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Monday, April 29, 2013
Short Daily Commercial article- Mote-Morris house committee meets(Sept 8,1989)
Leesburg- A committee formed to decide where the Mote-Morris House will be moved, met Wednesday to organize. The committee made no decisions,however the committee appointed Lauren Stokes as chairman and appointed members to check on the land prices of the proposed sites. In another area, the committee members began looking into fund raising opportunities. A report is scheduled to be made at the committee' s next meeting on Wednesday. The committee is expected to meet in City Hall at 3p.m.
Daily Commercial(Tuesday,August 15, 1989) Mote-Morris backers voice postion late
Mote-Morris backers voice position late
By Lauren E. Stokes Leesburg ,Fla
I would like to respond to several points made in the editorial dated July 22, concerning the Mote-Morris house. As one of the "picketing preservationists," I would like to respond to the question about why only now protest? I feel the church's ultimate aims were not made clear or public until the article appeared in the Daily Commercial on July 1, that stated if the home were not moved it would be destroyed or razed. It has been our position as a group that we are first and foremost protest the destruction of this historic and architecturally significant home.
Since the statements made in early July were the first references of this kind, we felt the negotiations between the city of Leesburg and Morrison church officials had reached an impasse that the time was appropriate to voice our position. I would like to clarify that the city of Leesburg, since the purchase of the home by Morrison United Methodist Church,has in fact been in tough with state restoration and preservation officials. The city has worked diligently applying for restoration grants and in negotiations with the church.The city of Leesburg offered to purchase and pave the vacant lot across Main Street from the Mote-Morris house in exchange for the house. As stated in your editorial, the church has rejected this offer.
If we have made a mistake in our timing, it was based on erroneous assumptions, the most important being that the church would even consider the destruction of the home of such overwhelming importance for the community. I regret that I and others did not publicly support the Mote-Morris house earlier. I truly hope that if that has been a mistake that it does not have grave consequences.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Daily Commercial/A New York Times Company-Working on It(August 17,1989)
E.A. Nichols Jr.-Publisher
James M. Archer-Editor
Glenn Marston-Managing Editor
Emmett Peter Jr.-Contributing Editor
Mote-Morris House
TIME is Short, but there is still hope for historic home
It's amazing how far a little communication and cooperation will go. Just ask Morrison United Methodist officials and a group of preservationists trying to save an historic house on church property. It now appears the Leesburg home,the Mote-Morris House, can be moved a short distance without a loss of government preservation grants and without removal from the National Historic Register. The home was built by one of Leesburg's first mayors, E.H. Mote, in 1892 and was later used as a residence for a church bishop. State historic preservation officials have termed the house as "an important....and significant building.
" Church officials purchased the home last year, intending to use the site as a parking lot. Since then, Morrison officials have tried to find someone who would buy the home and move it off the church property. Preservationists, however, resisted the effort to relocate the house. They and Leesburg city officials feared that moving the structure would remove it from the Historic Register and thereby rule out the chance for grant money to renovate it.
Now, however, state officials report that moving the house to either a vacant lot across from its current Main Street location or to another nearby site apparently won't jeopardize state grants. The major obstacle now is a state deadline-September 15 for applying for the grants. Church and city officials and preservationists need to get moving. They should work together under these guildlines:
" Church officials purchased the home last year, intending to use the site as a parking lot. Since then, Morrison officials have tried to find someone who would buy the home and move it off the church property. Preservationists, however, resisted the effort to relocate the house. They and Leesburg city officials feared that moving the structure would remove it from the Historic Register and thereby rule out the chance for grant money to renovate it.
Now, however, state officials report that moving the house to either a vacant lot across from its current Main Street location or to another nearby site apparently won't jeopardize state grants. The major obstacle now is a state deadline-September 15 for applying for the grants. Church and city officials and preservationists need to get moving. They should work together under these guildlines:
- While some private groups may be able to assist in the purchase of a new site, city officials who were among the harshest of the church critics- should foot much of the bill for relocation. The church shouldn't fund a dime.
- Church officials should stick by their repeated claims of a willingness to wait for a solution. True, they already have shown admirable patience, but the cause is worth a little longer wait.
- As far as the actual revonation, city officials,at least in a coordinating sense, will have to take the lead. They should explore ways of getting the entire community involved, particularly the younger citizens. Students could be used for everything from actual renovation work to researching and recording the home's past. School and community clubs should be asked to assist in the fund-raisers.
- City officials should also hold public hearings to discuss the eventual use of the renovated home. Such uses could include a museum or public meeting place.Where once there was acrimony, finger-pointing and picketing, there is now communication and some fledgling trust. Just pray that it isn't too late.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The Lake Sentinel-Flap over old house could end(SundayAugust 13, 1989)
Morris Home to keep historic status if moved
By Steve Berry of The Sentinel Staff
Leesburg - City commissioners probably will hear news Monday that could help end a long and sometimes bitter dispute between Methodists and preservationists over an old home in the downtown area. William Thurston, a state supervisor of historic preservation, said he will tell the Leesburg City Commission Monday that moving the Mote-Morris home from church property might not jeopardize its place on the National Register of Historic Places. The home could keep its status if moved to a similar site, such as a vacant lot across the Main Street, he said. Thurston's comment would practically eliminate one of the major reasons that city officials and preservationists have opposed Morrison United Methodist Church's wish to move the home of its property.
