News!
May 17th
TO ALL MEMBERS
Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, May 17th. We will hold our Annual Members Meeting at 6:30 pm, right before we start the Dark Angel Armory Program. The only item on the agenda is the re-election of the current Board of Directors. Please arrive a little early.
May 4, 2023 - NEWSLETTER
Spring has sprung! We hope your flowers are blooming!
Last month's Paint with Doretha (and Roderick) was sold out and everyone had a great time. The talent in the room was evident in the beautiful paintings created! We can't wait to do it again!
The next day was our very first Art in Founders Park and the weather was beautiful! Doretha and Roderick were joined by Original Highwaymen artist Curtis Arnett, Mary Ann Caroll's daughter Kandi Ingram, and Charles Walker's wife, Gertrude, as well as local artist and artisans; Mimi Botschellar, Teena Gaddo, Bruce Gambill, Valentino of GuruCat, Charles Lewis and Bella the Clown. Thank you to everyone who came to support us!
May is here in all her glory and so are we!
Friday, May 5th, 6 - 10 pm. We will be at Old Town Untapped, be sure to stop by, Robbie will have his vintage aerial photos out and we will have books and Florida Farm Bureau nuts for sale! It's going to be a full moon - - and it's National Astronaut Day and National Space Day! (On this day in 1961 Astronaut Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. was the first American in space. Who's ready to howl?
Saturday, May 13th, 9:30 am - 12:00 noon. Pompano History Tour.
The tour begins at Founders Park, 217 NE 4th Ave. Pompano Beach. You will have time from 9:30 - 10:00 to tour the Kester Cottage Museums before the bus departs at 10:00 am sharp. The tour is two hours and is fully narrated by Pompano's Official City Historian, Dan Hobby.
Tickets for the tour are limited and are $15 per person.
For more information on the tour please call Pat at 954-782-3015
Wednesday, May 17th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. We have a riviting program this month! Shaun and Sylvia Andrassy Williams of Dark Angel Armory will take us through a little of the history of ironworks in Pompano when Clem Hall opened his metal shop and most of his customers were mainly farmers in need of blacksmithing and farm gear. Clem's son moved the operation to Ft Pierce in 2007. In 2017, Shaun & Sylvia brought ironworking back to Pompano. They create incredible iron structures and also have classes at their school right here in Pompano. Check them out here: Dark Angel Foundry and The Guild.
April 22, 2022
Founding member and great friend of the Historical Society, Don Downie passed away on April 22nd with his family by his side. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rose and his family. Services will be held Saturday, May 21st at 1:00 pm at the Pink Church, 2331 NE 26th Ave., Pompano Beach. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 pm at the Sample McDougald House, 450 NE 10th St.
The family requests that those who plan to attend the Celebration of Life would please RSVP to 951-356-5463 before May 18th.
April 10, 2022
We are saddened to share that Earl Clark passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Our thoughts and prayers are with Glenda and his family. Visitation and service will be on Tuesday, April 12th. For more information: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pompano-beach-fl/earl-clark-10701102
OCTOBER 2021 PROGRAM
Our program this month is on Wednesday, October 20 at 6:30 pm. Past-Imperfect: Adventures in Cataloging presented by Todd Bothel.
Todd is the Registrar at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU and has over 25 years of experience in the museum field, mainly dealing with collections. Since January 2021, he has been contracted by the Historical Society to conduct an inventory and catalog the artifacts located in the Kester Cottages. In the process, he discovered some interesting items and information that had been moved and/or forgotten over the years. Join us and hear all about Todd's adventures in the Kester Museums.
This is to be an in-person event at the Hood Center, we will also live-stream. We will have our regular social hour to catch up with friends and neighbors before the program outside and, if numbers allow, move into the Hood Center for the presentation. We ask you to wear masks to protect your neighbors. We look forward to seeing you there! This is free, but please RSVP here: RSVP - OCTOBER PROGRAM
IN MEMORIAM
Florida Highwaymen Artist Willie Daniels passed away after a long illness on September 19. Daniels was one of the original 26 Highwaymen inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004. We send our sympathies to his family. Obituary: WILLIE DANIELS
IN MEMORIAM
Edna Earle Lee Stolar passed away on September 8th at her home after a brief illness. Our thoughts are with her son, Kenny, and family. Obituary: EDNA EARLE LEE STOLAR
IN MEMORIAM
Board Member Claudia Dubois had a tragic death in her family this past June. Her niece, Alisia's husband passed away after a short illness. Our thoughts are with the Gilmour and DuBois families. Obituary: GRAEME GILMOUR
IN MEMORIAM
SARAH ELIZABETH "BETSY" MCDOUGALD BUNTROCK
A native Floridian of Ft. Lauderdale and grew up both in Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach. She attended Pompano Beach Sr. High: Class of 1959. Graduate of the University of Florida, Gainesville in 1963. Earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education. A member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. Worked for The Broward County School District. A McDougald Family Donor and Board Member of the Sample- McDougald House Museum. Betsy was a Member of the First Baptist Church of Pompano Beach and Trinity Lutheran Church of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Married to Marvin F. Buntrock. She is Survived by her son Bryan Buntrock; her sisters: Mrs. Margaret (McDougald) Shadoin, Mrs. Dixie (McDougald) Yonn; her brother William Duncan McDougald, Jr., and many nieces and nephews.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pompano-beach-fl/betsy-buntrock-10169304
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in memory of Sarah Elizabeth (McDougald) Buntrock to:
Pompano Beach Historical Society:
P.O. Box 154
Besty's passing is a great loss to so many in Pompano.
We thank you for your memorial donation in her honor.
Donation in Memory of Betsy Buntrock
IN MEMORIAM
HAZEL ARMBRISTER
We are sad to announce that on March 16, 2021 we had to say goodbye to (Pompano Beach, Florida). Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Hazel Armbrister to show support.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 26th 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the L. C. Poitier Funeral Home (317 NW 6th St, Pompano Beach, FL 33060). A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 27th 2021 at 1:00 PM at the St. Nicholas Episcopal Church (1111 E Sample Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33064)
www.echovita.com
Visitation – Friday, March 26 4 – 8 PMHopewell Missionary Baptist Church890 NW 15th StreetPompano Beach, FL 33060Service – Saturday, March 27 – 1 PMSt. Nicholas Episcopal Church1111 E. Sample RoadPompano Beach, FL 33064Internment –Forest Lawn200 W. Copans RoadPompano Beach, FL 33060
READ THE JANUARY 2021 NEWSLETTER HERE!
THE FLORIDA HIGHWAYMEN ART SHOW & SALE A COVID-TIME SUCCESS!
Thank you to all who came out to the 9th Annual Highwaymen Art Show & Sale!
The Friday night Paint with Doretha was so much fun! We will definitely do it again, hopefully sooner rather than later.
We all stayed safe during the art show; temperatures were taken, masks were worn, the space was perfect for social distancing. It was smaller than usual, but just as colorful and vibrant when filled with Highwaymen art. If you were lucky enough to make the show, you had ample time to view the paintings and talk with the attending artists. Congratulations to everyone who bought a painting, you own a piece of Florida's culture and history.
Congratulations to David & Karen Polett on winning the raffle for an original Al Black painting. Thanks for all your support! Send us picture of you both with it!
And thank you to our sponsors.
We could not do any of this without all of your support!
THE END OF A CENTURY!
