misc photos

 
110-120 West New York Avenue - This group of buildings was constructed in 1918 and owned by E. R. Conrad. He shared this building with the Nahm Brothers until they moved to a different building. Conrad operated an insurance agency and real estate office from this location. Like other buildings in the area, the structure has a basic masonry vernacular style. Parapets surround the tops of the buildings and there is brick ornamentation. The windows lend somewhat of a recessed storefront look to the area even though the masonry vernacular is the stronger of the two. 138 West New York Avenue - This was the location of the Nahm Brothers Dodge Plymouth dealership.
138 West New York Avenue
144-148 West New York Avenue - This was the original home of Champs Shoes, now located on Woodland Boulevard.
120 South Florida Ave. - The City's government center was built in 1921. Originally the basement housed the police department; the north end was City Hall and the south end was the fire station. The firemen lived on the second floor.
214 West New York Ave. - The American Legion was built in the 1930's. It still houses the post.
The Athens Theatre was designed by prominent Orlando architect Murry S. King. It first opened its doors in January 1922. Originally a vaudeville house it featured live stage shows by touring performers. After it fell into disrepair, the citizens of DeLand, organized by the MainStreet DeLand Association, leads restoration efforts.
Volusia County Court House - In 1888, Volusia County voted to move the County Seat to the City of DeLand. The first courthouse was replaced by this building in 1929. Three thousand people attended the dedication. The 60,000 square foot structure with its Corinthian columns of Georgian pink marble is covered by a copper dome.
116 West Indiana Avenue - Former Courthouse Pharmacy
112 West Indiana Avenue - Former title insurance company.
110 West Indiana Avenue - The first story of this build- ing was built in 1905. Nineteen years later a second story was added. The origi- nal deed was recorded in 1902 by the law partnership of Cary D. Landis and Bert Fish. Though difficult to confirm, it is believed that the partnership, still in existence, is the oldest law firm in the state of Florida.

The building is constructed in the Federal style and has as its main facade a Ro- manesque entrance on the first story, which is straddled by two windows that repeat the decorative motif and fan- light found in the entry. Over the windows is an eagle motif. The dentiled cornice, whose lines are interrupted over the central portion of the building by a short gable pitch, runs across the front facade.

Cross the street here and stand just a moment. You don't have hours to gossip or shoot the breeze, but this cor- ner was known as the hitch- ing place for horses and men to stand and chat. Affectionately referred to as the Buzzard's Roost, many a gentleman had to hear it from his wife if he stayed at the roost too long.
103 West Indiana Avenue - Built in 1892 as the home of Lancaster Drug Store and Post Office, patrons could get medicine and mail a letter. Dr. Lancaster was a native of Kentucky and for many years followed his profession with great success. The first post office in the city of DeLand was located here. The building also has Federal influences. In the 1930s, this was also the home of a local theater. Rumor has it that folks came more to see the projectionist than the movie itself. Known to be tipsy during the movie, the reel broke, played back- wards, and started again. Later" the pressed ceiling was remodeled and bottles fell from what seemed like the heavens. Seems that with the supply found, the projectionist never went to a "dry" movie in his life!
109-111 West Indiana Avenue - This is the oldest commercial building in the down- town district. Constructed in 1875, it survived the 1886 fire with minor damage. The building's flat roof offers a decorative corbelled frieze along the south parapet. Segmental brick arches with keystones cap the second story windows. A simple two-bay, two- story porch supported by posts extends from the front of the building to the street, offering protection for customers and merchandise. 105 West Indiana Avenue 1n 1907 V. Ward Gould and his brother Harold, opened a real estate and insurance office here. Gould was known for the purchase of his single cylinder Cadillac, which was the first to be used for business purposes in DeLand. This contraption and novelty of riding in a car drew many prospective clients to Gould "s business. Stories are even told that he was able to draw business on the basis of the car alone!
105 West Indiana Avenue - Built in 1925, this was the former home of the oldest gift shop in the state of Florida, Ever hear that curiosity killed the cat? Owners Edith Reeve and Grace Howard didn't think so. Dubbed "The Old Curiosity Shop" by the town, it was established upon their graduation from Stetson University. The business was moved here from Woodland Boulevard.
DeLand Pioneers at Pioneer Park, corner of North Woodland Boulevard and Rich Avenue
129 North Woodland - Victor Fountain paid $10,000 to J.T. Cairns, an early DeLand settler and builder, to construct this commercial building with classical influences. Fountain ran advertisements that encouraged customers to come to his store and see the newest ideas in fall and winter woolens.

