Cross and donated the plot of land for Orange City's new Town Hall in 1928. The property is now known as The Alling House Bed and Breakfast, which has three rooms and five cottages, owned and operated by Gerald and Nan Hill. It began services as a Bed and Breakfast in 2004. 

Edward B. Alling House - 215 East French Avenue

Seth French was born in Potsdam, N.Y. on May 2, 1824. Seth began studying as a physician apprentice in 1843, graduating in 1847. Dr. Seth French began practicing medicine at Carthage, N.Y. Enticed by the lure of gold, Seth left for California in 1848, where he stayed through the latter part of 1850. Upon returning to New York, Seth began practicing medicine again. Before the end of 1850, Seth married his wife Harriet Guyot. Seth and Harriet had three children: Adele, Harriet and Alexander Victor. During the Civil War, Dr. French became Acting Surgeon of the 35th Regiment. He was 37 years old when he enlisted. After his military service, Dr. French moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin where he was involved in pharmaceuticals with his brother, Alexander. Following Seth's service in the War, he began to consider a warmer climate for his health. In 1869 Seth moved to Sanford, Florida and established a large and successful citrus orchard. He returned in the summers to his northern home, where he touted the prosperity and climate of Florida. He persuaded a number of families from Wisconsin to venture to the southern tropical wilderness of Central Florida. The company from Wisconsin arrived in Florida between 1875 and 1876, and founded the town of Orange City. Seth built his Orange City home in 1876. French Avenue is named in his honor. Dr. French was appointed served as State Senator in 1879. Then, Gov. Drew appointed him as Commissioner of Immigration for the State of Florida. During his time as Commissioner of Immigration, French published the “Sub-Tropical Florida; Its Climate, Soil and Productions”. When President Grant toured Florida in 1880, Dr. French accompanied him along with George Barbour of the Chicago Times. Barbour’s book, Florida for Tourists, Invalids and Settlers published in 1880, features Dr. French and was an early example of Florida promotional literature. Barbour wrote this about their visit to Orange City ”Sand had been cleared, roads and streets surveyed, eighty residences have been built and one thousand acres of orange trees are in bloom.” Dr. Seth French died at Sanford, Florida on January 26, 1896. He was a member of the Masonic Order and buried with the usual ceremonies. Dr. French was listed as a Great Floridian, with the designating plaque adorning the wall of the home. The home was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The exterior of the dwelling consists of a large porch, which wraps around the two primary facades of the cottage on the south and east sides. The siding is of clapboard, and windows are double hung with original panes of glass with exterior shutters. There is also a small porch at the north end of the cottage. The cottage has two floors. The first floor consists of a parlor with a corner fireplace, a dining room with a staircase to the second floor, followed by a small kitchen and a storage area. There is also a bathroom and a bedroom off the dinning room. The second level consists of three bedrooms, all connected without a hall.  The style is characterized by frame construction with clapboard or batten siding, one to two stories with either side gable, front gable, hipped or pyramidal roof with metal roofing. The grounds contain native landscaping, including some of the original citrus and many sabal palms.

Fairview Cottage at 319 East French Avenue was built for Dr. Seth French in 1876.  The Doctor was a Civil War hero, a member of the Florida Senate in 1879 and was appointed as State Commissioner of Immigration. Fairview Cottage represents an good example of frame vernacular from the late 19th century. Once part of a larger estate, this oldest home in Orange City sets far back on the lot facing French Avenue.  

Dr. Seth French - 319 East French Avenue

Welcome to Green Gables.Originally, this home was owned by William and Catherine Eveleth. The Orange City Times reported the house “looming up” in April 1889 and confirmed it was completed later that year by the contractor John Borland.Borland was one of the earliest contractors in Orange City and also built cottages in New Smyrna in the 1880s through the 1890s. Green Gables served as the Eveleth's winter home. The name of Green Gables was given to the house by Catherine after her favorite book, Ann of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, to help identify the house as at the time of it construction there were no numeric addresses to deliver mail. The Eveleth's maintained the house until 1910. The side facing gable roof has curved lattice in the gable ends, and a pair of brick chimneys. William died in 1908 and is buried in Orange City's Hollywood Cemetery. Catherine move to California in 1910 to live with her daughter. Lattice and other patterns adorn the south facing porch. The lattice work on the front porch was a later addition to the house. Windows are one over one sash, except for the Queen-Anne style stained glass window in the polygonal bay on the east elevation. At one time the house was converted for a short time into a duplex and altering the interior staircase. In the 1940s, Green Gables was purchased for back taxes of four hundred dollars by Oviatt and Frances Desmond. Oviatt at that time was interim pastor of First Congregation Church of Orange City. The current owners have recently applied a colorful and classic paint scheme to accentuate the home's unique character. The grounds contain native landscaping, including large magnolia trees and azaleas, making this structure and site an excellent example of Orange City’s historic roots.

