Florida Historical Markers Programs - Marker Detail

Description: One of the oldest houses standing in Palm Beach, built in 1891 by Dr. John H. Brelsford, who came here in 1881 with his brother E.M. Brelsford. Alligators, bear, wildcats - and rabbits - abounded. Seminole Indians in their dugout canoes brought deer meat across Lake Worth to trade for oranges and Billy Bowlegs visited here. H.M. Flagler bought the property in 1901 and it was sold to James Y. Arnold in 1944 to become the site of his famous orchid collection.