Reid House - 527 East Graves

This beautiful two-story house at 527 E. Graves Avenue is a contributing structure to the City’s National Register Historic District, established in 2004. In his National Register Historic District nomination document, Historian Sidney Johnston estimated the date of construction to be c.1890. According to the Volusia County Property Appraiser’s office, the date of construction is 1945. This house is a good example of Frame Vernacular Architecture. The history of the home is largely unknown. However, one previous owner, Alta Hill was the City Clerk in Orange City until she retired.

The photo dated 1986 was taken by the Orange City Historic Preservation Committee and is the oldest known image of the structure. This photo predates modern additions made to the north façade of the structure and alterations to the wrap-around porch shown here on the western and southern facades.

When Robert and Nancy Reid purchased the home in 2001, the home was largely consistent with the 1986 photo. The Reids later commissioned an artist to paint a portrait of the home to document its early form after they were unable to locate a historic photo of the structure. In 2019 the Reids replaced 8 wood framed 6 over 6 light Colonial windows due to deterioration. The property was subsequently sold to the current owners who have made no alterations.

Note the large wrap-around porch, which became a popular addition to Florida homes between the early 1880s and mid-1920s. 

newspapers.com. April 6th, 2005. Accessed February 15th, 2021. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49435556/obituary-for-alta-m-hill-1928-2005/.

Ferraro, Sharon. The history of the uniquely American front porch, mlive.com. August 21st, 2010. Accessed February 15th, 2021. https://www.mlive.com.

Reading, Kimberly. Staff Report, ourorangecity.com. October 10th, 2019. Accessed February 15th, 2021. www.ourorangecity.com.