About us:

Operated by the Historical Society of Flagler County, the Holden House Museum offers a unique glimpse into Flagler County's past.

Built in 1918 for a local pharmacist, Mr. Tom Holden and his wife, Ethel, the house itself provides a look back at family life in early Bunnell. Tour the restored rooms of the home where the Holden's raised their two daughters who continued to occupy the property until the 1970's.

The museum is also home to a collection of books about the area, rare photographs, and historical County documents.

Tom Edward Holden, Jr.

Tom Holden, Jr. came to Bunnell from Palatka in 1915 to work for Mr. C. A. Smith in his Drug Store as a pharmacist. In September 1916, he purchased the business from Mr. Smith and renamed it Holden’s Pharmacy.

The construction on the Holden House started in February 1916 a little over 2 years after Tom married Ethel Lura Bortree. Ethel’s father, Samuel Bortree, built the home for them. Tom and Ethel raised their two girls there, Altajane and Eleanor Pearl, and they both married pharmacists.

The Holden Sisters

The Holden Sisters, Altajane and Eleanor Pearl, enjoyed many happy years growing up in the “Holden House” in Bunnell, Florida. Even though there was a 7 year age gap between them, they grew very close. Both graduated from the University of North Carolina Pharmacy School and were awarded 50 year licenses like their father.

This is just a brief glimpse into the lives of the Holden family.

For more information on the family, visit the Holden House Museum.