If Stetson Hats rings a bell, then you already know a little bit about the University of that name, because they are related!
Today, Stetson brings energy and enthusiasm to the city of about 30,000 residents, and the university contributes about 250 million dollars annually to the city's economy.
Here's a closer look at the historic university, and how it affects life, Real Estate, and the residents that call DeLand, Florida their home.
How it all Began
It all started when New York businessman Henry DeLand traveled to Florida in 1876 and purchased acreage to invest in Florida Oranges. With a later goal to create a town 'based on culture and education,'the community was then named after DeLand.
Seven years later, he established the DeLand Academy. A few years later, a freeze affected the citrus industry, affecting DeLands financials. At that point, John B. Stetson came to the rescue.
The rest of the very grateful school administrators gave Mr. Stetson a "hats off" tribute by renaming the school in his honor.
Still today, the sports teams carry the name of "Hatters," as Stetson was the maker of 'Stetson hats!' Fun fact: He was also the owner of 'Florida's first Luxury Estate' - The Stetson Mansion located in DeLand that you can still visit today (pictured above)!
Stetson Today
Visit Stetson University and the city of DeLand and you walk back into Florida history. Stately neo-classical, red brick buildings full of graceful columns and shaded by massive live oak trees draped with Spanish moss make this place almost ethereal.
A small, private school of about 3,000 students, Stetson offers four colleges: arts and sciences, business, music, and law. U.S. News rated the university 6th overall in the South and the fourth best school for Veterans.
The lush landscaping of the campus, including the Presidents House gardens the Vera Lee Rinker Natural Plant Gardens, makes it an oasis in the midst of the city where many love to walk, sit, and even picnic.
Many of the city's luxury homes and historical buildings took their cue from the campus buildings. It's no wonder residents today love to stroll around just to take in the scenery, and the National Register placed the whole campus as well as Downtown DeLand Historic District on its list of Historic Places! People call this college city the "Athens of Florida" because of it's beauty, its atmosphere, its culture. It attracts students and visitors alike to make DeLand their home.
Life Nearby Stetson - for Students & Beyond
The fact that the campus straddles Main Street symbolizes the close connection between the city and the school. One example of the special intertwining between school and city is the fact that the chef and owner of one of the city's finest restaurants, Cress, also happens to be a professor of mathematics at the University!
City residents also benefit from the many university events. Cultural opportunities from the College of Music include frequent choral, band, orchestral and chamber concerts. Arts and Science students offer plays, ballets, art shows and lectures and students attend similar city activities such as those offered in the historic Athens Theater. The city's Museum of Art features not only famous artists but also displays the best of student art.
DeLand residents and students both participate in the many parades and celebrations held in the city throughout the year. DeLand residents also support the school's athletic program of Hatter's NCAA football, baseball, and basketball teams. In fact, students and residents alike participate in the annual Mad Hatters Golf Tournament.
Homes for sale in DeLand range from classic Florida dwellings to luxurious mansions and unique historic homes in the area. The Historic Downtown offers many specialty shops and sophisticated dining. All in all, this city has a lot to offer. The historic ambiance with many restored buildings, the location, and genial hospitality mixed with the range of culture and energy offered by its prestigious University makes DeLand a highly attractive place to visit, learn, and most of all, live.
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