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

Landis-Fish Building

1905

Photographed By AGS Media, August 1, 2011

1. Landis-Fish Building Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1905 the Landis & Fish Law Firm erected a brick one-story Romanesque-style building on this site. As the firm grew, it was enlarged in 1925 to the two-story Federal structure you see today. Begun by Cary D. Landis and Bert Fish, the firm was noted for its distinguished clients and as a center of political influence. Landis became Attorney General of Florida, 1930-38. Fish was appointed Minister to Egypt, Saudi Arabia and then Portugal, 1933-1943. Both died in office. A later partner, Francis P. Whitehair, became Undersecretary of the Navy 1951-1953. The law firm relocated in 1985 and continues to practice as Landis Graham French. It is now among the oldest continuous law firms in the state of Florida.

Erected by the West Volusia Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Florida - West Volusia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 29° 1.735′ N, 81° 18.234′ W. Marker

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is in DeLand, Florida, in Volusia County. Marker is on West Indiana Avenue west of North Woodland Boulevard (U.S. 17/92), on the left when traveling west. The marker is mounted on the building's front, to the left of the front doors when facing the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 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. First Commercial Store (here, next to this marker); The First Post Office (a few steps from this marker); First Movie House (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Volusia County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Haven Block (within shouting distance of this marker); First Public Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Volusia County Historic Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilcox Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in DeLand.

More about this marker. The Landis-Fish Building is located within the Downtown DeLand Historic District (a National Historic District).

Regarding Landis-Fish Building. At the time of this page's submission to the database, the Landis-Fish Building remains in use as a multi-suite commercial office building.

Prior to the building's construction,

Photographed By AGS Media, August 1, 2011

2. Landis-Fish Building Marker

The historical marker is mounted to the left of the double-doors, opposite the "First Commercial Store" historical marker on the right.

this site had been home to an earlier wood-frame building. In 1877, that building opened as the first commercial goods store in the city. Entrepreneur George Dreka later bought the store and chose in 1882 to vacate this site in favor of a new store space he built nearby. The wood building here was later completely destroyed in the fire of 1886. (See nearby marker: "First Commercial Store")

Bert Fish's name is associated with another nearby historic building, which he owned. The Miller-Fish Building, on the south end of this same city block, itself also has a historic marker. (See nearby marker: "Miller-Fish Building")

Before his legal career, Bert Fish served as Superintendent of Volusia County Schools. He obtained his law degree in DeLand, graduating from Stetson University, and for many years served as a county judge.

Fish's time as a county official came during a period when Volusia County was said to be the most corrupt place in the country next to Kirk County, Illinois. Bert Fish was seen by many as leader of a corrupt ring of local political officials. The alleged cronyism was so unpopular that in 1922, Ku Klux Klan members successfully ran against establishment officials in Daytona Beach, briefly winning control of the city government. Though blamed by some historians for

The Landis-Fish Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By AGS Media, August 1, 2011

3. The Landis-Fish Building

Rising in the background is the dome and clock atop the Old Volusia County Courthouse.

the corruption problem, Fish was never formally charged with any improprieties.

In 1932, Fish served as the Florida Campaign Manager for Franklin D. Roosevelt, a position which became a stepping-stone to his diplomatic career. During Roosevelt's presidency, Fish served as a United States Ambassador, first to Egypt, then later Portugal; and he held the distinction of being America's first ever Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is remembered for his role in establishing a positive relationship between the two countries and in opening the Middle Eastern oil markets to trade with the U.S.

Bert Fish is perhaps best remembered for his philanthropy, since after his death, his wealth and assets have been allocated to meet community needs, particularly in area of health care. His generosity provided for the construction of three hospitals in Volusia and Seminole Counties, including Bert Fish Medical Center, in New Smyrna Beach.

Photographed By AGS Media, August 1, 2011

4. The Landis-Fish Building

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2011, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. This page has been viewed 946 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2011, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. 4. submitted on August 13, 2011, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.