Markers and Memorials Archives - Robert Redd Historian & Author

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

Bethune Beach Florida Historic Marker

Located in what is now an exclusive and expensive part of beachside New Smyrna Beach is the small Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park. Here you will find a Florida Historic Marker in recognition of Bethune Beach. This area was once reserved for African American beachgoers in the days of segregation.

Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park hosts two markers detailing the importance of this area to African Americans in the days of Jim Crow segregation. Today, the area is littered with homes valued in the seven figures, offering incredible beach views that at one time were reserved for black visitors. Fortunately, those days are past and visitors, no matter their race, can enjoy the beaches throughout the area, without intimidation.

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The first marker we’ll discuss is from the Florida Department of State

Bethune-Volusia Beach side one

When Daytona Beach was first founded in 1876 two of its founders, John Tolliver and Thaddeus S. Gooden, were African American. Over the years, Jim Crow laws changed the state drastically, and by the 1920s African Americans were banned from most of Florida’s public beaches. In response, beaches opened that catered specifically to African Americans like Butler Beach in St. Augustine, American Beach on Amelia Island, and Paradise Park at Silver Springs in Ocala. In 1935, only two places in Volusia County allowed African Americans beach access, and only during the summer and on specific holidays. Bethune Cookman College co-founder and president, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune wanted to create a beach in Volusia County for African Americans to enjoy without restriction or fear of harassment. Born in Mayesville, South Carolina to formerly enslaved parents, Bethune moved to Daytona Beach in 1904. She opened the Daytona Literary and Industrial School for the Training of Negro Girls, which later merged with Cookman Institute in Jacksonville to become Bethune-Cookman College. Bethune was an active crusader for educational advancement and Civil Rights for African Americans in Florida and throughout the nation.

Bethune-Volusia Beach side two

Bethune approached architect and developer Mr. Dana F. Fuquay about purchasing a two-and-a-half mile strip of land south of New Smyrna Beach. Fuquay owned most of the land along the Intracoastal Waterway in Volusia and Flagler counties. In need of investors, Bethune used her influence to arrange a meeting at the Rogers Hotel in Tampa with some of the wealthiest African Americans in Florida, and on December 9, 1945 the Bethune-Volusia Beach Corporation was formed. The charter members included president, Mr. G.D. Rogers; executive vice president Mr. George W. Powell; vice president, Dr. W.H. Gray; secretary, Mr. James A. Colston; and treasurer, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. The new beach quickly became a popular vacation destination for African Americans from all over the country. During the July 4th celebration in 1950, over 5,000 people came out to enjoy the festivities. Bethune-Volusia Beach was open to all races though ownership of land and businesses was retained soley (sic) by African Americans. Following the passage of the Civil Rights Act on 1964, the beach lost popularity, and many visitors, particularly those from out of state stopped coming as other options became more available.

A Florida Historic Site sponsored by Volusia County Coastal Division, Bethune Beach Property Owners Association, Bethune Foundation, and the Florida Department of State

F-940

2017

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The second marker we’ll discuss was placed by the County of Volusia

This panel features some nice imagery provided by Bethune Cookman University Archives.

Welcome to Volusia County’s Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park–once part of a nationally known African American resort. Named for a noted educator and presidential advisor, this spot gave black people a place of their own when most Florida beaches were closed to them by segregation. Bethune had seen her own students turned away from local beaches, and in the 1940s she and other investors bought 2.5 miles of oceanfront plus lands along the Indian River. After all, she reportedly said, this was “God’s water” for everyone to enjoy.

People did enjoy themselves here. By the 1950s Bethune-Volusia Beach, its corporate name, was a popular destination for swimming, fishing, picnicking and car racing. Crowds also came for live music, dancing, and–as more than one informant recalled–dressing to be seen. Central Floridians made up most of the day users, but others journeyed great distances to stay in a motel and private houses. From New Smyrna to Atlanta and Pittsburgh, black Americans knew about Bethune Beach.

Bethune herself envisioned a big, year round resort, controlled by African Americans but open to “all people.” Yet the larger development never really took off, and by the 1970s the dream had faded. Most black landowners–by choice or economic necessity–gave up their property over time, and the coming of integration meant that beachgoers had other places to go. Even so, during its heyday Bethune Beach became a beloved site for people of color. It was that rare place on Florida’s Atlantic coast where they could gather, relax, and swim freely.

Wide view of Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park — View of Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park

View of the Atlantic Ocean and beach at Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park — The Atlantic Ocean and beachfront as seen from Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park

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Mary McLeod Bethune in Florida: Bringing Justice to the Sunshine State — **Mary McLeod Bethune in Florida: Bringing Social Justice to the Sunshine State,** written by Bethune scholar Dr. Ashley N. Robertson

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

Bill Clinton Visits Belfast, Northern Ireland November 1995

During a visit to Belfast, Northern Ireland several years ago, we by chance stayed in the same hotel where United States President Bill Clinton had stayed during a November 1995 visit. We later came across other references to his visit while wandering the beautiful city. These occurrences prompted me to discover why President Clinton had been visiting. Read along to discover more about this chance crossing of paths, thirty years later, and President Clinton’s “Remarks at the Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall.”