This two-story residential structure was constructed in 1889 by carpenter John Borland, one of Orange City's earliest builders.  The example of Frame Vernacular architecture is infused with Queen-Anne style adornments including a beautiful stained glass bay window and attractive baluster patterns on the porch.
When the house was being constructed the local newspaper stated the house had towering  height with two distinctive  chimneys,  40 feet at the peak of the 14/12 pitched roof. 


Green Gables - 361 East French Ave 

The house at 540 North Thorpe Avenue was built in 1915. Today, the structure is virtually unseen from the street because of the native vegetation and its distance of 150 feet from the street. Built for Alfred Lindsey Goodrich and his bride Nellie L (Holden) Goodrich, both hailing from New York. Alfred graduated from Cornell University and was a retired cigar distributor and Nellie was a retired school teacher. They met and married late in life, and this Bungalow served as their winter retreat.Bungalow architectural style is characterized by a low pitched roof on a gabled or hipped roof with large over hanging eaves with exposed beams that embodies the Craftsman style of 1900-1920. A prominent feature of the Goodrich Bungalow are the four hip dormer windows that pierce the roofline. Each window sidewall is finished with wood shingle siding that also covers the gabled ends of the roof. The lower walls are covered in drop siding. Single pane hopper windows in the dormers are contrasted by fifteen over fifteen light double-hung sash windows below. A porte-cochere extends off the north elevation. The front porch incorporates tapered columns with decorative carved brackets in the eaves.The Bungalow at one time had a decorative pergola covering the driveway entrance, which was unique to this site. The pergola was listed as a contributing structure to the City's National Register Historic District in 2004. Unfortunately, the structure was deconstructed due to rot in the mid 2000s. A description of the pergola indicates it was about ten feet wide by about twenty feet in length and stood about twelve feet high. The tapered posts were surfaced with a stucco finish. The posts supported purloins and trusses with carved rafter ends similar in size and design of those employed in the house.Alfred and Nellie Goodrich sold their bungalow in 1921 and returned to Oneida, New York, where Alfred passed in 1931 and Nellie in 1943. Their home remains a unique example of Bungalow architecture in the City's historic area. A low wooden lattice fence that once lined the property boundaries can still be seen at the corner of N. Thorpe and E. French Avenues.

The Goodrich Bungalow. This house was built in 1915 for Alfred and Nellie Goodrich of Madison County, New York. The house was built in the popular Bungalow architectural style of the early nineteen hundreds. The house is unseen from the street as it sits back 150 feet from the street and is largely obscured by vegetation.

