Fern Court. Bailey was a friend of Henry Flagler the railroad magnate and Trull was a prominent attorney in the Boston area. Flagler ran a spur line to San Mateo for his friends, who became major brokers for area orange growers. With the rail line so close, shipping and packing took place quite close to Fern Court.

 

At the turn of the last century, Fern Court was a hub of social activity during the season. With its tennis court, the only one in the area, and its third floor ballroom, it was the site of many gala dinners, parties and dances. In 1905, Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt and her party visited Fern Court during her visit aboard the presidential yacht, Sylph, to the San Mateo, Palatka and Crescent City area.

 

During World War II, the house was unfortunately made into several apartments and later became a retirement home known as River Oaks. From 1979 until 1989, Fern Court sat empty and derelict, the disfigured shell of a once grand old Southern home.

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Morgan purchased Fern Court in 1989. They and their son, Matthew, spent four long years laboriously restoring and renovating the home, bringing back to life this courtly Southern belle. The seventeen plus rooms are furnished with antiques, collectibles, and fine art and the current owners, David and Daphne Kovar are working to blend the graciousness of this fine old Southern home with the art and antiques, and the customs and traditions of Victorian England.

 

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