Old Tavernier Town Association

Old Tavernier Town Association was founded in 1981 by John and Lois Stormont for the purpose of saving and restoring historic buildings in Tavernier, Florida. The first building that was restored was a wooden church originally built in 1890 and referred to as Barnett's Chapel, was destroyed during the Labor Day hurricane of 1935. The church was then rebuilt as the Tavernier Methodist Church using salvaged lumber from the original structure as well as from other homes that had been destroyed by the storm. Mr. and Mrs. Stormont purchased the building for $1 and then moved the entire structure three blocks to property that they had purchased on U.S. 1 at Mile Marker 91. The second building which was restored was the Merlin Albury home. This structure was built in 1928 and during the 1935 hurricane, the entire structure broke loose from its foundation and floated 200 feet down U.S. 1. Mr. and Mrs. Stormont purchased this structure and moved it to land donated next to the church. The two buildings then became a community center hosting many events including weddings, blood drives, Cub Scout meetings, and an annual haunted house staffed by a local chapter of the Jaycees. In addition, Mr. and Mrs. Stormont hosted a annual historical exhibition of the Labor Day hurricane of 1935 including photographs, artifacts, and tours of the historic homes in the area. Old Tavernier Town Association remains committed to preserving the history of Tavernier.