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The pride of the community
a Jacaranda tree once stood on the lot occupied by The Hotel
Jacaranda. Before it was removed to make way for the new hotel,
residents banded together in a futile attempt to save it.
But the majestic brick structure named for the lovely
Jacaranda and opened for business in 1926, was equally
beautiful. Surrounded by palms and greenery, it was boasted a
vine-covered patio, a welcomed feature in the days before
air-conditioning. A large second-floor balcony offered ample
room for basking in the sun.
The hotel’s interior was just as elegant, with its highly
polished floors, gleaming chandeliers, black Brentwood dining
chairs, white wicker furniture,. In each corner of the
residents’ private dining hall - appropriately called the “Palm
Room” - stood a palm tree. The Jacaranda, the “Big Thing of Avon
Park” was used for concerts, meetings, bridge parties and
dancing. It was the social hub of the town.
The hotel was known throughout Central Florida for its food,
high-class entertainment and, of course, its Southern
hospitality. The season of 1926-27 has been called the hotel’s
high point. Dinner music was furnished by a five-member group,
“The Versatilians” from Boston.
Early photos of the Jacaranda show rows of seats placed on
the mall in front of the hotel, perhaps for listeners coming to
hear a band concert or other performance staged from the
second-floor balcony.
Why was such a grand hotel built so far away from the main
highway? Well, back in the 1920’s, that was the main highway. At
that time, the main road passed right in front of the hotel. But
with the advent of U.S. 27, the smaller towns were bypassed and
motels started springing up, leaving the Jacaranda high and dry.
Over the years, the hotel fell into many hands. It’s now
under the auspices of South Florida Community College, which
hopes to restore this “Grand Lady” to its original elegance.
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3
N. Museum Avenue
