- November 27, 2024
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Capt. James Ormond points to the tomb of James Ormond II in a re-enactment. Photo by Wayne Grant
Cathy Hubkal, portraying Anne Marie Dummett, talks about life in the early 1800s in the area. Photo by Wayne Grant
Capt. James Ormond stood by the grave of his son, James II, Feb. 5 as a tour group stood in rapt attention, learning about the early 1800s in the area and the beginnings of Ormond Beach.
Actually, the captain was portrayed by Hedland Blankenship, a member of the Ormond Beach Historical Society which sponsors a tour of plantations each year along with Tomoka Basin State Parks.
At the Ormond Tomb, located in James Ormond Park on Old Dixie Highway, visitors also heard from Capt. Ormond’s wife, Russell Ormond (yes, her name was Russell) portrayed by Julie Carson, and Anne Marie Dummett, portrayed by Cathy Hubkal. The Dummetts owned a plantation near the Ormonds.
Hubkal said she wanted to take part in the talk because it’s not just “his” story, it’s also “her” story. She said learning history is important because it helps you make decisions in your modern-day life.
“They lived 100 years ago, but they were just like us,” she said.
The tour also included Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park and Tomoka State Park where Mount Oswald Plantation was located.
The plantation period near Ormond Beach was in the 1820s and 1830s. The city of Ormond Beach is named after the original settler, Capt. Ormond. His son, who died in 1829, is buried at the park. James III knew John Anderson and other early settlers of the city.
Merry Churchill, who was on tour, said she has enjoyed seeing re-enactors at historic sites all over the world. The actors dress the part and talk as if they are the historic characters.
“It puts you back to the day in your mind,” she said.
Hubkal retired three years ago three ago after teaching history at Ormond Beach Middle School for 30 years. She immediately after retiring, she began volunteering with the historical society.
“It’s in my blood,” she said.