Europa Hotel

During our visit we had made reservations to stay at the Hotel Europa and couldn’t have been happier with our decision. The location was convenient and safe. The staff were wonderful to deal with, they were always courteous and helpful. The property itself was clean and inviting.

The Europa has been a Belfast destination for more than 50 years. With almost 300 rooms, including many suites, this 4-star property features an on-site bistro, bar, and piano lounge, making it the perfect destination to return to after a day of sightseeing. For a great price on reservations at the Europa Hotel, use THIS LINK.

Room at the Hotel Europa Belfast Norther Ireland — A view of a room at the Hotel Europa in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Hotel Room at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland — A different view of the room at the Europa Hotel in Belfast Northern Ireland

The window view from the Europa Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland — The amazing window view from the Europa Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland

A zoomed in view of the King William III mural as seen from the Europa Hotel

The Clinton’s Schedule on Thursday, November 30, 1995

Visits by the president and his entourage are always full, time constrained, and stressful for the president, their handlers, and those working to make the visit a success. Bill Clinton’s visit to Belfast in November 1995 was no different as shown from the official itinerary.

President and Mrs. Clinton left their London accommodation by helicopter for Heathrow Airport at 7:30 a.m., departing at 8:05, and arriving at Belfast International Airport (Aldergrove Airport as shown on the itinerary) at 9:10 a.m. for a full day of events.

The president and Mrs. Clinton arrived at the Mackie International Plant at 9:55, giving a speech at around 10:45. You may learn more about his visit to Mackie International using THIS LINK. President Clinton departed at 11:40, arriving at the East Belfast Enterprise Park for a photo opportunity and brief meeting with tenants and managers from this business park and others. The president departs, arriving at City Airport at 1:15 p.m. for a flight aboard Marine One to the City of Derry Airport, arriving at 2:05 local time.

Derry

President and first lady, Bill and Hillary Clinton arrive at Londonderry Guildhall at 2:35, participating in a presentation with remarks from the local mayor, John Kerr, John Hume, concluding with the president. The Clintons were then whisked away to a receiving line with members of the Tip O’Neil family and representatives or the American Ireland Fund, before at 4:20, participating in a reception for the inauguration of the Tip O’Neil Chair for Peace Studies at the University of Ulster Guildhall. After participating in press and staff photos, the first family depart for the Derry Airport, arriving at 5:25 for their return flight to Belfast, landing at 6:10 that evening.

Return to Belfast

The whirlwind day continued with a fast drive to Belfast City Hall, arriving at 6:30 before participating in the tree lighting ceremony that took place from 7:00 until 7:45. The Clinton’s then participated in a receiving line for members of the Belfast City Council before departing at 8:25 en route to Queens University where they were guests at a reception hosted by Sir Patrick and Lady Mayhew. Sir Patrick Mayhew and President Clinton both made remarks during the reception, before the president and first lady worked a reception line.

Before leaving Queens University, Sir Gordon Beveridge, Vice Chancellor, Queens University, invited President Clinton to sign a scroll commemorating the 150th anniversary of the university, which the president dutifully did.

With their long day complete, the president and first lady departed Queens University at 10:00, arriving at the Europa Hotel only minutes later. A nearly fifteen hour day, not including morning and evening preparations, meetings, and studying, was complete.

Source: “Schedule for the President for Thursday, November 30, 1995 Final,” Clinton Digital Library, accessed February 18, 2025, https://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/57321.

Special Note: Today, Queens University is home to the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute. The William J Clinton Leadership Institute was founded in 2011 to support and develop the leadership skills of the Northern Ireland business community, as part of their commitment as a university to the pathway to peace.

Safely store your bags before checking into your Belfast hotel, or after your checkout, using Radical Storage. More than 8,000 locations worldwide. — Safely store your bags in Belfast before checking into, or after checking out of your hotel, using Radical Storage, a worldwide leader in luggage storage, with more than 8,000 locations available. Click for full details, locations, and pricing.

Bill Clinton’s Remarks at the November 30, 1995 Christmas Tree Lighting

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Eric Smyth, Mrs. Frances Smyth,

Ladies and gentlemen, I have run for election many times in my home state of Arkansas and of course throughout the United States when I sought the Presidency–and I have face some tough competition. But never have I confronted challengers with the name recognition, the media savvy, and the martial arts ability of the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. To all of you whose support enabled me to join you tonight, I extend my heartfelt thanks.

I understand the city of Belfast has held a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony for more than 20 years–but this year the occasion is especially joyous, because you are entering your second Christmas of peace.

