take a tour of the mansion to see its
newly restored beauty for ourselves.
Even before we walked through the
massive entryway, we were in awe
of the beautiful landscaping of the
mansion’s grounds.The many varieties
of botanicals and lush shrubbery make
up what Mr. Howey called “The Park.”
Palm trees, Bougainvillea, Jasmine,
Crepe Myrtle and Lilly pads in the
fountain are meticulously maintained.
Once we walked through the doors,
we knew we were in for a special treat.
The foyer has curved, textured walls
and winding stone staircase leading
to the second floor. It is said that an
Austrian artisan developed a special
compound for the wall surface, but
did so in complete privacy so as not
to give away his methods. It provides
an elegant, natural look, while helping
to keep the mansion cool during the
summers.
as you would expect. Each room
has special touches and impeccable
woodwork. Both the front door and
first floor woodwork are done in
Pecky Cypress. A large painting of
William J. Howey himself hangs above
the fireplace in the ballroom-sized
drawing room. Rod recalled that the
large windowed doors had heavy red
drapes hanging from them. Though
the drapes are long gone, the hardware
to hang them still remains over each
door. We could only imagine what it
must have been like to be at a Howey-
hosted party in the 1930’s, with sounds
from a Victrola echoing through the
ballroom.
Mr. and Mrs. Howey were known to
throw unforgettable parties, including
a dinner party that was for “men only.”
The guests included Golf master Chick
Evans, Governor Alfred Landon and
President Calvin Coolidge. No doubt
that it was at this dinner party, in
The rest of the house is as opulent February of 1930, that the President
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OCTOBER 2018
made his phone call seated on the
chair which Rod had acquired.
The biggest event to be held at the
mansion was on March 6th, 1927.
According to the local newspapers,
“The Park was the scene of an open
air concert performed by the New
York Civic Opera Company. Those
attending, estimated at 16,000, arrived
in 4,000 automobiles...," an area
newspaper reported. “In all Florida
history…never has there been anyone
who has attempted to bring a musical
company of such prominence to give
a concert at his own expense so that
the people could have the opportunity
of hearing some of the finest operatic
stars…impossible had it not been for
the generosity and thoughtfulness of
W.J. Howey....” From the same article
it was noted, “…the greatest applause
was when W.J. Howey was introduced,
the applause ringing and ringing until
it echoed from miles around.”
During the one-hour tour, we were