Reid's Garden

Reid's Garden. Palatka Historic Heighborhood. , “North Historic District” , The North Historic District first became known as “Reid’s Garden in the 1840’s when the land it occupies was deeded to R.R. Reid. Reid was at that time the head of a mercantile company and the son of a Florida territorial governor. The land was subsequently transferred to Federal Judge Isaac A. Bronson who built the graceful plantation home on Madison Street that still bears his name. Before doubling in size in 1865, Palatka, or the “Gem City of the St. Johns” was mostly contained within the 12 blocks that make up the North Historic District., Spare by the disastrous fire of 1884, Reid’s Garden boasts striking Victorian, Colonial Revival and Bungalow architecture as well as Prairie School, Greek Revival and a number of elaborate Queen Anne style residences. Of particular historical interest are the Bronson-Mulholland house and St. Mark’s Episcopal – both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Reid’s Garden, essentially the North Historic District, is bounded by Reid and Bronson Streets, the River and Fifth Street., Queen Anne Style , Built in 1886, the house is significant architecturally from the standpoint that the attention to detail, particularly in the wood trim is excellent. It has the basic characteristics of the typical gingerbread house of the period yet is vertical in feeling and massed like the Queen Anne style., Italianate Style , Picturesque massing, projecting eaves, low hip roof and tall narrow windows contribute to this two story Italianate duplex residence built between 1924 and 1930., French Colonial Style , Constructed 1909 and 1915. Exterior finish of staggered butt wood shingles above rusticated concrete block establish strong ties with the neighborhood., Prairie School Style , A two and a half story Prairie School Style built in 1916 by Architect F. Kemp.