By Doug Alderson
Visiting the Orman House Historic State Park in Apalachicola is akin to finding a hidden jewel, one that becomes more lustrous with age. That’s because over the past decade, the original family furniture, clothing, books, tableware and other belongings have been re-filling the house, many of which date back to the early to mid-1800s. Wandering through the rooms, either on a self-guided or ranger-led tour, it seems as though the Ormans had just stepped out for a spell and will return shortly. That is worthy goal of any historical site and the Orman House does it well.
The house was built in 1838 by Thomas Orman, a cotton merchant and shipping magnate from 1834 to the 1880s. Most of the antebellum house was brought by ship from Syracuse, New York in pieces and reassembled on a rise overlooking the river and bay. Every part of the two-story structure reveals quality craftsmanship, from the wooden mantelpieces to the carved magnolia blossoms at corners of the door transoms. The heart-pine flooring was made from native longleaf pine.
The house was occupied by the Orman family, but it was also important for business. Merchants from other states and countries were entertained at the house and deals were often struck in the parlor. This was during Apalachicola’s hey-day when it was the third busiest port on the Gulf, topped only by New Orleans and Mobile.
It is difficult to imagine that the Apalachicola River’s marshy floodplain once came up to the house. Orman’s office and the house porches had commanding views of the river and bay. Today, due to dredging and filling, part of downtown now occupies the river floodplain and a large motel blocks the once broad bay view.
Another dignitary of early Apalachicola was Dr. Alvin Chapman, and he is honored by the adjoining Chapman Botanical Garden, which features a variety of blooming plants enjoyed by butterflies as well as walkways, open spaces and a replica of the three soldiers Vietnam memorial statue in Washington, D.C.
The house is open Thursdays through Mondays from 9 to 5. The Chapman Gardens is open daily until sunset. Visit the Orman House for a tour through Apalachicola history! Note: As of July 10, 2020, the Orman House and all other indoor state park historic sites will be closed due to the coronavirus, but the Chapman Gardens are open free of charge. Â