We thought we had a plan to save it. Things changed, it did not work out and it appears we ran out of time. Today is a very sad day in Pompano's history. The McClellan Office is gone. Dr. McClellan was Pompano's first doctor. His office was built on the corner of 1st Ave. & 2nd St. in the downtown area in the early 1920's.The building was the first building in Pompano to be built of reinforced concrete. During the 1926 hurricane 6 families took refuge in the office. Dr. McClellan's son, Sterling McClellan flew fighter planes in WWII. He was shot down during a bombing mission in Germany. His plane was never found. The American Legion Post 142 on SW 2nd St. is named after Sterling. The doctor's other son, Bill, was a gunner. He also was shot down, captured and sent to the infamous Stalag-17B POW Camp. Thank you to the McClellan family for their service to Pompano!
MEMORIAM
We are sad to share the following. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
Julia Mae Pridemore
Julia Mae Pridemore passed away on July 24, 2020. She was born on May 4, 1930 in Pompano Florida. In addition to being a mother, homemaker, and loving wife, she was a co-owner with Carolyn Applegate of the "Old Timer Western Store" where she could be found sitting at the sewing machine custom tailoring clothing and creating western outfits for horse shows. She was a proud "Beanpicker" graduate from Pompano High School, and a beauty queen. She was elected "Bean Queen" at the annual Bean and Pepper Jamboree during the 1940's. She was very active in the American Quarter Horse Association and was the Sand and Spurs stable Mom during the weekly horse shows, working the "Chuck Wagon" or wherever she was needed. As a Pompano native, she was very involved in the Pompano Historical Society for many years. Tennessee was her second home and many precious memories were made on the mountain with family and friends. Cooking was her passion and she served it up for family meals, potluck dinners, holiday spreads, and for many grieving families at First Baptist Church of Pompano where she was a member, and for longtime friends in her Old Pompano neighborhood. There was always a pot of something on the stove simmering in her kitchen. Not only was her home the gathering place for family, but she welcomed everyone with open arms for holidays and celebrations. Mom loved to laugh, it was unmistakable and contagious. You were always met with her beautiful smile and a "Hi Shug." Her many southernisms will be lovingly remembered and repeated by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved to tell the story about a time when someone said to her "You can't be from Florida with that southern accent." Her reply was "How much further south can you get?" It was always followed by her contagious laughter. She was proud of her roots and loved her country. She always made sure the American flag was waving on the flagpole in the front yard so she could see it from her rocking chair on the porch. She is loved by all who knew her, and will be remembered for her strength that could move mountains, her reassuring voice that made us feel safe, her big generous heart, her deep unconditional love for her family, the twinkle in her eye, and her beautiful smile and laughter that will be so terribly missed. We were richly blessed to call her Mom, Grandma, and GG. Rest in heavenly peace our precious Mother. Julia is survived by her sons Gene (Carol) Pridemore, Paul (Terri) Pridemore. Her daughters Karen (Keith) Patrick, Denise (Brian)Watson, Donna (Pete) Williams, as well as 16 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, her sister Peggy Shreve, her brother Robert Reynolds, and including many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Merrill Pridemore, her grandson Justin Philip O'Keefe, and twin granddaughters Courtney Lynne and Caris Mae Pridemore. Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date when family members and friends are able to travel and gather together to celebrate her precious life. A private Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday morning (7/29/2020). Flowers will be accepted at Kraeer Funeral Home at Forest Lawn: 200 W. Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064. Donations can be made in her name to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
READ THE 2020 SPRING-SUMMER NEWSLETTER HERE!
MEMORIAM
We are sorry to pass of the following notice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
Allen Merritt was born February 28, 1922 on a houseboat in Norfolk, Virginia. He was the youngest of five siblings. The family migrated to south Florida in 1925 and lived onboard the houseboat during the 1926 hurricane. They were involved in charter boat fishing with a fleet of five boats which operated out of Freeport, New York and Fort Lauderdale on New River, Hillsboro Inlet fishing docks and later at Bahia Mar. It was while he lived in Freeport that he met and married Millie Carlson, who he shared 58 wonderful years, until her passing in 1999. Allen and his brother, Buddy, joined the “Family Business” which was a repair facility for marine vessels in Pompano Beach, FL that their parents had started in 1948. As the business grew, they needed help, so Allen & Buddy gave up their full-time charter fishing to join their parents in the business. It is there where Allen worked up until his passing on May 29, 2020. His life was devoted to his family, his work, fishing and his deep faith in Jesus Christ. His commitment in his faith became the foundation on which all things the family is today. For that we will be eternally grateful.
He is survived by his two children Roy Merritt (Karen) and Fran Pinnell (Lee), two grandchildren, Tara (Jason) & Allen, eight great-grandchildren, Carolyne, Katelyn, Roy III, Lilly, Elycia (Travis), Devin, Allison and Madilyn and three great-great grandchildren, Aiden, Olivia & Elijah. We were blessed as a family to have five living generations.
Donation in Allen’s memory may be made to Highlands Christian Academy, 501 NE 48th Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33064.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and out of respect to the wellbeing of Allen's family and visitors, services were held privately. It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Allen, be sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of his obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website.
MEMORIAM
We are sorry to pass of the following notice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
Frank Hays Furman, Jr., 93, of Pompano Beach, Florida went home to be with the Lord early Sunday morning, May 17, 2020. Furman was born on November 5, 1926, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Helena (Pond) and Frank Hays Furman, Sr. He married Martha Jane Bird on December 8, 1951. He was a very giving man of great faith. He deeply loved his Lord, his family, his insurance family, and his community and was actively involved in and provided leadership to numerous church, community, education, and business organizations.
Furman was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jean Furman Dart. He is survived by his wife, Martha Jane; his sister, Betty Ann Furman McKenzie; three children, June Michel (Bruce) of San Antonio, Texas, Jane DeJong (Dirk) of Lighthouse Point, Florida, and John Furman (Erin) of Pompano Beach, Florida; six grandchildren, Matthew Michel, Drew Michel, Douglas DeJong, Allison Sorenson (DeJong), Frank Lee Furman, and Robert Furman; and three great-grandchildren, Claire Michel, Corinne Michel, and Stella Sorenson.
Furman graduated from Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Economics. He served his country as a member of the Army-Air Force, participating in World War II from 1944 to 1947. He continued as member of the Reserve, returning to active duty in the Korean conflict from 1950 to 1951 and received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1954 with the rank of Lieutenant.
Furman served as Chairman and Executive Officer of Frank H. Furman, Inc., a general insurance agency, which he founded on September 1, 1962, until his retirement in 2012. He built the agency on a foundation of customer service, trust, and giving back to the community. Under his leadership the agency grew to be one of the largest and most respected independent insurance agencies in the southeast. He served as mentor to many and in numerous leadership roles within the insurance industry, including Chairman of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents. Furman received numerous business awards, including the prestigious Mitchell Stallings Memorial Award, which recognized his lifetime of leadership, integrity, and service to the insurance industry.
Furman served as President of the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce and on three advisory committees to the City of Pompano Beach: the Budget Committee, the Charter Committee, and the Economic Development Council. He had a strong commitment to education, resulting in considerable advancement in the re-establishment of Pompano Beach High School and in the expansion of the Blanche Ely High School campus. In 2007, the City of Pompano Beach recognized his volunteer contributions and named Furman the Citizen of the Year.
Furman was a founding Board member of the Florida Shores Bank, which is now Centennial Bank. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of John Knox Village for 31 years and was Chairman of the Board for 25 of those years. During his tenure, John Knox achieved national accreditation and was recognized as one of the best retirement communities in the United States.
Furman was a Trustee of Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida for 30 years. In 1994 he became Chairperson of the Finance Committee and in 2000 Furman was elected Vice Chairperson of the Trustees and Chairperson of the Trustee Executive Committee. In December 2002, Florida Southern College awarded Furman an honorary Doctorate for Public Service in recognition of his 40 years of public service to the community, to the college, and to the United Methodist Church.