Goodrich Bungalow - 540 North Thorpe Avenue

According to the minutes of the Volusia County Board of Public Instruction, Orange City's first school house opened in 1876. One early resident stated the school was located on South Volusia Avenue, opposite the popular DeYarman Hotel, today known as the 1876 Heritage Inn. The town founders donated $75.00 in cash and the community members gave both time and materials to build the tiny schoolhouse. Miss Emma Tabor from New Bedford, Massachusetts was Orange City’s first school teacher. She later married town founder John C. Thorp. The first city map, drawn by E.R. Trafford in 1877, identifies block 24 as “University Square”. Town founders had reserved this location for the purpose of establishing an institute of higher learning. Unfortunately, in 1885, the City lost a bid to Winter Park for the founding of Rollins College. Then, in October 1887, through the influence of the local Methodist Church, the St. Johns River Conference College of the Methodist Church North opened at University Square. Although residents invested heavily in the coeducational institution, the college struggled financially and ultimately closed its doors in 1892 at the urging of the Conference. The modest two-story Queen-Anne structure that once housed the college remained in use as the town’s public school for white students. The historic records are unclear if the public school and the college operated in the structure simultaneously, or if the public school moved to the vacated building. The public school furnishings included rough pine benches in rows for the children sit on. Thirsty students had to fetch water from the neighbors. Orange City students attended school eight months out of the year, two to four months longer than neighboring communities. In 1900, a ninth grade class was added for the eager learners. During World War I, the children grew vegetables in a "Victory Garden" at school that benefitted their families and town folks in need.  For many years, there was only one teacher who taught first through eighth grade with a handful of students in each grade. The school had nearly 50 students in attendance when a second teacher was added in 1917. Miss Olive Martin attended Orange City public school before she served as a teacher from 1912 – 1928. She was responsible for the education of students in seventh, eighth, and ninth grades. Ms. Martin became principal in 1918. She continued in this position while the new school was under construction until it opened in the school year of 1927-1928. She then transferred to Enterprise Junior High School. Student enrollment continued to grow to 120 students in 1924-1925 forcing the school to hire a third teacher, Mrs. Frances Hodges. The Parent Teacher Association formed about 1925. One of their first projects was to have electricity installed in the building. In the 1925-1926 school year, the community successfully agitated for a new school facility, which resulted in the City passing a bond issue for a new facility. In 1927, the wooden schoolhouse was replaced by the modern stucco structure we see today. The old school house was sold to Mrs. A. M. B. Harris and moved across University Avenue to her property, Lot 18 of Block 9. In 1936, City Council minutes reflect the former schoolhouse had become a “fire trap and a menace to that part of Town”. Council requested Mr. Harris make needed repairs or the structure would be condemned. The absence of the structure suggests the building was eventually demolished. Between 1960 and 2000, Orange City Elementary experienced significant growth and transitions. In 1963, Orange City Elementary had one of Volusia County’s first School Board sponsored Kindergarten classes. In 1965, 6th-8th grade students began attending junior and senior high schools in DeLand and Deltona. The former auditorium was converted into an award winning media center. Increases in enrollment caused a demand for new classrooms. Several new portable classrooms, a new cafétorium, and an open space building helped the school expand services for the growing community. Following integration, the student population grew again resulting in a two-classroom brick building being moved from the former Marian L. Coleman Elementary School to Orange City Elementary. Even more permanent structures were added in the late 1980s and early 1990s. As Orange City’s population continued to increase into the new millennium, the Volusia County School Board decided it was time to construct a new school serving students located on the west side of town. Although building projects have slowed down at Orange City Elementary School, the Administration continues to expand services to the student body. In recent years, thanks to efforts of the PTA, the playground area was updated and made ADA accessible. Technology updates in the classroom and media center provide a 21st century learning experience for today’s students. With a student enrollment at nearly 1000 students, Orange City Elementary School administration and teachers take great pride in educating, nurturing and encouraging students to both appreciate their past and look forward a bright future.

Orange City Elementary School – Home of the Roadrunners

This institutional structure opened in 1926 as a modern educational facility adorned with Mediterranean Revival influences. The new structure was designed to replace the former wooden school house. The facility is constructed in block with textured stucco exterior walls and decorative quoins at building corners. These elements, along with the rounded arches above the doors and windows and symmetrical façade, are indicative of the Revival architecture trending in Florida during that time. Orange City Elementary school is a contributing structure to the Orange City National Register Historic District and continues to serve as a public school facility today.

Orange City Elementary School - 555 East University Avenue

This former home of John W. Camac was first built in the Florida Frame Vernacular architectural style. This architectural style was popular in the nineteenth and early twentieth century in Florida. Upon taking ownership of the property in 1926, Camac began modernizing the structure and cladding the exterior in stucco. Many of the structures in Orange City that were developed by Camac displayed a stucco façade, typical of the time period.John Camac, a native of New Jersey, had a real estate office in Philadelphia for 38 years before he ventured to Florida's burgeoning land boom in 1919. He opened a real estate office in Daytona Beach while maintaining his office in Philadelphia. In Daytona Beach he developed the Fernwood Hotel and several business block on the peninsula's Main Street.In 1926, Camac moved his office to Orange City where he invested heavily in Orange City. He built the Erwin Hotel and Laverne Apartments, gave generously to fund the construction of the new M.E. Church and owned several other properties on Volusia Avenue. Local builder J.P. Prettyman worked closely with Camac on several projects. Prettman also did the renovation and stucco work to Camac’s own house at 401 East Graves Avenue in Orange City. In 1926 Camac's investments in the city topped $300,000.In 1926, John also help organize the Orange City Bank and served as Vice-President. The bank building at 211 North Volusia Avenue is now home to the Webster Medical Clinic. In 1927 John W. Camac made improvements to his properties and planted 500 trees on his propertiesJohn W. Camac died on September 27, 1929 at 10:30 a.m. at a hospital in Daytona Beach. His funeral service was held on September 28, 1929 at the Baggett-Wetherby mortuary on South Beach Street, Daytona Beach. Dr. D. Stratford Scadening, pastor of the First M.E. Church of Orange City officiated. He was survived by his wife Sallie and two sisters from Philadelphia who were at his bedside at his death.

