Welcome to History Matters – November

Celebrating Excellence: A Special Announcement from the President

Lynne Hunter, President – Halifax Historical Society & Museum

It is with great pride and excitement that I share some wonderful news with our members, volunteers, and friends — the Halifax Historical Museum has been honored with the 2025 Museum of Excellence Award presented by the Florida Association of Museums.

This year’s award recognizes our outstanding exhibit, “The 2nd WAAC/WAC Training Center – Daytona Beach.” The exhibit celebrated the women who trained and served right here in Daytona Beach as part of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and later the Women’s Army Corps during World War II.

A very special recognition goes to Richard Sala, our Past President, whose vision, creativity, and determination brought this project to life. Richard conceived the idea, assembled the team, and inspired every detail — from the authentic World War II uniforms and memorabilia to the compelling storytelling that connected national history to our local community.

The exhibit featured Hannah Schultze, a World War II historian and reenactor, who appeared in an original training officer’s uniform. Several of our board members joined her in period attire, including our own “Rosie the Riveter,” bringing the story vividly to life for visitors. The exhibit’s debut on Pearl Harbor Day was a fitting and emotional tribute to the women who served and to the enduring spirit of the Greatest Generation.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Halifax Historical Museum was Board Member Loretta Arthur, joined by our Museum Director, Kristine Franklin. The award was presented by Malinda Horton, Executive Director of the Florida Association of Museums.

This recognition would not have been possible without the dedication and creativity of our board, staff, and volunteers. Special thanks to:

- Richard Sala, who envisioned and brought the exhibit to life

- Jim Kotas, our major donor whose support made it possible

- Martin Tse, for his tireless help in organizing and assembling the exhibit — and for his incredible donation of artifacts

- John Hunter, for designing the beautiful commemorative coin

- Loretta Arthur, for her portrayal of a WAAC

- Marina Glikina, for her spirited appearance as Rosie the Riveter

- And to so many others who played a part in this team effort — thank you!


Our heartfelt thanks go to you all and to all our board members and volunteers who went above and beyond to make this exhibit a success. This award belongs to everyone who believes in our mission — to preserve, interpret, and share the history of the Halifax area with pride and purpose.

As we move into the holiday season and close out another remarkable year, I extend my deepest gratitude for your continued support. Together, we are building something truly special — a museum that honors our past while inspiring the future.

Now, I’ll turn it over to our Museum Director, Kristine Franklin, to share the exciting updates and events happening this month at the Museum.

Warm regards,

Lynne Hunter

President, Halifax Historical Society
"Until next time — preserving our past to inspire the future"

Richard Sala and Jim Kotas (Our major donor for the exhibit)

The Halifax Historical Museum - Museum of Excellence Award

The fantastic WAAC/WAC exhibit

The award presentation photo featuring: Brynne Anne Besiov, Loretta Arthur, and our Museum Director, Kristine Franklin

The Vault (From the Director's Desk)

From the Director’s Desk

I can’t believe I’m beginning my 3^rd month with the museum! I am learning so much and having fun doing so.

We began our new seasonal exhibit, Back To Cool, highlighting our local schools. Many thanks to Bethune-Cookman University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Martin Tse (Father Lopez), and Bob, the late husband of volunteer Carol Ann Moritz, for their loans of school memorabilia. Also, a huge thank you to all who helped with the exhibit changeover. We have created a collage of local celebrity graduates for you to try and identify as well. Come see us!

Our HisTrees fundraiser begins this month. Trees and wreaths will start arriving just waiting for you to bid on them.

We are all looking forward to Preston Root joining us on November 4. Preston will be sharing the history of the Pump House East Restaurant. We would love to hear your memories of the popular eatery.

I am thankful to all who have welcomed me and made me feel at home so soon.

Kristine

Buildings on

Beach & Beyond

The towering structure at the northwest corner of Beach Street and Magnolia Avenue is the grande dame of historic structures in what was for many years the only shopping area in the city.

Many residents know it as the old Ivey’s building, but its history goes back to 1905 when it was constructed by Major James Hendricks of Bessemer, AL. The city’s first department store was red brick with white trim and had a porch on the second floor across the front.

The store opened when Hendricks sold the building at 166 S Beach St. to the owner of the Williams Hotel, which used the top floors for overflow guests. In 1920, Anthony Brothers, a men’s furnishing store, bought the building, which later became the Anthony-Balch Company.

Seven years later, the Yowell-Drew Company bought the business, remodeling to remove the porch and cut an arch through to an adjoining building. The annex building was sold in 1940 when Yowell-Drew extended the main building in a complete remodeling of both the interior and the exterior.

J.B. Ivey and Co. bought the store in 1944, remodeling it once again.

Ivey’s was a very fashionable store, featuring men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing as well as shoes and linens. It was one of the anchors to a very busy shopping area, especially during Christmas.

In those early days, before credit cards, a pneumatic tube sent the bill and payment to another part of the store to be processed. That “whoosh” delighted younger customers as they waited with their mom or dad for change.

In 1974, Ivey’s moved to Volusia Mall. That property is now one of three Dillard’s stores at the shopping center.

Over the years, the building has changed hands many times. In 2014, it was purchased by Dr. Wahba Wahba, a local pulmonary physician and medical director of the Sleep-Wake Disorder Clinic for $1 million.

Wahba, a physician here since the 1970s, told an interviewer “I love downtown Daytona and Beach Street.” He has opened the Tic Toc Shop featuring a collection of clocks as well as beautiful home accents.

Did You Know?

Fans of the 1960s television show, “Petticoat Junction,” may recall one of the opening scenes. Sisters Betty Jo, Bobbie Jo and Billie Jo, along with their faithful canine companion, Higgins, are peeking over of town’s water tower.

For Daytona Beach, at least, water towers are a thing of the past. Within the last year of so, both of the city’s towers have been disassembled. The familiar structures are gone from Thames Avenue near Daytona Beach Shores and University Boulevard adjacent to one of the city’s fire-substations.

The towers have outlived their usefulness, said Eric Smith, deputy utility director for the City of Daytona Beach.

The city now uses a booster station and pumps, making the elevated towers obsolete, he said. Safety, especially during high-wind storms such as hurricanes, prompted the decision.

An obscure piece of information about Higgins or “Dog” as he was called in the show: He went on to play the role of “Benji” on film.

Current Exhibit

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



Upcoming Events

HisTrees Fundraiser

Design. Decorate. Deliver.

Teller Talk Tuesday with Preston Root

Tuesday, November 4th, at 2:00pm

Halifax Historical Museum

252 South Beach Street Daytona Beach, FL



This month’s gathering will feature Preston Root, whose family owned and operated the beloved Pump House East on Ridgewood Avenue. Inspired by our recent article “A Quick Pause and a Look Back at the Original Pumphouse,” Preston will be sharing never-before-heard stories, bringing original artifacts—including old menus—and treating us all to a special surprise connected to the Pumphouse’s colorful history


FREE with Museum Admission


Members: No Charge

Please call us if you have any questions: (386) 255-6976 

November 20th – Florida Vistas Book Club (2:00pm–3:30pm)

Cigar City Mafia: A Complete History of the Tampa Underworld

By: Scott Deitche

Step into Tampa’s dark and colorful past — a world of bootleggers, gamblers, arsonists, and gangsters who ruled the Gulf Coast during Prohibition. Join us for an engaging afternoon of conversation, community, and Florida history.

Click Here For More Information

A Holiday Tradition Luncheon

Celebrating Our Volunteers — The Heart of Our Museum


We are hosting a members only Luncheon on Saturday, December 13th, from 11:30am-2:30pm!

Join us for our Holiday Tradition Luncheon, a warm and wonderful celebration of our volunteers! The Board and Members are providing a holiday feast featuring HoneyBaked ham and turkey. Members are invited to bring a side dish only to show their appreciation. Guests are welcome — come see how fun and inspiring our museum family truly is!


Please RSVP by December 1st, so we can plan seating and servings.

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.