FLORIDA HOUSE
RAP SHEET
1836.11.24 EAST FLORIDA HERALD
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR DE DeForrest TEXT "Florida House has been rented by DE DeForrest. He has a boat available for guests, wines and liquors of the best quality, and a good stable. Cheap as the market will possibly allow, and superior to anything that can be found in Florida." 1838.11.03 SAINT AUGUSTINE NEWS
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR HEADLINE Business Hotels Adv… Florida House by E Thomson TEXT "This large and commodious building, having undergone several repairs and improvements, is now open for the reception of permanent and transcient [sic] Boarders. The proprietor has just returned from the North, with new furniture, and other requisited, for the convenience of those who may patronize his establishment. He pushes himself that no exertion will be left untried to add to the comfort of those who shall make the FLORIDA HOUSE their temporary or permanent home." 1839 INVALID
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR Mr Thompson TEXT "There are two large and commodious hotels, capable of entertaining forty or fifty persons each. The Florida House, kept by Mr Thompson, is a large, commodious, and well regulated establishment, considering the circumstances of the place; and, although somewhat expensive, good fires were generally provided, to obviate the severity of the weather." 1851.01.10 ANCIENT CITY
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR TEXT "Mrs Law has a Wax Works display at the Florida House which is highly praised in an editorial. This seems to be particularly for the Ladies." 1851.12.13 ANCIENT CITY
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR Dr JH Bushwell TEXT "Florida House is about to reopen under management of Dr JH Bushwell." 1880 COXETTERVILLE & BAKERSVILLE
PROPERTY Florida Hotel ADDRESS Corner Saint George and Treasury PROPRIETOR TEXT "Corner Saint George and Treasury Street, Dr Peck lived on the opposite corner the Florida Hotel extended east of Charlotte Street." 1883.12.24 CITY MINUTES
PROPERTY Florida Hotel and Planters Hotel ADDRESS PROPRIETOR TEXT "A petition was read from Geo L Atkins & Sons for permission to build a bridge across Treasury St to connect the Florida House with the old Planters Hotel, said bridge to be 4 feet and 1/2 wide and 14 feet above the ground. "On motion of Ald Johnson, permission was granted for five years, and subject to the control of the City of Saint Augustine." 1883-84 FLORIDA STATE GAZETTEER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR George I Atkins & Sons, props 1884.02.13 FLORIDA TIMES UNION
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR HEADLINE Saint Augustine Locals (Special Correspondence of Times-Union) TEXT "The Florida House has been put into excellent condition, and opened for the season." 1885 BLOOMFIELD
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR TEXT "$4 per day… accommodates 225." 1885 CITY DIRECTORY
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS Saint George PROPRIETOR George I Atkins and Sons, props 1885-86 CITY DIRECTORY
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR George L Atkins and Sons, proprietors TEXT "The Florida house, George L Adkins & Sons, proprietors, is open from January 1st until April 15, and accommodates 223 persons. The building is four stories high, and is surrounded by handsome lines and piazzas, and furnished with a steam elevator and electric bells. Some of the rooms are elegantly furnished. The charges $4.00 dollars per day. The tables of these popular houses are plentifully supplied with the game and fish and tropical fruits, and the visitor always leaves the well ventilated rooms and broad piazzas with regret and with the hope of entering them again. These fine hotels rise in striking contrast with the old coquina buildings of the city, and together with the many elegant private dwellings recently constructed, impart to it a modern air. In addition to its hotels the city has several pleasant boarding houses, where good accommodations may be had from $1.50 to $3.00 per day. Of these may be mentioned the "Sunnyside," Captain Thomas F House, proprietor, which has a capacity of 40, and charges $2.50 per day." 1885-86 CHAPIN'S DIRECTORY
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR George L Atkins and Sons TEXT "The Florida House is open for the reception of guests from December to April. "The house is one of the largest and best located in the city, being on the principal avenues, and contiguous to the stores and other hotels. It is surrounded by piazzas and beautiful lawns. The house has undergone thorough renovation, and has had many new improvements added for the convenience and comfort of hotel visitors. The rooms are large, elegantly furnished, well ventilated, and are lighted throughout with gas. "A steam passenger elevator carries guests to the fourth floor. The introduction of steam into the building ensures a warm and comfortable house. The proprietors intend to add to the popularity of the house by supplying the necessary comforts, and a strict attention to business. Electric bells in each room connect with the office. "Terms, $4.00 per day. A liberal reduction given to parties desiring to engage rooms for the season. Special rates for January." "George L Atkins and Sons "Saint Augustine, Florida" 1886 WEBB
