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

1960 DeLand McCory’s Store Sit-In

Greater Union Life Center

— West Volusia Historical Society —

1960 DeLand McCory’s Store Sit-In Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. 1960 DeLand McCory’s Store Sit-In Marker

Inscription. On February 9, 1960, students from DeLand's all-Black Euclid 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 • Notable Events • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is February 9, 1960.

Location. 29° 1.698′ N, 81° 18.199′ W. Marker is in DeLand, Florida, in Volusia County. It is on North Woodland Boulevard (U.S. 17/92) 0.1 miles north

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of New York Avenue (Florida Route 44), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 North Woodland Boulevard, DeLand FL 100 NORTH W, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s First Coast.

It is also in the American South.

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: 1925 (a few steps from this marker); Wilcox Saloon (a few steps from this marker); DeLand Woolworth’s Store Sit-In (within shouting distance of this marker); Miller-Fish Building (within shouting distance of this marker); James H. Ford Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Haven Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Dreka Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Dreka Theater (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in DeLand.

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.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. 1960 DeLand McCory’s Store Sit-In Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.