Conversations at Conrad with Elisabeth Burgess Nielsen

Elisabeth Burgess Nielsen was said to be the glue that kept her family together, thus assuring the family interests. Elisabeth tells the story of her parents, Arthur and Elisabeth Roe Burgess who came to DeLand in 1916. They purchased 500 acres west of town out near the old railway station, and platted a development which was to be the Gateway of DeLand, called Pelham Square, and built six houses in the Mediterranean style. They also owned the Lexington Hotel. Mrs. Burgess “the quiet philanthropist,” was a major benefactor to the community, financing in 1925, the first hospital in DeLand that served health needs of black residents in the era of segregation – now known as Burgess Pavilion at the DeLand Memorial Hospital and Veterans Museum.
Elisabeth Burgess Nielsen is portrayed by Cheryl Floyd.
Admission $10; $5 for WVHS members.