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS Saint George near Treasury PROPRIETOR George I Atkins and Sons, props (Charles R & Alfred C), res: same 1887 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR TEXT "The blistered paint on the Florida House, caused by the fire, is being thoroughly scraped off, preparatory to repainting the building." 1887.05.14 BALTIMORE MANUFACTURER'S RECORD
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR HEADLINE Construction Department TEXT "Florida—Saint Augustine–AA Patterson will build a large brick addition to the Florida House." 1889 CITY DIRECTORY
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS Saint George & Treasury PROPRIETOR JT Skiles, prop 1889 ELLIOT'S FLORIDA ENCYCLOPEDIA
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR Charles F Beck, prop 1891.01.18 SAINT AUGUSTINE NEWS
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR TEXT "The Florida House is one of the oldest establishments in the city, but that, does not prevent its being one of the pleasantest, or its having gas, steam heat, elevator, and the brightest, sunniest verandas imaginable, nor a pleasant jolly host, who is determined to make his guests comfortable!" 1892.01.09 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR Mr Beck (former), Mr JT Skiles HEADLINE The Florida House TEXT "Florida House has changed hands for the first time in a number of years. It was a great disappointment when it was announced that Mr Beck, who had held the reins in such a masterly manner, would not stand at the head of that house this year, but when word came that Mr JT Skiles, so long associate with him, was to manage the Florida, the friends of the house looked up again, and now all things are in order. The guests sat down to dinner on Monday, the 4th inst and to-day the book has a good list of arrivals and things are going on as of yore. This is one of the pleasantest locations in the city. The majority of the rooms are bright, sunny and well furnished. The parlors are comfortable and bright. The table and services leave nothing to be desired. There is gas all through the house, electric bells, and an elevator that carries gas to the fourth floor, where from the windows there is a beautiful view of the bay and ocean." 1892.01.09 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR JT Skyles, Manager TEXT (now open) 1893.01.14 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR TEXT (changes in décor, personnel, and opening) 1894.01.13 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR TEXT (opened Jan-1) 1894.12.15 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR JT Skiles HEADLINE The Florida House TEXT "Is centrally located, being on Saint George Street near the Plaza, is a very desirable and attractive winter home. Its guest rooms are all bright and cherry [sic], many of them affording a fine view of the bay and ocean, others looking into the busy street before the house. The public rooms are large, well-furnished and lit with gas. A fine elevator opens into the main hall, pretty grounds surround the house, all adding to its attractiveness. Mr JT Skiles, the proprietor, is a conscientious, painstaking manager, anxious to secure the comforts of those dwelling beneath his roof, maintains an excellent cuisine, good service and has many regular winter guests, for whom the name Florida House is a synonym for home and comfort. 1894.02.03 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR Mr Skiles, proprietor STAFF George Howe, room clerk TEXT "The guests of the Florida House are taking an interest in the game of progressive euchre, forty-five players enjoying the game last Monday evening, when fourteen games were played. Mrs Vanderhoove of New York, securing the first prize, a ladies' solid silver hair ornament; Mr Read of Ohio, the gentleman's first prize, a handsome clock. As two ladies, and two each, succeeded in securing the lowest number, and cutting for the honors of securing a monkey and doll, occasioned a great deal of merriment. Governor Ligon of Alabama, and Mr Berry were the contestants for the monkey. Miss Ligon of Alabama, and Miss Waldo cutting for the doll, the latter securing it. Mr George Howe, room clerk of the house, covered himself with glory as master of ceremonies. Mr Skiles, proprietor, served a very handsome collation at the close of the game. "Those taking part in the game were G Vanderhove, New York; Mr and Mrs Davage, two Misses Davage, pretty girls, Mrs Ball, Mr and Mrs Waldo, Mrs Horton, Berkshire, NY; Mr and Mrs GK Kennedy and daughter, Toronto; Mr Leatherbee and wife, Boston; Jesse Stone and wife, Ala; Miss Manning, Boston; Mrs Vanderhove, Mrs Biederman, New York; Mrs Watts, Miss Wilmur, Kentucky. "Great credit is due Mrs HJ Barry of Chicago, for arranging and managing these very pleasant affairs. She is a bright clever woman, and a great favorite with the guests." 