The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1890-01-29


a beautiful sheet of water over three
fourths of mile inlength. The location
is one of exceptional beauty. The land
is gently rolling and the soil fertile. Here
only five years ago founded the town of
Lake Helen, naming it after the lake, as
he had named the lake after his daughter.
Here he built in 1885, beautiful hotel,
which he supplied with every requisite for
first-class house, elegant furniture, cleo
trio bells, unexceptional service, and all
that can be found at any fIst-class city
hotel. Adjoining this he projected an i'm
mense vegetable and small fruit farm.
From this garden, the hotel table is sup
piled daily with fresh vegetables and fruits,
and from which guests may enjoy straw
berries in January, and summer veget-
bles every day in winter.
The hotel, which Mr.. DeLand has called
the Harlan House, is, as whole, elegant
and complete, with absolutely everything
in a style that must suit the most fastid-
ious.
After thus literally providing for their
material wants, Mr.. DeLand arranged the
amusements for it's guests or rather, he
utilized the diversions which nature had
freely provided. Upholstered boats, with
skilled oarsmen at call, were put upon
Lake Helen for the free use ofall. Tennis,
croquet and archery grounds were ar
ranged and equipped.
The entire plan of Harlan Hotel was so
complete and unique that every visitor
was enraptured. So popular did it be-
come that in 1886 it became necessary to
double it's capacity. 1t was filled after
this to overlooking, and so much greater
numbers than could possibly be accom-
modated, were eager to sojourn in this
paradise, that it's capacity was again
doubled in 1887, and another smaller no.
tel was also built
The uncommon beauty OF the place
caught the eye of wealthy visitors, and
Immediately cottages began to spring
up on the shores of Lake Helen. Queen
Annecottages, designed by Mace, the Ohio
architect, and roomy verandahed dwell
lings vie with each other in beauty. These
are painted in delicate and pretty shades,
-grays, drabs, creams, etc., with gables,
towers, balconies and other features in
keeping with their style. In fact every
thing about Lake Helen is ornamental.
PAST AND PRESENT.
Twelve years ago DeLand was not.
The only outlet Or inlet was the
river, five miles away, and almost the
only means of reaching it was the prima-
tive cart Now the city of DeLand is
connected with New York and all points
North by rail via J Jacksonville, from which
latter place she is but four hours ride:
with Titusville, with which she holds two
direct communications daily; with all
Southwestern Florida by as many routes
as you please; and the Southeastern
coast country is quite at her feet.
All this is the result OF the faith, cour-
age, foresight and patience of one man,
who lent not his time only, but who risked
his fortune, and put much of his life into
the work. 1t is not easy to over estim ate
his sagacity, and it is impossible to over
rate the reward it merits. May he live
long to enjoy the fruits of his labors in
which so many of his felIowmen are richly
blessed. III. BURTON MILLIKEN.
rs Consumption Incurable?
1o & H. n