The Camac House at 401 East Graves was originally built in the late nineteenth century in the Florida Frame Vernacular architectural style. Possibly the house was built for the Hardin Family. In 1926, J .P. Prettyman was commissioned to remodel the dwelling and cover the exterior of the house with stucco for the new owners John W. and Sallie Camac. Mr. Camac was an import real estate developer of Orange City between the years of 1926 and 1929. He financed the Erwin Hotel, the Laverne Apartments and at least six other dwellings. He is noted for planting 500 trees to beautify the city.

Camac House

The Drift Inn is estimated to be built some time in the 1870s, with additions added in the 1890s. It was built of southern pine and cypress, probably locally sourced, in the Florida Cracker style architecture. This style is notable for its high-peaked roofs. The cottage is believed to be originally own by Charles J. and Frances L. Smith. Charlie was postmaster from 1877 - 1882. He also owned and operated a cotton gin mill in the city. Frances operated the Pioneer Store next door, at the corner of North Oak and East Graves Avenue. The home's earliest confirmed residents were John E. and Elizabeth Bengtson, a Swedish couple who operated a general merchandise store on E. Graves Avenue.In 1904, Isabella Dunlap purchased the cottage from the Bengstons. It was at this time when the detached kitchen was joined to the principle structure by way of an enclosed catwalk. Isabella is noted for her civic involvement in Orange City. At one time, Isabella was the president of the Village Improvement Association, an active member of the Cemetery Association, and one of two women to first serve on the Orange City Town Council in 1921.In March 1909, Orange City had its most devastating fire, caused by an old oil stove in the house of Dr. Phillip W. Hill. The fire destroyed the Hill home and seven other structures on East Graves and North Oak Avenues. Mrs. Isabella Dunlap saved her cottage by connecting her own hose to a nearby fire hydrant, from which she sprayed down her cottage. During her ownership of the cottage Isabella married and changed her name to Isabella Gerhard.In 1914 the property was acquired by James and Nella Walden of Connecticut, owners of the property to the west of the Drift Inn cottage. Rev. David Hughes purchased the house in 1935, and it remained in this family for several decades. David's granddaughter Joan J. LaFleur and her husband Bob sold the home in 2004.

Located at 343 East Graves Ave, The Drift Inn is believed to be one of the oldest buildings in Orange City. The documented history of the structure begins about 1895. The home is of Framed Vernacular architecture. It is supported by brick and masonry piers and features wrap-around porches, now incorporated, abundant cross-ventilation through opposing windows and doors, high tin ceilings for maximum cooling, and balloon native pine construction, with pine-board inside walls. Multiple gable roofs allowed dead hot air to collect in the attic above the living space. This house is nicely restored to the 1900s Victorian elegance.

The Drift Inn, formerly Bengston Cottage - 343 East Graves Avenue

The residential structure was constructed in 1906 It represents a primarily Colonial Revival architectural style which was popular from 1880 - 1960. The style characteristics include a symmetrical facade,1-2 stories, porch with columns, a medium pitched roof, side gables with narrow eaves or hipped roofs and dormers. Originally, the property was owned by Charles Smith who built the Pioneer Store in 1880. The city founders, in the upstairs of the Pioneer Store building, planned the incorporation of the city. They voted to name the town Blue Spring City, however, when John Stillman filed for the post office, he registered the name as Orange City. In 1904, James and Nella Walden purchased the building, which had been vacant for some time and demolished it to build their house. The Walden House was said to be a very modern cottage fitted with all the modern conveniences. The home survived the devastating fire of 1909 that destroyed many of the buildings on North Oak and East Graves Avenues. The grounds contain the original woven wire fence and hand formed concrete posts, which were used to keep roaming livestock out of the yard. It also boasts native landscaping, which includes azaleas and sable palms making this structure and site an excellent example of Orange City’s historic roots.

The Walden House was one of the many houses built after the devastating freezes of the late 1890s.  In 1904, James and Nella Walden purchased several lots along North Oak and East Graves Avenue. Included in their purchase was the former Pioneer Store building, which had fallen into disrepair. James demolished the building to make way for his new home in 1906. 