1894.12.15 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR JT Skiles, proprietor HEADLINE The Florida House TEXT "Is centrally located, being on Saint George Street near the Plaza, is a very desirable and attractive winter home. Its guest rooms are all bright and cherry [sic], many of them affording a fine view of the bay and ocean, others looking into the busy street before the house. The public rooms are large, well-furnished and lit with gas. A fine elevator opens into the main hall, pretty grounds surround the house, all adding to its attractiveness. Mr JT Skiles, the proprietor, is a conscientious, painstaking manager, anxious to secure the comforts of those dwelling beneath his roof, maintains an excellent cuisine, good service and has many regular winter guests, for whom the name Florida House is a synonym for home and comfort." 1895.01.12 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR Proprietor Skiles HEADLINE The Florida House TEXT "Opened on the first inst, after a thorough renovation, many of the rooms newly furnished and the entire house in perfect order. Proprietor Skiles will this season, as usual, maintain a superior table and excellent service. Many of the regular season guests are returning, and a season of prosperity is assured." 1896.01.18 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS Saint George PROPRIETOR Mr Skiles, manager STAFF Mrs Skiles HEADLINE Florida House TEXT "This is one of the most delightfully located houses in the city, on Saint George Street, with a fine view of the bay from many rooms. The house is in first-class order, with elevator, gas, and steam heat. The public rooms are very pleasant, the porch is bright and sunny. An excellent cuisine and service is maintained, and many of the guests have been coming every season for more years and they like to count, regarding it as their winter home. Mr Skiles' experience as a successful hotel manager here, and at Luray Inn, enables him to make his hotel a comfortable and pleasant winter home. He is ably assisted in his administration by Mrs Skiles." 1896.04.04 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS Saint George and Treasury PROPRIETOR JT Skiler, prop TEXT "Florida House closes its doors today, Mr JT Skiler [sic] its competent and popular proprietor going shortly to Luray Inn, North Carolina." 1897.01.0? SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS Saint George and Treasury PROPRIETOR JT Skiler, prop HEADLINE The Florida TEXT "Was opened to the public January fourth, for the season of '97, by Landlord JT Skiles, thoroughly renovated and with an excellent service. Among the arriving guests are Mr and Mrs Fred P Lante, Newark, NJ; Mr and Mrs Wm Riley, Knoxville; Mr and Mrs WH Hanlan, Dr and Mrs Cunningham, of Nashville, Tenn; Louis Miday and wife, J Milborune and wife, Canton, Ohio; Mr and Mrs RM Lock, Dade City, Fla; WL Smith and daughter, Moscow, Idaho; SS Milliken, New York; Harry Waters, Philadelphia, Pa, and Senor V Fralick, of Niagara Falls." 1897.01.30 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR TEXT "An impromptu dance at the Florida House, Friday evening, was greatly enjoyed by number of the guests and their friends. It was arranged by Mr Clement B McDonald of Pittsburgh, Miss Stengel and Miss Wooster, Mrs WW Gregory and Mrs Bigelow, who were the host and hostess of the occasion; many cottagers and guests of other hotels participated." 1898.01.15 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR Mr Skiles, proprietor STAFF WW Palmer, associate Mr Mance, register HEADLINE Florida House ADVERT "Is one of the most centrally located hotels in the city with a fine view from its East and South windows. It has an elevator, electric bells and is lit with gas. This season Mr Skiles, the proprietor, has associated with him Mr WW Palmer, formerly of the Magnolia opposite, who will manage the house. Mr Mance, also of the Magnolia, will preside over the register. Mr.Palmer gave up the Magnolia in order to take the San Marco so unfortunately destroyed by fire in November, hence Mr Skiles' good fortune in having these gentlemen with him." 1898.01.15 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY The Florida ADDRESS Upon the site of the Old Treasury PROPRIETOR JT Skiles, Proprietor, formerly Luray Inn STAFF WW Palmer, late Magnolia Hotel, Manager ADVERT "The Florida, beautifully and centrally located upon the side of the Old Treasury, in the Centre of the City. Well appointed. Elevator, steam heat, gas, electric bells, excellent water and large, well-shaded lawn. Rates reduced from $4.00 dollars to $2.00 and $3.00 dollars per day. "WW Palmer, late Magnolia Hotel, Saint Augustine, Manager. "JT Skiles, Proprietor, formerly Luray Inn." 1898.03.12 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS Saint George and Treasury PROPRIETOR TM Leonard, owner TEXT "TM Leonard, owner of the Florida House, accompanied by his wife, Miss [sic] Bertha Leonard, New York, and Mr and Mrs Geo A Ellis and Miss Grace Ellis, of the Greater City's Brooklyn borough, are enjoying the Florida's hospitality with a trip to the Royal Palm, Miami." 1899 CITY DIRECTORY
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS Saint George and Treasury PROPRIETOR JT Skiles, prop STAFF Theo A Worrall, manager 1899.01.14 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS Saint George PROPRIETOR Mr Skiles, proprietor HEADLINE The Florida House TEXT "Is one of the best known hotels in Saint Augustine. It stand on Saint George Street, facing south, and overlooking the bay. The public and most of the guest rooms have a southern exposure. Its location is central, being but a square distance from the post office and Plaza. The house has just been renovated, private baths added. It is heated by steam, has elevator and electric bells. Mr Skiles, the proprietor, was in charge of the register of the old Saint Augustine hotel for years, and is thoroughly identified with Saint Augustine and well-known to the visitors here." 1899.09.27 SAINT AUGUSTINE EVENING RECORD
