MBCA Southern Stars
“The Casements” Mansion, then Drive & Dine
Saturday September 18, 2021
Experience Florida history & explore Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail!
The Winter home of the late John. D. Rockefeller“ The Casements” was named for the large hand-cut casement windows that adorn the mansion (www.TheCasements.net). Known as The Jewel of Ormond Beach, it is set on the shore of the Halifax River, and just two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean.
Our initial rendezvous point will be at 9:30am at The Casements, which also serves as the Ormond Beach Cultural Center, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176, about an hour south of Jacksonville. This can be driven at your own pace, possibly via scenic A1A.
The Casements has many rooms to explore, including one dedicated to “The Birthplace of Speed”, which has many stories, photos and documents telling the story of the Daytona / Ormond Beach area. The history included The Ormond Garage, which opened in 1904, and was the first Gasoline Alley before Indianapolis Speedway, built by Henry Flagler to accommodate participating race cars during the beach race season!
The smooth hard-packed sands of Ormond Beach became a proving ground for automobile inventors and drivers. Some of the early racers and enthusiasts were Ransom E. Olds, Alexander Winton, William K. Vanderbult II, Barney Oldfield, Henry Ford, Louis Chevrolet, Glenn Curtiss and Sir Malcom Campbell!
After exploring the mansion, we’ll drive the scenic Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail as we enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean from A1A, scenic inland marshes & oak canopies (http://ormondscenicloopandtrail.com) on the way to lunch overlooking the Tomoka River at River Grille.
River Grille (https://www.RiverGrille.net) overlooks the Tomoka River and is located at 950 N US 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174) to enjoy fresh fish, Rib-eye, a variety of salad options, Shrimp tacos, or a flame-grilled burger! A vegetarian burger is also available! River Grille is sure to be a delightful dining experience!
Photo taken and shared by Membership Director, Gary Keener, from an exhibit inside The Casements, dedicated to “The Birthplace of Speed!”
If you missed our last Cars & Coffee or Drive & Dine, you may read about them here:
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