A publication of the Broward County Historical Commission volume 32 • number 1 • 2012

Broward County Schools: Some Places of Instruction Book Review: Pioneer Parish: Saint Anthony, Broward’s First Catholic Church The Sensory Experience That is the Mai-Kai Spirit of the Times (Reflections of a Broward School Teacher)

Broward Legacy • 1 A publication of the Broward County Historical Commission

A SERVICE OF THE BROWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Bertha Henry, County Administrator BROWARD COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSIONERS volume • number • Betty W. Cobb, Chair 32 1 2012 Steven Glassman, Vice Chair Dr. John D. Bloom, Jr., Secretary Hazel K. Armbrister features Hal Axler James Bradley Paul Callsen Maureen Dinnen Marla Sherman Dumas Wally Elfers Roberto Fernández III Elsie Johns Bill Julian Phyllis Loconto Alexander Lewy Sheldon McCartney Wingate Payne Broward County Schools: Broward County Schools: Schools of Pompano Renee M. Shrout A Look Back Page 3 Some Places of Instruction by Daniel Hobby Page 21 Daniel J. Stallone by Denyse Cunningham Page 5 Lee Tiger Wendy Wangberg BROWARD COUNTY LIBRARIES DIVISION Robert E. Cannon, Division Director Dave Baber, Historic Preservation Coordinator BROWARD COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION STAFF Peggy D. Davis, Libraries Manager Denyse Cunningham, Editor, Curator Maria Munoz, Secretary Matthew DeFelice, County Archaeologist Helen Landers, County Historian Broward County Retired The Spirit of the Times Spot Light on historic site: Copyright 2012, by the Broward County Historical Commission. All rights reserved. Educators (Refection of a Broward The Sensory Experience that No part of this work may be reproduced by Margarite Falconer Page 26 School Teacher) is the Mai-Kai or copied in any form or by any means, by Maureen Dinnen Page 29 by Mayor Anne Sallee Page 33 whether graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, tapeing or informational and retraval systems, without permission of the publisher. Broward Legacy is published annually by the Broward County Historical Commission. Location and mailing address: Broward County Historical Commission 301 Harmon (S.W. 13th) Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Phone: 954-357-5553 Fax: 954-357-5522 Annual subscriptions and back issues are available. Unless otherwise noted, photographs are from the archives of the Historical Commission. Neither the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida, nor the Broward County Historical Commission is responsible Book Review: Pioneer On the Cover: An Early On the back cover: for the statements, conclusions or Broward County School Bus You can help preserve observations herein contained, such matters Parish: Saint Anthony being the sole responsibility of the authors. Broward’s First Catholic 1915 (colorized original black and history page Church white image), Mary Leonard Phelps Collection. by Marla Sherman Dumas Page 37 2 • Broward Legacy Broward County Schools: A Look Back

Gallery at West Side School, Photograph by Steve Vinik

This exhibit, Broward County ward County’s population was then Schools: A Look Back was created 4,763. At the time of incorporation, by the Broward County Histori- nine schools from Hallandale to cal Commission as part of the 2nd Deerfield were handed off to the Annual Broward County Heritage newly-elected, three-member Bro- Celebration in honor of National ward County Board of Public In- Historic Preservation Month. The struction. In 1915, there were 835 theme of the 2012 heritage celebra- white students and 247 black stu- tion, Broward’s Education History: dents, who were educated separate- A Path to the Future, was presented ly. By 1920, the population of Bro- to bring focus to this part of the ward County had grown to 5,135 County’s rich heritage. residents, prompting the Board to organize the county into three dis- On October 1, 1915, Broward tricts; today there are five. County was officially incorporated by Florida State Statute. The coun- The earliest educational opportuni- ty was formed from the southern ties for African-American students part of Palm Beach County and the were provided by the Dade County northern part of Dade County. Bro- Board of Public Instruction. Lat- Broward Legacy • 3 er, for some African-Americans, school buildings were provided by the Rosenwald School Build- ing Program. Broward County had four Rosenwald schools. This beautifully presented look back is captured in fourteen large panels with historic images and in- formative text. Glimpses of histo- ry are represented in this exhibit on these panels depicting: Broward County Schools: In The Beginning, Broward Schools 1915-1938, Afri- can-American Schools in Broward County, Rosenwald Schools, Gone But Not Forgotten: School Name- sakes, First Schools in New Sub- urbs: 1951-1990, and Private and Specialty Schools. Augmented by interesting and well-preserved ar- tifacts, the exhibit is something to experience.

Portables at North Side School in Fort Lauderdale, Courtesy of Helen Landers.

The Broward County Schools: A display there until late April. At Look Back Exhibit is on display in that time, this exhibit will become the Gallery at the Broward County a part of the traveling exhibits Historical Commission Building which will rotate through Broward located at the historic West Side County’s Regional Libraries. For Grade School, 301 Harmon (SW more information, please call the 13th) Avenue, in Fort Lauderdale, Historical Commission office at Florida. The exhibit will remain on 954-357-5553.