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR TEXT "R Pellicer is engaged in repairing the roof of the Florida House." 1900.01.05 SAINT AUGUSTINE EVENING RECORD
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR STAFF HS Houston, office Charles Keen, night clerk HEADLINE The Daily Local Chronicle TEXT "The Florida House opened yesterday for the season in 1900, with the following guests: EE Vaill, Miami; Scova Speare, Plymouth, NH; Wm H Phillips, Pittsburg; Mrs SG Merrick and four children, Cocoanut Grove; JP Sawtelle, Rockledge. Mr HS Houston who so ably filled the position of chief clerk last winter, will be in charge of the office this season. Mr Charles Keen will occupy the position of night clerk." 1900.06.29 SAINT AUGUSTINE EVENING RECORD
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS 131 Saint George PROPRIETOR TEXT "Harry Burkett who has received the contract for painting the Florida House, has already made considerable headway on the work. The veranda, joists and ceilings will be of a light blue and the house white with green blinds." 1900.01.20 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY The Florida ADDRESS PROPRIETOR JT Skiles, proprietor TEXT "The Florida is open for its seventh season under the personal management of its proprietor, JT Skiles, who, ever mindful of the comforts of his patrons adds such attractions to his table and rooms, and The Florida in general, each season that once finding the names of wayfarers upon the register is evidence that his hotel in a recurring season will find the same guests returning. Nothing better can be said in praise of a hotel. Proprietor Skiles is well-known to the traveling public by his long connection at the old Saint Augustine Hotel, and through his management of the Esseola Inn, NC, during the summer months. Proprietor Skiles always has a polite and capable corps of assistants on the alert to make The Florida's patrons comfortable." 1902.02.27 FLORIDA HOUSE LETTERHEAD
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS Saint Augustine, Fla PROPRIETOR STAFF FC Hayden, Manager TEXT "Tourists' and Travelers' Favorite." 1903.03.24 SAINT AUGUSTINE EVENING RECORD
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR Frank C Hayden TEXT "Mr Frank C Hayden, proprietor of the Florida House died this morning at 6:45 am. He had been ill for several weeks." 1904 CITY DIRECTORY
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS 131 Saint George LOCATION Subd—SA; blk—14; Lot—pt4 PROPRIETOR I Hayden, prop STAFF Miss Nellie Hayden, clerk 1907.01.05 SAINT AUGUSTINE TATLER
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS LOCATION PROPRIETOR O’Connor & Mahon, Propr STAFF “The Homelike Hotel. Ideal Location, modern conveniences, excellent table. “Accommodates 250. Rates $2.50 and upward per day, special weekly rates on application.” 1908 SAINT AUGUSTINE EVENING RECORD
["50 YEARS AGO" publ 1958.04.17] PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR EJ Mahon and Jno O'Connor TEXT "Mr EJ Mahon, partner of Mr Jno O'Connor in the proprietor ship of the Florida House leaves this evening for New York. He will stop at points en route and enjoy your well earned rest. The season has been an exceptionally heavy one, especially the latter part and the strain is beginning to have its effect, so Mr Mahon will rest for a while before again assuming business harness. The Florida House is still catering to a large number of guests and while this condition continues it will remain open." 1911-12 CITY DIRECTORY
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS Saint George corner of Treasury PROPRIETOR JB O'Connor, prop. RATE "American Plan, $2.50 and Up" 1914-15 CITY DIRECTORY
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS Saint George corner of Treasury PROPRIETOR Mrs VT Pratt (Pratt & Grady), prop. RATE "American Plan, $2.50 and Up" 1915.12.02 SAINT AUGUSTINE EVENING RECORD
PROPERTY Florida House ADDRESS PROPRIETOR Joseph Lynn, owner (former), Anna Burt, owner (new) HEADLINE Florida House Lot Sold Today… Miss Anna Burt Buys Saint George Street End… Lot in Heart of Business Center Brought Several Thousand Dollars as Purchase Price. TEXT "Most important of real estate deals of the year was the sale of the west end of the old Florida House lot today. Miss Anna Burt is the purchaser. The property was owned by Joseph Lynn for many years, having been purchased by him when the site was occupied by the Florida House. The deal was engineered by Slater's Real Estate Agency and successfully terminated today. Miss Burt is not buying the entire lot, the west end only being sold. The west end includes the entire frontage on Saint George Street, with a depth sufficient for the erection of a business block. This property is one of the most valuable in the city, but it has lain idle since the Florida House was destroyed by fire about two years ago. Mr Lynn retains the remainder of the lot, fronting on Treasury Street. As yet Miss Burt's plans for the property have not been disclosed." |