The church wants to give the 97-year old structure, which was the home of a former church bishop and a prominent Leesburg family, to the city or to anyone who will move it off church property.But preservationists and city officials have said such a move would take the house off the National Register of Historic Places and jeopardize its chances for getting state restoration funds. The dispute has raged for three months. Preservationists have demonstrated in front of the church during Sunday services. City Commissioner Robert Lovell has threatened the church with eminent domain, the right government agencies have to acquire property for the public good.
And Morrison pastor Leslie Rabb has fired off a "Pastoral Message" declaring "I'm Upset." Thurston, who toured the lot Monday with Rabb and Commissioner Joe Knowles, said it looks as if it would meet federal provisions that would let the structure stay on the national Registry pending a review of the home after the move. "I did not look at the site in detail, but it appears to be appropriate," Thurston said. "The lot keeps the building in its immediate neighborhood. The move would only require turning the house around so that it would face the street."
He said moving it across the street probably would not lessen the city's chances to get a state grant to renovate the home. Moreover, a national registry official said in a letter to Rabb, the house would not lose its place on the registry if state officials approve the move. "If the relocation is approved in advance,the building will retain its National Register listing," said Carol D. Shull, chief of registration. The Commission Monday will hear Thurston's analysis of the site and other information about state money available for renovation projects. If the move doesn't jeopardize the home's eligibility, the city could consider buying the new site,while preservationists could raise money to finance the move.
Tom Grizzard Realtor Inc. lists the lot for $90,000, but agent Craig Hollingsworth said owner Charles Miller is willing to negotiate. Miller owns an antique store next to the half-acre lot. Knowles, who toured the site with Thurston and the church pastor, said he will offer a proposal to the commissiona Monday. "I am first going to establish the fact that the house is not going to stay where it is," he said. Rabb said Knowles is right. The church's administrative board recently unanimously affirmed its wish to move the house off the property, he said. Rabb, in his pastoral message, accused preservationists of waging a "deceitful campaign" against the church and of trying to split the congregation over the issue.
The preservationists have erroneously said the church eagerly wants to destroy the old home, he said. Jim Hill, spokesman for a group that has been pressuring the church to let the house stay on the property,denied the charges. He declined further comment,saying he wants the debate to become more positive. He said he would accept moving the home only as a last resort."Optimally, we want the house to stay on the property," he said. "But if [there is] no other solution, we would rather see it moved thatn bulldozed.
We just want to save the house." City officials are not averse to buying property in connection with the home, because they already have offered to swap land to the church for the Mote-Morris site. And Hill has said his group will donate money left over from its publicity campaign to anyone wanting to restore the home. So far it has raised $650 and spent $440,, but treasurer Jane Halloway said several people have said they would make big contributions toward preserving the home. She questioned whether the city should provide the land: "I don't know if that's a burden the taxpayers should bear."
The Lake Sentinel-Church, Preservationists come to terms over house(Tuesday,August 15, 1989)
By Steve Berry
of The Sentinel Staff
Leesburg- No one gave an inch Monday in the tug-of-war between Methodists and preservationists over the fate of the Mote-Morris home. But more was accomplished in two hours at the Leesburg City Commission meeting than in three months of angry charges and counter charges between
and preservationists:
- The debate over whether the home would stay on church property or be moved to make way for the church's expansion plans apparently was settled. It's going to have to be moved.
- Church officials apparently satisfied preservationists and the city commission by reiterating that they will not start swinging a wreckin ball if the city and preservationists get moving in finding a new home for the structure.
- The Methodists and preservationists said they are willing to start talking.
- The city commission decided to appoint a committee of church members and preservationists at its next meeting to determine where to put the home and how to raise money for the land,relocation and restoration. Commissioner Sanna Henderson and City Manager Rex Taylor agreed to represent the commission on it. All was not peace and tranquility. Church supporters muttered cynically at some comments of preservationists.But little of that came out at the speakers podium or at the commissioner's table. "There is a spirit of enthusiasm,"
- Commissioner Joe Knowles said. "Three weeks before there was just hostility." Jim Hill, leader of an informal preservation group called the Concerned Citizens for the Preservation of the Mote-Morris Home, met with church leader Claron "Woody" Wagner during a break in the discussion to talk about a meeting between the two groups. Earlier Hill had called for an end to the dispute. "If we can turn this around into a postive direction, we could turn this into a great gathering of support from the community." The 97-year-old home was built by E. H. Mote, one of Leesburg's early mayors.
- A former Methodist bishop H. C. Morrison- and three generations of the Morris family lived there. The U.S. Park Service has listed it in the National Register of Historic Places.While the church has never set a deadline for removing the home, it has said repeatedly it will raze the structure if someone does not move it. Preservationists have waged a vigorous publicity campaign, including a picket during Sunday services serveral weeks ago, to pressure the church into letting the home remain on its church site next door to the church. Until Monday, preservationists have argued that the house would lose it's place on National Register, jeopardizing eligibility for state funding.
