Hawtense Conrad
(1923-2000)

Died aged c. 77

Hawtense Conrad, born in 1923, bought the Henry DeLand House in 1988 and donated it to the city of DeLand to house the collection of the West Volusia Historical Society. She also donated furniture and her time to both the DeLand House and the Stone Street Museum. She helped to establish the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum and rebuild the old African-American hospital located in Bill Dreggors Park. In 1997, she donated funds to build the Robert M. Conrad Research and Educational Center in her husband’s honor. She was generous to organizations involving children and the handicapped. She belonged to the Polish American Pulaski Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Settlement for the Creative Arts, and the Lake Beresford Garden Club. She was also a charter member of Women of the Moose. In 1999, she was named "Philanthropist of the Decade" by the West Volusia Historical Society and West Volusia Citizen of the Year by the DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club. She was also awarded the George Schildecker Philanthropy Award by the Volusia County Trusts and Estates Council. Hawtense Conrad died in 2000.

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