Monday 10 February 2014

The Past Of Delray Beach In Florida

Posted by Unknown at 15:03
By Jony Mozen


The land where the beautiful city of Delray now occupies had no recorded human activities as revealed by the early history of Delray Beach till the 1870s when there were reports of the then governor of Florida by the name William and his wife Sara Gleason buying significant portions of land in the area where the city now occupies. 1876 saw the United States of American Life-Saving Services construct the Orange Grove House in the area. Other than for refugees use, the building was meant to be a rescue center for the victims of a ship wreck.

Some African-American settlers took up farming as the economic activity at the west of the House of Refugees in 1884 and this was followed up by building of the first school in the area in 1894 in Linton as it was known by then. A Michigan postmaster by the name Linton bought large tract of land which he started to farmers. The success in farming attracted the attention of Henry Flagler who built a rail track and a station for Florida East Coast Railroad in the area in 1896 to support agriculture.

This coastal land started attracting people at around 1894 to 1990 when it was thronged by diverse group of settlers who wanted to build a new community. The pioneers were after freedom, adventure and the economic opportunity that naturally existed in this place. Historically speaking, the population of Delray has been quite distinct in respect to their early interest in art, education, religion, love for sport and the general bond in the community.

The town was named Delray, meaning (Of the King) in Spanish as recorded by books narrating Delray Beach Florida history in 1898 when William Linton left the town after having suffered heavily losses resulting from extremely cold winter that left many crops dead. The town was later on officially chartered in 1911 in Florida.

With the booming agriculture and fishing in the area, the economy took a turn for better when tourism and real estate became the focus in 1920s. There was construction of major hotels and other modern infrastructure including roads and decent houses.

The merger with the beach at east coast of Florida saw the town adopt the name the City of Delray Beach. It was not however complete till 1927 when it expanded further to cover area at the east and west of Canal with the retention of the name Delray Beach City. The city now prides itself with the sparkling resort town of a thriving winter colony.

With such a humble historical background, the city now bride itself with the best beach resorts, hotels and restaurants United States has to offer. There are several historical sites within this 15.37 square miles land mass with historical sites such as the Elementary School and High School of Delray built in 1913, the Cason Cottage of 1915, Marina Historic District completed in 1943 and not forgetting the famous Orange Grove of 1876 among others.

The city was heavily guarded during the Second World War as the citizens volunteered to watch the beach 24 hours a day with the assistance the patrolling military personnel. After this world war, the vibrancy of the city went a notch higher with prominent figures patronizing restaurants with polo games at the Gulf Stream and Polo Ball in Boca Raton attracting big names.

Navigating through the early history of Delray Beach leaves one with amusement and a burning desire to explore what this heaven on earth has to offer. It goes without saying that joining the wonderful community of Delray is the lifetime gift an individual can give to himself and his family.




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