Looking Back: The History of The DeBary Inn
The Debary Inn is steeped in fascinating history filled with champagne bubbles, romance, an aristocrat, and years worth of hospitality.
Mumm’s Champagne and The DeBary Family in America
Our story begins with Samuel Fredrick DeBary. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, to Belgian parents in 1815, DeBary moved to France several years later where he eventually became acquainted with the renowned champagne crafters, the Mumm family. In 1840, at the young age of 25, DeBary sailed to America at the request of the Mumm’s Champagne business to be their sole American/Canadian marketing and distribution agent in New York City. At this time period, luxury items were not yet mass produced in America; yet, one’s social prestige was often measured by one’s consumption of European luxury goods. The man and the timing were right. Frederick DeBary became a millionaire by building a flourishing import empire in America. His son, Adolphe, and daughter, Eugenie, inherited their father’s business and estates. At age 27, Adolphe took over the import business from his father.
The DeBary Inn’s Romantic Beginnings
The Debary Estate's history starts when Adolphe DeBary, a wealthy bachelor from New York City, met Augusta Cecil, a young woman from Summit. They married in 1871, and began life together in Adolphe’s NYC home. After the addition of their three children, Augusta and Adolphe agreed they wanted to raise their children outside of crowded NYC. The DeBary family built a grand estate – which would later become The DeBary Inn – and moved to Augusta’s hometown of Summit, New Jersey in 1880.
The mansion of the DeBary Family was described by a local paper as “one of the largest showplaces in Summit”, known for “its size, beauty, and elaborateness”. The original estate was 3.5 acres and included a bowling alley housed in a separate out building, extensive gardens, and stables for six horses. When first built, the house had one tin lined restroom for the family to share and readily accessible water that could be hand pumped from a cistern into a reservoir on the third floor.
In 1898, after the children had grown, the DeBary family moved out of Summit and relocated south to Florida. They kept the DeBary mansion as a summer home until 1916 when it was sold to a development company. The developers subdivided the grounds into smaller lots and built a road through the estate which is now called DeBary Place. The “old DeBary house” – as it was called in a 1916 newspaper article – was then moved in the early 1920’s about 200 feet to its present location.
The DeBary Inn’s Hospitality Service begins
In 1923, the DeBary mansion began its new life as an inn offering lodging and going by the name “The Hobart Hotel”. The Hobart Hotel was renamed in 1941 to “The DeBary Hotel” in order to honor the original family.
The DeBary Hotel incorporated an in-house restaurant and was managed by Mr. & Mrs. Walter Heyer. A 1946 menu boasts, “Good Homelike Meals served in Pleasant Atmosphere”, and served a dinner fare consisting of Roast Turkey, Virginia Ham, or Roast Beef paired with mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, or lima beans. Desserts included a choice between an Ice cream sandwich, Lemon chiffon pie, an almond layered cake, or an apple whip. All for the low price of $1.30 ($21.60 in today's money.)
The Debary’s public restaurant closed in 1977 when ownership shifted hands once again. The new owners, Paul & Peggy Brown acquired the property and turned it into a Boarding House for senior citizens and other Summit residents facing hardships. They once again changed the name to “The DeBary Guest House”.
In 2006, Summit residents Anita & Hill Rose purchased the Debary house but only kept it a few years until 2009. A group of Summit business partners, which included one of Summit’s most recognized citizens, Jim Cramer, host of Mad Money on CNBC, bought the property. This group began the arduous work of revitalizing the interior infrastructure and furnishings of the aging Inn. Mr. Cramer graciously donated his landmark desk that still occupies a window seat view at the Inn.
The DeBary Inn Today
In 2020 the pandemic hit and many small businesses were struggling to make ends meet and The DeBary Inn was among that crowd. New investors came to the rescue and today continue to make great strides in improving the Inn’s exterior and interior appearance while modernizing systems within the 145 year old estate.
The DeBary Inn boasts sixteen unique guest rooms that maintain the historic 1880s charm while providing modern luxuries and conveniences. Each guest room features private bathrooms, luxurious bedding, and various antique furnishings. Several rooms include working fireplaces that offer a romantic experience no matter what the outdoor temperature is. A delicious continental breakfast is served every morning featuring locally sourced New York Bagels and housemade breakfast pastries. The small but mighty staff strive to make guests feel that The DeBary Inn is a home away from home.
The DeBary Inn can also be privately rented to host special events and other gatherings such as wedding brunches, rehearsal dinners, graduations, reunions, birthdays, or baby/bridal showers. We also partner with The Secret Tea Room to host afternoon tea events.
Whether guests are traveling for weekly business meetings, looking for a weekend getaway, or just need extra space for visiting friends and family, the property’s charm, amenities, and location make it a perfect choice, even all these years later.
Call today or visit our booking page to make a reservation and enjoy a piece of Summit history with us!
10/17/2025 Emily--Innkeeper
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