DeLand in Volusia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

First Movie House

circa 1907

Photographed By AGS Media, August 1, 2011

1. First Movie House Marker

Inscription. Around 1907 V. Ward Gould and Arthur Voyle opened DeLand's first silent movie business here. With straight backed chairs for the audience and sheeting for a screen, they rigged up a projection booth and hired a pianist to furnish the music. The film was hand-cranked, and its speed was regulated by the operator. Film breaks were to be expected. Any movie with a railroad train in it or fire apparatus running to a fire was popular. But perhaps the peak of entertainment was reached when the film operator, well-noted for "tipping the jug" while at work, ran the film backwards with unexpected results. It was a comedy hit! Admission: 10 cents.

Erected by the West Volusia Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Florida - West Volusia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 29° 1.745′ N, 81° 18.221′ W. Marker is in DeLand, Florida, in Volusia County. Marker is on West Indiana Avenue west of North Woodland Boulevard (U.S. 17/92), on the right when traveling west. The marker is mounted on the side of the building, to the right of the storefront windows at 103 West Indiana Avenue.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 West Indiana Avenue, Deland FL 32720, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First Post Office (a few steps from this marker); Landis-Fish Building (within shouting distance of this marker); First Commercial Store (within shouting distance of this marker); First Public Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Haven Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Grocery Stores (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Volusia County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilcox Saloon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in DeLand.

More about this marker. At the time of this page's submission to the database, the site of the first movie house is occupied by Cress Restaurant. The building is located in the Downtown DeLand Historic District (a National Historic District).

Photographed By AGS Media, August 1, 2011

2. First Movie House Marker

The marker is seen to the right of the restaurant's front windows.

Site of First Movie House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By AGS Media, August 1, 2011

3. Site of First Movie House

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2011, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. This page has been viewed 662 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 4, 2011, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.