


In
1926, the smaller Burgess Building was built behind
the main hospital to care for the needs of the Black
community. Both facilities continued to provide
surgical and obstetrical services until 1948 when hospital
services were transferred to the former DeLand
Naval Air Station awaiting the opening of Fish Memorial
Hospital in 1952.
The
hospital building remained functional for other purposes
during the years following its closure as a medical
facility. For a short time, it was used by Stetson
University as a fraternity house. Then, for several
years, it housed the administrative offices of the public
school system.
Eventually,
the building became empty and fell into severe disrepair.
However, as a result of a grant from the Florida State
Historic Preservation Board, the hospital was restored
and rededicated on April 17, 1993 and is now listed
in the Registry of Historic Buildings.
Today,
the hospital contains not only the offices of the DeLand
Parks and Recreation Department, but also the Bert Fish
Room, as well as the Operating
Room & Apothecary exhibit, the Veterans
Gallery and the Ice &
Electric exhibit. The Burgess Building houses the
Hawtense Conrad Elephant Fantasyland,
the West Volusia Black Heritage
Gallery and Conrad's
Toyland.
DeLand Memorial Hospital Museum
Visiting Hours: Wednesday thru Saturday - 10 am
to 3 pm
230 North Stone Street - DeLand, Florida 32720
DeLand Parks & Recreation Department - 386.740.5800
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