But William Thurston, state supervisor for historic preservation, told the city commission the house probably could keep its listing if it were moved to the lot across the street or to a site two blocks west. And, he assured the commission, moving the house to a similar spot would not jeopardize state funding for renovation. Although that was not quite the guarantee preservationists sought, they appeared to accept that the home would have to be moved. "The leadership of the church wants it moved," Knowles said. "That fact is final." With those issues settled, both sides and the commission are turning to the money question. Thurston, the state official, said his agency would consider paying for relocation and renovation, but the community would have to pay for the site, which could cost from $90,000 to $150,000. To get the money next year, the state Division of Historic Resources must receive the city application by Sept. 15, a deadline probably beyond reach, commissioners concluded.
City Commissioners said taxpayers will not foot the entire bill. The city cannot help with the project unless the church and preservationists support the fundraising, Knowles said. "If they can't get a commitment and show they are willing to back this, the city can't do much with it." Mayor David Connelly said in an interview that he would oppose any subtantial contribution on part of the city. "I'd love to take that kind of money down to east Leesburg and really do some renovating," he said, referring blighted areas of town. Commisssioner Charles Stickland advocated a November referendum. Hill said preservationists are prepared to cahnnel all thier funds to restoration if someone assures them the house will not be destroyed.
"We have not sought major corparate cintributions," Hill said. "But three or four have said they will make major contributions. I don't think money is the problem." In other business, the commission voted unanimously to forbid bars from located downtown unless they are an incidently part of a restaurant. The law will not affect the few bars already doing business downtown. Commissioner Bob Lovell proposed the ordiance several weeks ago to make sure furture bars keep their distance from youth who attend a new downtown teen club and Beacon College. Leesburg has had a law that prohibits bars from locating within 200 feet of a school or church. It also prohibits bars in neighborhood commerical zones. The new law extends that last prohibition to the more intensely commerical areas like central business district and parts of 14th Street.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Daily Commercial-Protestors:Save old home (Monday-July 17,1989)
By Penny Carter/Daily Commercial Staff Writter
Monday-July 17,1989
The Mote-Morris house Leesburg's Main Street got plenty of attention Sunday morning when as many as 75 protesters walked around it and the Morrison United Methodist Church to protest church officials plans to have the home moved to allow for expansion.But at least one of the church member agrees with the church officials decision to move the home, saying that the house has architectural value that would not be destroyed by the move. The home, built in 1892, is listed on the National Historic Register.The home is named for two families who lived there. One family, the Morris family, lived there for some 70 years, according to the protesters.Church officials began seeking private people to move the house after city officials turned down an offer earlier this year, to move it. The City Commission contended that moving the house would remove it from the National Register and make it harder,if not impossible,to get grants for refurbishing it.
In the lastest series of events,Morrison officials said several people interested in the house. They would not say who the people are, only that some are local and one is from "out of the area."
On Sunday the protestors,who gathered in time for the morning church service,marched peacefully until about 12:15p.m.,when churchgoers left their church. Protestors carried signs that read "Is this house worth more that a parking lot?"
"History Yes,Asphalt No" and "Save,dont Pave." Drivers passing by 1005 W. Main St. slowed to watch the protestors.The group calls itself concerned citizens,formed during the past week or so, said spokemans Jim Hill." It didn't take very much to bring the people out," Hill sais,once word got out around that the church had purchased the house in order to use the land for expansion.The church bought the house last year,raising the hopes of some who said they felt the house would be restored and used in some church-related capacity.One of those is City Commissioner Bob Lovell. Lovell said he supports the protestors and believes the house is an important part of the city's heritage.
Historic house may get help 1989
Morrison United Methodist Church officials want city residents to know the historical Mote-Morris house is not doomed to destruction, not yet anyway. Church officials say several local people and one out of the area person church officials won't say where the person lives, have become interested in the house. Therefore, the church won't have the old house torn down just yet. "We have people studying the possibility," said Claron "Woody" Wagner, chairman of the church's Morris house Committee, in reference to the recent interest in the house.
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Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Daily Commerical-Leesburg panel finds site for Morris House (September 21,1989)
By Colin Whitworth/Daily Commercial Staff Writer
Lauren Stokes,head of the Mote-Morris Steering Commitee,surveys the tower of the house Wednesday in Leesburg.
City Manager Rex Taylor said the House should be moved by the end of 1990
The Mote-Morris House Planning Committee will recommend that the 97-year old house be moved to Yates Clark's land on Magnolia and Eleventh streets,it decided Wednesday. Committee members,at their third meeting,picked that site from three choices because it is the largest site and because it is not as expensive as their other favorite spot,which is the Dunstan property next to Beyer's Funeral Home on Main Street.
"The other is just too much money," said Sanna Henderson, a Leesburg commissioner and committee member. "The Clark site is just more realistic."
