As the tourist trade developed, the town became known as a less hectic version of nearby Palm Beach. By the time Delray was ready for incorporation, it had developed to the point where it was seriously considered as the county seat for the yet to be formed Palm Beach County.
No one was surprised when the Sterling family offered to donate the land and build the county courthouse near the center of Delray. Inspired by her parents, Ethel Sterling participated in every aspect of local life, including deep involvement in the farming and family businesses. When her father built the first canning factory, Ethel started delivering loads of construction lumber by mule wagon when she was only thirteen years old. When duty called neighboring parents away from home, Ethel was the most reliable babysitter in town.
She attended primary school in Delray but did not matriculate to high school because travel to the nearest school, in West Palm Beach, would have taken away time for chores. Taking special courses, she was accepted at Wesleyan College for Women in Macon, Georgia, where she graduated with a degree in education.
As a young adult, Ethel became a very popular school teacher and later, manager of the Casa Del Rey Hotel on Atlantic Avenue, built by her father during the Land Boom of the s. She was an accomplished musician from early childhood.
She was so admired by Flagler that he once presented her with a self-portrait. Ethel remained active in Delray Beach another name change, in for the rest of her life. In , she co-founded the Delray Beach Historical Society and served as its first president. She espoused many social causes, including opposition to the Ku Klux Klan and equal opportunity for all citizens.
Her husband, Dr. William C. Williams Jr. God grant that America keeps this same spirit. Whether it be a city, a state or a country, we rely on the vision and strength of the founders to establish strong roots. Delray Beach has experienced ups and downs since settlement and incorporation, but the ideals established by the likes of the Sterling family have endured.
Ethel Sterling and Rae Hunt became close friends. Ganger serves as President of the Florida Coalition for Preservation, a Delray-based non-profit corporation. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Visit: N. Monday 10 am — 4 pm Tuesday 10 am — 4 pm Wednesday 10 am — 4 pm Thursday 10 am — 4 pm Thursday 10 am — 4 pm Friday 10 am — 4 pm Saturday 10 am — 4 pm Sunday Closed.
Back to all. Delray Beach: A Sterling Century. March 18, This article was originally published in the Fall issue of Tustenegee. The author, Robert W. Lightly edited for publication. By Robert W. Courtesy Delray Beach Historical Society. That land is now known as Del Ida Park Subdivision. The railroad and the local depot were essential for the farming economy and the growth of the town. Olive Baptist Church, was established.
It was established by African American settlers. This school was located at the site of what is now Old School Square. This small group of women spearheaded many projects such as a cemetery, the public library, Atlantic Avenue improvements, and a town hall.
In later years, their wives and children and some of their relatives and friends joined them including George Morikami for whom the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach is named for which he donated more than acres of land. Roy Cason, settled in Delray. This was big news and helped put Delray on the map. And the first bridge was built over the canal, connecting the barrier island with the Town of Delray. And Among eleven candidates nominated, the voters selected five aldermen by majority vote: Thomas M.
McCrae, Dr. John R. Cason Jr. Acton, John S. Wuepper, and Heliodore J. Cason offered a resolution that a seal for the town be designed. James M. Cromer and Mrs. Allen Emma Tasker started a local newspaper, the Delray Progress. Schrader replacing the need for occasionally using a boxcar to house miscreants.
Delray voters league was founded by African American citizens. This was done with the projects Taking back our Neighborhoods, sharing for excellence, and the revitalization of Downtown Delray Beach.
Spady was renovated and changed into the Spady cultural heritage museum. The award was presented for civic engagement to help young children from low income families achieve grade-level reading proficiency and early school success. Letters from Linton. The task force, however, had been actively raising funds and working with the City of Delray Beach to acquire the property. History Elementary building before restoration.
Delray High School c. It served the community in this capacity until the mid 's when the entire campus was abandoned bu the Palm Beach County School District.
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