Volusia County Archives - Robert Redd Historian & Author

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

Betsy Ross Airfield for Women Florida Historic Marker

Located at the intersection of S. Sparkman and W. Rhode Island Avenues in a growing section of Orange City, FL is the Betsy Ross Airfield for Women Florida Historic Marker. This Marker commemorates important moments in both women’s history and the history of flight in Florida.

This is a two-sided marker. The marker is set back a bit from the intersection. Use caution when visiting. There is no close parking so you will be parked on the side of the road. There are sidewalks close by to make the short walk easier.

Florida Marker Program

The Florida Historical Marker Program is one of the Division of Historical Resources’ most popular and visible public history programs. It is designed to raise public awareness of Florida’s rich cultural history and to enhance the enjoyment of our historic sites by citizens and tourists. These markers allow us to tell the stories of the places and people who created the Florida that we all enjoy today, by identifying the churches, schools, archaeological sites, battlefields and homes that represent our past.

If you wish to learn more about this state program, including qualifications, how to apply, the application, costs, and more, please use THIS LINK.

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Side One:

On May 9, 1931, the land beyond this sign was donated to the Betsy Ross Air Corps, a pre-World War II organization of female pilots. Designated the Betsy Ross Airport, the airfield was the only airport in the nation entirely owned and operated by women. Its purpose was a place for female pilots to learn to fly and improve their skills. In the northeast corner of the 160-acre site was Arawana Lodge, used as the Corps regional headquarters and a place for the pilots to vacation. The vision, gift, and construction were all realized by Orange City’s Dr. Frances Dickinson. She was an educator, woman’s rights advocate, ophthalmologist and club woman. A flyer herself, Dickinson noted female pilots were not provided equal opportunity in the growing field of aviation. By 1932, Dickinson completed construction of one 1,000-foot runway and a 600-foot central axis designed to serve seven more runways. On January 13, 1932, the Betsy Ross Air Corp’s National Commander, Opal Kunz, and Lt. Commander, Lillian Perkins, assumed operations and continued development of the airfield.

Side Two:

The Betsy Ross Air Corps’ period of existence was short-lived (1931-1933), and never formally recognized by the U.S. Military. Dickinson secured funding to complete the airport construction from Florida’s Federal Emergency Relief Administration in December 1934. By 1935, Volusia County signed a five-year lease to use the airfield as an emergency landing field. After World War II, the airfield was renamed to the DeLand-Orange City Airport. In January 1945, J. Wade Coleman of the Orange State Flying Services leased the airfield to operate an educational facility. Coleman contracted with Stetson University to provide flight training supplementing the university’s existing aviation ground school courses. Before Dickinson’s death on May 19, 1945, four women earned their solo pilot’s licenses from her airfield. The field remained an active private airfield until a television tower was constructed over the western edge in the mid-1960s. Portions of the former airfield are now home to Manatee Cove Elementary and River Springs Middle School. The Compass Landing Subdivision pays tribute to the legacy of the Betsy Ross Airport and Dr. Frances Dickinson’s vision to advance women fliers.

A Florida Heritage Site

Sponsored by the City of Orange City, and the Florida Department of State

F-1197 2022

You may learn more about the Betsy Ross Air Corps using THIS LINK.

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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 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 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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Posted on March 8, 2024August 27, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

Turnbull Grand Canal Florida Historic Marker

New Smyrna Beach is where you will find the Turnbull Grand Canal Florida Historic Marker. The City of New Smyrna Beach and the Florida Department of State are the marker sponsors. In 2018 sponsors placed the monument for public viewing.

If you would like to read other posts on my blog about Florida historic markers, please CLICK HERE.

The National Register of Historic Places includes the Turnbull Canal System. You may see the National Park Service NRHP file using THIS LINK.

To learn more about the Turnbull Settlement, please visit the New Smyrna Museum of History.