Because it is the largest site it would allow the city to use it for the most purposes,including a park, gardens or a parking lot,members said. The Third site, across from the Mote-Morris house next to the Morrison United Methodist Church of Leesburg, will not be considered because it would be too difficult to move the house there, the committee members decided. The Leesburg Commission formed the committee after church officials, who own the house, said they wanted to clear the lot for future use and preservationists said they wanted to save the house.
The house is on National Register of Historic Places, which is a status the committee said it will preserve. All three sites are in the same neighborhood as the current site, which is required to keep it on the list. The church has offered the home to the city or to any group interested in moving it. Moving the house was initially rejected by the city because it was believed that would cause the home to lose its place on the National Register.
Clark is asking for $10,000, although committee member James Gregg said he thinks the price could be lowered. The lot, which is next to an odd railroad line, has been clear for years and the owner would like to sell, he said. Lou George, who owns the smaller Dunstan lot,which has the old fence surrounding it, wants $140,000, and committee members said they thought he would not lower the asking price. The committee plans to present its recommendations to the City Commission at its 4p.m. meeting in City Hall on Monday.
Besides picking the site,the committee is also expected to recommend that money raised to but the lot be given to the city, making the purchase tax exempt. The land will be bought with donations, while the cost of moving the house-about $65,000, officials estimate-will be paid through the sale of the Lassiter-Ware building, the committee said. The restoration costs, which would be at least $75,000, would be paid through a state historic preservation grant, officials said.
Committee members have not decided what to use the building for, although some have suggested making it a learning environment for those interested in Leesburg's history. A timeline drawn by City Manager Rex Taylor shows that the land should be brought by next April and the house moved by the end of the year; the restoration is scheduled for completion in July 1991, he said.
(The Site) 1195 W Magnolia Street Leesburg, Fla
Daily Commercial -Leesburg officals appoint board to decide fate of house(Tuesday,August 15,1989)
Leesburg officals appoint board to decide fate of house
Rex Taylor(City Manager)
The future of the Mote-Morris House may be settled soon, apparenlty to the pleasure of three groups: city officals,
preservationists, and Morrison United Methodist Church.If a settlement is reached, it may come with the help of an advisory board composed of people from each of those groups, all of which have different ideas on the destiny of the house.The board is directed to reach a compromisr on where to move the house and how to pay for the move.Its intended deadline is mid-September, when a state deadline for a preservation grant approaches.
The Leesburg Commission on Monday appointed Commissioner Sanna Henderson and City Manager Rex Taylor to serve on the board. Other members are expected to be appointed later. Monday's action ends serval months of pressure on church officals to preserve the house at its present site, next door to the church on West Main Street. Church officals won the support of city commissoners and a preservation group,which had orginally sought to have the house restored where it now stands.
But the City Commission and the preservation group also won a few concessions from church officals. The preservation group got a stronger pledge from the church not to destroy the house until the group can muster up enough funds to move and preserve it. Church officals made the pledge earlier, but said Monday there is no time frame for moving the house, as long as some progress is made toward moving it. The Leesburg Commission won certainly from a state agency that moving the house may not remove it from its place on the National Register of Historic Places or deny it from getting grants.
In the past, the commission had maintained that it would not support moving the house if it meant losing that status and the chances at state grants.Monday's action apparently left no one bitter." I think there is more understanding now," said Commissioner Joe Knowles after decision was reached.Knowles introduced a two-hour discussion on the fate of the house. Taking part were members of a packed audience of citizens that spilled out of the third-floor commission chambers in city hall.
Knowles asked comissioners to "establish a dialogue" among church officals, preservationists and the commission, which he said had been missing. The request toughed off a litany of short speeches on the house. Morrison Pastor Leslie Rabb reiterated the church's stance, saying it stood firm on moving it because of church plans to expand. He suggested, however, that the city purchase a piece of property across the street from the house or land on 12th Street and move the house. Division of Historical Resources
The Leesburg Commission on Monday appointed Commissioner Sanna Henderson and City Manager Rex Taylor to serve on the board. Other members are expected to be appointed later. Monday's action ends serval months of pressure on church officals to preserve the house at its present site, next door to the church on West Main Street. Church officals won the support of city commissoners and a preservation group,which had orginally sought to have the house restored where it now stands.
But the City Commission and the preservation group also won a few concessions from church officals. The preservation group got a stronger pledge from the church not to destroy the house until the group can muster up enough funds to move and preserve it. Church officals made the pledge earlier, but said Monday there is no time frame for moving the house, as long as some progress is made toward moving it. The Leesburg Commission won certainly from a state agency that moving the house may not remove it from its place on the National Register of Historic Places or deny it from getting grants.
In the past, the commission had maintained that it would not support moving the house if it meant losing that status and the chances at state grants.Monday's action apparently left no one bitter." I think there is more understanding now," said Commissioner Joe Knowles after decision was reached.Knowles introduced a two-hour discussion on the fate of the house. Taking part were members of a packed audience of citizens that spilled out of the third-floor commission chambers in city hall.
