Henry Morrison Flagler, a man with vision, contributed so much to the city of St. Augustine, Florida.
The buildings he planned and built can be seen in all parts of the historic city. The Ponce de Leon hotel, which is now part of Flagler College.
The Alacazar Hotel, complete with an indoor swimming pool so that guests could exercise in any weather, now houses the Lightner Museum you’ll find across the street from the refurbished Casa Monica Hotel.
Of particular interest to me is the Memorial Presbyterian Church that Mr. Flagler built.
Inspired by St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and designed by the New York team of Carrère and Hastings, this beautiful example of Second Renaissance Revival Style and built by Franklin W. Smith. Mr. Smith also built the Ponce de Leon Hotel, the Alcazar hotel and the Casa Monica Hotel. All of these structures utilized a material made up of concrete and crushed coquina, a stone found all over the St. Augustine area. It definitely has served these historic buildings well over decades of storms, the passing of time and everyday wear and tear.
In the “rotunda” of Memorial Presbyterian lie the bodies of Henry Flagler’s daughter, who died in childbirth, as well as the child. Henry and his first wife, Mary Harkness Flagler are also interred in the family mausoleum there.
Henry Flagler indeed had a vision for the state of Florida. He is the founder Palm Beach, Miami and the Florida East Coast Railway. His vision lives on as thousands of people enjoy spending time on the Florida coast in resort areas made possible by one man’s dream.
2 Responses
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Mary greenwood Says:
Hey Melissa. Maybe we can meet in St Sugustine for a cup of coffee . I am at the Alcazar with some out of towers and will be in town for next 3 days.
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Melissa Says:
We’re already home! The trip is over and I’m writing away….maybe another time.