Furman was very active in the United Methodist Church at the local, district, state, region, and national levels. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Pompano Beach and served as an usher from the start of his church membership in 1956 to the present. He also served as President of the United Methodist Men's local chapter, Chairperson of the Administrative Board, Chairperson of the Staff-Parish Committee, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, and Chairperson of the Education Committee.
In the Broward-Palm Beach District of the United Methodist Church, Furman served for 30 years on the District Committee on Mission and Church Extension. In addition, he served as a Trustee, member of the District Counsel of Ministries, and other various appointments by the District Superintendent.
Furman was elected a delegate to the Florida United Methodist Church Annual Conference in 1963 and was present at every Annual Conference for the next 43 years. He served as Conference Lay Leader from 1976 to 1980, Chairperson of the Business Advisory Committee from 1980 to1984, member of the Florida Methodist Foundation Board of Directors from 1980 to 1988, and Secretary of the Health Subcommittee of the Conference Board of Pensions from 1968 to 1976. Furman was an ex-officio member of the Annual Conference Council on Finance and Administration Executive Committee from 1980 to 2004.
Furman was selected to represent the Florida Annual United Methodist Church Conference eight times at the Jurisdictional Conference and seven times at the General Conference. During that time he participated in the legislative areas of church discipleship, church administration, and church financial management. Furman was a member of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Council of the United Methodist Church located at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. For more than 50 years, the family enjoyed summer vacations at the lake. But Furman was never one to fully take time off and spent much of his time at the lake engaged in leadership activities and meetings. For the Council, he served as a member of the Finance Committee, Co-Chairman of the Development Committee, Chairman of the Building Committee, and retired as Vice President of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Administrative Council in 2004. General Conference activities at the national level included member of the General Board of Discipleship and the General Council on Finance and Administration from 1988 to 1996.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, a memorial service for Frank Hays Furman, Jr. will be held at a later date when family members and friends are able to travel and gather together to celebrate his life. Memorial donations can be made to John Knox Village, the Lake Junaluska Assembly, or to Christ Church in Fort Lauderdale.
We hope you, your family and friends are all safe and well during this challenging time of COVID-19.
MEMORIAM
We are sorry to pass of the following notice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
Henrietta McClellan
Henrietta Delius McKeen McClellan passed away Saturday, May 9 at Trust Bridge Hospice of Boca Raton following a fall in her home on April 10.
A fifth generation Floridian, Ms. McClellan was born October 10, 1929, in Terre Haute, IN to Joseph Strong McKeen and Aurie Meredith Bernreuter McKeen. She was also a twelfth generation American whose family on both sides had their beginnings in 1607 and 1610 on Virginia's Eastern Shore. On her mother's side of the family, Ms. McClellan was a direct descendent of Thomas Savage who arrived in Jamestowne in January 1607 on the John and Francis. Her great great grandmother, Ester Dennis Savage, moved to Tallahassee, FL in 1830 and married Dr. Lewis Willis from Virginia in 1834. Following his death in 1835, she married Ms. McClellan's great great grandfather, David Porter Hogue in 1838, and he later served as Attorney General of Florida from 1848-1853. He served in the Florida Legislature, was a delegate to the 1865 Convention and was Mayor of Tallahassee.
Ms. McClellan's parents married in Clearwater, FL in 1926. Henrietta's mother returned to Tampa with daughters Henrietta and Meredith and lived with Mrs. McKeen's mother, Aurie Benjamin, on property which is now MacDill Field. Following a move to Clearwater Beach, Mrs. McKeen met and married Josiah Noyes Bacon, Jr. of Boston, MA in 1941. The family then moved to Asheville where Henrietta attended St. Genevieve's of the Pines. The family relocated to Greenwich, CT where Henrietta graduated from Greenwich High School. In 1948, she returned to Florida and settled with her family in Pompano Beach. She met and married her late husband, Robert E. McClellan in August 1949. Bob went into business with his brother Bill McClellan and sister Novice (Marsh) Balazs and in 1953 opened McClellan's Firestone in Pompano, which they operated for more than 20 years.
On her father's side, Henrietta was a fifth generation 'Hoosier.' The McKeens arrived in this country in 1727 and settled in Chester County, PA.
Henrietta was a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Fontenada Chapter; a member and Secretary of the Pompano Beach Board of Trade; second President of the Pompano Beach Historical Society; Director of the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce and received the Woman of the Year award by the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce in 1984. Ms. McClellan was admitted to Life Membership in the Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the USA through her American Ancestor Nathaniel Littleton, son of Sir Edward Littleton of Henley, Shropshire, England. In 2008 she was admitted to Life Membership in the Jamestowne Society through her American Ancestors Edward Waters on her father's side and Thomas Savage on her mother's side.
Henrietta is survived by son, George Sterling McClellan, III (Katherine Barton); brother, Josiah Noyes Bacon of Berkley, CA; nephews Sterling Edward Marsh of Portland, OR; William Mobley McClellan of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; nieces Priscilla Marsh Burch and Bonny Novice Marsh of Hendersonville, NC; and longtime devoted friend Jerry Taylor of Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
MEMORIAM
We are so sorry to pass on the following notice. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Frederick Wilkison Applegate, III, (Ricky), was called Home to Heaven on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Mr. Applegate was 62 years of age.
Ricky was the owner of Southgate Insurance Agency located in Pompano Beach, Florida.
He was preceded in death by wife Stacey, mother of their son Kyle. He is survived by his wife Theresa and sons Kyle (Ally) Applegate, Matthew (Marissa) Knick; Parents Fred and Carolyn Applegate; one sister Cathy (Rick) Marshall; and one brother David; grandchildren Jackson and Carter Applegate; nephew Justin Marshall; nieces Amanda Marshall and Kennedy Applegate.
A family only funeral and interment service was held graveside at Pompano Beach Cemetery on Saturday, April 18, 2020.
Details about a Celebration of Life Memorial for Ricky will be announced soon. This will present the opportunity for Ricky's friends and associates to honor the relationships established by an extraordinary husband, father, son and brother.
Ricky Applegate will be long remembered by everyone who ever intersected with his life!
No services are planned at this time.
To receive notification of services, please click this link: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/subscription/subscribe-user…
READ THE 2020 WINTER - SPRING NEWSLETTER HERE!
2020 WINTER - SPRING NEWSLETTER
Read our 2019 mid-year Newsletter here!
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE FOURTH OF JULY
The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
……...History.com
The City of Pompano Beach will be celebrating July 4th with a Fireworks Extravaganza at the beach!
May Program
'It Happened First in Florida'
* Wednesday, May 16, 2018 * 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm * 217 NE 4th Ave *
We are saddened to pass on the following:
Linda L. Lahr
of Indianapolis & Florida - 80, passed away peacefully, on March 26, 2018. Linda was born March 28, 1937 to the late John C. and Opal O. (Branham) Sanders who preceded her in death. She is survived by her beloved husband, James E. Lahr of 60 years. Daughters, Jennifer L. Adkins (Mike) and Sandra J. Hutzler (John); son, John S. Lahr, Sr (Kathleen); three grandchildren and a host of loving family and friends. Linda was a kind and loving woman who enjoyed traveling, volunteering, spending time with her grandchildren, and entertaining all of her family and friends. Linda will be laid to rest at Washington Park North Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lynn Cancer Institute. C/O Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation. 745 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486. Arrangements entrusted to Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North
Click on the link below to read the January Newsletter
JANUARY NEWSLETTER
CHARLES ELLINGTON, Sr.