Knowles asked comissioners to "establish a dialogue" among church officals, preservationists and the commission, which he said had been missing. The request toughed off a litany of short speeches on the house. Morrison Pastor Leslie Rabb reiterated the church's stance, saying it stood firm on moving it because of church plans to expand. He suggested, however, that the city purchase a piece of property across the street from the house or land on 12th Street and move the house. Division of Historical Resources
The Mote-Morris Home has Stories
Mote-Morris Home has stories
By Valerie Fields
(Daily Commercial Staff Writer)
Monday,August 28,1989 Leesburg, Fla
The face of the hosue has wrinkles.Its head has shingles falling off like gray hairs.
Many people passing the old, stately and ornate house at 1021 Main Street know nothing of it, some say. And many more have just forgotten it, they say. But the house at that address, the Mote-Morris House, has been there now for almost a century.In fact,it saw the turn of this century.Then ot felt the Depression.Later,it welcomed the boys home after the Vietnam War. In the 1960's,it heard "Ask not what you can do for your country..." And year after year in between,it watched Christmas parade down Main Street. And now its age is showing.The face of the house has wrinkles.Its head has shingles falling off like gray hairs. And its mouth has missing teeth: Two of the Victorian-styled outdoor balcony decorations are missing. "It's quickly aging," said one local curator. Rightfully so. It's 97 years old.
The house was built in 1892 by Lucretia and E. H. Mote,who had come to Florida 11 years earlier from Washington D.C., local historical accounts show.
Three years before Mote built the house in 1889, he purchased the property for it from John C. Love.Not much is known about Love, except that he owned a lot of property and gave many churches the property they now sit on.More is known about Mote.He was in the livery business, Leesburg Hertiage Society curator George Rast said. Rast collects historical items and memorabilia on the Mote-Morris House for the Hertiage Society. Mote was also an astute businessman, who, along with Col. David Tillson, built the Lake View Hotel,historical accounts show. Mote operated the hotel in the late 1800's for many years.
During this time, he also successfully ran a mercantile business and built the Mote Block in downtown Leesburg.The block still stands and is now referred to as the Stoer Building. In 1908,Mote apparently sold the house to Methodist bishop H. C. Morrison.Records show Morrison "occupied" the house in that year,but no documents indicate that Morrison bought the house,though later documents show he sold it. Morrison came to Leesbur g the year he bought the house and brought with him a wife and two sons, including one Dr.H. H. Morrison,who practiced family medicine in Leesburg for many years.The Morrison sons grew up in the white wooden house.
The view from the home included scenes that by then included the old Methodist church next door, the Methodist parsonage.Next to the Haynes home was the Winnie Dunklin home and next to it was the old J. Chester Lee home. The A. L. Miller home rounded out the Main Street block.When they were old enough, Bishop Morrison's sons left the city, but he successfuly persuaded them to return, Rast said. One son Horace Morrison, built the first home in what is now Palmora Park. In 1918, John Morris bought the Mote-Morris House.Morris, father of two sons, Bobby and Eugene,was a fern grower who worked side by side with Bobby.Bobby,who still lives in Leesburg, grew up in the Mote-Morris House and,with his wife, Georgiana, reared four sons in the house. The two sold the house last year to Morrison United Methodist Church.
Now they live elsewhere in the city.Georgiana says there's a lot of history in the old house, being that three genarations of her husband's family have lived in it, but they don't particularly care talk about that history much these days. But in 1984, on the 10th anniversary of the house's inclusion on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Morrises did talk. At that time, they were still living in the house and allowed others to come in and view ots historic inside. "At times it's been a pain in the neck," Georgiana said then,referring to the flocks of people who came to see the six marble fire places,the escalating stairway to the great tower,where it's said the bishop retreated to study the Lord's Word.
"Everybody wants to come and see it," she continued in a 1984 news article.And view they did.Many people came throughout the year while the Morrises were living there, just to share at the Victorian-styled home and its then well-preserved architecture. Of particular interest was the high-ceilinged, downstairs roooms,with their period-styled furnishings.The rooms exhibited flowered wallpaper,true to the time period of its construction. Another point of interest is the fence.It squares off the yard with its points looking skyward, either heavenly or hellward.
Depending on how you look at them, they could remind one of a castle or of the gates of hell.State preservation officals says house with such fences are rare."There are just not many of them left," said Bill Thurston,a supervisor in the state Historic Preservation office.A peek inside the house shows it has decayed some and might have been vandalized recently. Some windows in the back of the home appear to have been broken into and one of the pillars is rotting.But some still see the beauty in the home. "It's still a beautiful old house," Rast said.
During this time, he also successfully ran a mercantile business and built the Mote Block in downtown Leesburg.The block still stands and is now referred to as the Stoer Building. In 1908,Mote apparently sold the house to Methodist bishop H. C. Morrison.Records show Morrison "occupied" the house in that year,but no documents indicate that Morrison bought the house,though later documents show he sold it. Morrison came to Leesbur g the year he bought the house and brought with him a wife and two sons, including one Dr.H. H. Morrison,who practiced family medicine in Leesburg for many years.The Morrison sons grew up in the white wooden house.