TEXT

The Turnbull Grand Canal, also known as the Grand Canal, was built by indentured servants brought to the area by Scottish physician Dr. Andrew Turnbull in 1768. As part of the largest single attempt at British colonization in North America, Smyrnea Settlement, Turnbull attracted more than 1,400 Minorcans, Corsicans, Greeks, and Italians, who sought the promise of new opportunities in Florida. Turnbull was impressed by the Egyptian canal system and wanted to replicate it in Smyrnea. Three canals ran east-west and were linked with a fourth longer canal known as the Grand Canal that ran north-south and connected to Turnbull Bay. These hand-dug canals provided irrigation and drainage for rice, hemp, cotton, and indigo crops, and served as a mode of transportation within the colony. After nine years of harsh treatment under Turnbull, drought, and crop failures, the colony’s population fell to about 600 people. In 1777 a group of Smyrnea colonists walked 70 miles to St. Augustine to petition British East Florida Governor Patrick Tonyn for release from their indentures. After hearing the case, Governor Tonyn gave them their freedom and granted them land north of St. Augustine.

F-1025

A Florida Heritage Site

Sponsored by the City of New Smyrna Beach, the Historic New Smyrna Beach Preservation Commission, Mayor James Hathaway, Vice Mayor Jason McGuirk, Commissioner Judy Reiker, Commissioner Jake Sachs, Commissioner Randy Hartman, and the Florida Department of State.

2018

Turnbull Grand Canal Florida Historic Marker is located at the corner of SR 44 and Walker Drive in New Smyrna Beach. It is located across Walker Drive from Auto Zone. — The Turnbull Grand Canal marker is located at the corner of SR 44 and Walker Drive in New Smyrna Beach. It is on the south side of SR 44 across Walker from **Auto Zone**.

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Posted on February 9, 2024March 12, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

Nocoroco Florida Historic Marker

Thank you for taking time to visit this post on the Nocoroco Florida historic marker located at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach.

If you would like to read other posts on my blog about Florida historic markers, please CLICK HERE.

Text

On this site was the Timucua Indian Village of Nocoroco. It was mentioned in the report of Alvaro Mexia’s expedition down the Florida east coast in 1605. It was the first Indian village south of St. Augustine noted by Mexia. The site was used during the British Occupation of Florida (1763-1783), and probably remained under cultivation until the Seminole Wars (1835-1842).

F-82

Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials 1962

The Seminole Wars (1835-1842) referenced in the marker also goes by the name, the “Second Seminole War.”

There are three distinct periods of time that claim the moniker of “Seminole War.”

The first is 1817-1818 and led to Spain ceding Florida to the United States.

The second, referenced above, lasted from 1835 until 1842. Because of its length and bloodiness, some historians call the Second Seminole War, The Seminole War. At the conclusion of hostilities, the United States Army transported more than 4,000 Seminoles west. I refer readers to the excellent book written by John K. Mahon titled History of the Second Seminole War: 1835-1842.

Historians often call the Third Seminole War, “The Florida War.” The Third Seminole War lasted from 1855-1858.

For readers seeking a good general history of the Seminole Wars, I recommend The Seminole Wars: America’s Longest Indian Conflict, written by John and Mary Lou Missall. This is a readable and digestible look at the conflicts and provides readers a gateway to more advanced works.

Park Admission Information

Tomoka State Park 2099 N. Beach Street Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Park Hours 8:00AM until Sundown 365 days per year Admission: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers) $2 for pedestrians, bikes, extra passengers

For camping information or pavilion rental, please see the website for details.

Tomoka is a dog friendly park. Pets are permitted in designated areas and must be kept on a six foot leash. Please clean up after your pet.

The National Register of Historic Places recognized Tomoka State Park in 1973.

Chief Tomokie

No visit to Tomoka State Park is complete without a visit to The Legend of Chief Tomokie.

Chief Tomokie is a 45 foot tall monument created by artist and architect Fred Dana Marsh that was unveiled to the public on March 21, 1957. Marsh may be best known locally for having created the figures that adorn the Peabody Auditorium and for his home prior to his death, known as “The Battleship.”

Tomokie depicts a made up Native American legend, concocted by Doris Marie Mann Boyd. Oletta, the warrior princess, is shown aiming an arrow at Chief Tomokie who had dared to drink “the Water of Life from the Sacred Cup.” Tomokie in turn is threatening his assailants with a spear (that has long vanished from the monument.)