Charles Ellington was born in Pompano Beach, Florida, where the E. Pat Larkins Center stands today. His family has been a part of Pompano Beach’s history since before it was incorporated. His grandfather, Tom Baker, arrived in Pompano Beach in May 1908, bartered for land, clearing it and farming. He built wooden houses Obituary on his property and rented them for out to other migrants moving into Pompano. Charles’ father, Julius Ellington, arrived in Pompano in 1918 following service in the Navy as a head cook. He opened a local restaurant; one of the few black-owned restaurants licensed at that time, and was known for providing free meals for those who was hungry. Charles is a product of the Broward County School system, graduating from Blanche Ely High School in 1958. He attended technical school after graduation, receiving a certificate in computers and word processing. He also attended Broward Community College. Charles Ellington worked as a warehouse Manager for H. B. Fuller for over 25 years. He owned and operated an elderly-care center for 20 years. Realizing a need for low-income housing, he established his own rental housing complex and in 2001 incorporated Hawkins Homes, Inc., which builds affordable housing. Mr. Ellington is a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He is an active community volunteer through such organizations as the Pompano Beach Westside Kiwanis, Pompano Masonic #409 Prince Hall Affi liation, SABA Temple #186, where he was elevated to Grand Inspector General 33rd degree of the United Supreme Council. He also mentors young boys from the ages of six (6) to eighteen (18). Charles married his high school sweetheart, Emma. They were parents to ten (10) children who blessed them with 36 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Visitation
Friday, December 15, 2017
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Service
Saturday, December 16, 2017
10:00 am
MT. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
800 NW 8th Avenue
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
954-943-2422
Holiday Party - Wednesday, December 13th 6:30 - 8:30
Please join us for Fun, Food, Friends and Festivities at our annual Holiday Party!
CHRIS MULLON
Christopher Mullon, one of Pompano’s most prolific volunteers and community champions, died on November 19. He was 70.
A former ad man turned nature photographer, Mullon lived with his wife, Katy, in Pompano Beach for more than four decades, serving on numerous civic boards and political campaigns.
Deeply devoted to Katy and his two sons, Jeremy and Lee, Mullon was a loving husband and father who inspired in his family the humble honor of helping others.
A native of Long Island, NY, and a graduate of Cocoa Beach High School, Mullon moved to South Florida in 1970 after earning his advertising degree from the University of Florida. He initially worked in advertising for the Miami Herald, and later opened and ran two advertising agencies in town before he turned to teaching at Pompano Beach Middle and Northeast High for his “second career.”
Known for his honesty, quick wit and keen eye, Mullon became a trusted confidant of local leaders, helping with several city and state campaigns for political office and public support for schools, parks and the arts.
In a 2005 interview with the Miami Herald, Mullon said, “Everyone should give back to their city and the people who live in it. Just think how nice our cities would be if they did.”
For the past two decades, he served on the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board as a member and former chairman. Mullon also was a past president of the Old Pompano Civic Association, a board member of the Pompano Beach Historical Society and a member of the Public Art Committee.
Always an avid swimmer, Mullon was a varsity letterman at UF and member of the 1967 SEC championship swim team. In his civic life, he helped win public support for numerous recreational projects in Pompano Beach, including the city’s Aquatic Center. Mullon also volunteered as a youth swimming and baseball coach.
Later in life, Mullon devoted his spare time to photography, combining Katy’s love of nature and her job as a children’s events coordinator at Broward County Library, into his own hobby. He photographed the library’s annual Storybook Festival and was an unofficial photographer at the historic Sample-McDougald House in Pompano Beach.
Mullon’s photographs and stories also appeared in The Pelican Newspaper and other community publications. But his favorite work was from a boardwalk or the beach, capturing South Florida wildlife or the occasional candid of family members.
In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Fox and Marcia Reilley; brother, Bob Mullon; his daughters-in-law, Christine Mullon and Danielle Mullon; a granddaughter on the way, as well as numerous other in-laws, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Kraeer Funeral Home, 200 N. Federal Highway, on Saturday, December 9. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. leading up to a celebration of life ceremony at 3 p.m. The family suggests the Pompano Beach Historical Society for memorial contributions.
HARVEY CONRAD VILLA
VILLA, Harvey C., Sr., 85, of Pompano Beach, FL went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 13, 2017 following a brief illness. Harvey was the loving husband of 61 years to his wife, Alyce; loving father to three children - Harvey Jr., Melanie DeBeltrand (Pat), and Nancy Kniskern (Rob); loving grandfather to Ashley Fuori (Mike), Matthew DeBeltrand (Haley), Kellen Villa, and Alana and Chase Kniskern; and loving great-grandfather to Lily, Delaney, Ethan and Maggie. Born in Westfield, New Jersey to Guy and Settimia Villa, Harvey graduated from the University of Miami in 1956. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Pompano, the Pompano Beach Historical Society and the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society. Friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Monday, October 16, 2017, followed by a funeral service at 1pm at the funeral home. Interment to follow in Pompano Beach Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Harvey's name. Arrangements entrusted to: KRAEER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, 200 North Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, FL 33062. (954) 941-4111. www.kraeerpompanobeach.net
Helen M. TODD
Funeral Home
Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center200 North Federal Highway Pompano Beach, FL 33062
(954) 941-4111
Saturday, October 21st
The 8th Annual Casino - OKTOBERFEST!
Can we top last year's Casino night? You bet!
Once again we will be at the the historic Bailey Art Center in Old Downtown and we plan to wow you with music, dinner, wine, a biergarten, entertainment, music, raffles and of course the Casino! We have some surprises (and maybe some aces) up our sleeves! 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm; all for $75.00/ person which includes $200 worth of chips to play the tables. Extra chips may be purchased. Your winnings can be used for the raffle gift baskets.
WHEN
October 21, 2017 at 6pm - 11pm
WHERE
BaCA
41 NE 1st St
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Purchase tickets on our Event Page
October 14th
Green Market Grand Opening and Bean & Pepper Jamboree
Grand Opening and Bean & Pepper Jamboree at the Green Market. An Old-Time Jamboree with a bean & pepper ribbon cutting, music, petting zoo, lots of kid's activities, more music, fresh produce, crafts, cooking contest (foods must include bell peppers or green beans) and a Chicken Drop Raffle! Don't miss it. 9:00 am - 1:30 pm. Ribbon cutting at 10:00.
Thursday, October 5th
Preview Reception for The Highwaymen 2nd Generation
Show continues on
Friday, October 6th 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday, October 7th 10:00 - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, September 20th
Annual Covered Dish Dinner
Come and share food, friends and history.
Saturday, September 2, 2017
POMPANO HISTORY TOUR
Tickets for the tour are limited and are $15 per person.
For more information' please call Pat at 954-782-3015
Seating on the trolley is limited to 27 people. Don't be disappointed, purchase your tickets early. Buy tickets right here, just click on the Historic Tour Tickets link and follow the prompts. Pay with a credit card as 'guest' We regret we cannot hold unpaid seats.
In Memory of Jean Blount HOGAN
May 3, 1922 - July 8, 2017
Jean Hogan was born in Pompano Beach Florida and resided in Pompano Beach most of her adult life. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years Mr. G. B. Hogan, Jr.
Mrs. Hogan was a member of the founding families of Pompano Beach family.
She is survived by a Son: Eric Hogan and daughter in law, Ann Hogan of Baton Rouge LA, Daughter: Sharon Lawson and son in law Ed Lawson of Stuart Florida, Grandchildren: Kristin Hogan, Katie Hogan and her husband Zbigniew Zarudzki.
Visitation will be held at Kraeer Funeral Home, 200 North Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, FL 33062, (954) 941-4111 in the chapel, on Saturday, July 22, 2017 from 9:30 am until 10:00 am followed by a service from 10:00 am until 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held immediately following the service at Pompano Beach Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Pompano Beach, FL.
SAVE THE DATE!! OCTOBER 21ST IS CASINO NIGHT! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ANNUAL EVENT.
