[By Sara E. Rogers]

Small Town Treasures in Central Florida

Central Florida is a popular vacation destination for millions of visitors each year. But less than one hour west of some of Florida's most famous Central Florida attractions, three special downtowns and small towns exemplify Florida's unique heritage, and offer a pleasant excursion for visitors. A visit to DeLand, Cassadaga and DeBary provides a glimpse into Florida's heritage through murals, mediums, mansions and much more.

DeLand
Less than 25 miles west of Daytona Beach lies the town of DeLand, the administrative seat of Volusia county. DeLand is defined by stately homes nestled amongst an oak-tree canopy, a nationally recognized, award-winning Main Street, scenic roads, bubbling springs, Stetson University and Southern hospitality. Stetson University, established in 1876 is Florida's oldest private college. The Stetson University Campus Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, blends comfortably into downtown along Woodland Boulevard where visitors enjoy a fine selection of specialty and antique shops, outdoor cafes and bistros.

The Downtown DeLand Historic District, National Register listed in 1987, includes the DeLand Mural Walk illustrating local history with colorful portrayals of early settlers in horse-drawn carriages, steam locomotives and grand homes of yesteryear. DeLand museums include the African-American Museum, the DeLand Museum of Art, the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum, and the Henry A. DeLand House Museum. On the Stetson campus, the Gillespie Museum of Minerals boasts the largest private mineral and gem collection in the world.

Cassadaga
Bungalow houses, narrow streets and spirit encounters define the intriguing town of Cassadaga. The Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp was established in 1894 by George P. Colby. During a séance, Colby was told he would someday establish a Spiritualist camp in the South. In 1875, Colby's spirit guide "Seneca" led him to the Cassadaga site, a Seneca word meaning "rocks beneath water."

One of the few religious communities founded in Florida during the 1890s to remain in existence today, Cassadaga now encompasses 57 acres. More than half of its more than 80 residents are mediums and healers. The town was designated a Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Today, the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association is the oldest active religious community in the southeast. The streets of the town are narrow, and the homes date back to the turn of the 20th century. Although residents own their homes on Camp grounds, the Camp retains ownership of the land.

DeBary
Beautifully restored DeBary Hall is the late 1870s winter hunting estate of famed New York wine importer and sportman, Frederick DeBary. The 8,000-square-foot, Italianate-style mansion was a popular destination for quail hunting, fishing and unforgettable parties, enjoyed exclusively by DeBary's guests, affluent northerners who traveled by steamboat up the St. Johns River. Today the mansion and exhibits offer a glimpse of life during Florida's 19th century tourism boom, the local citrus industry, and steamboating up the St. Johns River. The property includes stables and farming artifacts.