Walden House - 110 North Oak Avenue

John Camac, a native of New Jersey, had a real estate office in Philadelphia for 38 years before he ventured to Florida's burgeoning land boom in1919. He opened a real estate office in Daytona Beach, while maintaining his office in Philadelphia. In Daytona Beach he developed the Fernwood Hotel and several business block on the peninsula's Main Street and financed the construction of the Florida Theater. In 1926, Camac moved his office to Orange City where he built the Laverne Apartments from the then vacated Hall and Library. The apartment design was influenced by popular building techniques used in the Mediterranean Revival style, which began late in the nineteenth century peaking in the 1920's and 1930's. The characteristics of the Mediterranean Revival architecture is similar to Spanish Revival architecture with low pitched roofs with broad over hanging eaves and covered with red clay brick tile while the walls of the structures are usually always finished with stucco. Camac employed a stucco finish over the original wooden clapboard with decorative diamond emblems on the second floor balcony. The building consists of two floors with ten apartments at the LaVerne each apartment had two rooms with a front and rear porch. Camac acquired the cities water company to insure fresh water to his hotel guests and apartment tenants this helped to expand the infrastructure of the water company. J.P. Prettyman drafted the plans and supervised all the construction on Camac commercial buildings He also built six dwellings and did a renovation in Orange City for Camac. The house at 401 East Graves, the former home of John Camac is the house Prettyman renovated.

This historic multi-family apartment complex was built in 1926 by John W. Camac, a popular real estate developer. It is an example of wood-framed Masonry Vernacular. The apartment building loosely demonstrates Mediterranean revival influence. This structure contains 10 two-room apartments. It is located next to the historic Erwin Hotel, also built by Mr. Camac. The apartments have also been named the Nassau  Apartments and more recently, the Townhouse Apartments.


Laverne Apartments - 238 East Graves Avenue

John W. Camac, a native of New Jersey, had a real estate office in Lansdowne, Philadelphia for 38 years before he ventured to Florida's burgeoning land boom in 1919. He opened a real estate office in Daytona Beach while maintaining his office in Philadelphia. He became very active in Daytona, serving as a director of the East Coast Bank and Trust Co. while investing in the development of the beach side community. In Daytona Beach, Camac developed the Fernwood Hotel and several business blocks on the peninsula's Main Street. Soon, his interests lead him to the west side of Volusia County. The Miami News announced on July 14, 1925 that Camac had purchased the Orange City Mineral Springs Water Company. Having obtained a 50 year franchise of the company, Camac laid out plans to improve the water bottling operations and supply water to 12 new subdivisions in the area. John and Sallie (Erwin) Camac moved to Orange City and quickly became an active participants in all things Orange City. John purchased a reported 200 acres of land in town for future development. Camac was soon busy with planning construction of a two story hotel on the city’s main street. Under the supervision of J.P. Prettyman, construction of the Erwin Hotel began in 1926. The flat roofed hotel was built in a modest Italian Revival style. Two round roof elaborations above the quoins are original to the structure. The name of the hotel is presumed to be named for his wife’s family. At one time, the structure had a series of enclosed garages attached to the south façade extending south. The Italian Renaissance style began late in the nineteenth century peaking in the 1920s before declining in popularity by the 1930s. It was a common style for architect-designed landmarks in major metropolitan areas prior to World War I. Vernacular interpretations, like the Erwin Hotel, were prevalent in the 1920s with the perfection of masonry veneering skills. Prominent decorative details for this structure include parallel quoins, roof-line parapet, and belt courses. The flat roof subtype of Italian Revival architecture is similar to Spanish Revival architecture with stucco cladding and little or no eave overhangs. The hotel manager, Edward Coffey, order 50,000 picture postcards of the hotel and scenes of Orange City to help advertise to northerners. Daily rates for the hotel ranged from $2 to $5 per day depending on the desired accommodations. Local builder J.P. Prettyman drafted the plans and supervised all the construction on Camac's commercial buildings. He also built six dwelling in Orange City and renovated multiple properties in Orange City for the busy developer. In 1926, Camac's investments and construction projects in the city totaled over $300,000. In an article published by the Deland Sun News on April 13, 1926, John W. Camac responds to questions about his substantial investment in Orange City. “I have spent the last eight winters and several summers in Florida, during which time I have been pretty well over the entire state. I have found no place in the whole state, throughout my travels that appealed to me in so many different ways as does Orange City. In the first place, I was attracted by the abundance of magnificent old shade trees, which not only form picturesque arches over all the street, but cover a lest 80 percent of all the property in town. These beautiful shade trees make it at once cool and delightful in Orange City. In the second place, I have found no place in all Florida were there were fewer flies, mosquitos, and insects. Another important fact that attracted me is the close proximity to the beautiful city of DeLand, only a ten minute drive from here, and a wonderful Daytona Beach, the finest one in the world, within an hour’s drive of Orange City. All these things, compiled with the fact Orange City has the best and purest drinking water in the United States, assured me that this was the best place to live and the safest place to make a real estate investment. So I invested here and many of my friends have done likewise. Orange City, in my judgment, is as safe as government bonds for an investment. I am not offering anything for sale, I am still buying.” – J.W. Camac The Orange City Times Newspaper in 1927 reported that John W. Camac was having considerable improvements made to his properties keeping carpenters, painters and gardeners busy about the city. He was applauded in the newspapers for beautification projects he financed. Mr. Camac had planted 500 trees on his properties throughout the city and intended to plant more as trees became available. Camac’s involvement in the City extended to other public services. In 1926, Camac also help organize the Orange City Bank and served as Vice-President, participating in the dedication of the building at 211 North Volusia Avenue. He was reported to be the largest financial contributor toward the construction of a new Methodist church on East University Ave. He was appointed to a steering committee for the construction of the City’s Town Hall in 1927. That same year, Camac was appointed to serve on the city’s Tree Planting Commission alongside local landscape architect Miss Elizabeth Bootes Clark. John and Sallie Camac resided at 401 East Graves Avenue, said to be one of the most beautiful residences in the city at the time. He died September 28, 1929 after a long illness. The Erwin Hotel continued in operation for many years under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Beavers.