JULY PROGRAM
Wednesday, July 19, 2017, 6:30 pm
Our speaker will be Emily Marcus, CRA Project Manager. Emily will give an update on the CRA progress and plans for the Old Downtown Area. As always, we will have a social hour with food & drink followed by the presentation. We hope you will be able to join us.
MERRILL EUGENE PRIDEMORE
KEEP STRONG MERRILL!
Please keep Merrill & Julia Mae Pridemore in your thoughts and prayers. Merrill is currently staying at The Woodlands at John Knox Village while undergoing radiation treatment. His family has advised that he does not feel up to guests at this time, but if you would like to send him a card of encouragement and best wishes, please mail to:
ANNUAL MEETING
Wednesday, June 21 - 6:15 pm
The Annual Meeting will be held just prior to the regular meeting on Wednesday, June 21st at 6:15. In compliance with the Society's by-laws, the Nominating Committee will submit the slate of Directors and three current Honorary Directors for election. All active members are encouraged to attend.
JUNE PROGRAM MEETING
Wednesday, June 21st at 6:30 we will hold a Round Table Discussion at the Hood Center. Please join us as we join together to relate stories on Pompano's History. It's a great time to get to know about Pompano as well as your neighbors. Who knows what secrets may be exposed!
We will start with a pot-luck social hour at 6:30, followed by the discussion. We hope you will consider sharing one of your favorite dishes with us (maybe even one you submitted for the Centennial Cookbook). We will supply the beverages ans tableware.
We are keeping the wall of our veterans up through July. If you have pictures of any of your family who served, please send us a photo so we may add them to our wall of honor.
ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEK-END, PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REMEMBER THOSE FROM POMPANO WHO MADE THE GREATEST SACRIFICE.
WORLD WAR I
CUMMING S. REESE
ROBERT WILLIAMS
WORLD WAR II
MARION FUGATE
JAMES GORDON HARDIN JR.
G. STERLING MC CLELLAN JR
HARVEY D. MULKEY
JAMES MULKEY
STANLEY ‘H C’ ROWLETT
VIET NAM WAR
PETER HENRY ALBRIGHT
OLIVER BELL JR
STEPHEN BLANN
THOMAS JOHN BURTON
RONALD GATES CAMPBELL
BRAD DONALD CHRISS
CLYDE TERRY CODY
WILLIAM HARP
ARTIE EUGENE JOHNSON
JAMES FRANKLIN LAMN
IVORY LEE Mc KINNEY
GLEN FREDERICK MERRIHEW
RICHARD HERBERT NALEY
THOMAS FRANK PHILLIPS
DAVID FREDERICK RHODES
RICHARD LEE ROUSSEAU
PHILLIP THOMAS STAHL
FRANK HERBERT THOMAS JR
JOHN ROBERT VANDERZICHT
MAY MEETING PROGRAM
Wednesday, May 17th
Our May Program was held at the Naval Air station Fort Lauderdale. We want to give a big THANK YOU to Director John Bloom, his wife Minerva and all the wonderful volunteers who made the a very special night! John gave a great presentation; we learned so much, not just about the Fort Lauderdale facility, but about how intertwined that airport was with Pompano Air Park during the war. The museum had so much to see, we could not possibly have done it all in one night. So, if you missed this meeting, you will probably have another chance. If you would like to go and see the museum on your own time, they are located at 4000 West Perimeter Rd. just west of the airport. For more information, go to their website: www.nasflmuseum.com/
APRIL MEETING PROGRAM
Wednesday, April 19th at 6:30 pm.
Our speaker will be Pompano local, Paul Hurt. Paul will speak about his dad, who Pompano's first life guard. Please join us, maybe tell a story of your own. Social hour at 6:30 with refreshments and hot dogs, followed by the presentation.
MARCH IS COMING IN LIKE A LION!
March 15th is our monthly program. Join us as original Highwaymen Artist, Al Black gives us insight in what it was like to paint and sell Highwaymen paintings on the hot and unfriendly roads of South Florida.
Starts at 6:30 with food and drinks followed by Mr. Black's presentation at 7:30.
All are welcome.
The Highwaymen are coming back for the 6th Annual Art show.
Join us Saturday, March 18th at 5:30 pm for the Art Preview Reception at the historic Sample-McDougald House.
Meet the artists and view their paintings, stroll the gardens under the stars while listening to the sounds of smooth jazz and be taken back to the times when these iconic artists started the "Indian River School" art movement.
Heavy appetizers with wine, beer and soft drinks.
Only $50.00 per person.
Tickets are limited.
A second chance to view and purchase a Highwaymen original paintings will be on
Sunday, March 19th from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Admission is $5.00 per person, which includes a tour of the Sample-McDougald House.
Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 05:30 PM · $50.00 USD
FEBRUARY PROGRAM
In celebration of Black History Month, we are holding our Wednesday, February 15th program at the Ali Cultural Arts Center.
Ali is proud to present The Life and Legacy of Karl K. Weaver Sr., as part of their Black History Month celebration. This month-long showcase will examine the impact Weaver had on his community as the first African-American commissioner of Pompano Beach. The exhibit will feature photos from both his personal and professional life, along with newspaper articles, artifacts and personal belongings.
We are excited for this opportunity to host our meeting in this historical building that is part of the new Cultural Arts District of Pompano Beach.
The Ali Center will also be recognized on Friday, February 10 at 2:00 as a designated Historic Site. Congratulations Ali & Rock Road Historical!
Ali Cultural Arts Center
353 Hammonville Rd
To get there from the Historical Society, go west on 3rd Street to NW 4th Avenue, turn right. There will be a large parking lot on your right.
Meeting will start at 6:30 pm
Light refreshments and sandwiches will be served.
See you there!
LOTS GOING ON IN JANUARY!
JANUARY PROGRAM
SEMINOLE WAR EXHIBIT ALL MONTH LONG!
Now through the first week in February, Tuesday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm; we will be hosting the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole War Exhibit for the entire month! Come and learn about the great Seminole chiefs and warriors as the Seminole-Miccosukee Tribes celebrate the 200th anniversary of the start of the wars. Even more exciting that we are making history by joining with the Bailey Art Center and the Sample-McDougald House by showcasing three separate but related exhibits. This is the first time three historic and art venues in one city has collaborated in a exhibit like this.
The BaCA (the old Bailey Hotel) is showing photographic images "Florida Seminoles in Postcards' from Ethnohistorian, Patsy West's collection in the Blooming Bean Coffee Shop. The display is opening on Friday, January 6th during Untapped. Stop in and see us to learn all about what we are doing! These incredible images will be open now through February 28th, Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
The Sample-McDougald House exhibit will open on Saturday, January 7th and run on their regular open house times through March 31st. They will be exhibiting 'A History of the Seminole-Miccosukee in Clothing' which features authentic Seminole clothing spanning 1800's up present day. The exhibit is also supplied by Patsy West. Sample Mc-Dougald House's hours are Tuesday - Thursday Saturday 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.
The exhibits as The Historical Society are free to the public; although donations are always welcome. The Sample Mc-Dougald House will charge their normal tour fee of $5.00, which includes the full house tour and the exhibit.
This is an unique opportunity. Make a day and visit all three venues, you could walk them all if you wanted!
DECEMBER HOLIDAY PARTY
The annual Holiday Party is just a week away. Don your festive clothes and join us for a Holiday gathering to remember. The 3 hour cocktail reception will start at 6:30 and will be catered by Eddy’s Chef. Come and join friends and neighbors to celebrate the season.
All are welcome!
A $10 donation is suggested, but not required
NOVEMBER MEETING WITH THE CRA
If you missed November's meeting, Emily has provided a synopsis of her presentation. I think everyone appreciated the interesting and informative program. We hope to have her come and speak again early next year. Thank you again, Emily!
