HISTORY OF THE PALMETTO HOUSE
Built in 1926, The Palmetto House can be found nestled in the downtown historic district of beautiful New Smyrna Beach, FL. This home has gone through many transformations in it’s nearly 100 year history, but her beauty and love still shine to everyone that walks past the white picket fence and through the signature yellow front door.
Housing many families though the years, the Palmetto House has seen the days of the booming railroad industry, the Great Depression, and more tropical systems than you can count! Yet, she is still standing tall and surrounded by the most gorgeous mature oak trees. It is a simple pleasure to lounge in the pool while looking up at tall oaks and all the curious animals they house. We often see visits from a variety of birds, squirrels and families of raccoons who like to nap in the treetops.
This house has seen it’s share of delicious food as well! It was the home of the first Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints while a new chapel was being built. To earn money for the chapel, the Teague family, who were residing in the home, would make special boxed lunches to sell. It was a common event to have sweet milk, 1 2 3 4 cake and Sunday chicken dinners. One of the most delicious cakes to be baked in this home was the tomato cake: a decadent spice cake, packed with flavor, then carefully wrapped and sent to a dear uncle who was serving on our American forces during WWII. “Mother’s tomato cake” is still a favorite of the Palmetto House today!
Much of the history of the Palmetto House was elusive to us, until one day a large family showed up to take a picture outside of the fence. That was when Grandma Rachel came into our lives. She brings an extra layer of warmth, happiness and history every time she visits. Rachel grew up in this house during the 1940’s and 50’s. We always look forward to a visit, her hugs and hearing more about a home where we all have all made such amazing memories. To read more about our surprise encounter, click HERE.