Now people can do their holiday shopping without worrying about searches or bombs, visit their loved ones on the other side of the border without the burden of checkpoints or roadblocks, enjoy the sparkling lights of the city without fearing violence. Peace has brought real change to people’s lives.

Across the ocean, the American people are rejoicing along with you. We are joined to you by strong ties of community, commerce, and culture. Over the years, men and women of both traditions have flourished in America and helped America to flourish.

And today, the people of our lands re forging new and special bonds. Belfast’s sister city, Nashville, Tennessee, was proud to send this Christmas tree to friends across the Atlantic. I want to thank Vice President Gore, Mayor Bredeson of Nashville, and the U.S. Air Force for making it happen.

In this 50th anniversary year of the end of World War II, many Americans still remember the warmth the people of Northern Ireland showed the American Army forces that were stationed here under General Eisenhower.

The people of Belfast named General Eisenhower an Honorary Burgess of the city who viewed the honor bestowed on him “as a token of our common purpose to work together for a better world.” That mission endures today. We remain partners for security, partners for prosperity, and most important, partners for peace.

Two years ago, at this very spot, tens of thousands of you took part in a day for peace, as a response to some of the worst violence Northern Ireland had known in recent years.

The two morning newspapers, representing both traditions, sponsored a telephone poll for peace that generated almost 160,000 calls–the equivalent of 25 million calls in the United States. The response left no doubt that across Northern Ireland, the desire for peace was becoming a demand.

I am honored to announce today that those same two newspapers–The News Letter and The Irish News–have established the President’s Prize, an annual award to those at the grassroots level who have contributed most to peace and reconciliation.

The honorees will travel to the United State to exchange experiences on issues we share–such as community relations and conflict resolution. We all have much to learn from each other.

The President’s Prize will underscore that Northern Ireland’s two traditions have a common interest in peace.

As you know, I have received thousands of letters from school children from all over Northern Ireland, telling me what peace means to them.. The letters poured in from villages and cities, from Catholic communities and Protestant communities, from mixed schools, primary schools, and schools for children with special needs. All of he letters were wonderful–for their honesty, their simple wisdom, and their passion.

Many of the children showed tremendous pride in their homeland–in its beauty, and in its true nature. Eleven year old Keith from Carrickfergus wrote: “Please tell everyone in American that we are not always fighting here and that it is only a small number of people who make trouble.” Like many of the children, Keith did not identify himself as Protestant or Catholic, and did not distinguish between violent forces on either side.

So many children told me of loved ones they had lost–of lives disrupted, opportunities forsaken, and families forced to move. Yet, they showed remarkable courage and strength–and a commitment to overcome the past. As 14 year old Sharon of County Armagh wrote, “Both sides have been hurt, both sides must forgive.”

Despite extraordinary hardships so many of these children have faced, their letters were full of hope and humor and love.

To all of you who took the time to share your thoughts with me, thank you for brightening my holiday season with your words of faith and courage.

To all of you who asked me to do what I could to help the peace take root, I pledge America’s support. We will continue to stand with those who take risks for peace. We will work with you to give all of Northern’ Ireland’s children the chance to make the most of their God given potential.

And to 13 year old Ryan of Belfast, if you’re out there: No, an alien spacecraft did not crash in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. And if the U.S. Air Force recovered alien bodies and didn’t tell anyone about it, it’s news to me.

Ladies and gentlemen, may the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill flourish and grow in your land.

May the prophecy of Isaiah be realized here: “…ye shall go out with joy and be led forward with peace: The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”

And may the lights on the tree that we celebrate tonight reflect the kindling of hope and faith in our hearts for a peaceful Northern Ireland.

Source: National Security Council and NSC Records Management System, “Remarks at Christmas Tree Lighting City Hall, Belfast, Northern Irelenad,” Clinton Digital Library, accessed February 18, 2025, https://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/57453.

Commemorating the Visit

The city of Belfast is rightfully proud of this important presidential visit. Today, visitors can remember the visit with a historic marker placed at Belfast City Hall.

A wider view of the Clinton marker at Belfast City HallBill Clinton Visits Belfast, Northern Ireland November 30, 1995. — A wider view of the location of the Clinton marker at Belfast City Hall.

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Posted on March 7, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

A Phone Booth in a Cemetery

Have you ever seen a phone booth in a cemetery? It seems unusual doesn’t it but there appear to be legitimate reasons for this. Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery is providing a new option for those grieving a departed loved one, called the Wind Phone.

Origins of the Wind Phone

The Wind Phone was originally the brainchild of Itaru Sasaki, of Japan, in 2010. Mr. Sasaki was grieving the loss of a cousin who passed from cancer. Sasaki purchased an old phone booth, and installed a rotary phone. He placed the booth in his garden. Here, he was able to connect with his departed loved one in a private manner, alone with his thoughts.

