The Florida agriculturist., 1884-11-26
Lake Helen. Fla.


The growing Importance of the new
city of DeLand, Fla, has brought into
prominence the desirable portions of the
surrounding country. Lying five miles
southeast of the city, is group of beau
tiful small lakes, begirt on every side by
the choicest and richest high pine land.
The strength of the soil is surprise to
those who have conceived the opinion
that all Florida land is necessarily poor.
The native Floridians, in casting about
for the best land on which to settle,
when very large portion of the State
was open to them at uniform govern
ment price, took up land Immediately adj
jacent to these lakes, and for years
raised to perfection great crops of the
old-fashioned southern staples-cotton,
corn, sugar cane, &c.
Judge Prevatt became a prominent
man amongst this class, and his home
stead, on the east shore of the largest. of
these lakes, (now called Lake Helen)
eventually became the center of the sec
ton. There was established the typical
southern tstore, where cattle and crops
were brought in and exchanged for the
modest requirements of the community
in the grocery and dry goods line. There
the post-otfice where the infrequent let
! ters and papers were gathered and dis
tributed. If tire came off it was re-
paired at the Judge s primitive forge, and
to his ancient mill, the loads of juicy
sugar-cane were brought to have their
sweetness extracted.
The invasion of northern settlers was
not at first relished by the class of which
W q txynn nd for.
time they held aloof, and did not fully
recognize the advantages which always
attend the incoming OF northern energy
and capital. But by the death of Judge
Prevatt in 1888, intestate, and the sub
sequent selling of his real estate by the
court, an opportunity was offered to
open for more rapid settlement, the fair
est portion of this unequalled section.
Mr.. III. A. DeLand purchased the home
stead, adding to it other extensive tracts
adjacent, until he had sufficient guam
tity of land lying in a body to enable him
to carry out the purpose he had formed
of building up another town, where, to
all the advantages of the neighboring
city of DeLand, could be added those
attached to the contiguity of body of
clear fresh water. In pursuance of this
purpose, the land on the shores of Lake
Helen has been surveyed into lots,
streets and parks have been laid out,
An extra large, nice store erected, and
a fine commodious hotel, the Harlan
House, completed and will be opened
about Dec /, 1884, under the manage
ment of Capt. Minot, of Asbury Park,
NJ A desirable lot has been set apart
for school and church purposes, and ev-
e1.xy 4
could suggest to make the place desira-
BILE for permanent and winter homes.
The name of the lake has been bestowed
pearances, Lake Helen will soon be en-
rolled on the list OF Florida towns whose
growth have been marvel to all con-
versant with the facts.
The beauty of the situation, and the
great natural advantages, have been so
apparent to all, that lots have sold with
great rapidity, purchasers hailing from
almost every northern State, Canada
and England. The large store erected
last summer, has already establish
the town and surrounding country. The
Prevatt post-office was discontinued
wears ago, and Lake Helen was created
post-office last spring, with Mr.. j. G..
Sheldon, the proprietor OF the store, as
postmaster. Several cottages are al
ready built, and the erection of them
will continue as rapidly as the mechan
ical work can be performed. A full sup
ply of drugs and medicines can be OBJ
tanned at an excellent drug store. Boats
and bath houses will be ready for the
winters business, while the hard sand
shore of the lake will be utilized for a
two mile drive, the like of which cannot
be found in all the State away from the
sea shore.
The Harlan House, under the capable
management OF Capt. Minot, will be
supplied with fruit and vegetables from