Florida, Ormond Beach: John Davison Rockefeller’s Home- The Casements

Two of my great loves are all things historic and architectural design.   A couple months ago I had the fortunate opportunity to tour the last home that John D. Rockefeller occupied. Situated on the banks of the Halifax River in Ormond Beach, Florida you will find the historic Casements.

The Casements, Ormond Beach, FL

Now you are thinking, by today’s standards, John D. Rockefeller was probably the richest man in the world during the early 1900s by creating Standard Oil. Why live in Ormond Beach (town next to Daytona Beach)?  After taking a guided tour, I discovered that John Rockefeller wanted to live to be 100 years old  and in order to reach this age his doctor advised him to move to either Ormond Beach, Florida or to Cairo, Egypt.

J.D. Rockefeller, The Casements

This man is the richest in the world, the Casements home was pretty modest compared to those of other “Robber Barons”.  Why live in The Casements?

Rockefeller spent many years staying as a guest at the Ormond Beach Hotel (which is now The Ormond Heritage Condominiums) when he overheard a hotel staffer 's conversation that he was being charged more than the other guests.  In 1918, that is when Rockefeller decided to approach Rev. Huntington and buy his personal home, The Casements, which was located directly across from The Ormond Beach Hotel.

Ormond Beach Hotel, Ormond Beach, FL
Ormond Beach Historical Society

The Casements named after large cut casement windows, has great architectural features.   From stained glass windows to amazing woodwork, the home has gone though several life cycle renovations.  During the tour I found out that there was an underground tunnel which  lead directly from the main home to J.D. Rockefeller’s doctor’s home. 

Stained Glass at The Casements, Ormond Beach, FL

The Atrium, The Casements
Ormond Beach, FL

Pictures of days gone by with guests such as Thomas Edison, Will Rogers, and Harvey Firestone adorn the walls.  Through several donations there are some unique collections on view such as one of the largest Boy Scout memorabilia exhibit and a antique Hungarian Folk art and clothing display.

Hungarian Folk Art Exhibit
The Casements, Ormond Beach, FL

I took a peak in the attic and I got a chance to see the hooded white wicker chair that provided shelter for John while he watched cars racing on the beach which has now evolved into the Daytona 500.  Mr Rockefeller liked to watch the cars race on the hard packed sand.

In 1937 John D. Rockefeller passed away at the age of 97 (just shy of his 98th birthday) and the home was sold.  Years passed by and the home became a preparatory school, a home for the elderly and in 1972 the home was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places.  The City of Ormond Beach purchased it to serve as a cultural and community center.

View of the Halifax River from The Casement Gardens
Ormond Beach, FL

Lastly, I would like to share a poem that J.D. Rockefeller would give to his guests, he wrote this when he was 86 years old:

I was early taught to work as well as play,
My life has been one long, happy holiday,
Full of work and full of play-
I dropped the worry on the way-
And God was good to me everyday.

Recognizing that giving back was so important, during his lifetime John D. Rockefeller gave more that $530,000,000 to educational, scientific, and religious institutions.  I call that a True Philanthropist!

Front Entrance of The Casements
Ormond Beach FL

Want to visit The Casements and learn more about John Davison Rockefeller:
The Casements
25 Riverside Drive
Ormond Beach, FL 32176
http://www.thecasements.net/
Remember to visit The Casement’s Gift Shop!


Want to read about John D. Rockefeller, Sr.? 
Take a look at Titan by Ron Chernow.