By Gina Horan
Clifford House in Eustis Honored with Ocklawaha DAR Plaque Dedication
Eustis community members gathered at the historic Clifford House for a dedication ceremony hosted by the Ocklawaha Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The event honored the legacy of Guilford David Clifford, one of the city’s founding figures, along with his daughter Lottie and granddaughter Charlotte, who was an active member of the DAR.
City Commissioner and former Eustis Mayor Mike Holland spoke at the ceremony.
“As Memorial Day approaches, it’s a great time to remember our patriotism for those who have given to this country and those who are still giving,” he said. “Thank you to the DAR for this plaque and on behalf of the mayor and the city commissioners, thank you very much for helping to preserve the history of Eustis.”
Local DAR Regent Gayle Everett welcomed guests and spoke about the organization’s mission.
“Since its founding in 1890, the DAR has promoted patriotism, education and historical preservation,” she said. “It is with great pleasure that we honor the Clifford family and recognize their role in the history of Eustis.”
Gayle acknowledged DAR members Donna DiGennaro and Stephanie Bender for three years of work leading up to the project’s completion.
Also in attendance were Clifford’s great-great grandson Shane Matthews, Florida State Regent Cindy Addison and four cadets from the Air Force Junior ROTC who served as color guard.
“It is truly my honor to be here with you today from the Florida Daughters in honor of Clifford House,” Cindy said. “Opened in 1911 on Thanksgiving Day, this house was occupied by the family until the 80s.”
She explained that the national historian must approve all DAR markers, a process that typically takes up to six months.
“Every word has to be authenticated. You have done it magnificently. They submitted it and it was approved in less than two months,” Cindy added.
The Clifford House, located at 536 North Bay Street, is the oldest structure in Eustis. Built in 1911 by Guilford Clifford, the 4,500-square-foot home remained in the family for three generations before becoming the Eustis Historical Museum.
The new plaque now stands as a lasting tribute to the Clifford family’s role in the city’s past.
Photos by Gina Horan
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Gina moved to Central Florida from the San Francisco Bay Area in 2021. She holds a degree in linguistics and has worked as a fashion editor, photo stylist, lifestyle columnist and food writer since 1995. She later covered travel, events, restaurants, music festivals and sports throughout Northern California, including work as a morning show host with KSAN radio and food critic for KRON Bay TV. A veteran bartender, she has worked in hospitality on and off since high school. Gina joined Akers Media in 2022 and is currently the Food and Lifestyle Editor. Her passions include travel, road trips, history books and podcasts, tasting menus and arriving in a new city without a map.
Thank you for this lovely article. Our Chapter is honored to have had the opportunity to learn so much about the Clifford family and to give recognition to their accomplishments.