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Lake
Helen became incorporated in the summer of 1888. The
village was the brain-child of Henry DeLand, and he
named his new village, Lake Helen after his daughter.
Lake Helen was originally a winter retreat for northeasterners
and with the addition of two hotels, the Harlan Hotel
(after his son), and a little later the Granville Hotel,
became a destination spot for New Englanders anxious
to retreat from the harsh winters. Lake Helen flourished.
Citrus groves were planted and thrived, a sawmill and
the Bond Brick Company were established. It was an arduous
journey early on by steamer and horse or mule wagon
from the St. Johns River, but it 1887 the railroad came
to Lake Helen. Lake Helen grew quickly, with many new
homes being built each season, of the local southern
yellow pine. Many of them still stand today as a tribute
to the craftsmanship of the times. This was the "Boom
Time" for Lake Helen.
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Florida
East Coast Railway depot |
Sadly
the winter of 1894-1895 brought the "big freeze".
Most of the citrus trees were destroyed and many families
lost everything. Many people left and some replanted
but it was never the same. Lake Helen carried on into
the 20's and 30's but time seemed to "pass her
by". Because she remained undiscovered she continued
to be a quaint little community off the beaten path,
with tree-lined streets and a slow pace that is ever
so inviting. It is a place to walk or ride your bike
on lazy sun dappled lanes. Stop a few minutes and chat
with your neighbors. You'll always get a friendly wave
and a smile. |
