Tucked away in Jacksonville, Florida‘s historic Springfield neighborhood, the Dr. Horace Drew Mansion at 245 West 3rd Street stands as a striking example of early 20th-century architectural eclecticism. Constructed in 1909 by the distinguished Dr. Horace R. Drew, a grandson of Jacksonville pioneer Columbus Drew, this home is a true architectural gem overlooking Klutho Park.
The mansion masterfully merges several design styles, combining elements of Tudor Revival, Queen Anne, and Spanish Colonial Revival. Its structure primarily utilizes smooth concrete blocks, but a touch of elegance is added with the front hexagonal porch made of refined Ashlar stone.
The mansion is not just a visual feast; it also incorporates unique features that add to its allure. It boasts a third-story porch that offers sweeping panoramic views, and a cleverly designed second-story “crying porch” at the rear, perfect for parents soothing a restless baby away from the quieter areas of the home. In a nod to the home’s vibrant social history, the third-floor attic was once transformed into a billiards room where Dr. Drew entertained notable guests like actor Oliver Hardy during Jacksonville’s bustling silent film era.
Oliver Hardy himself moved to Jacksonville in 1913, where he juggled his early entertainment career, performing as a cabaret and vaudeville singer by night and working for the Lubin Manufacturing Company by day. The Drew Mansion’s striking design was the brainchild of architects Leroy Sheftall and Earl Mark, who are also credited with designing the renowned Moulton & Kyle Funeral Home on East Beaver Street. This mansion not only reflects a rich architectural tradition but also a fascinating slice of Jacksonville’s cultural history.
Dr. Horace Drew was a key figure in the success of the H. & W.B. Drew Company, a prominent printing business located on West Bay Street in downtown Jacksonville. Specializing in high-quality engraved office stationery, the company flourished under his leadership until his death in 1926. Throughout the 20th century, the Drew family maintained this printing legacy, earning recognition as the “oldest family business” in Jacksonville.
In 1997, the company entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Wells Legal Supply Inc., which led to the formation of the Wells & Drew Companies. Dr. Horace Rainsford Drew passed away on May 28, 1951, leaving a lasting legacy of entrepreneurial spirit. After his death, the Drew family home welcomed the Mears family, who lived there until the 1960s, adding to the rich tapestry of its history.
Several months after the Drew Mansion’s night of terror, on a calm Saturday afternoon in July 1970, two children made a horrifying discovery in the mansion’s backyard—a black plastic bag containing a human head. Horrified, they quickly sought assistance from two teenagers nearby, who then called the police. It appeared the head had been exposed by rainfall overnight, shocking the unsuspecting children. This gruesome find quickly became headline news across Florida, spreading shock and fear.
Further investigation revealed that the head had been stolen from a cadaver at Duval Medical Center in November 1969. According to an informant, a hospital orderly had taken the head, occasionally showing it to friends, and eventually buried it in the mansion’s backyard. The head, which belonged to a man in his 50s, was kept in an airtight germicidal bag, preventing decomposition.
On July 12, 1970, police arrested 18-year-old Michael Tiliakus as he arrived for his shift at the medical center. He was charged with dealing in dead bodies, a misdemeanor in Florida. In a strange twist, it was revealed that Tiliakus had a unique connection to the deceased man, who had donated his body to science. Overwhelmed by a desire to keep a part of his deceased friend, Tiliakus admitted to sleeping with the head before fear drove him to bury it at the Drew mansion.
The story of the Horace Drew Mansion, with its twists of history, neglect, and eventual hope for restoration, underscores the complexities involved in preserving historic properties. The transition of ownership to the Massey family in the 1970s brought new life to the mansion through renovations, and its recognition as a contributing property in the historic Springfield neighborhood highlighted its significance. However, the financial difficulties faced by Margaret Massey, leading to her abandonment of the property and the subsequent legal and structural challenges, painted a grim picture of decline.
The situation worsened with the accruing city fines and the structural damage from recurring flooding, which escalated the mansion’s deterioration. It became a symbol of the endangered historic structures in Jacksonville, illustrating the vulnerabilities of such heritage sites. Yet, the local community’s response, marked by the efforts to secure and protect the mansion after incidents of vandalism, reflected a collective commitment to historic preservation.
Michael Bourre’s acquisition of the property and his vision for an extensive renovation project in 2015 offered a hopeful chapter for the Drew Mansion. His plans not only aimed to restore the mansion’s former glory but also to demonstrate the potential of revitalizing the Springfield neighborhood through such heritage projects. This endeavor represents the broader challenges and opportunities in historic preservation—balancing the costs of restoration with the cultural and aesthetic values these structures add to communities.
If Bourre’s renovation succeeds, it could serve as a pivotal example of how historic buildings can be preserved and repurposed for contemporary use while maintaining their historical essence and contributing to the urban landscape. Such projects highlight the importance of community involvement, strategic planning, and financial investment in safeguarding historical landmarks for future generations.
The saga of the Drew Mansion’s restoration has been a rollercoaster ride for the Springfield community, marked by frustration, speculation, and dashed hopes. Despite initial promises, progress on the restoration front remained disappointingly sluggish, fueling rumors and concerns about the property’s fate, especially amidst looming development plans by GNP Development Partners LLC.
Growing exasperation within the community led to a grassroots movement, imploring Michael Bourre to take decisive action or pass on the torch to someone willing to commit to the mansion’s revival. Finally, in 2018, a glimmer of hope emerged as the property changed hands, and restoration efforts finally kicked into gear. Significant steps were taken, including gutting the interior and addressing the deteriorating roof.
However, just as momentum seemed to build, the unforeseen arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 dealt a severe blow to the restoration project, forcing an abrupt halt. Since then, the mansion has languished in a state of uncertainty, leaving Springfield residents disheartened and eager for progress on the cherished landmark’s restoration.