The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1889-12-11
ALetter from Florida.

LAKE HELEN, fla, Dec. End, 1889.
Editor Of TE ESrxRPRsE:
Perhaps some who will read this sketch
have visited the South and know more
about Il than l do, as | have been here
but short time, but those who have not
been 50 fortunate may be Interested.
Many, undoubtedly, have never heard
oftbis place and wonder where Il is. Lake
Helen Is situated 100 miles south Of Jack
sonvllle, miles east Of St. John riyers 20
miles from the Atlantic cost, aud about
rs miles from The Gulf Of Mexico tits
far enough south 10 escape any severe
ftosts. and north Of The extreme heat and
other undesirable features OF the more
southern portions.
II Is On high pine land, surrounded by
beautIful fresh water lakes, all connected
by r.ress and are clear running water
'''9t1 ~ Rsoomes s'sRpaui The
tbwn vas sbes dbl p.au1ad md l,tdoni
by The Hon. II. A. DeLand, q man Of large
means, who has done 80 much for Flor
ida, having started the town bearing his
name, and several other towns near here.
A few years ago, after the tide of nor,h-
ern travel had SET In this direction, his
eye fell upon this spot. charming even In
its wildness, and he saw that it posse ssed
natural advantages Of situation, soil and
climate which wonld eventually make II
center Of population and successful in
dustry. 49,
II was first surveyed In 1884. The towo
limits embrce about square mile on
both sides OF the most beautiful OF the
chain Of lakes lying on the "orange
Ridge Of Volusia county, and both the
town aud lake are named for his only
daughter, Helen. He at once erected n
fine hotel, beautiful two-story building
nearly 200 feet long and 70 feet wide,
with wide verandas on three sides /;
this be named for his only son, Harlan
1t is situated on Lakeylew Avenue, in a
park comprising ten acres, where enough
pine trees are left standing to afford a
pleasant shade, and all kinds o. tropical
fruits aud plants are scattered over IL.
Across the street, on the shore OF the lake
Is another park where shrubs and plants,
rustic seats and summer houses are found
In every corner. AT the edge Of the lake
Is a pretty boat'nouse, where feet
OF boats, fitted up with carpets and
cushions, 10 kept for the use of the guests.
This Is Lakeview park. Across Maine
st. which runs east and west, are the
hotel gardens, where all kinds Of vege.
tables are now growing, and for their
Thanksgiving dinner they gathered green
peas, tomatoes, lettuce, radlsbes and po.
tatoes
On the east side ol the lake Opposite
Lakeview park, are the South Florida
nurseries where every yarity Of fruit and
plant except those which can only grow
In extremity hot or cold countries Is found.
There are not as many fine dwelling
houses on this side Of the lake; IL Is
mostly orange groves. A beautiful cot
tage on Lemon Avenue Is called" Belle.
vue cottage" This stands some distance
back from the street and Is surrounded by
plants, trees and shrubs OF all kinds. A
walk bordered with roses which are GOV
cred with blossoms every day In the year
leads TO the door. The other streets are
Orange. TaDgerine, and Preva,t Avenue
Lake Helen was literally 'made To order
and the location Is everything that is de
sirable In regard " health, beauty. eli
mate, soil. etc. The soil around the lakes
Is rich black loan or muck, and 10 the
higher lands is sand. Three successive
gardens can be raised in year on the
mnck lands aud AFTER q thing is once
started IN the sand II never stops growing
The vast proportions a plaut will assum,
~ . wordnr'rl'v short s-ac" ~ .',~c y
ulin 'sttn..~cl.ou, laae.u 49,. ~. seel