The reflecting pool area in front of the monument has been dry since 1974 according to Mark Lane. A museum featuring the work of Fred Dana Marsh opened at the park in 1961 but according to Lane closed in 1996. “The Battleship,” Marsh’s home, so nicknamed because neighbors felt it resembled a battleship when viewed from the road, was demolished with considerable controversy in 1996. The owners claimed the home beyond reasonable repair costs, but ultimately seem to have had no plan to build there and sold the property in multiple lots. Marsh’s home was located at 317 N. Ocean Shore Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Tomokie Today

Today, The Legend of Chief Tomokie is in considerable disrepair despite several organized attempts to raise funds for restoration. Governor Jeb Bush vetoed state funding of $100,000 in 1999 despite local political support.

The monument, originally constructed from cement, brick dust, and bamboo rods, is still a favorite of visitors who marvel at the size and wonder if the legend could be true.

Artist Fred Dana Marsh was born April 6, 1872 and passed away on December 20, 1961.

Marker dedicated to Fred Dana Marsh, in front of what used to be a reflecting pool at the Chief Tomokie monument.

Find the 30 best things to do in Daytona Beach in my blog post HERE.

Sources

Davidson, Herbert, editorial. “The Meaning of a Statue.” Daytona Beach News Journal. March 23, 1957.

Egan, Bill. “Marsh’s Influence Still Lives in Work.” Daytona Beach News Journal. April 21, 1996.

Florida State Parks. “History.” Tomoka State Park.

“Fred Dana Marsh is Dead at 89.” Daytona Beach News Journal. December 21, 1961.

Gear, Barry. “Battleship Sails Into Memories, Onto Video.” Daytona Beach News Journal. May 20, 1996.

Griffin, John W. “Nocoroco, a Timucua Village of 1605.” Florida Historical Quarterly. Volume 27: No. 4. 1948.

Lane, Mark. “Curious Coast: What is that Statue at Tomoka State Park?” Daytona Beach News Journal. July 8, 2018.

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Posted on October 22, 2023July 12, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

November 2023 The Best Events and Festivals in Florida

The Best in Florida Festivals and Events November 2023

Use this post to find the best in Florida festivals and events in November 2023.

Florida hosts some amazing events and festivals. Each month I hope to take a look at a dozen or so of these in hopes of bringing you fun, exciting, and unexpected ways to enjoy our state.

If you have an event or know of one coming up that you feel should be highlighted, please drop me a line with as much information as you can, including a website. I’ll be glad to include your suggestions in future posts.

Posts are listed in date order.

November 2-12 Volusia County Fair DeLand

Founded in 1923, the Volusia County Fair offers the chance to show livestock, horticulture, and home and craft products. Participants are able to compete for awards. Highlights of the fair include rides, games, live entertainment, and the Miss Volusia County Fair competition.

Buy tickets online or at the gate.

November 3-5 Cedar Key Pirate Invasion

Come, celebrate with the pirates! See how they lived on land when ashore. Learn from some of the finest re-enactors on the East Coast. Watch and listen as the pirates set up an outpost in the city park. The park will be open from 12:00 noon on Friday November 3th. Come and purchase wares and clothing from Vendors Row. Listen to rousing, toe tapping sea shanties. Friday evening roam the town with the Pirates eating and drinking in the local establishments! Pirates YE BE WARNED! No open containers in public!

November 3-4 Florida Seafood Festival Apalachicola

The festival features delicious seafood, arts and crafts exhibits, seafood related events, Musical Entertainment. Some of the notable events include Oyster Eating and Oyster Shucking contest, Blue Crab Races, Photo Contest, Parade, 5k Redfish Run, The Blessing of the Fleet, History of the Festival Exhibit and Tonging for Treasure.

This is a NON-PET FRIENDLY event.

November 3-5 Orlando Greek Fest

Fun for the whole family! Come out and enjoy authentic Greek foods, dancing, live music, church tours, iconography presentations, and much, much more! Free admission but be advised, this is a cashless event.

November 4 Jacksonville Porchfest Historic Springfield

The ninth annual Jacksonville PorchFest, a music festival held on the welcoming front porches of Historic Springfield, will take place on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 12 pm to 8 pm. The free, family-friendly event will feature musicians from a wide variety of genres. Afternoon entertainment will include more than twenty performers on porches throughout the historic district. Attendees will stroll from porch to porch and “camp out” on front lawns and sidewalks as they enjoy live, local talent. Food, drink, and arts vendors are to be found throughout the event.

