I recently travelled to St Augustine, Florida on the northeast coast of the state. It's famous for so many things, and so worth visiting, not least because it's the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. The city was founded by the Spanish in 1565, which was 42 years before the English colonised Jamestown, Virginia and 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts.
Vestiges of early Spanish colonisation remain today in St. Augustine in the form of the town plan, originally laid in the late sixteenth century, and in the narrow streets and balconied houses that are identified with the architecture introduced by settlers from Spain. There remain thirty-six buildings of colonial origin and another forty that are reconstructed models of colonial buildings. It is utterly enchanting to stroll the streets and admire the architecture.
Most of the reconstructed buildings have been taken over by shops catering to tourists, but most of the original buildings have been preserved as museums. I visited one such house called the Peña-Peck House which was built in the centre of town around 1750 by royal decree of King Ferdinand VI for Spanish Royal Treasurer Juan Estevan de Peña.
Peña's ownership of the property ended abruptly in 1763 when Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain in the Treaty of Paris. During the British occupation, the house gained even more prominence as the home of Patrick Tonyn, Florida's last British governor. Tonyn, who was staunchly loyal to Britain, played a pivotal role in the American Revolution by transforming St. Augustine into a critical refuge for British Loyalists fleeing the rebellious colonies. The Peña-Peck House became a hub of British influence, where political strategies were planned, and the Crown’s authority was upheld in a time of uncertainty.
Even after the Revolutionary War ended, Tonyn remained steadfast in his duties by making St. Augustine the final stronghold of British governance in the now-independent American colonies. In 1785, as the British prepared to cede Florida back to Spain, Governor Tonyn oversaw the evacuation of British troops, officials, and Loyalist settlers from the region. This made him the last British official to leave the United States, marking the symbolic end of Britain’s direct control in North America.
After over 50 years of Spanish control, the house and the city were turned over to American ownership. In 1837, Dr. Seth Peck acquired the house, added a wooden second story to accommodate his growing family and established a medical office and general store on the ground floor. The house became a blend of practicality and elegance, featuring a formal dining room and a modern kitchen—cutting-edge for its time. You can visit see the kitchen as it was then used when you visit.
In 1931, Anna Gardner Burt, Dr. Peck’s granddaughter and the last family owner, donated the house to the city of St. Augustine. She envisioned it as a preserved example of Southern antebellum architecture, complete with its original furnishings, antiques, and artwork. And monograms!
It was in Anna Gardner Burt's bedroom where the most impressive monograms were found. On her dresser, a hand-crocheted runner features her initials embroidered at the centre of the design. She almost certainly crocheted this piece herself, using her monogram as both a decorative feature and her signature on the work.
Another can't-miss monogram is on her travelling trunk. In the days before suitcases with luggage tags became the norm, travel required packing all your belongings in a large trunk which was then stored with many others like it. Monogramming the trunks became a key way to identify them.
The year after the house was donated to the city, in 1932, the Woman’s Exchange assumed responsibility for managing and showcasing the home. Tours for the public were offered and a gift shop was opened, which continues to operate in this historic space as a charity dedicated to raising money for the education of women over the age of 30.
If you're ever passing through Florida, it's well worth your time to spend a day or two in St Augustine visiting the many historical houses, museums and galleries.