Built in 1908, the building has a recessed store-front entry and plate glass display windows. The building has a flat roof, which displays a decorative cornice along the front of the building.
131-133 North Woodland - The original occupants were unknown for this location. However, in 1925, the DeLand Piano & Music Company resided here.

The building features simple masonry vernacular style. It also has a storefront motif, which consists of large display window and awnings. The exterior ornamentation consists of a simple cornice that runs along the top of the building.
135-137 North Woodland - Patrons could shop Watts Hardware when this building was constructed in 1915. Customers could purchase hardware or get their watches and jewelry fixed. An invitation was extended to all customers that "glasses and speck frames adjusted free" with a guarantee.

A common storefront theme continues along this address. Notice the large windows and awnings that decorate the front of the building. Also, basic masonry vernacular features including brick and stucco.
139 North Woodland - This is the former site of the Princess Theatre. Owned by Howard Stewart and Tom Hays, it was built in 1921. Forget the overpriced blockbusters you're familiar with today. When admission saw an increase from a dime to twenty cents, there was reported to be a murmur in the crowd.
141 - 143 North Woodland - Built in 1906 and home of an unidentified auto garage, the building is constructed in simple masonry vernacular style. It also has a store- front motif, which consists of a large display window and awnings. The exterior ornamentation consists of a simple cornice that runs along the top of the building.

145 North Woodland - Also built in 1906" this is the former home of Marshe's Meat Market.

201 North Woodland - Constructed in the masonry vernacular style in 1920, the building exhibits similar design and use of materials as others in the area. The building's construction was sponsored by the Florida Public Services, which was the place to pay your bills.

The buildings in this block are referred to as the Codrington Block. The Codrington family, pioneer newspaper publishers in the town, owned the block of buildings and leased portions of it to various tenants. It was reported that some 3,000 bricks were bought from the Bond Sandstone Brick Company of Lake Helen to construct the building.
200 - 204 North Woodland - This address was constructed as a one and one-half story building in 1892. The downstairs was the home of Codrington News. When the building was raised another story in 1897, the DeLand Opera House occupied the upstairs. If you had been here in April 1892, the cast of Fantine would have entertained you with its theatrical antics. 204 N. Woodland - No need to worry about running out of money here. In 1910 you could have strolled downtown DeLand and stopped at the neighborhood ''Five and Dime.' '202 N. Woodland - Built in 1910 and occupied by Bauman's Feed Store, it was "The Farmer's Supply Store. Advertisers made sure that customers knew the shelves were stocked with feed, grain, hay, flour, fertilizer and insecticides. Just phone 245 and the Bauman brothers were at your service.
206-208 North Woodland - Constructed in 1922 and occupied by Cruse's Bicycle Shop. Carl T. Cruse used the building for his sales and repair business. Known for Pierce and Yale brand bikes and later Indian motorcycles, Cruse organized a service of young boys to deliver packages to customers on his bikes. Masonry vernacular in style, the structure is one story in height and is designed as a retail storefront on the first floor.
210 - 220 North Woodland - A configuration was a central entrance with sloping windows on each side of the entrance. Metal or wood canopies and can- vas awnings were used over commer cial store- fronts. They served as an advertising medium with signs placed on them, provided shelter, and extended the store's display surface.
247 North Woodland - Known as the DeLand Landing mural, this painting depicts the early methods of mass transportation in Central Florida. The St. Johns River brought settlers, their families and tourists on steamboats. They were met at the dock by horse-drawn wagons that brought them into town.
The original owners of the next six buildings were not available from city directories or recollections of those consulted for this tour; however, the 1925 directory of stores in the city list the following establishments. All six of the buildings are also constructed in the masonry vernacular style and were built in 1897.
148 North Woodland
146 North Woodland
140 North Woodland - Sanitary Cafe
136 - 138  North Woodland - Ceelely's Smart Shop (women's apparel)
132 North Woodland - The Sugar Bowl
130 North Woodland - Barsony Pressing Club and Tailoring
126-128 N Woodland - Roswell Bushnell financed the cost of a building in 1893. This address is the fruit of his efforts. Bushnell was a local grocer who maintained a grocery store to the north of this building.

