Ormond Beach in Volusia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
A Billionaire and Beach Racing
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 29, 2020
1. A Billionaire and Beach Racing Marker
This Volusia County beach access is named for a part-time Ormond resident known as “the richest man in the world.” Through his Standard Oil empire, John D. Rockefeller controlled U.S. refining in the late nineteenth century. One commercial photo of the tycoon had a caption explaining: “He is a figure of some historical importance because his very name stands for trusts, for combination of capital and for monopoly.”
In his last years, Rockefeller came to Ormond Beach for health and golfing. He bought a home (dubbed “The Casements” after its distinctive windows) and lived quietly in the community. Following his death in 1937, the house had many owners and finally became a cultural center.
Like other residents and visitors, John D. Rockefeller enjoyed watching beach races. Starting early in the twentieth century, motor sports pioneers used the hard sand here for timed trials and races, and the Ormond-Daytona racecourse saw many record runs. No wonder it is called the “The Birthplace of Speed.”
Erected by Volusia County Florida
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Sports.
Location. 29° 16.822′ N, 81° 2.08′ W. Marker is in Ormond Beach, Florida, in Volusia County. Marker is at the intersection of Rockefeller Drive and South Atlantic Avenue (Florida Route A1A), on the right when traveling west on Rockefeller Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 442 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach FL 32176, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Andy Romano (approx. 0.7 miles away); Emmons Cottage c. 1885 (approx. 0.8 miles away); Ormond Fire House (approx. 0.9 miles away); Veterans of the Korean War (approx. 0.9 miles away); Beach Racers (approx. 0.9 miles away); Birthplace Of Speed (approx. 0.9 miles away); Veterans of the Vietnam War (approx. 0.9 miles away); Ormond Beach’s Longest Held Land Speed Record (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ormond Beach.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 29, 2020
2. A Billionaire and Beach Racing Marker
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 29, 2020
3. Photo (top): Early twentieth-century beach racers
Drivers had to contend with obstacles on the Ormond-Daytona racecourse—roaming dogs and big, dead fish.
Image courtesy of the Florida Photographic Collection/State Archives
Image courtesy of the Florida Photographic Collection/State Archives
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 29, 2020
4. Photo (bottom): Winter Home of John D. Rockefeller, Ormond Beach, Fl
The Casements, about 1930. Four decades after Rockefeller’s death the site was preserved for public use.
Postcard courtesy of Tom Baskett, Jr.
Postcard courtesy of Tom Baskett, Jr.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 29, 2020
5. Photo (right): John D. Rockefeller
Rockefeller at an Ormond Beach community fair in the 1920’s. His local nickname reportedly was “Neighbor John.”
Image courtesy of the Florida Photographic Collection/State Archives
Image courtesy of the Florida Photographic Collection/State Archives
Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 231 times since then and 118 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 23, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
