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Mrs. Strickland's books were a primary source of information for the history of Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens.  We are deeply indebted to her for her years of research and work.  Without her literary contributions, the information presented on this website would be far less comprehensive and accurate.  For her dedication, we thank her.

City remembers historian and author Alice Strickland

The local historian who once said she lived in the past will be remembered by future generations for bringing history alive. City leaders and residents honored the memory of Alice Strickland, 91, who died August 5 [2003] at Coquina Center, leaving a legacy of books and stories about the history of Ormond Beach.

“She made our history come alive and made us appreciate our past,” said Mayor Fred Costello, who honored her memory with an official proclamation from the city. “That helps all of us to build a better future.”

Strickland’s family came to Ormond Beach in 1921 from Handsworth, Birmingham, England when she was nine years old. She attended Corbin Elementary and Seabreeze High School. After graduating from business school, she worked at the local library and became interested in the many stories of early Ormond Beach.

In 1934 she married Cary Strickland and they had two sons, Cary and Carl. Strickland spent the rest of her life as the city's leading historian, writing four books and many articles, narrating an upcoming video history, serving as museum curator at Tomoka State Park and visiting countless classrooms and civic groups with stories about the history of Ormond Beach.

Excerpted from The City of Ormond Beach's bi-monthly newsletter, "Community Update", Volume 4, Issue 4, July-August 2003.