Nestled in the heart of Mount Dora, Florida, Lakeside Inn stands as a testament to the town's vibrant past. Built in 1883, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating hotel in the Sunshine State. But Lakeside Inn's story goes far beyond just being a place to stay – it's a chronicle of transformation, intrigue, and the evolution of a community.
From Humble Beginnings to a Haven for Adventurers:
The Inn's journey began as a ten-room, two-story wooden structure called the Alexander House. John Alexander, Annie Donnelly and her husband John P. Donnelly, along with Colonel John A. McDonald, envisioned a haven for intrepid souls. The first guests, lured by the allure of Florida's wilderness, arrived by long boat trips, seeking adventure. Snake hunts thrilled the most daring, while others reveled in the bounty of Lake Dora's renowned fishing grounds. Ladies, adorned in the fashionable attire of the time, enjoyed picnics with fresh orange juice, a rare treat in those days.
A New Era Dawns: The Rise of Lake House
In 1893, a new chapter unfolded when Miss Emma Boone took ownership and christened the establishment "Lake House." This era witnessed the arrival of Charles Edgerton, a Philadelphian who, along with his family, fell for the charm of Lake House, particularly its iconic wraparound verandah. This soon became the heart of the Inn, a place for guests to unwind "on tilted chairs and puffed their cigars." The arrival of the railroad further solidified Mount Dora's appeal, bringing visitors directly to the Inn's doorstep. By 1903, under Emma Boone and her new husband George D. Thayer, Lake House was officially renamed Lakeside Inn.
The Roaring Twenties and the Allure of Lakeside Inn
The 1920s ushered in the exuberant Gatsby Era, and Lakeside Inn thrived despite the constraints of Prohibition. Whispers of a trapdoor hidden beneath the lobby's reception desk fuel speculation about the Inn's possible speakeasy past. Lake Dora's reputation as a boating paradise remained undimmed, attracting anglers and boaters from across the country. The town's enduring love affair with boating continues to this day, evident in the annual sailing regatta and antique boat show.
An Enduring Legacy: The Edgerton Era and Beyond
A pivotal moment arrived in 1924 when Charles Edgerton purchased Lakeside Inn, becoming its steward for the next five and a half decades. Under his leadership, the Inn flourished. He, along with his partners, embarked on an expansion project, constructing an Olympic-sized swimming pool and two new guest houses – The Gables and The Terrace. The year 1930 witnessed a remarkable event: President Calvin Coolidge himself graced the Inn with his presence, dedicating the new buildings during his post-retirement retreat at Lakeside Inn. The Edgertons played host to a fascinating array of dignitaries, including business tycoons like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, and political figures like Presidents Coolidge and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Charles' son, Richard, eventually assumed the mantle of ownership, and the Edgerton family continued to be instrumental in shaping not just the Inn's destiny, but also Mount Dora's growth and prosperity.
Lakeside Inn: A Cornerstone of the Community
Following Richard Edgerton's retirement, the future of Lakeside Inn hung in the balance. Rumors of demolition swirled, but Richard, a staunch advocate for the Inn's significance, declared, "Mount Dora desperately needs the Inn to be open...It performed a vital function in bringing families of substance to live here and helped form Mount Dora's present quality of life." Lakeside Inn, defying the wrecking ball, persevered as one of Florida's last bastions of historic wooden hotels and a cornerstone of the Mount Dora community.
The story of Lakeside Inn is intricately woven with the narrative of Mount Dora itself. From its humble beginnings as a haven for adventurers to its transformation into a sophisticated retreat for presidents and dignitaries, Lakeside Inn stands as a witness to a bygone era, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the enduring power of hospitality.
