Saying Goodbye to Historic 937 Victoria Drive

Gary Connors auctions away pieces of his beloved, historic, coastal home April 27 in hopes of preserving its memory.

The auction sets in motion the first phase of a gentle demolition that will allow property owner Connors and his wife, Amy, to rebuild at 937 Victoria Dr.

Dismantling the home is unavoidable.

"Structurally, it's pretty well shot," he said as he prepared with the auctioneer Friday afternoon, the eve of the event.

Connors pointed to the uneven hearth at the fireplace and other signs of the structural damage from standing more than 100 years. 

He had four architects evaluate the 19th century home. Each time, he hoped the expert would be able to tell him how it could be restored. 

County property records say the home was built in 1900. Some records say it was built in 1892. Connors bought it in 2012.

"It's had its time," he said.

Connors, who grew up in Clearwater, said he's known Victoria Drive all of his life. He knows so many people in the community have an emotional attachment to the home. Maybe it has something to do with its wraparound porch and live oaks, he said.

That's one of the reasons he decided to auction pieces of the home before it gets demolished. This way, he said, people who love his home can own a piece of it for themselves, while simultaneously benefiting Dunedin Historical Museum.

Nearly all parts of the home are being auctioned, including "old woodwork consisting of door, stairs, mantels, mirrors, flooring, paneling, window and door trim plus hardware, lights, radiators, furniture and more," . 

The Connorses' future home will reuse and recycle as many parts of the original home as possible. It will keep within the spirit of the rest of Victoria Drive and be able to stand up to a hurricane, he said. 

Want to Go?

• When: A preview period for the auction items is set from 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, April 27. The auction starts at 10 a.m.
• Where: 937 Victoria Dr.; auction takes place on side porch.
• Extras: Walt Wickman, owner of Olde Bay Cafe & Dunedin Fish Market, is grilling outside and portable lavatories have also been brought in, Connors said. Proceeds benefit the Dunedin Historical Museum.
• Pickup: Auctioned items will be tagged and dismantled afterward for pickup on May 3 and 4.  

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