The History Behind our Building

V. W. Gould Agency, Inc. – West Volusia Historical Society

“In 1883 two young boys, Samuel Jordan and Wylie Swift, built a circular skating rink in a tent on this corner. It was a popular entertainment site when DeLand was little more than a pioneer village. Around 1885 this brick building was erected to house a confectionery shop. In 1940 it became the V.W. Gould Agency, Inc. Its founder, V. Ward Gould, Sr., was a lad of 15 when he moved to DeLand in 1885 with his parents. An entreprenuer of the first rank, he began his first Real Estate Agency in 1907 on W. Indiana Ave. where he ushered clients around in a one cylinder, hand cranked cadillac. Gould also was a gifted writer who left behind a valuable record of Deland’s history.” – West Volusia Historical Society

DeLand was originally founded in 1876 by Henry DeLand. As a historic city, DeLand is proud of its rich heritage and unique history.

V.W. Gould Agency, Inc. has been located in downtown DeLand since 1907, originally located on Indiana Avenue. The agency moved to it’s current location on the corner of Rich Ave. and Woodland Blvd. in 1940. DeLand is the county seat of Volusia County.