Primary contributors to the Broward County Schools: A Look Back Exhibit are as follows: Dave Baber, Historic Preservation Coordinator Denyse Cunningham, Curator West Side Grade School in Fort Lauderdale, Helen Landers, County Historian Courtesy of Helen Landers. Zoraida Garcia, Digital Media Designer, Office of Public Communication 4 • Broward Legacy Broward County Schools: Some Places of Instruction By Denyse Cunningham

Braithwaite School. Broward County Historical Commission.

Denyse Cunningham was the curator at Bonnet House Museum and Gardens in Fort Lauderdale and has been the curator for the Broward County Historical Commission since 2002. She earned a Master’s Degree in American and New England Studies from the University of Southern Maine. For the past 29 years she has worked for several art and history museums around the country.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN Deerfield Elementary was opened SCHOOLS sometime thereafter. In 1903 the first school for Af- African-American schools were rican American students in Bro- operated on a split term, with no ward County opened in the town classes during the winter harvest of Deerfield with the Rev. B. F. season so that children could work James as the teacher.1 It was named in the fields. This meant that black Deerfield Colored School.The sec- schools could not be accredited and ond school in Deerfield, the Braith- that their graduates would have waite School, was built in 1929 difficulty entering accredited col- as a three-teacher school and cost leges. The NAACP took the matter $9,000. It was torn down to make to court which ruled in their favor way for a senior center.2 West to keep the schools open in 1946.3

Broward Legacy • 5 Though most of the earliest Afri- can-American public schools were housed in privately owned build- ings, teachers and administrators were provided by the Board of Public Instruction. With a donated building from Fort Lauderdale pioneer Tom Bryan, Colored School No. 11, a one- room wooden building on North- west Third Avenue and Second Street, opened in 1906.4 Four years later, classes moved to the Knights of Pythias Lodge Hall on the cor- ner of Northwest Fourth Street and Fourth Ave. Later schools included Sunland Park Elementary, at 919 N.W. 13 Ave., and Lincoln Park El- ementary, at 600 N.W. 19 Ave. Lin- coln Park, a neighborhood facility, is located on the site of the former school.5 In Pompano, the first school for African-American students opened in the early 1920s in a two-room wooden building located in the 400 block of Hammondville Road. When it was destroyed in the 1926 hurricane, classes were held nearby in Psalters Temple A.M.E. Church. The Broward Board of Public In- struction provided a new location in 1927-28 with the Pompano Col- ored School, located at 718 N.W. Sixth St. In 1954, it was renamed Coleman Elementary School, in honor of the Rev. James Emanuel Coleman, pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church. With the opening of Blanche Ely High School in 1952, Pompano’s black high school students no longer had to go out of town to graduate. Following the early 1940s opening of the Pom- pano Migratory Labor Camp on Hammondville Road, a one-room school was established off State Road 7, south of today’s Coconut Creek Parkway. The 1960s saw Charles Drew Elementary estab- lished to serve the Pompano subdi- vision of Collier City. Later, Sand- ers Park Elementary, the Pompano Project Elementary and Markham 1938 Map of Broward County Schools, from a report of Florida State Department of Park Elementary were added.6 Public Instruction. Broward County Historical Commission.

6 • Broward Legacy Pompano Colored School, later known as Coleman. Courtesy of the Pompano Beach Historical Society.

Math teacher at Attucks. Courtesy of the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, photograph by Gene Hyde. Broward Legacy • 7 Carver Ranches Elementary School today. Broward County Historical Commission. ROSENWALD SCHOOLS the construction of six small schools Broward County had four Rosen- in rural Alabama, which were con- wald schools: Braithwaite in According to the website of the structed and opened in 1913 and Deerfield, Liberia, Hallandale and National Trust for Historic Pres- 1914. Pleased with the results, Pompano. None of the structures ervation the Rosenwald School Rosenwald then agreed to fund a that housed the four schools exists Building Program has been called larger program for schoolhouse today.8 Pompano Colored School, the “most influential philanthropic construction based at Tuskegee. In located at 728 N.W. Sixth St. in force that came to the aid of Ne- 1917 he set up the Julius Rosen- Pompano Beach, was built in 1928 groes at that time.” It began in wald Fund, a Chicago-based phil- as a six-teacher school that cost 1912 and eventually provided seed anthropic foundation, and in 1920 $30,985.9 grants for the construction of more the Rosenwald Fund established an than 5,300 buildings in 15 states, independent office for the school In 1929, with funds from the Rosen- including schools, shops and teach- building program in Nashville, Ten- wald School Building Program, the ers’ houses, all of which were built nessee. By 1928, one in every five Hallandale School was built. The by and for African Americans. The rural schools for black students in Liberia School, also known as At- Rosenwald rural school building the South was a Rosenwald school, tucks, was located at 3600 N. 22 program was a major effort to im- and these schools housed one third Ave. in Hollywood. It was built prove the quality of public educa- of the region’s rural black school- as a four-teacher school that cost tion for African Americans in the children and teachers. At the pro- $12,200.10 In 1924, a school de- early 20th century in the South. gram’s conclusion in 1932, it had signed by John Morris Peterman produced 4,977 new schools, 217 opened in Fort Lauderdale as Col- In 1912, Julius Rosenwald gave teachers’ homes and 163 shop build- ored School No. 11, later known as Booker T. Washington permission ings, constructed at a total cost of Dillard School, with grades from to use some of the money he had $28,408,520 to serve 663,615 stu- elementary through high school. donated to Tuskegee Institute for dents in 883 counties of 15 states.7 8 • Broward Legacy The original 1924 building was later renamed Walker Elementary School and is now the Old Dillard Museum. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A new and sepa- rate Dillard High School was built in 1950. A new Dillard Elemen- tary School was built near Dillard High School in 1959 in Washington Park.11