The view from the home included scenes that by then included the old Methodist church next door, the Methodist parsonage.Next to the Haynes home was the Winnie Dunklin home and next to it was the old J. Chester Lee home. The A. L. Miller home rounded out the Main Street block.When they were old enough, Bishop Morrison's sons left the city, but he successfuly persuaded them to return, Rast said. One son Horace Morrison, built the first home in what is now Palmora Park. In 1918, John Morris bought the Mote-Morris House.Morris, father of two sons, Bobby and Eugene,was a fern grower who worked side by side with Bobby.Bobby,who still lives in Leesburg, grew up in the Mote-Morris House and,with his wife, Georgiana, reared four sons in the house. The two sold the house last year to Morrison United Methodist Church.
Now they live elsewhere in the city.Georgiana says there's a lot of history in the old house, being that three genarations of her husband's family have lived in it, but they don't particularly care talk about that history much these days. But in 1984, on the 10th anniversary of the house's inclusion on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Morrises did talk. At that time, they were still living in the house and allowed others to come in and view ots historic inside. "At times it's been a pain in the neck," Georgiana said then,referring to the flocks of people who came to see the six marble fire places,the escalating stairway to the great tower,where it's said the bishop retreated to study the Lord's Word.
"Everybody wants to come and see it," she continued in a 1984 news article.And view they did.Many people came throughout the year while the Morrises were living there, just to share at the Victorian-styled home and its then well-preserved architecture. Of particular interest was the high-ceilinged, downstairs roooms,with their period-styled furnishings.The rooms exhibited flowered wallpaper,true to the time period of its construction. Another point of interest is the fence.It squares off the yard with its points looking skyward, either heavenly or hellward.
Depending on how you look at them, they could remind one of a castle or of the gates of hell.State preservation officals says house with such fences are rare."There are just not many of them left," said Bill Thurston,a supervisor in the state Historic Preservation office.A peek inside the house shows it has decayed some and might have been vandalized recently. Some windows in the back of the home appear to have been broken into and one of the pillars is rotting.But some still see the beauty in the home. "It's still a beautiful old house," Rast said.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
The Mote-Morris House of Leesburg Fla.
The Mote-Morris House, was built in 1892 for eight-term Leesburg mayor, Edward H. Mote, and his wife Lucretia, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. It cost about $9,000 to build.
The two-story home has been owned by three families. The Motes moved from the home in 1908 and Bishop Henry Clay Morrison bought it as a retirement residence. And in 1918, the home was sold to John S. and May James Morris. A member of the Morris family would live in the house for the next 70 years.
Morrison United Methodist Church bought the house in August 1988 and offered it to whoever would move it. Residents of Leesburg rallied round the old house and raised $95,000 for a new site. On Sept. 1, 1990, the Mote-Morris House was relocated to 1195 W. Magnolia Street from 1021 W. Main Street. More than 400 people watched as the 150-ton house was moved one block south and two blocks west.
The Mote-Morris House is a fine example late Victorian architecture. It is an interesting combination of styles, including its four-story turret, and two-story bay on the east side of the house. It is one of only a few original residences remaining. The house was built shortly after the town was platted. It has had only minor changes in its 102-year history. Several bathrooms have been added, as well as a porch or two.
The front room, just to the left of the foyer, is the formal parlour. The main stairway is L-shaped and leads to the three bedrooms on the second floor. The doorway from the parlour leads to the music room, which had been the family parlour. A small hallway leads from the music room to the dining room, which can also be accessed from the front foyer. The glass case in the hallway serves as a display for artifacts discovered during an archaeological dig performed by experts and students from Oak Park Middle School shortly after the house was moved in 1990. A pantry from the dining room leads to the kitchen, which has been modernized over the years. There is also a bathroom off of the music room.
Originally, the second floor had three bedrooms, plus a nursery and a servant’s room to the rear of the home. The servant’s room also had a back stairway that led to the kitchen and first floor. The main bedroom had been the one on the west side of the house. The nursery could be reached from the main bedroom and the east bedroom. The second-floor study, at the base of the tower, could also be reached from the main bedroom and also the front bedroom. That study has been turned into a bathroom. It also contains the stairway leading to the third floor study and fourth floor loft. The nursery area has been turned into a bathroom and the servant’s room is now a kitchen.
The two-story home has been owned by three families. The Motes moved from the home in 1908 and Bishop Henry Clay Morrison bought it as a retirement residence. And in 1918, the home was sold to John S. and May James Morris. A member of the Morris family would live in the house for the next 70 years.
Morrison United Methodist Church bought the house in August 1988 and offered it to whoever would move it. Residents of Leesburg rallied round the old house and raised $95,000 for a new site. On Sept. 1, 1990, the Mote-Morris House was relocated to 1195 W. Magnolia Street from 1021 W. Main Street. More than 400 people watched as the 150-ton house was moved one block south and two blocks west.
The Mote-Morris House is a fine example late Victorian architecture. It is an interesting combination of styles, including its four-story turret, and two-story bay on the east side of the house. It is one of only a few original residences remaining. The house was built shortly after the town was platted. It has had only minor changes in its 102-year history. Several bathrooms have been added, as well as a porch or two.
