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

Circa 1885

Photographed By AGS Media, August 1, 2011

1. Circa 1885 Marker

Inscription. In 1883 two young boys, Samuel Jordan and Wylie Swift, built a circular skating rink in a tent on this corner. It was a popular entertainment site when DeLand was little more than a pioneer village. Around 1885 this brick building was erected to house a confectionery shop. In 1940 it became the V.W. Gould Agency, Inc. Its founder, V. Ward Gould, Sr., was a lad of 15 when he moved to DeLand in 1885 with his parents. An entrepreneur of the first rank, he began his first real estate agency in 1907 on W. Indiana Ave where he ushered clients around in a one cylinder, hand-cranked Cadillac. Gould also was a gifted writer who left behind a valuable record of DeLand's early history.

Erected by the West Volusia Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Florida - West Volusia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 29° 1.8′ N, 81° 18.204′ W. Marker is in DeLand, Florida, in Volusia County. Marker is at the intersection of North Woodland Boulevard (U.S. 17/92) and Rich Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Woodland Boulevard. The marker is mounted on the outside of

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the building, immediately to the left when facing the main doors. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 North Woodland Boulevard, Deland FL 32724, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Opera House (a few steps from this marker); Early Grocery Stores (within shouting distance of this marker); First Public Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Movie House (about 300 feet away); The First Post Office (about 400 feet away); Landis-Fish Building (about 400 feet away); First Commercial Store (about 400 feet away); Historic Volusia County Courthouse (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in DeLand.

Regarding Circa 1885. At the time of this page's submission to the database, the building is still home to the V. W. Gould Insurance Agency.

Also see . . . "The Road to DeLand": V.W. Gould. More info and a photo of Mr. Gould (Submitted on August 18, 2011, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida.)

Photographed By AGS Media, August 1, 2011

2. Circa 1885 Marker

Seen looking up the North Woodland Boulevard storefronts, the marker is mounted on the bricks along the right.

Photographed By AGS Media, August 1, 2011

3. Circa 1885 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2011, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. This page has been viewed 521 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 18, 2011, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.