The main takeaway is that the CRA is beginning a series of major projects in the NWCRA district. We are working to rebuild a vibrant and active downtown for the residents of Pompano Beach. We are looking to both the past and the future for inspiration. We are also drawing on the existing strengths and assets in the community, building relationships and partnerships among and between community groups, schools, universities and local businesses. In doing so, we hope to aid in the creation of new job opportunities in Pompano Beach and ensure that our residents have the necessary skills to qualify for these jobs.
'The vision in Old Town and along Hammondville Road is to once again position it as a hub for culture, activity, employment and public gathering. We are expanding on the CRA’s adaptation of the historic Bailey Hotel into its current use as the Bailey Contemporary Art Center, as well as the conversion of the historic Ali Boarding House into the Ali Cultural Arts Center. Recent CRA projects include:
- Completing a new European-style Public Plaza and adjacent parking lot (new permanent home to Green Market) and streetscape improvement projects along MLK Blvd. and in Old Town.
- Exploring creation of more Public Spaces that will continue to prevalence of business attraction efforts like Oldtown Untapped
- Seeking restaurant and culinary tenants, with two new leases already signed (expect grand openings starting in Summer 2017).
- Opening a Public Engagement office directly next to BaCA (37 NE 1st st). Members of the public are encouraged to stop by and talk to CRA staff about any questions they may have about ongoing and future projects. (Early 2017 opening).
- Advertising for linear drainage system and streetscape improvements design services in the Innovation District
- Breaking ground on new residential projects including the recent groundbreaking of City Vista Landmark on MLK Blvd.
- Future programs will include assisting local entrepreneurs through business incubation opportunities.'
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO WERE THERE TO HONOR JUDY
CELEBRATION OF JUDY'S LIFE
Please come and celebrate the life of Judy Knoebel. Judy gave so much to our community and will be missed by many. Please call Pat at 954-782-3015 for more information.
NOVEMBER PROGRAM
November 16th we will welcome Dahlia Baker and Emily Marcus from the CRA to the Hood Center. Emily will give a presentation on the development plans for the downtown area Along Atlantic to I95. This is a unique opportunity to learn the current and future plans for Pompano as well as learn how they will retain the historic aspects of the different areas while transitioning into an Innovation District
JUDY KNOEBEL
OCTOBER 14, 1944 - OCTOBER 25, 2016
We are very saddened to say that friend and Historical Society Board Member, Judy Knoebel passed away last night. She was surrounded by family and dear friends, Linda and Jim. Her hospital room was decorated with paintings of her beloved lighthouse and ocean scenes. Judy will be missed by so many. Our prayers and thoughts are with her family and her many friends around the world.
Following is copied from The Pelican. Thank you Ann Siren for a beautiful tribute.
Judy Knoebel raised the bar as a volunteer
Judy Knoebel, 72, died this week after a short illness. Ms. Knoebel, who retired from a 31-year career with AT&T that spanned New Zealand; Brussels, Belgium; Geneva, Switzerland, and Atlanta, Ga., chose to settle in Pompano Beach. The following is composed from excerpts of a 2013 interview with Ms. Knoebel, who spoke with Pelican Knoebel writer, Phyllis Neuberger. “Volunteering was a way to make new friends and get the feeling of really living in the area. It works well for me, and like most volunteers, I receive more than I give.” Knoebel said after returning from the newly opened-Hillsboro Lighthouse Museum, where she volunteered as manager. This job had not been her first in the volunteer arena. Ms. Knoebel gave tours at the Bonnett House in Fort Lauderdale. “As I drive six visitors around in a golf cart type vehicle, they and I enjoy the 37 acres of nature and watching the people and the monkeys,” she said. The Pompano Beach Historical Society was a natural draw for Knoebel where she served over 10 years as a volunteer and seven years as treasurer of the Society. On Saturday mornings, Ms Knoebel could be found at the Historical Society Green Market tent, greeting visitors with her wide smile. And it was at the tent that she sold Florida farm nuts, jellies and jams to support the Society. She was part of the Society’s team to find and tape oral histories from pioneers. Ms. Knoebel sat on the Pompano Beach Historic Preservation Board, a group that identified, documented and registered historic buildings and places to preserve for future generations. At the time of her interview she had volunteered 1,600 hours at Insight for the Blind as a reader and recorder of magazines and books. Children were also recipients of Ms. Knoebel’s outreach. In conjunction with the Broward Library System’s Prime Time Reading Program, she read to preschoolers. The Pompano Beach Historical Society will host a celebration of life to honor Ms. Knobel. The date has not been announced. Ms Knoebel is survived by two brothers. She is predeceased by a sister.
GET WELL AND BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR JUDY KNOEBEL
Pompano Beach Historical Society's Treasurer and friend to many, Judy in in hospital at North Broward Medical Center after surgery of a fractured hip. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
We also would like to send Birthday Wishes to her on her birthday Friday October 14. Happy Birthday Judy!
OCTOBER'S PROGRAM
Please join us Wednesday, October 19th at 6:30 for our monthly program. This month Whitney Metevia, President of the Pompano Beach Rotary Club, will be speaking on the history of this charitable organization. They support many worthwhile causes both at home and internationally. The Pompano Beach Rotary Club is unique in that it was chartered in the midst of the Great Depression when all had nothing. But the first members knew that for our community to survive they needed to band together.
You can read a full history written by Whitney's father, Tom Johnston, here:
www.directory-online.com/Rotary/Accounts/6990/Downloads/4472/Our%20History.pdf
And don't forget about the amazing Haunted House the Rotary Club hosts at the Sample-McDougald House! Maybe we'll hear a few ghost stories too!
For ticket information on the Rotary Club's Haunted House go to their website: www.pompanobeachrotary.com/
CASINO IN RIO
Casino night was a great success. A good time was had by all. The food by Eddy's Chef Catering was delicious! The Caipirinha's made by Tara were amazing! The show by SambaLa was exciting! Thank you to all out wonderful sponsors, guests, volunteers and the Board of the Pompano Beach Historical Society who made it all possible.
We would also like to give a nod to Paulo Gualano The photo of the three beautiful Samba dancers are from his dance group Bateria Unidos de Miami and was taken at last year's Brazillian Fest.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1ST @ 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm
CASINO NIGHT IN RIO
Pompano Beach Historical Society will be hosting its 7th annual fundraiser on Saturday October 1st. In honor of the Olympic Games, this year’s theme is ‘Casino Night in Rio’. The party starts at 5:30 with a Caipirinha, Brazil’s national drink, followed by an authentic Brazilian dinner buffet. The guests will then move to the street for a spectacular live Brazilian show. After the show, the patrons may move to the west gallery for coffee and dessert or move straight to the second floor casino.
Tickets are only $75.00 per person and include 200 chips to be used on the gaming tables. Your winnings can then be used towards winning gift baskets that will be on display. Extra chips will be available for purchase. There will also be an auction with some special items to be won by the highest bidder.
For more information please call Pat at 954-782-3015
To purchase tickets online, click on Event Calendar at the top of the home page and click on Casino Tickets
To sponsor this exciting event, please call Tom McMahon at 954-709-8678
or email [email protected]
Casino in Rio
Who: Pompano Beach Historical Society
What: Annual Fund Raiser
Where: Bailey Contemporary Art Center
41 NE 1st St., Downtown Pompano
When: Saturday, October 1, 2016 @ 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Dress: Festive
Limited Seating. Don't wait to purchase your tickets! You do not want to miss this event!
SEPTEMBER 21ST PROGRAM
from the Sun-Sentinel, September 6, 2016
HELEN LANDERS, FORMER BROWARD COUNTY HISTORIAN, DIES AT 93
Regardless of the topic, Helen Landers seemed to know it all about Broward County and was a go-to source for history buffs for decades.
