𝟏𝟗𝟏𝟎 Residents of DeLand, Florida, had no idea how important it would be to their future progress that wealthy Philadelphia hatmaker John B. Stetson, a believer in giving back to one’s community, decided to spend his winters here. Because of that decision, DeLand was one of the first towns to have electricity in its business district, an ice manufacturing plant, and good jobs with unheard-of benefits for workers in Stetson groves, packing facilities and the elegant College Arms Hotel.

DeLand had something to offer Stetson besides a warmer climate, however: New sales outlets, with a growing customer base, like the exclusive V.M. FOUNTAIN AND COMPANY men’s store that opened in a new building, constructed by C.T. Cairns in 1908 on the northeast corner of Indiana Avenue and Woodland Boulevard. In an ad in the October 7 issue of THE VOLUSIA COUNTY RECORD, Victor Fountain, agent in DeLand for the John B. Stetson Co., announced the Fall 1910 line of Stetson special styles of derbies and soft hats.

VICTOR FOUNTAIN, a native of Maryland, was one of West Volusia’s earliest and most successful businessmen. He and his family first came to the area in 1885, staying at the DeSoto Hotel in DeLeon Springs until Fountain joined the management staff of the newly established G.A. Dreka Co. the next year. In the early days he sometimes left his job as dry goods and clothing department manager to help out across the first-floor lobby as desk clerk for the Carrolton Hotel.

When Fountain retired from the Dreka Company in 1903, he founded V.M. Fountain & Co., opening first in a store on the northwest corner of New York Avenue and Woodland before moving to the new building five years later. When Victor died in 1937, Fountain’s store was considered the largest and best haberdashery and shoe store in the area. Victor Fountain, Jr., worked with his father from an early ag, delivering purchases after school for five cents per package. He also delighted in riding around town in the big dray delivery wagons, especially when one of the teamsters would let him drive the horses.

SOURCES: VOLUSIA THE WEST SIDE, published by WVHS; THE DELAND SUN NEWS, Feb. 13, 1937 & Aug. 31, 1937. The Stetson hat ad is reproduced from THE VOLUSIA COUNTY RECORD, Oct. 7, 1910.