By the 1950s, DeLand had survived the lean years of the Great Depression and could be proud of the sacrifices its residents made along with their fellow citizens across the nation during World War II.

Central Florida, as in the rest of the country, was ready for a little celebration.

The 1950s saw new items in the stores. People had saved their money during the war and were ready to spend it. They were in the mood to throw out the old antique furniture and get new chrome and plastic. The first subdivision since the 1920s, and shopping centers were built. GI loans were available and veterans took advantage of them. The City of DeLand gave free lots to any veterans living in the city with the stipulation that they had to build on them within one year.

On the DeLand airport, Florida Military School opened in 1956 in some of the old Naval Air Station buildings.

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