This two-story structure was built in 1926 for John W. Camac and named for his wife's family. A seasoned real estate developer and banker, Camac commissioned J.P. Prettyman to build the hotel as well as complete the construction of the adjacent Laverne Apartments.  The hotel was advertised on February 4, 1927 in the Orange City Times.  It contained a lobby and seventeen rooms on the second floor and five commercial stores on the first floor.  The commercial stores were home to hair dressers, hardware stores, antiques dealers, and used book retailers.  Other notable commercial occupants on the first floor included the town post office and the Beverly Restaurant.

Erwin Hotel - 244 East Graves Avenue

Orange City experienced a period of rapid development and population growth in the late 1920s. As a result, the City sought a unified structure for conducting city business. Land was donated by Edward and Lillian Alling and a special bond election was held to ensure financing of the construction. A Classical Revival architectural style was selected by then Mayor E. B. Alling to reflect a New England town hall. Architect Elton J. Moughton of Sanford, FL was commissioned to design a building to include offices for the City Clerk, City Council, Town Marshall and the Fire Department. Deland's R. Knight was awarded the building contract. The cornerstone of the institutional structure was laid on October 6, 1928. The building was completed in December 1928, followed by a dedication ceremony on March 13, 1929. The structure retains its original use for city administrative offices.  Mayor Alling was a prominent member of the community. He is credited as establishing the Orange City Chapter of the American Red Cross. In 1940, Alling donated the one story brick building located just east of Town Hall, which he had used for his real estate office, for use as the local Red Cross Chapter house. The City purchased the Red Cross building in 2002, which is used as offices of the Mayor and City Clerk today. The grounds maintain its historic landscape including a manicured lawn and looming water oaks, making this structure and site an excellent example of Orange City’s historic resources.

Constructed in 1928, this Neo-Classical Revival architecture stands out as one of the city's most significant historic resources. Town Hall was designed to house all offices of the City of Orange City, FL during the boom era of Florida development. The structure remains in use today for Orange City administration offices. The basement level, although now offices, still boasts two early jail cells. 