Landers, the county's second and last official historian, died at her Fort Lauderdale home on Sunday, according to friends and family. She was 93.
"She was a delightful person," said Dan Hobby, the former director of the both the Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach historical societies. "First of all, she had the most delicious sense of humor. She could be talking about history or government or a public event and people would be laughing. She oftentimes seemed irreverent. But she was very serious about history."
Landers became the county's second official historian in 1990 for the Broward County Historical Commission, which reported directly to the County Commission. As historian, she organized oral histories, presentations of pioneers, she ran luncheons where she'd lecture on various topics, and was a resource "for anything to do with the history of the county," said Steve Glassman, former chairman of the historical commission. "She was the go-to person of the history of Broward County."
For the time she was there, it was a job her family and friends said she adored. "I've lived in Broward County a long time and I've seen a lot of history and lived a lot of history," Landers told the Sun Sentinel in 1990, when she was considered for the $7,000-a-year job.
Landers' family moved to Fort Lauderdale from Springfield, Ill., in 1926, in a trip that took days, puttering along in a Model T Ford. There were no roadside motels, no fast-food restaurants. The family slept in tents pitched by the side of the road or in tourist camps. Landers was 3.
They arrived in October 1926, as South Florida was mopping up from the Sept. 17 hurricane that had killed hundreds.
She told the Sun Sentinel in 1999 that her early memories were of adventure. "You woke up feeling that every day was a new day here and anything could happen," she said.
Landers studied education and history, receiving a bachelor`s degree from Florida State University and a master`s degree from Baylor University in Texas.
She was the principal at the now-closed Fern Hall Private School in Fort Lauderdale, the city's first private school, which her mother had built, and before her county appointment was director of education at the First Methodist Church in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
When she drove her children around town, they'd often get a history lesson.
"Mom just loved history and she loved Fort Lauderdale and Broward County," said her son, James Landers. "She watched it from its infancy and its development over the years. She got underneath the surface and talked about the interesting facets and parts. She knew where all the bones were buried."
In 2010, during the economic downtown, the agency lost its independence and reported to the county's library director instead. In 2013, her job was eliminated to pay for a new library digitalization program. In 2014, the agency was disbanded and replaced with the Broward County Historic Preservation Board. "There is still no county historian," Glassman said. "She was most valuable. She was one of a kind."
In addition to her son James Landers, of Tampa, Landers is survived by her husband of 70 years, R.L. Landers; son Robert Landers, of Lawrenceville, Ga.; one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
[email protected] or 954-572-2008
VisualEYES Program
SAVE THE DATE! CLEAR YOUR CALENDAR FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1. IT'S GOING TO BE A CASINO NIGHT LIKE YOU NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE!
MARY CRAMER MICKLER
LEON 'BABE' WALTON
We are sad to tell you that long time Pompano resident Leon 'Babe' Walton passed away on July 3 surrounded by his family. The family will have a private service at a later date. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Walton and Whitsett families.
JUSTIN O'KEEFE
Pete William's nephew, Justin O'Keefe, lost his battle with cancer early this morning.
Justin was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2014. He had emergency surgery in May of that year and had been undergoing rigorous radiation and chemotherapy treatments since then.
Pete and Justin's family thanks all of you for all for your prayers, blessings, and good thoughts.
Justin with his sister, Natalie
*****NEW INFORMATION ON THE JUNE PROGRAM*****
We will meet at the Hood Center between 5:00 - 5:30 to board the bus at 5:45. Please do not be late. You will not be allowed entry to the Lighthouse unless you are on our list.
June’s program is a Sunset Tour of the Hillsboro Lighthouse . Due to a scheduling conflict, the date has been pushed back a week to Wednesday, June 22 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. There will be a charge of $10.00 per person. This is to help cover costs, including bus transportation to and from the Hood Center to the Lighthouse. We will also have one of the Lighthouse cottages available for our use. There will be no parking available at the Lighthouse, we will meet at the Hood Center; the bus will depart the center at 5:45. If you need to make arrangements for Handicapped Parking we will need the information as soon as possible. Due to space and to ensure everyone will get a chance to tour the Lighthouse, we need to limit this program to members and cap the count at 50 persons.
The Lighthouse was first illuminates in March 1907 following a 4,000-mile trip through part of the waterway known as 'The Great Loop’ The original light was an incandescent Oil Vapor Lamp (similar to a “Coleman Mantle Lamp”) in a revolving Second Order Fresnel Lens. A Lighthouse (head) keeper and two assistant keepers kept the light lit. In 1932 the light was electrified with three 250 watt bulbs which were replaced in 1966 with one 1,000 watt increasing power to 5.5 million CP and a range of 28 NM. The light is the only working Fresnel lens in the world.
The lighthouse's nickname is Big Diamond due to the structure’s distinctive shape of glass outside its lantern room.
ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY WE REMEMBER THOSE FROM POMPANO WHO MADE THE GREATEST SACRIFICE.
WORLD WAR I
WORLD WAR II
VIET NAM WAR
MAY PROGRAM
Unfortunately we had to cancel our May program due to the flooding of our parking lots and the streets adjacent. We were all disappointed. We plan to show the movie another, maybe after the rainy season over ;). We will let you know when.
Josephine M. Whitworth
WEDNESDAY MEETING PROGRAM - MAY 18
MOVIE NIGHT
Bring your lawn chair or use the chairs in the Hood Center. For our May program. We will be sitting in the park under the stars while watching “Safe at Home”, a 1962 filmed right here in Pompano Beach (and Ft. Lauderdale). The movie stars base-
ball greats; Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris and William Frawley (you probably know him better as Fred Mertz). Prizes for those who can identify the most Pompano locations in the movie. A big thanks to Bruce for suggesting this great program!
Social starts at 7:00 pm with Ballpark Hot Dogs, Popcorn and CrackerJacks!
Movie starts at sunset: 8:01 pm
SAMPLE-MCDOUGALD HOUSE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Join in the Centennial Celebration the of the Sample-McDougald House with a "down home" gala. Entertainment, beverages, and lavish BBQ cooked on site by Porky & Beth. Silent art auction and live auction by guest auctioneer Mayor Lamar Fisher -- win a ride for two on the Goodyear Blimp or a long weekend at A Tranquil Landing in Hopetown, Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas. Tickets are $100. and must be purchased in advance. Go to samplemcdougaldhouse.com to purchase tickets.
SUNDAY MAY 15 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The celebration continues on Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm with Family Day. Bring the family for hands on activities, pony rides, petting zoo, arts and craft demonstrations and more. Admission $10. with children 12 and under FREE. We will have a booth in the pavilion showcasing some interesting memorabilia and delicious goodies for sale from the Farm Bureau from Pompano's history. Stop by and say hi! No reservation required.
JOHN W. ROBERTSON, SR.
Born and raised in Pompano Beach, FL, passed away on February 17, 2016, in Fayetteville, Ga at the age of 80. He was born to the late Mary Christine and George Ervin Robertson. He was a Beanpicker, class of '55 and served two years in the U.S. Army. John retired from FPL after working there for over 20 years. He was a founding and lifetime member of the Fort Lauderdale Coin Club. John is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jackie Robertson; his children, Nancy, Gail, John, and Frances; grandchildren, Barry, Jr., and Julie; and sister, Jeanette. John was preceded in death by brothers, Jim and Ervin, and sisters, Harriet and Dorothy.
A memorial gathering will be held on MONDAY, May 2, 2016, from 4-5 p.m. followed by a service from 5-6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church - CHAPEL in back (210 NE 3rd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33060).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's memory to the Pompano Beach Historical Society. http://www.pompanohistory.com/in_memory_of_john Or mail check to: Pompano Beach Historical Society, PO Box 154, Pompano Beach FL 33061. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sunsentinel/obituary.aspx?n=john-w-robertson&pid=179720233#sthash.p11GPKLy.dpuf
EVELYN CURRAN
Sympathies are extended to Tom Curran on the loss of his mother, Evelyn Curran. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom and his family.
