Built in 1888 by John Carrére and Thomas Hastings, Flagler College was first the Hotel Ponce de Leon. It was built in two years in the Spanish Renaissance style and the interior was designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Tiffany is credited with the stained glass and mosaics, and the beautiful ceiling murals were painted by George Willoughby Maynard and Virgilio Tojetti. In one of the college’s drawing rooms, there are 11 Tiffany chandeliers, the only crystal chandeliers Tiffany made. The beautiful Thomas Edison clock in the same room was my favorite part of this room, and maybe tied for first with the dome ceiling in the entrance. It’s made with a piece of rare onyx, and is one of two onyx Thomas Edison clocks at Flagler. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a photo of the other one. Louis Comfort Tiffany himself made the stained glass windows for the building, as well as the chairs in the dining room. There are still some original chairs left, but most are reproductions. This building is one of my favorites, and definitely a must-see if you’re in St. Augustine.