The front room, just to the left of the foyer, is the formal parlour. The main stairway is L-shaped and leads to the three bedrooms on the second floor. The doorway from the parlour leads to the music room, which had been the family parlour. A small hallway leads from the music room to the dining room, which can also be accessed from the front foyer. The glass case in the hallway serves as a display for artifacts discovered during an archaeological dig performed by experts and students from Oak Park Middle School shortly after the house was moved in 1990. A pantry from the dining room leads to the kitchen, which has been modernized over the years. There is also a bathroom off of the music room.
Originally, the second floor had three bedrooms, plus a nursery and a servant’s room to the rear of the home. The servant’s room also had a back stairway that led to the kitchen and first floor. The main bedroom had been the one on the west side of the house. The nursery could be reached from the main bedroom and the east bedroom. The second-floor study, at the base of the tower, could also be reached from the main bedroom and also the front bedroom. That study has been turned into a bathroom. It also contains the stairway leading to the third floor study and fourth floor loft. The nursery area has been turned into a bathroom and the servant’s room is now a kitchen.
THIS SATURDAY April 13,2013- OPEN 10am-2pm FREE TOUR
10am-2pm
Front Room
L-shaped Stairs
1 of the Bedrooms Upstairs
NEXT SCHEDULED DATE:April 13,2013
Please call:Glorianne Fahs-(352)315-1800
Mote-Morris House Is Historical
Mote-Morris House in 1975
The Mote-Morris house survives in excellent condition as example of architectural style of the late 19th century.(Photo By Norma Hendricks)
What Become Of Camphor? Whatever happened to the camphor. industry in Leesburg? In March,1917,headlines in the Leesburg Commercial proclaimed this as the new industry for this area,which was predicted to far outshine the citrus business.According to the news stories,Japan previously had monopoly on the camphor business,but now it had been found that Lake County was an ideal place to grow camphor trees.The growers were advised to plant them in rows 15 feet apart,and six feet apart in the row.After three years the grower could begin to hearvest twigs and leaves,which would be ground and distilled into camphor products.Plans were to construct a factory here for the purpose of distiling this odorous product.Allegedly the trees would produce 8,000 pounds of cuttings to the acre, every year,which would boil down to 320 pounds of pure camphor an acre.by the Florida Division of Archives,History and Records Management.Listed as the Mote-Morris hosue,with May J.(Mrs.John)Morris as owner when the survey was taken in February,1974,it is also the home of her son Robert J. Morris and his family,who remain in residence since the death of the elder Mrs.Morris.Built in 1892 by E. H. Mote,this is one of the few original homes remaining almost unchanged through the years.The only noticeable difference now from earliest photographs is the wood trim once painted in a dark color and now all white.The former window shoutters have been removed,and serveral bathrooms have been added.The original bracketed porch posts and balustrade have been replaced with short classical columns on piers.The main entrance is placed at the base of the turret and the main staircase originates in the turrest and then turns eastward into the main part of the house. There is an auxiliary interior stair at the rear of the building.The porch,surrounding the house on two sides,is four bays wide,with stairs rising to it on east and west ends.The report of Diane Greer,Historic Sites Specialist,says the interior of the house shows fine attention to detail,with tile fireplace surrounds,double doors set into Doric surrounds with transoms above and plaster ceiling ornament in grape and wheat motif. The house occupies a lager,well-landscaped lot in the misdst of downtown Leesburg."The property is surround by the original wrough iron fence and all is well maintained and in good condition," the report concudes.E. H. Mote came to Florida from Washington, D.C. in 1881 and in February,1889 purchased the property on which the house is located. Active in development of Leesburg,Mote started out in livery Busines,which he sold in 1885.With Col.Davis Tillson,he built the Lake View Hotel upstairs,which today is called the Stoer Building.Mote also developed Constructed at an approximate cost of $9,000, the house is an interesting combination of forms,with cross gables flanked by two gables pavilions.there than the original owner this home later was occupied by Methodist Bishop H.C. Morrison,who came to Leesburg to make his home in 1908.His sons remained in Leesburg,Dr. M.H. Morrison was a beloved physician here for more than 50 years.The late John Morris, whose widow was listed as the owner by the state report, developed an extensive business in ferns, in which his son,Roberts J." Bobby" Morris is active.
Research Info.
Daily Commercial,Leesburg,Fla,Monday,June 30,1975
Biographical- E.H. Mote (The Mote-Morris house)
E. H. Mote, one of the outstanding citizens of Leesburg,was born at Newark, Delaware, on the 24th day of January,1860, son of Jacob H. and Mary Mote. His parents were both natives of Delaware and were of Scotch descent. Mr.Mote received a limited education in the schools of Delaware and on account of his mother's death and father's re-marriage, he went alone to Philadelphia at the early age of eleven where he obtained a job at $3.00 per week,shoveling snow off roofs of houses. Ever since this time, Mr.Mote has been entirely on his own resources.After working at various jobs in Philadelphia he went to Washington, D.C.,in 1876, where he worked in a paper store.
