Introduction

“Sid and Angela Undercover” takes place in Volusia County, Florida specifically in Ormond Beach, where history is ever present.  The “Ormond Kids”, as they become known, are brought together in several adventures that uncover many historic consequences.  Throughout these exciting journeys, early Ormond history is presented and fascinating events unfold.  This historical-fiction work will entertain children of all ages and generate enthusiasm for our past and our future in the minds of our children and adults who help them grow. 

Chapter 1 

A Saturday Morning Journey

“I’m bored silly,” Sid announced, “summers here and I don’t have a thing to do… Angela shot Sid a big-sister-look that would melt an iceberg in Alaska. It was Friday night dinner with Sid and Angela’s family (the Simpson’s) seated around the dining room table talking about what they had seen and done during the day. 

 Little Sid, considered small for his age,  was in the third grade now and with summer here, was thinking more about exploring the new neighborhood than anything else. 

Grandma J was a welcomed guest at the Friday night family gathering and had walked over earlier to help her daughter (Sid and Angela’s Mom) prepare dinner.

Even though they had visited Grandma J several times over the years, their recent move to Ormond Beach from Connecticut brought them much closer together. Angela, very pretty and mature for her age, a few years older than Sid, was looking forward to attending classes at The Casements.

Grandma J, who lived in Ormond Beach along Riverside Drive for many, many years, made arrangements for both grandchildren to attend summer classes at The Casements, even though Sid wasn’t too thrilled with the scheduled Chess class.  How exciting can that be for a nine-year old boy? Sid wondered.

Angela was especially interested in the Florida History Art class The Casements was having and was really excited about visiting several sites within walking distance of The Casements for their art assignments.  Grandma J mentioned that this program was very successful in previous years and that she helped inspire it because her dear friend Miss Mary taught the art classes.

Both Sid and Angela were looking forward to the planned family trip to the Daytona Beach museum next weekend to explore the museum galleries and to see the great Florida Ground Sloth.  On permanent exhibit at the museum, the Sloth was carefully excavated just a few miles away.

 “One day I want to explore the original site,” Angela told everyone, “because I might work at the museum some day,” she added.

“That would be wonderful Angela,” Grandma J quickly answered, “then we could all learn more about our pre-history and how the area was settled.”

“You – work!” Sid interrupted without concern for Angela’s feelings, “that’ll be the day,” he said as he became very aware of the stern looks coming in his direction.

Sid slumped down into his chair, slightly embarrassed.   Angela shot him another “big sister” look that sealed his fate. Sid had spoken unkindly about his sister and would surely pay a price for the remainder of the evening. Angela didn’t have to say a word.  Sid had been rude and she would remind him about it for the rest of the evening, maybe even extract an apology before their bedtime.

As the conversation drifted from topic-to-topic, Mrs. Simpson mentioned that she made reservations on the Ormond Beach Trolley Tour for Saturday morning.  “I talked to Mr. Carlson, the Trolley Guide, and he said there would be several kids on board from the neighborhood because they belong to the Ormond Kids Club he started last summer.”  Grandma J was coming too, and they would see first hand many of the historic sites right here in their own neighborhood. This announcement got everyone’s attention as family discussions centered on how much fun this new adventure would be.

Mr. Simpson had some repairs to make around the house Saturday morning and wouldn't be with the family on the trolley tour. "I do want to hear about everything you see,” Dad said, as he looked around the table to make sure everyone heard him above the family chatter.

"Have you been on the trolley tour before?" Sid asked Grandma J quizzically.

"Certainly have, many times," Grandma J replied, "and it’s always a pleasure to see the historical places I grew up with, right here in Ormond Beach."

"Is it really an old fashioned trolley?" Angela asked without looking up,

Grandma J smiled as she whispered to Angela, "No dear - it's a modern bus made to look like an old fashioned trolley." It won't be long before you think it is just like the original.  The wooden seats and the old-fashioned windows give it character,” she added with a knowing smile.

A tapping spoon on a water glass got everyone’s attention. "Anybody ready for dessert?  There's a fresh baked apple pie still warm in the oven and some vanilla ice cream for the top,” Mom said with a wink and fond glimmer in her eyes.

"I am!" Sid said excitedly.

As she rounded the corner into the kitchen, Mrs. Simpson was sure  everyone had saved a little room for Grandma J's famous apple pie - it had become a tradition for Friday night family dinner, you know……….