Nestled in the heart of Deland, Florida, stands a majestic mansion known as the John Dutton House. This splendid abode was erected by John Wesley Dutton, originally from Georgia, whose wealth stemmed from his ventures in naval stores and lumber. At the turn of the 20th century, Dutton’s business prowess dominated much of the turpentine industry, alongside citrus and lumber, which were the primary economic drivers of Central Florida at the time.
The architectural blueprints for this grand residence were conceived by the renowned firm of Cairns & Fitcher, with local contractor Gus Lauman overseeing its meticulous construction. Completed in 1911, the sprawling mansion spans 8,000 square feet and came to fruition at a cost of $25,000. Its notable features include towering Corinthian columns that grace the façade, supporting tiered verandas adorned with intricate scroll brackets, modillions, and dentils embellishing the frieze. Ceramic tile panels further accentuate the gable ends and roof. Today, the John Dutton House stands as one of the few remaining examples of Volusia County’s lavishly adorned early twentieth-century residences, a testament to the opulence and architectural finesse of its era.
In 1924, Dutton and his family engaged in a home swap with the vice president of a local bank, marking a new chapter for the residence. By the 1940s, the property changed hands again and underwent a transformation into the Griffith-Stith Funeral Parlor. For nearly two decades, it served as a place of mourning before being repurposed into a meeting hall. Subsequently, it was sold once more and transformed into apartments, catering to the housing needs of the community. Over time, it evolved into the Colonial Guest Home, welcoming travelers seeking temporary accommodations, before eventually becoming known as the Colonial Arms Apartments.
However, the property faced financial challenges in 1990 when the bank foreclosed on it, listing it for sale at $129,000. Despite efforts to find a buyer, the property remained unsold, prompting the bank to pursue demolition, which received approval from the Deland City Commission.
A ray of hope emerged in 1992 when a compassionate couple offered the bank $90,000 to rescue the historic house from destruction. Despite the significant damage inflicted by termites, estimated at over $225,000 in renovation costs, the new owners embarked on a mission to restore the mansion’s former glory. They envisioned a five-year restoration journey and established a nonprofit organization to rally community support for the project. Their ultimate goal was to transform the house into a museum or an enchanting wedding venue, inviting the public to share in its rich history and architectural splendor.
Unfortunately, the restoration efforts faced a setback when the new owner fell ill, prompting a plea to the city to assume responsibility for the project. Recognizing the importance of preserving the Dutton House, the city agreed to intervene, preferring to entrust the restoration to a nonprofit organization dedicated specifically to the preservation of this historic gem.
In 1995, a nonprofit organization called Historic Deland Inc. was formed, aiming to spearhead the restoration efforts. Thanks to their diligent work, they secured several grants from the state, enabling them to press forward with the restoration of the Dutton House. However, as time passed, the board overseeing the project dwindled, leading to the establishment of a new board in 2005. This revamped board opted to rename the organization Dutton House Inc., a move intended to avoid confusion with the Historical Society of Deland. Their efforts were bolstered by the acquisition of two grants, facilitating restoration work until 2008.
Unfortunately, the economic downturn during the recession dealt a blow to funding efforts, with no state allocations for the project in 2008 and the subsequent three years. Despite the setbacks, the restoration journey persisted. As we approach nearly a quarter-century since the commencement of the restoration, the Dutton House remains a work in progress, a testament to the enduring dedication of those committed to preserving its legacy for generations to come.
