Preservation is at the Roots of Main Street
“As the pace of change accelerates in the world around us, Americans more than ever need a lively awareness of our roots and origins in the past on which to base our sense of identity in the present and our directions for the future.”
President Richard M. Nixon
May is dedicated to National Preservation Month. Also known as Historic Preservation Month, this month celebrates the nation's heritage through historic places. President Richard Nixon signed the resolution into law on May 5, 1973.
DeLand’s Great Fire of September 27, 1886 destroyed 22 buildings and 33 businesses on Woodland Blvd between New York and Rich Avenues. After the fire, DeLand adopted an ordinance requiring brick or stone construction in the commercial district. Much of Downtown DeLand’s charm and success is due in large part to the preservation of these historic buildings in the downtown core.
The former President’s words ring true in the aftermath of Covid, too. Matt Wagner at the National Main Street Center asks this question, “What happens in a world where fewer people go to the office and interact with others or hang out in coffee houses?” His answer, “Small business and Main Street have to be the bridge in an era of further dispersion.”
Preservation is at the roots of Main Street. Created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980, Main Street communities like DeLand have found the best way to preserve our history and preserve America’s downtowns is for small businesses to thrive and for downtowns to be the heart of their communities.
Downtown is the gathering place for this community. Everyone is welcome. It is an inviting, safe place to do business, enjoy a festival or parade, and to welcome your friends and family. As preservationists are known to say, “This Place Matters!”
Historic districts in the Downtown area include the Downtown DeLand Historic District, the West DeLand Residential Historic District, the Stetson University Historic District, and the Garden Historic District.
As you continue to support Downtown’s businesses, take a look at the architecture and read the plaques on the buildings. Be sure to notice the art and flowers there, too. Watch for new promotions this summer. You can find out what’s going on in Downtown DeLand by visiting www.MainStreetDeLand.org.
See you Downtown,
Wayne Carter
Executive Director
MainStreet DeLand Association