As a result of a devastating 2011 earthquake and resulting tsunami, thousands of coastal residents in Japan were killed, many washed into the Pacific Ocean and their bodies never recovered. Recovering his phone booth, Sasaki relocated it to a hill at the foot of Kujira-Yama, a 609 meter high peak near the town of Otsuchi, an area devasted by the tsunami. Here, he welcomed the public to come and “call” their relatives, allowing them to mourn, cope, and hopefully heal, from their tragic loss.

You may learn more about Itaru Saski and the original Wind Phone at THIS SITE.

Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery

Grief is a universal language and we all deal with it in our own manner. Today, Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery offers mourners the unique opportunity to sit in peace and call their departed loved one by using a Wind Phone. Mourners can enter the plywood phone booth which contains an old rotary phone. Here, they can sit and pour out their souls, anger, and sorrow to the departed. No need to pick up the phone receiver as it isn’t connected to any earthly service. Instead, the wind will carry their words to the great beyond, delivering them to their loved one.

For some, this idea may seem far-fetched and possibly even ridiculous. For those handling grief however, it is important to let them mourn and if the Wind Phone helps them, so much the better. In fact, ENS General Manager Patricia Corsillo, has stated that the first time she used a Wind Phone she “called” her old home phone number to talk with her parents. She says it brought her a sense of comfort and she hopes to provide the same to others.

Where to Find a Wind Phone Near You

The concept is catching on around the United States. At the time of writing, My Wind Phone states that there are almost 250 installed in the United States, with more coming soon. Find updated statistics and Wind Phone locations using THIS LINK. Currently, there are 16 Wind Phones in the state of Florida. Use the link to find one near you, no matter your location.

Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery is located at 700 S. Ridgewood Avenue in Edgewater, on the west side of the highway. Access the cemetery using the north entrance (there are three entrances off of Ridgewood Ave.) Follow the drive and you will see the Wind Phone located between one of the newest and one of the oldest sections in the cemetery.

Call to Action

Have you ever seen or used a Wind Phone? Please share your experience with a comment.

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Posted on February 7, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

Great Floridians 2000 General Edmund Kirby Smith and Frances Kirby Smith

The Great Floridians 2000 program recognizes individuals who distinguished themselves through their philanthropy, public service, or personal or professional service, and who have enhanced the lives of Florida’s citizens. The Great Floridians 2000 program honors General Edmund Kirby Smith and Frances Kirby Smith.

Members of the public nominated individuals by submitting a Great Floridians 2000 application to the state. The Great Floridians 2000 Committee, a group of seven distinguished historians from throughout Florida, was responsible for periodically reviewing and approving applications.

The program began in 1998 and was completed in 2000.

The distinctive blue plaques honor the men and women in the program. Plaques are attached to buildings or structures in the cities where the designee left their mark. The plaques do not contain biographical information. Many plaques have been removed and are no longer on display.

The official biographies published as part of the Great Floridians 2000 program are shown below. The information published by the state may or may not be accurate.

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General Edmund Kirby Smith

Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith courtesy Library of Congress

General Edmund Kirby Smith, was born in 1824 in St. Augustine, graduated from West Point in 845 and served in the army during the Mexican War. He resigned from the U. S. Army to join the Confederacy. He served under generals Joseph Johnston, Gustave Beauregard and Braxton Bragg and was instrumental in Confederate success at the First Battle of Bull Run in Virginia.

In 1863, he was promoted to Lieutenant General commanding the Trans-Mississippi Department, the highest-ranking Confederate officer in the western campaign. On May 26, 1865, he surrendered his troops, the last major Confederate army to surrender. Following the war, Kirby Smith served as president of a telegraph company, then of the Western Military Academy in Nashville, and became a mathematics teacher at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. General Edmund Kirby Smith died in 893, the last surviving full general of either army.

His Great Floridian plaque is located at the Sequi-Kirby Smith House, 12 Aviles Street, St. Augustine.

St. Augustine and the Civil War book cover — St. Augustine and the Civil War

I recommend my book, St. Augustine and the Civil War if you are interested in the role of St. Augustine during the Civil War. Signed copies are available directly from my shop. You may also purchase copies through Amazon. Use THIS LINK to find other histories of St. Augustine.

Frances Kirby Smith

Frances Kirby Smith, born in 1785, was St. Augustine’s most successful Confederate spy. Though born in Connecticut, she and her husband Judge Joseph Lee Smith moved to St. Augustine about 1820. For months before and during the Union occupation of Fort Marion (Castillo de San Marcos) she orchestrated the transport of mail to Confederate troops. At the same time, she entertained Union officers and learned of planned maneuvers, passing the knowledge to the Confederate Army. In the spring of 1863, the federal government ordered the removal of Southern sympathizers from their homes. After the war Smith returned to St. Augustine and lived for another decade, a Confederate supporter until the end. Francis Kirby Smith died in 1875.

