Constructed in 1886 on land purchased from Henry A. DeLand, the town's founder, the original Henry A. DeLand House was a modest one-and-a-half story structure built for DeLand's attorney. The home changed ownership several times over the years, first going to hat manufacturer John B. Stetson for use as faculty housing for Stetson University, and then to professor of Greek Charles Farriss, who transformed the simple home into a classical residence by raising the roof, adding a second floor, and installing a full-height Greek revival portico and entry porch.
A hobbyist who enjoyed working with stained glass, Farriss filled the house with his handiwork, which can still be seen today on doors, transoms, and cabinets throughout the house. Now known as the DeLand House Museum, the home is open to visitors and features many unique architectural details, artifacts, memorabilia, and period furniture. The Museum also boasts a fine collection of period photographs that take guests on a journey through the history of West Volusia County and the development of DeLand.