Above the awning, the building also has an ongoing cornice interspersed with halt pilasters
132-136 North Woodland
120 North Woodland - After chatting a spell, the menfolk could make deposits, check on accounts or send their wives to do the same. The Volusia County Bank k Trust Company served its customers from this location when it was built in 1909.

The building is a testament to the Greek Revival style of architecture, which was popular at the turn of the century. Notable features include a full-length portico, displaying an overhanging pediment supported by Ionic columns and Tuscan pilasters. The side facade offers a dropped cornice that protects the structure with wide eaves and hooded windows on the second story.
118 North Woodland - The Lane Realty k Insurance Company was located here after the building's construction in 1909. Customers could find a house and insure it all in the same day.

The actual structure boasts the recessed storefront, which was a common configuration. Noteworthy is a central entrance with sloping windows on each side. Above the awning, the building also has an ongoing cornice interspersed with half pilasters.
116 North Woodland - Built in 1887 as Ford's Clothing Store, customers could shop for the latest in clothing and then wander upstairs for a serious game of billiards in Jim Butts Pool Hall. In the back room was the High Stakes poker game. Players used to station a young man in the pool hall shooting pool and if the local lawman arrived he would bang his pool cue on the floor and the poker players would run.

The two-story building is constructed with storefront architectural tones of the mid-nineteenth century. It features a large display window and a formal entry.
112-116 North Woodland - This is the original home of the Reeve and Howard Gift Shop. The store covered two storefronts and catered to the customer that was in search of the perfect gift for a dear loved one or friend.
100 North Woodland - Constructed in 1887, this building was originally Miller's Hardware. In addition to hard- ware, Miller's sold feed and seed. Have a question about steamboats instead of feed and seed'? Miller operated a steamboat office from the rear of the building.

The building was one of the first brick commercial buildings constructed after the fire. It has a gabled roof. Charles Miller, an early DeLand settler, financed it. He operated a dry  goods store and served as the Clyde Line Steamship Company's agent for decades. In 1925, Bert Fish, attorney and politician, bought the building from Miller for $150,000.
108 North Woodland - If you didn't like the haircut the week before from the other barber up the street, Clifton's Barber Shop was eager for your new business. Built in 1897, the shop had many a patron drift off to sleep while getting a shave or haircut.
106 North Woodland - The building was constructed in 1897 and later served as the home of Jim Hughes Sporting Goods. No sports enthusiast would be without horseshoes, clubs or rackets as long as Jim Hughes had anything to do with it.
109 East New York Avenue - Constructed in 1909 and advertised as J.F. Allen Company, Furniture and Funerals' this was the new home of Gus Allen's funeral parlor. This doesn't mark the end of your tour, but this address was the last stop for its clients. An offshoot of Allen's furniture business, the facility consisted of a small chapel, slumber room, embalming room, office, display room and warehouse. The company operated from this location until 1937.