Her Great Floridian plaque is located at the Sequi-Kirby Smith House, 12 Aviles Street, St. Augustine.

The distinctive blue Great Floridians 2000 markers may be see at the Segui-Kirby Smith House, located at 12 Aviles Street, in St. Augustine.

General Edmund Kirby Smith is buried in the University of the South Cemetery, located in Sewanee, TN. An online memorial can be found HERE.

Frances Kirby Smith is buried in the Huguenot Cemetery in St. Augustine, FL, located adjacent to the Visitor’s Center. An online memorial can be found HERE.

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Posted on January 24, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

Great Floridians 2000 Albin Polasek

The program began in 1998 and was completed in 2000.

The official biographies published as part of the Great Floridians 2000 program are shown below. The information published by the state may or may not be accurate.

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Albin Polasek

Albin Polasek was born in 879 in Frenstat, Moravia (now part of the Czech Republic) and arrived in America in 1901. He attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the American Academy in Rome, and was recognized with awards, prizes and scholarships. In 1916 he became the first head of the Department of Sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago. Polasek visited friends in Winter Park and decided to purchase property. He became associated with the community’s social, educational and cultural life. Some of his best-known Winter Park sculptures include “Victory of Moral Law,” “Ascended Christ,” “Man Reaching for the Moon,” “The Nativity,” and “Emily.” More than 400 of his works are displayed in American and European collections with the largest single collection in Winter Park.

Albin Polasek died in 1965. His Great Floridian plaque is located at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden (Albin Polasek House), 633 Osceola Avenue, Winter Park.

Polasek is buried at Palm Cemetery in Winter Park, FL. An online memorial may be found HERE.

Brief Biographical Information courtesy Florida Memory

Portrait of Czech-American sculptor Albin Polasek. 1927 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. <https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/271874>, accessed 24 January 2025.

Born on February 14, 1879 in Frenstat, Moravia, now part of the Czech Republic. After serving as an apprentice woodcarver, at age 22 he immigrated to the U.S., following his two brothers, both priests, to Minnesota. Served nearly 30 years as head of the sculpture department for the Art Institute of Chicago before retiring to Winter Park, Florida in 1949. In 1961, Polasek married Emily Muska Kubat. The couple set up the Albin Polasek Foundation and transformed the Polasek’s home into the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, which remains one of Florida’s most popular cultural attractions. He died on May 19, 1965. Posthumously inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004.

I hope you have enjoyed my post on the Great Floridians 2000 Albin Polasek of Winter Park, Florida. Please see my other Great Floridians 2000 posts HERE.

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Posted on November 3, 2024November 11, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

Oak Hill Village Improvement Association Historic Marker

Thank you for your interest in learning about the Oak Hill Village Improvement Association building and historic marker. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and a state of Florida historic marker is located outside. The building is now owned by the city of Oak Hill and houses a small community museum. Hopefully one day I will find the museum open.

Oak Hill

Oak Hill, Florida is a small, tight knight community located near the extreme southeast corner of Volusia County. The 2020 United States Census Bureau report showed a population of just under 2,000 residents. While still small, the town has grown significantly since the turn of the century. Residential property development will increase the population dramatically in the next few years. These new residents will potentially place a strain on limited governmental resources as new services will be required.

Early settlers in what is now the Oak Hill area included Jacob Davy Mitchell. Mitchell founded a citrus business and in the following years many similar business sprang to life. By 1887 the area contained 220 acres of citrus trees. Fishing and seafood were another popular and profitable business. With the Intracoastal Waterway on the doorstep and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, fishermen worked hard, but were able to earn a living. The arrival of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway allowed for fish and fruit to be shipped but also brought need goods and materials to the small group of settlers.

The first city charter was created in 1927 but was soon abandoned in 1930. The city operated on an informal basis for more than three decades. It was in 1962 that local residents re-incorporated.

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Association Hall

Prior to the first incorporation in 1927, in 1906, local residents F. W. Hatch, H. J. Magruder, and Leonard Mosby formed the Oak Hill Village Improvement Association with goals of organizing community events and resolving any local problems. The Association purchased a lot located at what is now 146 U.S. Highway 1. Here, they constructed a Town Hall building as a meeting space. The building was constructed in a single story octagonal design. The reason this design was created and the name of the architect are lost to time according to the NRHP nomination form.

As stated, the building was originally constructed on what is now US 1. By 1915, the makeup of the town had changed and residents began to consider whether a new location for the Hall would be more suitable. Joan Howes donated a lot on Halifax Avenue. Using a team of horses and logs, the building was moved approximately two tenths of a mile to a prominent location, near the town business district. Today, the building is across Halifax Avenue from the post office and library buildings.

