Museum of History August 2021 Newsletter

August 2021

Newsletter

New Smyrna Beach News & Observer Archive Finds Forever Home at the

New Smyrna Museum of History

On July 15th, the Southeast Volusia Historical Society and New Smyrna Museum of History recognized Tom Alcorn for his donation of the archives of the New Smyrna Beach News and Observer Newspapers to the Sheldon Research Library located in the museum. Tom is the former publisher of the New Smyrna Beach Observer which was in publication through 2014. The archives include papers dating back 70 years as well as copies of the New Smyrna News which predated the Observer dating back to 1925.

The collection had been stored at the museum for several years under a bailment agreement which allowed the museum and its research library to store and use the collection of papers for community research. Now that the formal ownership of the collection and its copyright has been transferred to the museum it will remain as a long-term resource to the community.

Photo by Nik Korba with The Hometown News.

Now Accepting Nominee Applications

Historic Preservation Awards 2021

The nomination window is now open for the inaugural presenting of the New Smyrna Museum of History Historic Preservation Awards

Do you know someone who has taken steps to restore a historic home or business here in Southeast Volusia County in order to preserve the property and prevent its demolition?

Perhaps a friend or family member has renovated a historic property to bring it back to its former glory and preserve the character of our historic community.

Perhaps you know of an individual or organization that has taken extraordinary steps to preserve elements of our local history in order that others might be able to enjoy, research or share those elements of history with future generations.

These are all great examples of the types of nominations we are seeking for this newly developed award program.

Nominations are easy and quick to complete.

Simply visit: Nominate Now and submit your nominee through the nomination portal. Nomination Deadline is Sept. 30th, 2021.

A few things you will need, for structures that are being nominated either commercial or residential. Properties need to be at least 50 years old and the portal will ask that you upload some photographs of the structure to support the nomination. We will also ask that you provide us with some contact info so we can follow up on the nomination. Keep in mind that preservation award recipients have no obligation for an official historic designation.

A Special Thanks To our Platinum

And Gold Level Business Sponsors!

Get those nominations in asap and watch for information later this fall about our first annual Historic Preservation Awards Gala, "For The Love Of History", scheduled for February 14th, 2022 at The Grand Ol Barn here in New Smyrna Beach. You won't want to miss this special Valentine's Day event to celebrate our community's love of its historic character and those who give of themselves to preserve it.

President's Pen

By Gary Swanson

President

Southeast Volusia Historical Society

I hope this mid-point in the summer finds everyone healthy and safe. The recent uptick in COVID cases is very concerning. According to CDC information, 20% of all new cases nationwide are occurring in Florida. If you are eligible, and haven’t gotten your shots yet, please do so!

Most of you who have visited the museum have admired the Vietnam War pictorial display honoring veterans from Southeast Volusia County. More recently, there is also a memorial to those from our area who served in WWI. These have been made possible by Dr. Frank Farmer, a retired Air Force Colonel (flight surgeon) who resides in Ormond Beach.

As you would surmise, Dr. Farmer has a keen interest in military history, and has another project at the museum that he is involved with. Along with museum member Ron Bayles, he is conducting a series of interviews with many veterans to capture their wartime experiences. These interviews are being captured on video by board member Brion Reilly and edited by Ron’s daughter, Kelly, before being archived into the Library of Congress. They will eventually be available for viewing on the museum’s YouTube channel. It has been my pleasure to sit in on a couple of these fascinating interviews, to hear the stories, and see how the process works. We are so grateful to the veterans that are willing to share their experiences, and to Frank, Ron, Brion, and Kelly for saving them to posterity.

Many of you have been keeping tabs on the renovation of the former Baptist Church on the corner of Washington and Faulkner streets. This will now be the home of NSB city council chambers as well as some city offices. The museum is currently working with the city to integrate some our archives into the décor of the historic building.

I’m citing the above examples to show that there is a lot more going on at the museum than opening the doors and letting visitors explore. We are happy to be part of the fabric of the city and bring value to the community. Thank you to the museum members and volunteers that make this possible!

Stay safe, Gary

Veteran's History Project

Captured in late June 2021, Dr. Frank Farmer interviews retired Brigadier General Randall T. Elliott.

Click Photo to View Video

From the Veteran's History Project Archives

Recorded in 2003, Ron Bayles interviews Earl Anderson as he shares stories of growing up in New Smyrna Beach and being shot down over France in WWII. Click Photo to view Video.

In Case You Missed Last Month's Feature:

The Florida East Coast Railway in New Smyrna Beach Episode 1, "The Early Years of Steam".

Join us for a fascinating look back at how New Smyrna became a railroad town in the late 1800s. Episode 1, "The Early Years of Steam" explores the development of the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway and how New Smyrna developed into a major hub for the entire East Coast Line, impacting employment and transportation for all of Southeast Volusia County. View Video Now

Episode 2 is coming soon, keep an eye on our Facebook page and YouTube Channel for information on this exciting release.

Museum Giftshop

New Items Available This Month

"Racing in Daytona Beach, Sunshine, Speed, and Sand",

By Robert Redd.

Long before the Speedway was even a glimmer in Bill France Sr.'s eye, racers in Daytona Beach were careening along at the fastest possible clip. Cars were still a novelty in 1903 when Daytona Beach drivers were pushing for land speed records on a track near today's Granada Ave. beach entrance. From the brave forerunners who tore up the hard-packed sand to the modern vehicles blasting away at nearly 200 miles per hour on Daytona International Speedway, Robert Redd explores the driving tradition that has made Daytona Beach a racing mecca.

Click product Image to view in our online store.

Flour Sack Tea Towels

Dress up your kitchen or that of a friend with this flour sack tea towel.

Featuring a 1920s era sunbathing beauty this towel will bring a pop of color and some old school style to any kitchen. Each towel measures approximately 28" X 28" when fully unfolded and is made of 100% cotton.

Click product image to view in our online store.

East Coast Surfing Exhibit

Vinyl Sticker

Check out this new sticker showcasing one of our most prominent elements of local contemporary history, The East Coast Surfing Exhibit at The New Smyrna Museum of History. With strong ties to the development of international surfing competition we are proud to share our local surf culture with visitors from around the world. Each of these stickers features the logo that was first created by local surfer and artist Ronnie Dreggors to represent the collection and measures 4 X 4. Grab a couple today to share with your friends and slap one on your favorite gear to show your pride for local surf culture!

Click product image to view in our online store.