Welcome to History Matters

From the Director's Desk

Can you believe it is already December?! Autumn is almost over, winter is… coming.

To everyone who has come in for a program, a tour, to volunteer, or just to say hello – thank you! Jamie and I appreciate it. We love talking to you about our community and hearing your stories. If you have not been in a while, we miss you! Please come back.

It’s been a busy time. We had a fantastic turn-out for our 14th annual Surf Social, our Teller Talk Tuesday with Preston Root, and receiving donations for the inaugural HisTrees silent auction.

If you are thinking about gifts for your loved ones, consider a coin commemorating the WAACs and their presence in Daytona Beach or a beautiful ornament of the exterior of the Halifax Historical Museum. AND, bid on one of our HisTrees donations. Winners will be announced on December 20th.

Best,

Kristine 

The Vault

110 N. Beach Street

Built in 1914, 110 N Beach Street is the last remnant of the original buildings on this block of North Beach Street from International Speedway Boulevard (Volusia Avenue) to Bay Street.

The earliest record of a business here was Mrs. C. M. Waterman’s Hat Shop. In 1923 it is listed as Jennison’s Hat Shop. At some point, the building was divided into three units, two below and one above, and various uses are documented in the Polk directories.

One peculiar tenant is observed in an old photograph that we have dated around 1927. It shows a sign painted on the front of the building advertising a Christian Spiritualist Church. We could find no documentation for this until we came across a mention of it in the Daytona Morning Journal dated January13th, 1924, showing that it was hosted by the Moose Hall, who occupied the upper floor of the building in the 1920s.  There have been numerous tenants at this property over the years, more recently Carousel Antiques. The building is currently owned and occupied by Omar and Camille Holder-Brown, proprietors of Kale Café.  

Current Exhibit

Our "Back to Cool" exhibit starts October 1st and runs to the end of December 2025.

Upcoming Exhibit

What's Coming Up?

HisTrees Fundraiser

Bidding is officially OPEN for HisTrees! Swing by the Halifax Historical Museum to browse a forest of creative tabletop trees and festive wreaths—each one crafted with Daytona Beach spirit—and place your bids to support our exhibits, education, and outreach. 

Bidding runs now through December 20th, with winners selected on December 20th.

Can’t make it in? You can also place bids by phone at (386) 255-6976. 

Help us raise funds, spread holiday cheer, and take home a piece of history!

Click Here to Learn More. 

Teller Talk Tuesday

Tuesday, December 2nd, at 2:00pm



Do you remember the Christmas House? Did you shop at Robson’s Christmas Store? Come join us as we share favorite holiday memories. We can’t wait to reminisce with you. 

Free with your Membership or Admission. 

Please call (386) 255-6976 for more information.

Click Here to Learn More. 

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Saturday, December 13th, 11:30am - 2:00pm

Join us for this fun tradition, honoring our wonderful volunteers. The Board and Members will be providing ham and turkey.

We are asking attendees to bring a side dish or dessert. Ugly sweaters aren’t required but might be a lot of fun to admire!


Please RSVP at (386) 255-6976 or online by December 5th.

December 18th – Florida Vistas Book Club (2:00pm–3:30pm)

Cracker: Cracker Culture in Florida History
By Dana M. Ste. Claire.

What exactly is a “Cracker”? An entertaining, informative look at a slice of old Florida culture. 


Free with your Membership or Admission. 

Please call (386) 255-6976 for more information.

Click Here For More Information

Volunteer Feature

Tracy Lynch has been spending hours helping us organize. Our research files had become difficult to navigate over the years with many folders titled “miscellaneous” or having other voluminous references. Tracy has been diligently organizing, cross-referencing, and cleaning them up. She has created subfolders with existing categories which will make it much easier to find specific topical materials.

A teacher of Feng Shui, Tracy uses “The Eight Mansions and Qi Men Feng Shui, to align the living environment with people’s personal and professional goals.” She is a Classic Feng Shui Practitioner, and as such she has a facility for ease of access and flow in her own surroundings, and as it turns out, this transfers neatly into her organizational skills.

Thank you, Tracy Lynch, for your time and expertise in helping the Museum operate smoothly and efficiently.

Hazelle Fenty Death Remains Unsolved

Dec. 4, 1992, was a dark day in Daytona Beach history. Hazelle Fenty, former president of the Halifax Historical Society and longtime church secretary, was found murdered at the Indigo Lakes Baptist Church.

Ms. Fenty died on her 76th birthday. Hers is one of many unsolved murders in the area, but the brutality of the slaying shocked the community that knew and loved her.

She served in various positions at Central Baptist and First Baptist Church. She was president of the Historical Society from 1973 to 1976 and served as secretary and curator.

When Fenty failed to appear for a birthday celebration, the pastor returned to the church and found her stabbed to death. There were no signs of forced entry, police said at the time.

The lack of eyewitnesses, or physical evidence, stymied investigators. To date, there has been no arrest.

---Stay curious with our monthly ‘Did You Know?’ spotlight—where we share interesting and obscure facts about Daytona Beach’s rich history.

Do you know any unique or little-known facts about our area? We’d love to hear from you! We’re always looking for fun, fascinating stories to include in future newsletters.

Or better yet, come join us for Teller Talk Tuesday—held the first Tuesday of every month at the museum—where we gather to share our stories and memories of the Halifax area. Who knows? Your story might be featured in the next issue of *History Matters*!--- 

This publication is made possible in part with funding from the Cultural Council of Volusia County (volusia.org), Florida Humanities, State of Florida, City of Daytona Beach, and Halifax Historical Society membership.