E.L. "BUD' GARNER
JANUARY 16, 1927 - APRIL 21, 2016
Service Information
ART IN HOUSE at Sample-McDougald House with Lee Krull
Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 5:30 to 8 pm
Artist Lee Krull is a self-taught Florida artist who has worked as a commercial artist as an illustrator and layout artist for 35 years. Since 2011 she has been creating fine art working in oil and watercolor. She has exhibited in juried art shows and won awards from Ft. Lauderdale to Jupiter. She has also received a grant for art in public places and has been commissioned for her work. For more about the artist see www.leekrull-artist.com.
Art will be available for purchase during the exhibit and will remain on display throughout the month of May. Light refreshments will be served. A $5.00 admission applies.
"Chasing Tail"
JOHN ROBERTSON
Donations may be made at our website:
http://www.pompanohistory.com/in_memory_of_john
or mail check to:
PO Box 154, Pompano Beach FL 33061
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
MARION FAY KESTER
Kester, Marion Fay of Lighthouse Point, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 4, 2016 at John Knox Health Center. She was born July 11, 1928 in Bridgeport, CT. She married Stewart Randolph Kester on September 23, 1950 in Devon, CT. Fay and her husband Stewart settled in Pompano Beach, FL in 1955 where they resided until 1970 when they moved to Lighthouse Point. Fay was a member Pompano Beach Historical Society and active in the Pompano Beach Exchange Club with husband Stewart. She devoted countless hours volunteering at the First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach by serving as a deacon. She will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church or ALS Association Florida Chapter 3242 Parkside Center Circle Tampa, FL 33619
See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sunsentinel/obituary.aspx?n=marion-fay-kester&pid=179528447#sthash.7B7oRekt.dpuf
MONTHLY MEETING - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016 - 7:00 PM
The speaker for our April 20th meeting has been confirmed! We will have a presentation by Sally J. Ling at the Hood Center. Ms Ling is an author living in the South Florida area. She has written hundreds of articles for South Florida magazines and was a special correspondent for the Sun Sentinel for four years. She will discuss her latest book, 'Al Capone's Miami: Paradise or Purgatory.' She will will have copies of her book available for purchase.
To learn more about 'Florida's History Detective' visit her website: http://sallyjling.org
He leaves his wife of 56 years, Joyce (Harper) Vinkemulder; his son, James "Jim" Vinkemulder of Coconut Creek, daughters Linda "Harper" Vinkemulder of Boston, MA; Carol Ann Vinkemulder-Hamel and her husband, Paul, of Coconut Creek. He was predeceased by his son John "Jack" Vinkemulder.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rotary Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 94, Pompano Beach, FL 33061, in memory of Neal Vinkemulder.
FLORIDA REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES - TUESDAY MARCH 22, 2016 - 6:00 PM
The Pompano Beach Historical Society's Jerry Bowman presented the City Commission a plaque of the 14 recognized sites on the Local Register of Historic Places at the Commission Chambers on March 22. Two of the sites are also listed on the National Register* - The Indian Burial Mound and The Sample-McDougald House.
Our friends and 'historical' neighbors at the Alice B & JD Butler House are having their annual fundraiser dinner this Thursday, March 24.
OUR SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF WILLIAM JAYCOX.
William Dickson Jaycox
The name is synonymous with Pompano Beach; if you need or want to know anything about the history of the city, he's the man to go to. For that matter, anywhere in Broward County. He may have retired but luckily for the Sample-McDougald House and the Historical Society he plans to still be available to share the wealth of knowledge garnered over a forty plus year career as a historian, historical society's and museum's director and an author.
Dan's retirement was an impressive event held at the Sample-McDougald House and the city turned out in force, including the Mayor, to honor him for his service to the City of Pompano Beach. If it wasn't for him, there might not have been a Sample-McDougald House to hold his party. He was instrumental in the move and refurbishment of the house in 2001.
Originally from St. Petersburg, FL, Dan moved to Pompano Beach in 1979 after completing his Master of Arts in History at University Of Florida. He taught at Broward Community College, then moved on to become the Executive Director of the Ft. Lauderdale Historical Society, the Pompano Beach Historical Society and until his retirement, the Sample-McDougald House Preservation Society.
As both a historian and author he has published books on Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point and Fort Lauderdale, as well as writing articles for the most of the local papers and magazines.
I think I can speak for all in wishing Dan all the best in his retirement and his "new position" coaching his granddaughter's soccer team.
SAMPLE-MCDOUGALD HOUSE HOUSE PRESERVATION SOCIETY'S ANNOUNCED THEIR NEW DIRECTOR
'WHAT'S YOUR STORY' HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBIT AT THE BAILEY CONTEMPORARY ARTS BUILDING
HILLSBORO LIGHTHOUSE 109th BIRTHDAY
On Sunday, March 6, the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society celebrated the 109th anniversary of the Hillsboro Lighthouse and unveiled the new Florida Historical Marker, dedicated to all the local lighthouse keepers. The weather could not have been better. If you missed the birthday celebration there are plenty of chances left to receive your award for surviving the 175 step climb to the top of the lighthouse.
The Lighthouse was first illuminates in March 1907 following a 4,000 mile trip through part of the waterway known as 'The Great Loop' The original light was an incandescent Oil Vapor Lamp (similar to a “Coleman Mantle Lamp”) in a revolving Second Order Fresnel Lens. A Lighthouse (head) keeper and two assistant keepers kept the light lit. In 1932 the light was electrified with three 250 watt bulbs which were replaced in 1966 with one 1,000 watt increasing power to 5.5 million CP and a range of 28 NM. The light is the only working Fresnel lens in the world.
The lighthouse's nickname is Big Diamond due to the structure’s distinctive shape of glass outside its lantern room .
The Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation and the United States Coast Guard work together to preserve and promote this historic landmark.
MARCH 16TH MEETING
Our March meeting will be on Wednesday, March 16. Doretha Hair Truesdell will be our speaker! Ms Truesdell is the widow of Alfred Hair, and the sister of Carnell Smith, both original Florida Highwaymen. She will speak on what it was like to have the birth of the Highwaymen Movement take place in her own back yard. A Highwaymen artist herself, she will also show her own paintings in The Florida Highwaymen Exhibit and Art Sale at the Sample-McDougald House, which is also celebrating their Centennial year! We will be back home, at the Hood Center for this meeting. 7:00 pm social with refreshments followed by Ms. Truesdell's presentation.
THE FLORIDA HIGHWAYMEN ARE COMING BACK TO THE SAMPLE-MCDOUGALD HOUSE
The Florida iconic landscape painters are returning to the Sample-McDougald House with hundreds of original paintings for display and sale.
Hosted by the Pompano Beach Historical Society and the Sample-McDougald House Preservation Society
For more information call 954-961-5686 or 954-782-3015
POMPANO BEACH LOCAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
The Pompano Beach Historical Society will present a plaque listing the 14 Registered Historic Places located in Pompano to the City Commission on March 22 at 7:00 pm. All are welcome to attend.
GREEN MARKET
TROLLEY TOURS
The March Trolley tour is sold out, but still have seats for other dates and they are still only $15.00 per person.
Tour starts at the Pompano Beach Historical Society at Founder's Park where you can tour the Kester Cottages from 9:00 until boarding the bus at 10:00. The two-hour narrated tour will include the Sample-McDougald House, Old Downtown, the Hillsboro Lighthouse Museum as well as a number of 'hidden' historic sights. Still have company from up north?
POMPANO PIONEERS: