B. The Volusia County Fairgrounds History

Figure 12. The Original Volusia County Fairgrounds in 1923

A Century of West Volusia County, Dreggors & Hess and a few other pictures in the Conrad Museum are all that is known of the original design and construction of an elaborate complex for the Volusia County Fair Association, Inc. by architect Wm. J. Carpenter in 1923.

The original Volusia County Fair Grounds, located near the railroad tracks west of DeLand, was carved out of a forest in the early 1920s at a cost of nearly $40,000. Designed by William J. Carpenter, a local architect, the elaborate entrance to the fair grounds was built in 1923. The unique structure, displaying stylish Beaux Arts influences, belied the relatively simple vernacular buildings within the fair grounds. Although several of the original buildings in the fair grounds remain standing, the entrance gate deteriorated and was demolished.

The Board of Directors of the Volusia County Fair Association, Inc. planned an impressive facility to be located directly across from the DeLand Junction railroad station on the Atlantic Coast Line main north-south line so it would be visible to thousands of railroad passengers during the course of a year, and perhaps entice some of them to plan a layover in DeLand on their next journey. The exhibition buildings would necessarily be barnlike structures, but it was felt that they deserved a grand entrance that would attract nationwide attention. (Newcomers will note that the selected site was on West New York Avenue, the opposite side of DeLand from the present Fairgrounds, located on State Highway 44, near I95.)

Figure 13. Aerial View of the Fairgrounds, 1968

DeLand architect Wm. J. Carpenter was commissioned to design the facility, probably because he was already well known to Mr. Brown and the other members of the Board through his work for the Volusia County School Board Trustees, as well as the recent design of the Putnam Hotel. There is no record of why the Beaux Arts design was chosen for the Grand Entrance, but the architect rose to the occasion and designed an eye catching edifice. It is believed that at the dedication ceremony shown above Mr. Carpenter was photographed proudly standing in front of his work, in the company of local officials. He would be the tall person sixth from the right wearing a hat and his trademark brown English worsted wool suit. The lad to his left may be one of his sixteen year old twin sons, Clarence or Richard.

The fair became an annual event with the largest poultry show in the southeast. All the towns in this county were agriculturally oriented and each community placed an agricultural exhibit in the fair. The grounds became the site of many fairs, exhibitions, automobile and horse races, and other community activities in the predominantly rural farming area of Central Florida. During WWII the exhibition buildings were used for the assembly of gliders prior to their being shipped to other locations for use in carrying soldiers and supplies to troops in the field, principally the European theater. The fairgrounds had eight large exhibit buildings. In addition, there was a large covered grandstand with a half-mile dirt track for auto racing. Today the sheriff department utilizes most of this space for a driver-training course

The ornate entrance was demolished long ago, and all that remains on the site are some of the original timber and sheet metal exhibition barns. The property is still in use as the winter quarters of the Clyde Beatty Circus, having been sold to that company in 1947. When leaving from the Deland railroad station on his reported trip to the north in 1926, the architect would have been able to look at his work across the railroad tracks, and be proud of its contribution to his adopted community. But he probably did not realize at the time that he might be viewing it for the last time as a successful architect because of the coming “bust”. Eighty years later, NorthSouth passengers on the Amtrak train may note the quaintness of the DeLand Station, but there is little to let them know how close they are to this historical site, or the part it has played in the development of this area. (Carpenter)

In 1939, the United States was attempting to stay out of what was to become World War II, but wanted to help our allies in Europe. Women began sewing and knitting articles of clothing, linen, bedding, etc., and families began planting victory gardens to allow more food to be shipped to Europe. At this time, it was considered very unpatriotic to spend money or energy on a fair, which resulted in the transformation of the fairgrounds into an industrial site. This continued until the end of the war. By that time, most of the board of directors had either passed away or moved out the area. Mr. Earl Brown had become head of the state Chamber of Commerce and traveled all over the world promoting the state of Florida.

In 1955, Lee Maxwell, who was to become fair manager, paid a visit to the county agricultural agent, T.R. Townsend, and inquired if he would like to help revive the Volusia County Fair. Mr. Townsend replied he would help all he could, and brought up that a new board of directors would have to be appointed. The property known as the fairgrounds had reverted back to the Volusia County government and the grounds and buildings had been sold to the Clyde Beatty-Cole Brothers Circus. The circus allowed the Fair Association, at no charge, to hold the fair on the circus property in 1955-56. Then in 1957, they decided to rent the property for a very high price, causing the Fair Association to relocate the fair to the National Guard Armory and surrounding property form 1957-58. Within two years, the fair outgrew the Armory and was relocated to the area surrounding the old Navy Hospital at the DeLand Airport in 1959. This is approximately where Mrs. Fair’s Fine Foods is now located. The Fair Association was given permission by the city of DeLand to utilize the large hospital building, which had to be transformed into an exhibit building. The fair spent money to remove partitions between the rooms and hallways, in addition the electrical wiring had to be redone to provide exhibit space. The hard work and expense paid off, for that year the fair was the most successful one held. This allowed all debts for the work performed to be paid in full and there was even money left.

Soon afterwards, the Fair Association learned they did not have a contract with the city for any future use of this building, which they had renovated, and discovered it had been rented to a furniture dealer. Once again, the fair did not have a home, so from 1960-1965 the annual Volusia County Fair was not held. In 1966, under the leadership of Bill Hester, chairman of the DeLand Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Committee, a plan was formed to acquire land for an agricultural center and fairgrounds in Volusia County. The existing board of directors of the Fair Association supported this idea and decided to hold the fair again that year. They also changed the name to the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show and appointed Hurbert Talton as manager. The fair was held in 1966 & 1967 in tents, no buildings, on the site where the DeLand YMCA is now located.

Through Mr. Hester’s leadership, a private individual donated 20 acres of land east of I-4 on Highway 44, to build the agricultural center and provide a permanent location for the fairgrounds. In 1968, the first fair was held at the present location, and for two years it was held in tents. In 1969, Betty Nielsen (who later became Betty Dittman) was appointed fair manager, to replace Mr. Talton who had become ill and could no longer manage the fair. The county built the Commercial and Educational Buildings in 1970-71. Mrs. Dittman remained as manager until her resignation in 1980, and T.R. Townsend was appointed manager. Mr. Townsend saw the need for additional property to be used for parking lots, which the Fair Association purchased. Mr. Townsend retired in 1990, at which time David Viers was appointed manager. Through the efforts of many, the fair has grown to be one of the best county fairs in the state of Florida.

In 1994, through the efforts of the Agri-Business Inter-Relationship Committee, a proposal was made to the Volusia County council for major improvements to the fairgrounds. This was the first unanimous vote in the history of the council and construction began after the 1997 fair with a completion date of Oct. 2, 1998. This

project included several new buildings and landscaping. The total investment for the improvements was just under $8 million. This major construction project is something all of Volusia County may be proud of. The economical impact of these improvements should be felt throughout the county as it provides another place to hold special events for residents of the area.

The fair has become a showcase for the youth of Volusia County. We know that self-esteem is important to every child. The feeling, which arises from accomplishing something and being rewarded for that accomplishment, is very satisfying. Hundreds of youths leave the fair every year “a winner.” The participation of the area youth will always be the most important part of our fair. Today the Volusia County Fair and Youth Show is considered to be on the most successful, most educational, and most fun fair for all ages. Throughout the years, the enthusiasm and determination of its early founders has been endorsed by Volusia County with more than 10,000 youths having been involved in at least one of the many aspects of the fair.

Volusia County is rapidly growing and with the influx of new people there is a challenge for the Fair Association to make the fair bigger and better each year. The Fair takes place the first week of November each year. The event features agricultural and livestock exhibits, music concerts and live entertainment, a midway of rides and games, and plenty of fair foods. The fairgrounds also hosts a weekly farmers market and special festivals, trade shows and concerts throughout the year. (AARP)

The fairgrounds features ample space for large conventions, trade shows, concerts and festivals. (Volusia) 22,400 sq. ft. Tommy Lawrence Arena holds 1,500 classroom style, 3,000 theater, 2,000 banquet. 10,000 sq. ft. Townsend Pavilion holds 500 classroom style, 700 theater, 500 banquet. 8,100 sq. ft. Talton Building holds 200 classroom style, 300 theater, 150 banquet. 6,000 free parking spaces and on-site catering available.

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