It was in the Association building that critical issues, such as the 1927 incorporation of the town, and the 1930 discontinuation of the town charter were discussed and approved. When the city charter was reactivated in 1962, the VIA Hall served as the home of city government until the new City Hall was constructed in 1965.

Other uses of the unusually shaped building included being used as a voting precinct, social events such as community dances, and boy and girl scout troop meetings. The building served for seven months as home to Baldwin’s Store, after the community grocery store burned to the ground in September 1935. The VIA Hall was home to the Howard Putnam Library during the years of 1943 through 1970, when the growing library moved to the new City Hall building before moving across the street from the Hall in 1974.

After many years of active community involvement, The Oak Hill Village Improvement Association experienced a membership decline in the 1990s and discontinued their operations in 2002. The building, which was in need of considerable repairs and upgrades, was deeded to the city. City leaders began to explore funding opportunities in order to bring the VIA Hall back to life. They received two crucial lifelines allowing work to proceed.

Restoration

The first came in the form of a $35,000 donation from Korean businessman and benefactor, Dr. K. T. Chung. These crucial funds would be used as partial match for a County of Volusia ECHO (environmental, cultural, historic, outdoor) grant. With nearly $150,000 from the county and the required dollar for dollar match, Oak Hill was on its way.

A park, adjacent to the Hall was dedicated in Dr. Chung’s honor on May 21, 1995. Approximately 100 persons turned out for the ceremony which featured a chorus from Burns-Oak Hill Elementary School and a solo from singer Pat Plummer. A reception in Dr. Chung’s honor was held in the Hall after the park dedication.

When the project had been completed in 2009 work accomplished included building stabilization, restoration of the interior, and adding ADA compliant restrooms and entrance ramps.

In January 2023, the Florida Department of State announced that the Oak Hill Village Improvement Association Hall had been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic Marker

As a part of the National Register nomination, the city applied for a State of Florida historic marker. This marker was awarded in 2023 and reads

Village Improvement Association Hall

In 1906, residents of Oak Hill complete this octagonal wooden structure. It was built on land donated by Fred W. Hatch, who saw the need for a community center. Citizens formed the Village Improvement Association (VIA) to maintain and schedule use of the building. In 1917, community leaders voted to move the building closer to the center of the growing town. A team of horses pulled the building on skids to its new location on land donated by Joan Howes. In 1927, citizens established the city’s first charter in the VIA Hall. That government did not survive the Great Depression. In 1960, citizens again met at the VIA Hall to organize a second charter. Since its construction, the building has served as a town hall, school, dancehall, and clubhouse. local fishermen used it as a place to repair their nets. In 2006, storms damaged the building. Community leaders worked with the city to obtain grant funding for the building’s restoration. With the goal of sharing the everyday history of this community, the refurbished building opened as the Oak Hill Historical Museum.

A Florida Heritage Site Sponsored by the City of Oak Hill and the Florida Department of State

F-1246

Sources

Dewees, Mary. History and Memories of Oak Hill, Florida. Oak Hill: Self Published. 1984.

Florida Department of State. Press Release: Secretary Byrd Announces the Designation of Village Improvement Association Hall in the National Register of Historic Places. January 24, 2023.

Goodrich, Marie S. “Korea, Oak Hill Find Park Common Ground.” Daytona Beach News Journal. May 23, 1995.

National Park Service. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. August 16, 2022.

Thompson, Dana. Oak Hill (Images of America). Charleston: Arcadia Publishing. 2009.

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Posted on October 16, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

Lewis Tanner Daytona Beach Police Department In Memory

In Memory of Lewis Tanner of the Daytona Beach Police Department.

Lewis (often spelled Louis) Tanner, was a respected member of the Daytona Beach police department, and a 32nd degree Mason. Officer Tanner was killed as the result of an automobile accident on the evening of October 26, 1930. He was riding as a passenger, attempting to help some lost cruisers find their destination.

If you are a descendant of Officer Lewis Tanner, know his family, or have additional information to share about him or his service, please send me an email. I will be glad to update this post. Research leads are greatly appreciated and I would be especially interested to have a photo of Officer Tanner and to know where he is buried.

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Biography

Officer Tanner was born on November 4, 1886 in Lake Helen, Florida. Tanner served in the United States Army during World War I. He was inducted into service on June 21, 1918. serving in the 153th Depot Brigade, what appears to have been a segregated brigade based at Fort Dix. Tanner was promoted to Corporal on October 28. Corporal Tanner received an honorable discharge on June 25, 1919. On April 21, 1920, Tanner married Catherine Slater in Volusia County.

Before serving in the Daytona Beach Police Department, Tanner worked in partnership with Willard Cox. They owned a laundromat or dry cleaning business under the name Tanner & Cox. The business was located at 441 N. Beach Street.

The Accident

On the evening of October 26, 1930, Louis/Lewis Tanner had just left police headquarters at the end of his shift when he was flagged down by a car of four persons looking for a home they were to meet friends at. Tanner knew the locals and agreed to help the visitors. The officer got in their car in order to help give them directions.