Constructed from brick and supported by pilasters, many a horse would have nudged passersby as he waited to pull the wagon hearse.
111 East New York Avenue - The second location of Pick & Pay Grocery, customers could walk the aisles and choose their needed items. Built in l 897, the building has storefront features like large display windows and a formal entry. Detailing was minimal, frequently limited to decorative brick or stonework incorporated into the structural configuration of the building. Vertical pilasters or supports often flanked the shop windows, creating a frame for display of retail merchandise. The entryway was usually recessed to avoid competition with the display area. A common configuration was a central entrance with sloping windows on each side of the entrance. Metal or wood canopies and canvas awnings were used over commercial storefronts. They served as an advertising medium with signs placed on them, provided shelter, and extended the store's display surface.
115 East New York Avenue - Giddy yap horses! That would have been the cry heard from Craner Livery Stables who occupied this space. Built in 1897 it also features a low parapet. Known for some of the best-matched horse teams in the area, John Craner rented horses to the local funeral home to pull wooden hearses. If you look in the cracks on the walkway, you just might be able to trace the wagon wheel tracks!

The building has been altered since its initial construction but still features large display windows and a formal entry.
100 East New York - By the way, did you bring a blanket with you'? This building was originally constructed from pine, as was the rest of the town. During the great fire wet blankets were hung from the porches to keep the flames at bay. Later, when residents came to shop; they were never left in need of any item. Dreka's was a one-stop department store complete with groceries, crock- ery, feed, grain, clothing and furniture. River Life, a mural under the waterfall at 100 East New York Avenue, actually located on Woodland Boulevard. The one you're looking at was completed in 1909 at a cost of $50,000. It was G. A. Dreka's second store.

Designed by L. M. Wethers from Tennessee, the construction was supervised by the Turner Company of New York, it was the first reinforced concrete building constructed in the city. Three stories high, the building features Mission Revival ornamentation. The flat roof is surrounded by a parapet, which includes a mission arch with an exterior finish in smooth stucco.
100 South Woodland Boulevard - An 1883 wooden structure here was replaced in 1887 as a brick structure. Dr. G. W. Fisher owned one of the leading drugstores of the day. The building has undcrgone some cos- metic changes over the years, but the basic masonry vernacular style is still intact. Notice the parapets at thc top of the building and the brick ornamentation.
108 South Woodland - J.F. Nahm and R.H. Nahm were the occupants of this building constructed in 1909. The brothers bought stock in the original Haynes and Nahm Compa- ny, which sold Wilys-Overland cars. When the winds shifted and Dodge edged out the former, the business became Nahm and Nahm, and sold Dodge Motor cars.
110 South Woodland - Constructed in 1887, this was the original site of Dr. A.G. Munson's office. He lived upstairs and kept his office down- stairs. All patients needed to do was dial 58 and Dr. Munson would come to come to their aid.

