{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Walk With a Doc February 16, 2026 - The BeLoved of DeLand","description":"The BeLoved of DeLand 1. Victor Montrose Fountain Jr. (1897\u20131980) The Identity: A pillar of local business and a WWI veteran. Legacy: Owned the V.M. Fountain Company and led the Volusia Fruit Company during the height of the orange industry. Community Impact: Served as President of the DeLand Chamber of Commerce and Director at Barnett Bank. He believed that a strong town is built by neighbors who show up and serve. 2. Alva Cora Callaham Williams (1892\u20131991) The Identity: DeLand\u2019s "oldest realtor" and a pioneer for women in business. Legacy: Opened her real estate firm in 1924 and served as the city\u2019s official hostess and recreational director starting in 1927. Community Impact: A fierce advocate for women\u2019s leadership, she was a state achievement award winner and a lifelong member of the Garden Club and Business & Professional Women\u2019s Club. 3. Erskine Weaver Landis (1900\u20131967) The Identity: A distinguished attorney and dedicated "brother" in local fellowships. Legacy: A Stetson University graduate who shaped local law through the Volusia County Bar Association. Community Impact: Deeply involved in the Elks and Shriners, he balanced the rigor of the courtroom with a love for camaraderie and charity, serving as Grand Exalted Ruler. 4. Virginia Conrad (1893\u20131983) The Identity: A philanthropist and the "heart" behind downtown development. Legacy: Alongside her husband Austin, she helped develop the physical landscape of downtown DeLand. Community Impact: Focused on "quiet giving." She believed prosperity was meant to be shared, supporting churches and charities to ensure the town flourished for generations to come. ","author_name":"Podiatry Doc Talk","author_url":"http:\/\/podiatrydoctalk.com","html":"