Daytona Beach in Volusia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Home of Mr. Harold V. Lucas, Sr.
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, December 1, 2022
1. The Home of Mr. Harold V. Lucas, Sr. Marker
Inscription.
The Home of Mr. Harold V. Lucas, Sr.. . Harold V. Lucas, Sr., a native New Yorker and alumnus of New York University, was working as a stenographer when he was recruited by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune to set up the first accounting system for Bethune-Cookman College. In 1920, he accepted the offer and moved to Daytona Beach, Florida. Relocation to a warmer climate proved beneficial for Lucas due to a physical disability that presented life-changing challenges. He did not allow this to prevent him from achieving his goals. Lucas' roles at Bethune-Cookman consisted of developing and maintaining a school-wide accounting system, serving as Dr. Bethune's corresponding secretary and he was the first male faculty member. From inside his home, Lucas operated a printing and copying business. He also offered classes on typing and shorthand to the community and students. During World War II, these classes helped over 70 students of color achieve government jobs in Washington, D.C., and across the nation, which was rare at the time. Dr. Bethune learned of the success of the classes and commissioned Lucas to teach them at Bethune-Cookman, which led to him founding the college's business department. Lucas served there in faculty and administrative positions for 37 years.
Harold V. Lucas, Sr., a native New Yorker and alumnus of New York University, was working as a stenographer when he was recruited by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune to set up the first accounting system for Bethune-Cookman College. In 1920, he accepted the offer and moved to Daytona Beach, Florida. Relocation to a warmer climate proved beneficial for Lucas due to a physical disability that presented life-changing challenges. He did not allow this to prevent him from achieving his goals. Lucas' roles at Bethune-Cookman consisted of developing and maintaining a school-wide accounting system, serving as Dr. Bethune's corresponding secretary and he was the first male faculty member. From inside his home, Lucas operated a printing and copying business. He also offered classes on typing and shorthand to the community and students. During World War II, these classes helped over 70 students of color achieve government jobs in Washington, D.C., and across the nation, which was rare at the time. Dr. Bethune learned of the success of the classes and commissioned Lucas to teach them at Bethune-Cookman, which led to him founding the college's business department. Lucas served there in faculty and administrative positions for 37 years.
Erected 2021 by The Harold V. Lucas, Jr. Foundation, Inc., and the Florida Department
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of State. (Marker Number F-1138.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. 29° 12.625′ N, 81° 2.051′ W. Marker is in Daytona Beach, Florida, in Volusia County. Marker is at the intersection of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling east on Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard. Marker is located at the Lucas Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 718 Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, Daytona Beach FL 32114, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . The Lucas Center. (Submitted on February 26, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, December 1, 2022
2. The Home of Mr. Harold V. Lucas, Sr. Marker
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 7, 2024
3. The Lucas Center
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 116 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 26, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 3. submitted on January 8, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.