The building is constructed in masonry vernacular and features the recessed storefront. Patients probably appreciated this feature. They could be sick and weary and not even have passersby notice that they were in the office. Thank goodness for the awnings!
112 South Woodland - Constructed in 1887, the building was the home of the Volusia Country Record Newspaper. It features a parapet and scaled down brick pilasters on each side. This enhances the decorative brick ornamentation that is so common in masonry vernacular architecture.
114 South Woodland - This building was built in 1909. It was the home of Western Auto and catered to customers who were intent on keeping those "new-fangled" cars that spooked the horses.
120 South Woodland - Constructed in 1924, the first floor of this building was home to Halsey's Grocery Store. Upstairs patrons could visit the Camel Brothers Cigar Factory. This building was part of one of the largest commercial blocks constructed in DeLand during the early 1920s. The building displays Prairie-style influences, defined by an elaborate cornice, rectangular brick panels, and pilasters.
128 South Woodland - Constructed in 1921, Pick & Pay grocery would relieve any fears of getting a bad apple. Customers strolled through the store and picked their own produce and staples. The only caveat was that they remember to pay on the way out. The building has Prairie style influences. It has rectangular brick panels flanking the sides of the entry and a curvilin-eared roof still based on a masonry vernacular parapet.
138 South Woodland - Smith Feed and Seed occupied this building when it was constructed in 1909. Farming supplies, f'eed, and seed were available for purchase. The building still maintains its masonry vernacular style and the storefront motif with the large windows and awnings that decorate the front. Also, the decorative brick provides ornamentation that might otherwise leave the building plain.
142 South Woodland - This masonry vernacular structure was bui It in 1892. The original occupants are unknown. However, in the 1920s it was the home of the Masonic Lodge. The group lost the build- ing during the Depression. In the late 1930s it was home to the Florida Motor Lines Station.
The First United Methodist Church, at the corner of Howry Avenue and Woodland Boulevard, began as early as 1876. The first building was constructed in l877 with the congregation being officially organized in 1880. The ''new'' building was con- structed in 1883. The stained glass window was added in 1919.
215 S Woodland - Care to check in? Spend the night? Rise early and see the town? This is the former home of the DeLand Hotel. Built in 1921, the building has masonry vernacular features and Mediterranean Revival ornamentation. Smooth plaster walls, semicircular arches and a tile roof, characterize the building's style.
Once home to Conrad Realty Company, this building sits on a street once called Short Street. Next door were the garages for the Nahm Brothers auto dealerships. Just beyond these buildings was Gunthers Blacksmith Shop, much of which has been relocated to the Pioneer Settlement in Barberville.

Georgia Avenue was part of what was once called Howry's Addition. Between 1882 and 1921 this property went through a number of changes. The current building was completed in 1925. Originally it had three store fronts with tenants paying rent of $125 per month for the store fronts and $50 a month for the storage rooms in the rear.
101 N Woodland - Completed in 1924, the First National Bank was DeLand's first skyscraper. it housed the bank until it declared bankruptcy in 1929. Watch your step, but slow down, you might catch a glimpse of Clarence Hayes footprints. As a local policeman, he was known to stand out front and greet passersby while keeping an eye out for crime and disorderly conduct.

Designed in the masonry vernacular, the building has classical revival influences, including decorative columns and pilasters surrounding the entryway. Now, look on the side of the building directly in front of you. During the Depression era, an unknown man and his female companion had their own sideshow of sorts. He would climb the building's side and disappear somewhere near the top; thus earning the name ''Human Fly.'' While he disappeared into the wall, to round out the show, his companion collected change from the crowd.
103 - 109 North Woodland
111 - 113 North Woodland - 111 - This is the former site of Doc Simmons Liquor Store. Built in 1927, it promised to leave you in good spirits or, as many as you could afford. This building is one and a half stories and is constructed in the masonry vernacular style. 113 North Woodland - Constructed in 1887, this was the site of Brill's Novelty Shop. It was the forerunner of Five and Dime stores. Mr. T. Brill would stand outside of his shop and greet customers who stopped to stare at the postcards hanging in his shop window. Built in the masonry vernacular style, the structure is one story in height and is designed as a retail storefront.
115-117 North Woodland - If you strolled these same paths in 1887, you were about to enter paradise. You might have felt the need to refresh yourself for a stop under the awnings at this address.
119 - 121 North Woodland - And to think, this is where it all started. The buildings in this group attempt to claim that the firc started at their address. Unfortunately, only one can claim the title. It goes to 119 N. Woodland Boulevard. The story is told that someone dropped a cigarette on the saloon's sawdust floor. Left smoldering into the wee hours of the morning, the butt caught, the sawdust sparked, and the fire was on its way to destroying downtown DeLand.

After the fire, the site was the home of Bracey's Drug Store. Constructed in 1892, the business provided competition for the other drugstores in town. It displays masonry vernacular attributes such as the one and a half story in height and stucco finish. The building was designed as a retail storefront on the first floor and office or meeting spaces on the second. The 121 N. Wood- land address has as its most notable features an exterior facade of brick and a mission