John D. Rockefeller: His Life and Times in Ormond, Florida (Florida History)

John D. Rockefeller: His Life and Times in Ormond, Florida (Florida History)

The Casements was built by the Reverend Harwood Huntington in the early 1900’s for his wife. In 1918, John D. Rockefeller, the Standard Oil billionaire, purchased the house and lived here in the winters until his death in 1937, at the age of 97. John D. Rockefeller lived a very quiet and peaceful life at The Casements, surrounded by his devoted staff and guards. He golfed, travelled the countryside in his chauffeured car, and attended Sunday night concerts at the Hotel Ormond. One of the most outstanding events of Rockefeller’s winter residence was his annual gala Christmas party attended by friends and neighbor’s. After his death in 1937, The Casements was sold in 1941 and there would be several owners to follow. Having fallen into disrepair over the years, The Casements was purchased by the city of Ormond Beach, restored, and now serves as a Cultural Center for the community. Here is our fascinating story of The Casements, now known as “The Crown Jewel of Ormond Beach.” About the Author Alice brings many years of educational experience to this project. In recent years, Alice has volunteered many hours to the Museum of Arts and Sciences, as a docent, providing museum tour and classroom experiences for children and adults alike. Later, as staff in the Education Department, Alice was instrumental in developing educational programs and facilitated children and adults through several major exhibits such as the Great Asian Dinosaurs and the Glories of Ancient Egypt. Alice also provided character reenactment programs for the Museum. While working as a docent at The Casements in 2004/2005, Alice recognized the need for a book to tell the story of John D. Rockefeller’s “life and times” in Ormond and to document the history and evolution of The Casements throughout the years. This book has brought that vision to fruition. Alice, and her husband Ron, have lived in Volusia County since the 1970’s and have sought out involvement in local history throughout those years. Today, as members of the Halifax Historical Society, in Daytona Beach and the Ormond Beach Historical Society, and as authors of several books about local history, reenactors and filmmakers, they continue their research to reveal undiscovered people, places and events that will bring the historical past alive for all of us.