Joe Harvey, referred to in newspaper articles as “a negro,” was a 25 year old from Orlando. Witnesses at the time stated Harvey rounded a corner south of Magnolia Street at a high rate of speed, swerving wildly on Second Street before crashing into the car in which Officer Tanner was riding. The car with five innocent victims was struck so hard it turned on its side, pinning both Tanner and William L. Hunt, the car driver, inside.

The startled witnesses raced to the scene and were able to finally extricate the two trapped men. Hunt suffered only minor injuries. Lamb Thomas suffered a broken hip. (There is a Thomas J. Lamb buried in Hillside Cemetery in Holly Hill so this name may have been misreported.) A.C. Conway and his wife Viola had only minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle, Joe Harvey, suffered several severe lacerations to his face and scalp. Officer Tanner was the most severely injured and died from his injuries while being transported to McLeod Hospital.

Sergeant Livingston, who was the first officer on the scene, discovered a broken bottle in the car which still contained whiskey. A charge of manslaughter as a result of driving while intoxicated was filed against Harvey, who after treatment was held in the local jail pending trial.

In the immediate aftermath of Tanner’s death, Police Chief Charles J. Luke appointed “R.C. Clark, negro,” to fill the position.

I have been unable to determine where Officer Lewis Tanner was buried. There appears to be no record on Findagrave and my other searches have come back empty as well. If Officer Tanner was buried in Daytona Beach, the most likely place for his remains would be Mount Arrarat Cemetery, the cemetery for African Americans at that time.

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The Trial

Courtesy: Spottswood, Jack(John Gordon), 1890-1950. David Sholtz. 1936. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. <https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/52109>, accessed 12 August 2024.

Daytona Beach attorney David Sholtz, the future governor of the state of Florida. represented defendant Joe Harvey. Arraignment was held in front of Justice Charles J. Beers.

Sholtz, in questioning officers and other witnesses, was able to show that Harvey was “cold sober” within thirty minutes of the accident. Sholtz then questioned Dr. Guy A. Klock who provided testimony on various levels or degrees of intoxication.

Dr. Klock testified that if a man were in a condition where he had lost muscular coordination he could not have fully regained that within the thirty minutes others testified. Klock stated if a man were able to make his muscles obey his will, he was not intoxicated, even if it were known the person was drinking alcohol.

Attorney Sholtz quoted state law to the same effect in his request for a dismissal of charges.

No doubt to the dismay of family and friends of Tanner, members of the Daytona Beach Police Department, and prosecuting attorneys, Judge Beers was left with little option but to dismiss charges. Joe Harvey was again a free man.

To the best of my knowledge, there were no further actions taken against Harvey and the Tanner family did not receive justice in this case.

In Memory

Commemorating law enforcement lost in the line of duty is considered a high priority in many communities. Volusia County, Florida is no exception and there are several places where Officer Lewis Tanner is remembered.

Located at the Historic Volusia County Courthouse is the Law Enforcement Memorial for Volusia and Flagler Counties. This monument is located at the Indiana Avenue entrance to the courthouse and contains the names, service, and date of death for officers killed in the line of duty in either county. This 3,500 pound monument was dedicated in 1995 and contains information on thirty officers who have perished in the line of duty.

Detail of the Volusia and Flagler Counties Law Enforcement Memorial located in DeLand, Florida

At the DeLand Memorial Hospital and Veterans Museum a smaller, earlier version of the above monument is displayed outside the building, facing Stone Street.

Outside the Daytona Beach Police Department, there is a beautiful “Fallen Heroes” memorial, honoring all Daytona Beach Police Department officers who have died in the line of duty. Please see my post about this memorial using THIS LINK or click the photo below. As time allows, I will be researching and penning posts about these officers and will be linking from the master page. If you have information or photos on any of these officers listed, please reach out to me. I would be honored to share your information. I will provide credit for information or photos provided.

Sources

Daytona Beach City Directory, 1920.

Daytona Beach News Journal.

Florida Marriage Records, 1823-1982.

Florida. Military Dept. Louis H Tanner. . State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. <https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/220885>, accessed 12 August 2024.

United States Census Bureau. 1930 United States Federal Census.

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Posted on October 7, 2024October 16, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

Daytona Beach Police Fallen Heroes Memorial

Daytona Beach Police Department 129 Valor Boulevard Daytona Beach, FL

Unveiled to the public on January 12, 2022 the beautiful Daytona Beach police deparment “Fallen Heroes” memorial honors Daytona Beach police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.

This monument is a replacement monument for an earlier version that was unfortunately destroyed in a lawn maintenance accident. The Lohman family were instrumental in helping source the new monument.