Town Hall for the City of Orange City, Florida - 205 East Graves Avenue

The Dickinson Memorial Library was constructed in 1918, and dedicated in 1919. It is an example of the Masonry Vernacular architectural style with influences of the Mission architectural style. The foot print of the building was expanded in the early 1980s with an addition. The cross-hip roof was once covered with Ludowici-Cellandon tile of a Spanish pattern. Asphalt shingles replaced the tiles many years ago. The brick chimneys and carved rafters remain. The stucco clad exterior walls were a popular finish of the day. At the entrance there is a curved panel inscribed with “Dickinson Memorial Library” above the door. The local firm of J.H. Bates and Sons constructed the building with members of J.H. Bates, William Keown, Conrad O'Neill and E.S. Corson. The firm was also constructing the house at 344 North Oak Avenue at the same time as they were building the library. It could be said that the Orange City Library Association began in 1876 with a group of women meeting in their homes to do handiwork. While they worked, a person would read aloud; it was usually Mrs. Helen Freeman reading as she always brought a book with her. At one of the meetings she requested that everyone bring a book to loan to the next meeting. Thus began the origins of the Orange City Library. It wasn't until 1879 that the books found a home at the DeYarman Hotel marking the formal organizations of the Orange City Library Association. In 1880, a constitution and by-laws were adopted for a period of 99 years. Mr. A.L. Wellman was the first president and the books were later kept in his store on East Graves Avenue. In 1884, the books again moved to the drugs store of Dr. Philip W. Hill with members taking turns loaning out the books. Two years latter, the books were move to Dr. Allen's store. As the community grew, a small building was purchased from Dr. Hammond to house the books. Then in 1892 , Miss. Mary Stillman provided a lot on the west side of Holly Avenue as the new home for the books. It is presumed that the building purchased from Dr. Hammond was moved to the newly donated lot on North Holly Avenue. In 1897, the books moved yet again. This time to the former Orange City Hotel that had been purchased by Miss Melissa Dickinson. She used her own finances to have the structure remodeled into a formal Hall and Library. She later gave the building to the Orange City Library Association. The upstairs of the building was made into an auditorium, while the downstairs was the library with a reading room. A good size dinning room, a fully equipped kitchen and large meeting room was designated for the free use by the women's Village Improvement Association. Gratefully, the building Melissa had donated and largely furnished survived the fire of 1908. When Melissa died in 1910, her absence in the community left a whole in the hearts of her family and friends. In 1918, Albert and Emma Dickinson initiated plans to construct a new modern library south of the city park. Embarking on building a new library to replace Melissa's building, they contacted Mr. Francis Miller, a Deland architect to draw up plans for a new library. In May 1918, Miller delivered the plans to the Dickinson's. They hired J.H. Bates to supervise the construction of building. In 1919, at the cost of $20,000, the new library was complete. In December of that year, the library was dedicated in honor of Melissa Dickinson, the sister of Albert Dickinson, for her contributions to the betterment of City of Orange City and her unbounding love of the library.

The Dickinson Memorial Library is an example of Masonry Vernacular Architectural style. Construction completed in 1919, the library building was a gift from Albert and Emma Dickinson in memory of Albert's sister, Melissa, who was an honored resident of Orange City. The adjacent street, Albertus Way, was named after Albert Dickinson as it was a new street at the time the library was being built. The firm of J.H. Bates and Sons was the contractor for the new library building.

Dickinson Memorial Library - 148 Albertus Way

The hotel was built for Hugh and Sophia DeYarman, who moved to Orange City from Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1876. Hugh owned and operated a hotel there as did Sophia's first husband. They sought new business prospects after learning of the new settlement that would become Orange City. The first structure they built was a cottage to house workers of a local sawmill; these men would also help build the hotel. The cottage eventually became the hotel's kitchen. The hotel was expanded in the early 1900s.It eventually closed in 1931 and became a Methodist camp for a couple of years. In 1936, a man named Ralph Hankinson bought the building and used it to house Daytona race car drivers. Between 1939-1954, Wittenburg University owned the building. Then from 1954-1973, it was used as a nursing home until newly instituted building codes stated that wooden-frame structures could not be used as nursing homes. The building's owner, Carol Forrer, decided to open stores selling crafts, recreational vehicles, and sporting goods. The building was converted once again into a hotel in 1995 and remains so today. Mrs. Forrer renamed the hotel the 1876 Heritage Inn.

Originally known as the DeYarman House Hotel, the 1876 Heritage Inn is the oldest operational hotel in Volusia County. As its name indicates, it was opened in 1876 and is a contributing property of the Orange City Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It also features the Post Office Museum, which displays old stamps and letters on the walls. Additional postal artifacts are on display in the lobby and main office.

Walking Tour of Historic Orange City

Arcadia - The former dwelling of Dr. I.C. & Laura Curtis - 128 North Oak Avenue

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Additional Information