DeLand in Volusia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
DeLand Woolworth’s Store Sit-In
Greater Union Life Center
| — | West Volusia Historical Society | — |
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
1. 1960 DeLand Woolworth’s Store Sit-In Marker
On February 9, 1960, students from DeLand's all-Black Eucilid High School staged a sit in at the lunch counter at the DeLand Woolworth's store, which occupied this building. One of the leaders that day was Dr. Joyce M. Cummings Cusack, who went on to become the first Black person to be elected to the Florida Legislature from Volusia County. Although lunch counter sit-ins had begun in other southern cities, DeLand's was only the second sit-in in the state of Florida. The students also sat in at McCrory's, at that time located across the street. They continued their protest for over a week, causing the lunch counters to be shut down. During their protest, the students were protected by the City of DeLand Police Department. Eventually, Woolworth's and McCrory's reopened their lunch counters, serving customers regardless of color.
Erected by Greater Union Life Center and West Volusia Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical date for this entry is February 9, 1960.
Location. 29° 1.69′ N, 81° 18.212′ W. Marker is in DeLand, Florida,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s First Coast. It is also in the American South and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Miller-Fish Building (here, next to this marker); 1925 (a few steps from this marker); 1960 DeLand McCory’s Store Sit-In (within shouting distance of this marker); James H. Ford Building (within shouting distance of this
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
2. 1960 DeLand Woolworth’s Store Sit-In Marker (Top)
Also see . . .
1. DeLand commemorating 1960 lunch counter sit-ins that sparked change. (Submitted on March 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. 65 years later: Former Florida legislator reflects on role in 1960 DeLand sit-ins. (Submitted on March 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
3. To Go Forward, Sometimes You Have To Look Back. (Submitted on March 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 237 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
