Two iconic Midcentury Modern homes in DeLand will be open for an Insiders’ Tour/Seminar, as the West Volusia Historical Society begins a new event series offering in-depth insight into West Volusia architecture.
Learn, from the owner-restorers, about the Modernist homes built for young families in subdivisions like Pine Hills and Valencia Village in the 'Fifties through the 'Seventies. With expanses of glass for maximum light, integration with nature, and open inside spaces, Mid-Mod homes invite people to explore the world around them.
Insiders' Tour and Seminar
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Tours begin at 1:30 and 3:30 pm
One home, located in Glenwood, is distinctively Midcentury Modern and is furnished with the owner's extensive collection of Heywood-Wakefield Modern furniture, described as "...the most vibrant, fun furniture ever made in America."
The second home, located in Brandywine, has Midcentury Modern features but its clean geometric, minimalist look reflects the International style of architecture.
What is Midcentury Modern?
The basic concept: Structure should reflect the time and
place in which it was built, not an historical model. Floor plans became more
flexible, allowing better use of space; expansive walls of glass replaced heavy
stucco and narrow casement windows; and affordable air conditioning eliminated
the need for cross-ventilation. (Designing the Good Life, by Norman
Giller and Sarah Giller Nelson)
In DeLand, which experienced little growth from 1928, the
beginning of the Great Depression, through the 1940’s (World War II), the need
to meet the housing needs of returning servicemen pushed the growth lever to
Full Speed. A major factor was the GI Bill, which offered low interest loans to
veterans who wanted to buy homes, start businesses or attend college. Boom Era
subdivisions, such as University Terrace, were redeveloped and expanded and the
College Arms golf course was subdivided. But much more was needed. Valencia
Village, in northeast DeLand, was the first post-war subdivision, followed by
Pine Hills/University Circle also in the northeast. In the county, new suburbs like
Deltona sprang up.
Midcentury Modern houses were designed for The Good Life. After two decades of The Great Depression and World War II, of squeezing dimes and doing without, West Volusians were ready to live a less formal, more relaxed lifestyle. Enter subdivisions full of Modernist style homes that mirrored the young families that would live in them.
Needed were houses that could be built quickly and sold at an affordable price. Many developers turned to the Midcentury Modern style, which utilized technologies and materials (like steel and plywood) developed during the War and products such as concrete blocks that were produced locally.
DeLand Style at Midcentury: Homes With a Sense of Humor
About the Insider Tour
- Tours begin at 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm
- Space is limited. Advance reservations are required. The deadline for reservations is 4 pm on Saturday, October 5, 2019.
- Ticket price includes guided tours, shuttle to homes, illustrated program & light refreshments.
- $20 for WVHS members; $25 for non-members.
3 Ways to Reserve Your Tour
1. Call the WVHS office - 386-740-6813
2. Stop by the office - 137 W Michigan Ave DeLand between the hours of 12 noon and 4 pm - Tuesday through Saturday.
3. Purchase your tour here, online.
Purchase Reservations Online
IMPORTANT: Please request a receipt, print it and bring it to the event to verify your reservation.
Arriving for the Tour
Tours begin at the Brandywine residential neighborhood of homes, located north of DeLand on Route 17-92; south of Route 15A. The entrance to the subdivision is on the left as you travel north. Parking for the tour is in the Brandywine Tennis Court parking lot which is located on the left side as you enter the main entrance. Look for signs.
Transportation to the homes will be provided; guests may not drive directly to the homes. The bus will depart promptly, so please arrive for check in at the Tennis Court parking lot no later than 1:15 pm for the 1:30 tour and no later than 3:15 pm for the 3:30 tour.
Please be aware that both homes on the tour have steps or stairs and are not wheelchair accessible.
If changes are needed on your Reservation, call (386) 740-6813 before 4 pm on Saturday.
Reservation Deadline: 4 pm. Sat., Oct. 5.