This is a dog friendly event!

November 4-5 Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair

Vendors and nurseries from all over the state come to Mount Dora, Florida. With a wide variety of Florida native and exotic plants, garden ware along with arts & crafts at this annual event you will find something you need to take home. Get gardening advice from Experts and let our volunteers help you take your plants to your car.

November 9-11 Palatka Fall Bluegrass Festival Palatka

Featuring Rhonda Vincent and dozens of other acts, this is a bluegrass lovers dream event. Multiple ticket options available online.

November 10-12 Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando

Under the Electric Sky, we come together to celebrate life, love, art, and music. From the stages and the sound to the pyrotechnics and the performers, so many unique elements go into bringing this world to life. We invite you to wander, explore, interact, and connect. Imagination and positive energy are the currency of this place.

Buy your tickets online ahead of time.

November 10-12 Super Girl Surf Pro Jacksonville

Established in 2007 as a showcase for women in action sports, the Super Girl Pro Series is the only large-scale all-women’s action sports, esports and lifestyle series in the world. Developed as a celebration of female strength and empowerment, the platform has grown into a series of five incredible festivals centered around providing social, athletic, cultural, educational, business, and entertainment opportunities for young women in areas where they are traditionally underrepresented.

November 11 Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival

As you stroll through the Festival on Saturday feeling the balmy breeze while the sun sets you will be embraced in sensory delight as your journey takes you through a variety of Culinary Cuisines; a Welcome Reception, Italian, American, Mediterranean, Asia Pacific, Spanish, Sweet Endings Village, Spirits and BBQ Village, and the fan favorite Villages; Craft Brew, Fine Wine & Artisanal Cheese Village and Specialty Foods Village, Retail and Business Shopping Bazaar. The festival’s featured wines can be purchased during the event.

Buy your tickets online in advance.

November 12 South Florida Seafood Festival Miami

30+ Local Seafood Favorites, 10+ of Miami’s Finest Chefs fire up our Kitchen Lab, Amazing Cocktails by Miami’s top Mixologists, Live Music All Day, Big Kid Yard Games, Curated Nautical Market, Family Fun Zone with Huge Inflatables, Slides, Games & More!

Buy your tickets in advance to save. This event is rain or shine, no refunds.

November 18 Palatka Craft Beer Festival

Breweries from all over north and central Florida. Beer tastings of more than 20 different beers. Live music, food trucks, and free admission for designated drivers. VIP or General Admission tickets are available online. The proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Palatka.

November 18 & 19 Fall Festival of the Arts DeLand

Their 30^th annual fine arts, juried festival held in the downtown area. Downtown DeLand will be full of artists, vendors, food, and live entertainment. This is a free event.

November 18 & 19 Eau Gallie Arts Festival Melbourne

Established in 1996, the festival is now in its 27^th year. Artists from across the state bring their talents, passion, and wares. Live music on Sunday.

November 23-26, 50^th Daytona Turkey Run Daytona Beach

Held annually at Daytona International Speedway, this event is a car lover’s dream. Here you can see amazingly restored cars, buy and sell cars, parts, and memorabilia, enjoy fellow enthusiasts, visit the handmade craft vendor section, and enjoy food and drink. This year, enter for a chance to win a 1932 Ford Roadster. Funds raised by the Turkey Run are kept within the local community.

November 25 Island Art Festival Big Pines Key

Come from 9am-3pm to celebrate the holiday season at this family-friendly event. Enjoy local arts and crafts with live music and delicious food at MM 31. Experience original one-of-a-kind Island art and a wide array of crafts. FREE ADMISSION & PARKING!

I hope you have found interesting things to do in this look at the November 2023 Best Events and Festivals in Florida. Be sure to bookmark my site and check back for fun things to do in December in Florida!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. All views and opinions provided are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products.

Posted on October 1, 2023January 15, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

Great Floridians 2000 Hawtense Conrad and George Davis of DeLand

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 Hawtense Conrad and George Davis of DeLand, Florida.

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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Hawtense Conrad

Born in 1923, bought the Henry DeLand House in 19888 and donated it to the city of DeLand to house the collection of the West Volusia Historical Society. She also donated furniture and her time to both the DeLand House and the Stone Street Museum. She helped to establish the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum and rebuild the old African American hospital located in Bill Dreggors Park.