After the dedication ceremony, State Attorney RJ Larizza, said, “We should remember the folks that have died in the line of duty. Not just to honor them, which is important, but also to remind the community of the dangerous nature of law enforcement. They put on that uniform every day and it could be the last day that they put it on. I think that’s an important thing to remember today.”

The front of the memorial features the names of the fallen heroes. The reverse side features A Police Officer’s Prayer.

I will be creating individual posts for each of the officers listed on the memorial and linking them through the listing below. If you have information on these officers you would like to share, please reach out. I would be honored to include your information. Photos are especially appreciated and you will receive recognition for your contribution.

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Names inscribed on the Memorial

1930 Lewis Tanner

1931 Benny Stricklin

1932 L. B. Hall

1937 Willie Denson

1945 Harry F. Raines

1980 Sam Etheridge, Jr.

1982 Gregory Sorenson

1998 Kevin J. Fischer

2018 Thomas M. Coulter

2021 Jason Raynor

2021 Adam J. Webb

In DeLand, FL, at the Historic Volusia County Courthouse, you may visit the Volusia Flagler Counties Law Enforcement Memorial. This memorial features names of law enforcement from the two counties who have perished in the line of duty. Please see my post about this memorial using THIS LINK. As stated above, I am putting together brief posts for these officers and any information or photos you can supply is gratefully appreciated. You will receive full recognition for your contribution.

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Posted on August 24, 2024August 30, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

West Volusia Middle East War Memorial

Thank you for your interest in the West Volusia Middle East War Memorial, located at the DeLand Memorial Hospital and Veterans Museum complex.

DeLand Memorial Hospital and Veterans Museum Bill Dreggors Park 230 N. Stone Street DeLand, FL 32720

Multiple markers honoring local soldiers who lost their lives during war years are set beautifully, outside the museum building. The area is open to the public. This particular marker honors those who gave their lives during wars in the Middle East in the years 1990-2014 and is dated 2015. The marker features a large eagle at the top.

This marker is part of the larger display featuring other plaques honoring lost service members from other conflicts. Be sure to view all the other plaques and reflect on the service these soldiers provided.

I will be creating posts for the soldiers lost and commemorated on these plaques. If you have information on these individuals, or photos you are willing to share, I will gladly add them to the individual postings. You will receive acknowledgement of your contribution to this project.

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The marker reads

THE MIDDLE EAST 1990-2014

TO HONOR THE PATRIOTS OF

WEST VOLUSIA COUNTY

WHO SERVED IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, AND THE MIDDLE EAST

& TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE

KHOBAR TOWERS BOMBING

A1C BRIAN W. MCVEIGH US AIR FORCE

2ND IRAQ WAR–OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

SPC NICHOLAS K. ROGERS US ARMY

AFGHANISTAN–OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

MSGT TARA R. BROWN US AIR FORCE

SPC DENNIS JAMES, JR. US ARMY

SPC ANGELO J. VACCARO US ARMY

CPL ADAM D. QUINN US ARMY

DELAND, FLORIDA

2015

If the soldiers name shows a hyperlink, I have created an individual page for them. Please give those pages a read. If you have information to add about the soldier, their life, their service, or images, please contact me. I would be honored to share your information. You will receive acknowledgement for your participation in this project.

I invite you to read my post about the Volusia Flagler Law Enforcement Memorial, located only a short distance from this memorial in downtown DeLand. The law enforcement memorial honors officers from Volusia and Flagler counties who lost their lives while on duty.

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The first marker we’ll discuss is from the Florida Department of State

The second marker we’ll discuss was placed by the County of Volusia

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The Clinton’s Schedule on Thursday, November 30, 1995

Derry

Return to Belfast

Bill Clinton’s Remarks at the November 30, 1995 Christmas Tree Lighting

Commemorating the Visit

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Origins of the Wind Phone

Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery

Where to Find a Wind Phone Near You

Call to Action

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Great Floridians 2000 General Edmund Kirby Smith and Frances Kirby Smith

General Edmund Kirby Smith

Frances Kirby Smith

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Great Floridians 2000 Albin Polasek

Albin Polasek

Brief Biographical Information courtesy Florida Memory

I hope you have enjoyed my post on the Great Floridians 2000 Albin Polasek of Winter Park, Florida. Please see my other Great Floridians 2000 posts HERE.

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Oak Hill

Association Hall

Restoration

Historic Marker

Sources

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Biography

The Accident

The Trial

In Memory

Sources

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Daytona Beach Police Fallen Heroes Memorial

Names inscribed on the Memorial

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DeLand Memorial Hospital and Veterans Museum Bill Dreggors Park 230 N. Stone Street DeLand, FL 32720

I invite you to read my post about the Volusia Flagler Law Enforcement Memorial, located only a short distance from this memorial in downtown DeLand. The law enforcement memorial honors officers from Volusia and Flagler counties who lost their lives while on duty.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence my views and opinions.

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