The Van Patten House houses Katie Belle's restaurant. Originally, one had to be a resident of The Villages or a guest of a resident to dine at Katie Belle's. I'm not sure what happened (not enough business?), but that rule was relaxed and now all are welcome.
One visitor explained the Van Patten House this way (and it also helps one understand The Villages as a "Disneyland for adults"):
"Outside [of the Van Patten House], an historical marker explains the building's colorful past. 'Katie Belle Van Patten was the wife of a Jacksonville businessman, John Decker Van Patten, who, along with a number of other investors, built the luxurious hotel in 1851 ...'
"The plaque looks so authentic that I have to remind myself that I am standing on what was pastureland a mere decade ago. ..."
And so it goes. Make-believe. But ain't it fun?
11 comments:
Today I like your photo as always, but your caption is really great. Anyway I love this Disneyland for adults!
This building is gorgeous! I love the iron casted 'laces'and the pastel shade of it! Wonderful:)
Lovely! Beautiful details!
I thought you were going to say it was Dick Van Pattens house.
Handsome photo but how do you know it's the Van Patten house?!
Make believe history? That is fun!
The wrought iron details are gorgeous!
Doesn't that make visitors who don't know about it misled? I wouldn't have had any idea the plaque wasn't true. It is a beautiful building, though.
A weird rule. And beautiful building.
@ Becky - I don't think they worry about that much. If you wonder about there for very long, you cannot help conclude, "Hey, this is a playground for seniors!"
But then they do confuse the issue. There's a brewery on Main Street with all the old signs and lettering, but it actually is a brewery...only it's been in business for a few years, not for a century!
JMTI - THEME day for August might be "NIGHT!" That doesn't give you much time. . . . . less than two weeks! Giddy up! Rotary Prez in Lutherland
@ Safe Leif - No problem. If there's anything I know about it is the dark of night when no light shines and critters scurry about and eerie sounds echo from Eagan!
Lutherland? The land of Michele Bachmann? Heh. Heh. Cuckooland is what you mean!
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