By Nicole Hamel
On the Scene: Howey Mansion Unveils New Historical Marker
On Friday, September 11th, The Howey Mansion unveiled a Historical Marker sponsored by the Howey-in-the-Hills Garden and Civic Club and the Florida Department of State. Guest speakers Commissioner Sean Parks and Estate Manager and Historian Fran O’Keefe offered insight into the original estate owner William John Howey, who built the home in 1925 for his wife Grace and two adopted daughters, Mary and Lois.
The 20-room, 7,200 square foot mansion donned a Mediterranean Revival style by New York architect Katharine Cotheal Budd. After being abandoned for about 10 years, brothers Brad and Clay Cowherd purchased the property in 2017 and renovated it, where it now hosts special events and tours.
Nicole, born and raised in Maine, is an award-winning photographer with more than 15 years of professional experience. After relocating to Kentucky, she began her career photographing military families and volunteering with several organizations, including Operation Homefront (Tennessee/Kentucky Chapter), the American Red Cross, and the Wounded Warriors Project. While living in Hawaii, Nicole worked as a historical photographer, documenting the Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam community and its surrounding areas. In 2015, Nicole settled in Florida and joined Akers Media Group as a freelance photographer.
Through dedication and consistent excellence, she advanced to Chief Photographer. Her contributions earned her MVP of the Year in 2020 and Employee of the Year in 2023, recognizing both her hard work and commitment to her craft. After eight years of working for Akers, she can now add published writer to her list of accomplishments. Outside of her professional work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her two children, Dylan and Olivia. Her interests include underwater photography, crafting, reading, gardening, traveling, and experiencing life firsthand.