In 1997, she donated funds to build the Robert M. Conrad Research and Educational Center in her husband’s honor. Conrad was generous to organizations involving children and the handicapped. She belonged to the Polish American Pulaski Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Settlement for the Creative Arts, and the Lake Beresford Garden Club. She was also a charter member of Women of the Moose. In 1999, she was named “Philanthropist of the Decade” by the West Volusia Historical Society and West Volusia Citizen of the Year by the DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club. Conrad was also awarded the Gorge Schildecker Philanthropy Award by the Volusia County Trusts and Estates Council.

Hawtense Conrad died in 2000. Her Great Floridian plaque is located at the Burgess Building II, 230 North Stone Street, DeLand.

George Augustus Davis

Born in 1858 in Fayetteville, Georgia, attended Middle Georgia College and the Atlanta Medical College, graduating from the latter in 1890. Davis practiced in Atlanta until 1894 when he developed tuberculosis and relocated to DeLand.

Dr. Davis served as city and county health officer, physician for the Florida East Coast and Atlantic Coast Line Railways, and was a charter member of the DeLand Rotary Club. He was president of the DeLand Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Elks Club, Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World, and the Volusia County Medical Association.

Dr. Davis died in 1948. His Great Floridian plaque is located at the Old DeLand Hospital 240 North Stone Street, DeLand.

George Augusus Davis marker shown seperately. — Please note the misspelling of Davis’s middle name. This type error seems to have plagued the Great Floridians 2000 program.

Both Conrad and Davis are buried in Oakdale Cemetery in DeLand, FL. Hawtense Conrad’s husband, Robert, is also the recipient of a Great Floridians plaque. A future post will highlight Robert Davis.

The headstone of Hawtense Conrad does not contain her death date. She passed away on July 4, 2000, at age 77. You may find an online memorial for Hawtense Conrad HERE.

George Augustus Davis, the “Dean of Florida Physicians,” passed away early on the morning of February 20, 1948, after a lengthy hospital stay. You may find an online memorial for Davis HERE.

I hope you have enjoyed my post on the Great Floridians 2000 Hawtense Conrad and George Davis of DeLand, Florida. Please see my other Great Floridians 2000 posts HERE.

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. All views and opinions provided are my own and are not influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors who provide products.

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Origins of the Wind Phone

Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery

Where to Find a Wind Phone Near You

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Oak Hill

Association Hall

Restoration

Historic Marker

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The Accident

The Trial

In Memory

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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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Thank you for taking time to visit this post on the Nocoroco Florida historic marker located at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach.

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Park Admission Information

Chief Tomokie

Tomokie Today

Find the 30 best things to do in Daytona Beach in my blog post HERE.

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The Best in Florida Festivals and Events November 2023

November 2-12 Volusia County Fair DeLand

November 3-5 Cedar Key Pirate Invasion

November 3-4 Florida Seafood Festival Apalachicola

November 3-5 Orlando Greek Fest

November 4 Jacksonville Porchfest Historic Springfield

November 4-5 Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair

November 9-11 Palatka Fall Bluegrass Festival Palatka

November 10-12 Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando

November 10-12 Super Girl Surf Pro Jacksonville

November 11 Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival

November 12 South Florida Seafood Festival Miami

November 18 Palatka Craft Beer Festival

November 18 & 19 Fall Festival of the Arts DeLand

November 18 & 19 Eau Gallie Arts Festival Melbourne

November 23-26, 50th Daytona Turkey Run Daytona Beach

November 25 Island Art Festival Big Pines Key

I hope you have found interesting things to do in this look at the November 2023 Best Events and Festivals in Florida. Be sure to bookmark my site and check back for fun things to do in December in Florida!

Great Floridians 2000 Hawtense Conrad and George Davis of DeLand

Hawtense Conrad

George Augustus Davis

I hope you have enjoyed my post on the Great Floridians 2000 Hawtense Conrad and George Davis of DeLand, Florida. Please see my other Great Floridians 2000 posts HERE.

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. All views and opinions provided are my own and are not influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors who provide products.

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November 23-26, 50^th Daytona Turkey Run Daytona Beach