On account of lung trouble, which was probably brought about by his early struggles when a boy,he came to Florida in 1881, settling at Leesburg.He only stayed a year but returned almost immediately and has resided in Leesburg ever since 1882.In January, 1883 Mr. Mote entered the livery business at Leesburg,which he followed with success for a number of years. Leesburg town hall was located over his stable in the ealry days. In connection with his livery business,he operated a stage line from Leesburg to Wildwood.
In 1885 he sold his livery business and purchased the predecessor of the present Lakeview Hotel,which he greatly enlarged and operated for number of years. At the same time he was engaged in the mercantile business in Leesburg,which he continued until freeze of 1895. Mr. Mote has been one of the real builders of Leesburg , at the time when it took courage to build,having erected among other buildings, the Mote Block,which when it was built,was the largest business building in town.For many years Mr,Mote has dealt extensively in the citrus business and has shipped as many as three hundred and fifty carloads in one season.
Commencing about 1900,he devoted much of his time and energy to developing grove properties east of Leesburg.He was the owner and develpoer of "Treasure Island," near Leesburg. Mr.Mote has given much attention to civic affairs.He establish the first waterworks in Leesburg,and in the early days he served as fire chief.He was also mayor for seven or eight terms,holding this office longer than it has ever been held by one person. He also served in the Lower House of the State Legislature for one term. His fraternal affilations are with the Masons and Knights of Pythias.He was married to Lucretia Hansbrough on October 5,1885.
On account of lung trouble, which was probably brought about by his early struggles when a boy,he came to Florida in 1881, settling at Leesburg.He only stayed a year but returned almost immediately and has resided in Leesburg ever since 1882.In January, 1883 Mr. Mote entered the livery business at Leesburg,which he followed with success for a number of years. Leesburg town hall was located over his stable in the ealry days. In connection with his livery business,he operated a stage line from Leesburg to Wildwood.
In 1885 he sold his livery business and purchased the predecessor of the present Lakeview Hotel,which he greatly enlarged and operated for number of years. At the same time he was engaged in the mercantile business in Leesburg,which he continued until freeze of 1895. Mr. Mote has been one of the real builders of Leesburg , at the time when it took courage to build,having erected among other buildings, the Mote Block,which when it was built,was the largest business building in town.For many years Mr,Mote has dealt extensively in the citrus business and has shipped as many as three hundred and fifty carloads in one season.
Commencing about 1900,he devoted much of his time and energy to developing grove properties east of Leesburg.He was the owner and develpoer of "Treasure Island," near Leesburg. Mr.Mote has given much attention to civic affairs.He establish the first waterworks in Leesburg,and in the early days he served as fire chief.He was also mayor for seven or eight terms,holding this office longer than it has ever been held by one person. He also served in the Lower House of the State Legislature for one term. His fraternal affilations are with the Masons and Knights of Pythias.He was married to Lucretia Hansbrough on October 5,1885.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Photo of An old Clip to Save the Mote-Morris House years ago
Research Info: Please visit Leesburg Hertiage Society
For Location Info: CLICK LINK BELOW
Relocation of the Mote-Morris House 1990 & Renovation 1991
In June 1990, a "Special Category" grant application was submitted to request funds for the exterior restoration.Following the review by Historic Preservation Council,our application ranked 9th out of 89 projects in the state.Based on tis priority rating,$160,000 will be proposed in the 1991-92 State Department busget foe the Mote-Morris House.
Research Info: Please visit Leesburg Hertiage Society
For Location Info: CLICK LINK BELOW
Take A Look on the Inside-Photos
The Mote-Morris House Built 1892
The Front room,just to the left of the foyer,is the formal parlor.
The main stairway is L-Shaped and leads to the three bedrooms on the second floor.
The house boasts six fireplaces,decorative door hinges and ornate millwork throughout.
The door-way from the parlor leads to the music room, which had been the family parlor.A small hallway leads from the music room to the dining room,which can also be accessed from the front foyer.
The glass case in the hallway serves as a display for artifacts discovered during an archaeological dig performed by exports and students from Oak Park Middle School shortly after the house was moved in 1990. A pantry from the dining room leads toe the kitchen,which has been modernized over the years.There is also a bathroom off the music room
Originally, the second floor had three bedrooms,plus a nursery and a servant's room to the rear of the home. The servant's room also had a back stairway that led to the kitchen and first floor.The main bedroom had been the one on the west side of the house.The nursery could be reached from the main bedroom and the east bedroom.The second-floor study,at hte base of the tower,could also be reached from the main bedroom and also the front bedroom.That study has been turned into a bathroom.It also contains the stairway leading to the third floor study and fourth floor loft.The nursery area has been turned into a bathroom and the servant's room is now a nursery.
The third floor study is a small landing before your ascent a single fourth-floor room eqipped with a hammock,which,according to word passed down from his ancestors,was used by Edward Mote on hot nights to stay cool. He would open the windows and lie in the hammock to rest.
Both the third floor landing,which is now equipped to be a mini study,and the fourth floor sleeping room are equipped with mysterious brass water faucet installed for an unknown use.
RESEARCH INFO.
Lake & Sumter Style Magazine May 2011 Issue
Written By Glorianne Fahs
Photos by James Gibson
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