Mansion Tour at Lake Dalhousie

Posted on September 18, 2008 by eustis125

Event Date:    Sunday, November 2, 2008
Tour Times:    2:00 pm, 2:45 pm, 3:00 pm
Ticket Price:   $10.00 (tickets sold in advance at the Eustis Chamber of Commerce)
Tour director: Drs. Robert and Leah Ladley (current owners)
Location:        37918 Co. Rd. 44A, Eustis  32726
Directions:     Highway 44A east of Hwy 19, Eustis. Turn left at Estes Rd.
Parking:         Please park along 44A adjacent to the property and enter on foot
                        through the home’s front wrought-iron gate.

Dr. Edgar J. Banks, the famous archeologist who retired in Eustis in 1921, designed and built a mansion for his family on Lake Dalhousie in 1926. The Mediterranean-style structure is reminiscent of the architecture found in locations where Dr. Banks unearthed his historic archeological discoveries. The house has had three owners since his death in 1946. Dr. Robert and Lea Ladley, the current owners, have graciously offered to open the home to the community on November 2nd to help launch the Edgar J. Banks Relic Hunt Week. They will provide three, 45-minute guided tour opportunities limited to 20 persons per tour. Tickets are $10 each available through the Eustis Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Robert Ladley and his wife Dr. Leah Ladley, who bought the home 10 years ago when it was in disrepair, have modernized it for livability but were careful to restore many of its fireplaces, artistic mantles, parquet wood flooring, chandeliers, crown moldings, and other uniquely designed elements. They are well versed on the history of the home, thanks to an informative visit by the late Daffney Banks McLachlan (Dr. Banks’ daughter). During her visit with them, she gave them photos of the house the first year it was being built.

Eustis 125th Anniversary Committee volunteers will be on hand to direct parking and visitors. We ask the public to please respect the Ladley’s private property and grounds at all times. No pets or small children please. All proceeds will go toward the Eustis 125th Anniversary events.

Tickets can be purchased from the Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce, adjacent to Ferran Park on Orange Avenue.

 

 

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  • WHO IS EDGAR BANKS?

    Dr. Banks was the first person to search for Noah's Ark and the first American to cross the Arabian desert (on a camel, no less!). Dr. Banks retired from archaelogy to Eustis, where he set up a movie production company and lived for 24 years. The Eustis Historial Museum has an entire room devoted to Dr. Banks, a man many believe was an inspiration for the Indiana Jones character.

  • FUN FOR ALL AGES!

    The RELIC HUNT is open to all ages. But if the person who finds the medallion is under 18 years old, their parent or guardian must claim the prizes for them at the Eustis Chamber (352-357-3434).