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
Gina moved to central Florida in August of 2021 from the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and spent 10 years as a fashion editor, columnist and food writer for The Knight Ridder Newspaper group. She was also a photo stylist and covered concerts, fashion shows and festivals all over Northern California. In 2000, she joined KSAN radio as a morning show co-host and produced the news and sports content there for 4 years. She also covered travel, events and the restaurant scene for KRON-Bay TV. She is a veteran bartender and has worked in hospitality on and off since high school. Her passions include travel, road trips, history books, baseball, tasting menus and most of all, landing in a new city with no map or guidebook. Gina lives in Oxford with her mom, cats and baby hamster.
