- April 22, 2024
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The structure, to be used for weddings and other events, was meant to build off of The Casements' heritage.
BY WAYNE GRANT | STAFF WRITER
The new gazebo in front of The Casements reflects the architectural style of the historic house, making it look as if it’s been there for 100 years — the same length of time The Casements has stood amid the oak trees by the Halifax River.
And The Casements Guild, which donated the Centennial Gazebo to mark the structure's 100th anniversary, is hoping it will be there for another 100 years.
“We wanted something substantial and symbolic — a lasting legacy,” said Kathie Liviccori, centennial co-chairwoman. The guild raised money for the gazebo through tours, the gift shop and fundraisers.
The gazebo was dedicated in a ceremony Oct. 19. A 100-year timeline display, consisting of documents, photos and newspaper clippings showing important events in Casements history, was also on display at the dedication.
Siobhan Daly, cultural center coordinator at The Casements, said the gazebo not only adds to the appearance of the house, but it will also be useful.
“We already have four weddings booked,” she said. “It makes a great little stage for a band and we can have reading time for kids. And it really enhances the front lawn.”
The gazebo is also in keeping with Rockefeller history, she said. He had a garden pergola near the river when he was alive and he also liked to have places to sit and rest around his properties.
She pointed out that the window on the front of the gazebo is an original window from the house. It had been removed during a restoration project in 2009 but was saved.
John D. Rockefeller bought the house in 1918. He spent his winters in Ormond Beach and often had many famous guests at The Casements, such as Henry Ford, Will Rogers, and Sir Malcolm Campbell. Rockefeller died at The Casements in 1937. The house changed hands a few times and, after falling into disrepair, was bought by Ormond Beach in 1973. The city used grant funds to restore it and it is now a civic and cultural center for the community.
One of the speakers in the dedication was City Commissioner Troy Kent, who recounted childhood memories of his mother taking him for a picnic on The Casements grounds. Today, he takes bike rides on the grounds with his son.
“I hope my son will be here with his son, someday,” he said.
Commissioner Bill Partington added that he believed Rockefeller would be proud of The Casements.
“It’s a jewel for all to enjoy,” he said,
Phyllis Lowry, president of the Casements Guild, said planning and construction had been a two-year project. “We dedicate the gazebo to Ormond Beach and all who come here,” she said. “The Casements has been called the jewel of Ormond Beach, and this is our crowning glory.”
Events are slated monthly to celebrate the centennial year, culminating with a Harvest Moon Ball one year from now.
Listed as being involved in the construction of the gazebo in the dedication program were BPF Design Incorporated, Jenkins Brothers Construction, Economy Electric Co., Paul McDonald, landscape architect and the Ormond Beach Garden Club.
The next event at the Casements will be a Halloween event, Rockefeller Revisited, on Oct. 26. There will be a candlelit tour and characters from the past. Actors/volunteers will be in costume and the Casements will be transformed into the 1930’s atmosphere when John D. Rockefeller entertained his many famous guests. Tickets are $5 with children under 12 free.
The Casements welcomes visitors 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Visit thecasements.net.
Celebrate in Style
Oct. 26, 2013 — Rockefeller Revisited. Stop by The Casements for a candlelit tour and meet characters from the past. $5 per ticket; children under 12 free.
Nov. 10, 2013 — Centennial Ball and Silent Auction, Oceanside Golf & Country Club. Tickets on sale now. $75 per person. Call Maureen Topp 677-9354.
Nov. 11, 2013 — The Rockefeller Open Golf Tournament, Oceanside Golf & Country Club, to benefit the Emory L Bennett Memorial Veterans Nursing Home. Tickets on sale now. $100 per person. Call Maureen Topp 677-9354.
Dec. 6, 2013 — Tree & House Lighting Ceremony and Ice Cream Social. 6-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $3.00 at the door.
Dec. 7, 2013 — Wine and Hors d'oeurvres 5-7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Tickets on sale now. Call Arlene Halsey 256-7577.
Dec. 8, 2013 — The Anniversary Tea Party. Two seatings: 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. Tickets are $15.00. Call Arlene Halsey 256-7577.
Jan. 10, 2014 — Starry, Starry Night. 5-8 p.m. Gallery Walk between the Casements, Ormond Memorial Art Museum and the Ormond Historical Society.
Feb. 8, 2014 — The Casements Centennial Valentine, Wine, Treats and Sweets. A memorable evening of wine, chocolate and entertainment.
March 29, 2014 — The Casements Centennial Birthplace of Speed Celebration and The Casements Challenge. A family, fun event showcasing vintage automobiles, pancake breakfast and a run honoring the history of “speed.”
April 11, 2014 — The Casements Centennial Fashion Show. An afternoon of food, fun and fashion.
May 3 and 4, 2014 — The Casements Art in the Park – Sponsored by Leisure Services and Ormond Memorial Art Museum.
July 25, 2014 — The Casements Centennial Rock and Roll, Snack and Stroll. A partner event with Oceanside Country Club, Ormond Memorial Art Museum, Ormond Beach Historical Society and Ormond Beach Leisure Services.
Oct. 25, 2014 — The Casements Centennial Harvest Moon Ball. An elegant evening of fabulous food, incredible music and dancing under the moon.
Twelve Major Events in Casements History
1913 — The Casements is built by Reverend Harwood Huntington and his wife Grace on land given to her by her father.
1918 — John D. Rockefeller purchases the Casements along with a second house for $75,000.
1937 — Rockefeller passes away in his bedroom in the Casements. Memorial services are held in Ormond Beach and New York.
1940 — Maud van Woy, of Fairmont Junior College, Washington D.C., buys the Casements from the Rockefeller heirs for $37,500 and starts a school the following year.
1951 — Casements school is sold for $150,000 to Reverend C.A. Maddy to establish a nonprofit retirement facility.
1959 — The Casements is purchased by a group of investors called Ormond Hotel Casements Inc. for $128,000.
1960s — Ormond Hotel Casements Inc. planned to raze the Casements and build condominiums by the end of the decade.
1970s – A struggle ensued between citizens against the demolition and Ormond Hotel Casements Inc. The property, for all intents and purposes, was abandoned.
1974 — The city of Ormond Beach purchased the Casements for $500,000. Also that year, the Casements is gutted by fire.
1977— The city receives a reconstruction grant for $449,000 under the Public Works Act. Reconstruction begins the following year.
1979 — The Casements Guild is chartered and the Casements is dedicated as “The Community Enrichment Center of Ormond Beach.”
2010 — The Casements reopens after being restored using an ECHO grant.