Oakland Park Negro School, later Edna Thornley known as the Carter G. Woodson El- Herriott (1892-1974). ementary School, was built at 3721 12 Courtesy of Helen N.E. Fifth Ave. The school build- Herriott Landers. ing is no longer there. A park on the land still bears the name of the African-American historian Carter G. Woodson. The Davie Negro School, located between the Florida Turnpike and the Davie Road Extension, was built for a small group of students, like many early rural schools.13 Dania’s first school for African- American students was opened in 1905, and by 1917 another school was built on land donated by Da- nia pioneer M. C. Frost.14 Later, the Collins Elementary School was con- structed at 1050 N.W. Second St. Fern Hall School. Courtesy of Helen Herriott Landers. Bethune Elementary at 2400 Meade St., was a local school in Hollywood.15 EARLY PRIVATE SCHOOLS kindergarten through twelfth grade Many private schools existed in fondly remember the school.18 Carver Ranches Elementary School Broward County in the early years. was built at 2201 S.W. 44 Ave. in Some of the most notable included Mrs. Herriott came to Fort Lauder- West Hollywood, now the City of Fern Hall and Pine Crest in Fort dale from Illinois shortly after the West Park.16 Lauderdale, the Outdoor School 1926 hurricane. She taught in pub- in Hollywood, and the Lake Plac- lic schools for a time before found- Schools in Hallandale included La- id School for Boys in Hillsboro ing Fern Hall. She was a member nier Elementary, located at First Beach. of the civic-minded fraternal orga- Avenue and Ninth Street; Chester nizations, the Eastern Star and the A. Moore Elementary School, at Edna Thornley Herriott founded Royal Neighbors of America, and 912 Pembroke Road; and Lanier Fern Hall School. The school was an active member of Park Temple Junior High School, also on Pem- first located at the Bivans Hotel at Methodist Church.19 broke Road. Beginning in 1916, 205 S.W. First Ave., in Fort Lau- this unique wood frame and stucco derdale. In 1935, it moved to the The Outdoor School, or Outdoor school was the first school build- former county courthouse at 509 S. Private School, located at 2301- ing used by the African-American Andrews Ave. Due to increased en- 2307 Polk St. in Hollywood, was children of northwest Hallandale. rollment in 1936, the school moved founded in 1938 by Lamora Mick- It remained in use until 1970, when to the Maxwell Arcade at 300 S.E. elson as a dancing school for nurs- court-ordered desegregation meant Andrews Ave. Later Mrs. Herriott ery-age children, and immediately that white students would be attend- purchased land at 315 S.E. Ninth became popular since the public ing. The structure was later used as a St. Architect Courtney Stewart was school did not accept children be- private home. It became dilapidated commissioned to design the new fore the age of six. Next, the school and was torn down in the 1980s to school building. Fern Hall closed expanded to a full curriculum for make way for a community center.17 in 1971. Hundreds of students from elementary and middle school Broward Legacy • 9 grades, and the school became ac- credited by the State of Florida. High school was taught mostly on a tutorial basis. Head Mistress Mick- elson taught French to all children. Extracurricular classes in dance and horseback riding were available. During its peak years, the school had as many as 100 pupils and a dozen teachers. The Mickelsons retired and closed the school in the mid-1970s. The school was known for its structure, a row of classrooms enclosed on three sides and no wall on the south side. Open windows on the north allowed for cool breezes and ventilation in an era before air- conditioning. Both the north and south sides could be enclosed on the rare chilly, rainy day. Lamora Gleason Mickelson had degrees from Radcliffe College of Harvard University and the Uni- versity of Miami. Mrs. Mickel- son and her husband, Tony, were Hollywood pioneers, both having worked for Hollywood’s founder,

Mrs. Mickelson at the Outdoor School. Courtesy of Joan Mickelson, PhD.

versity Women, the American As- in 1965. Pine Crest remains open sociation of French Teachers and today.21 Harvard alumni activities. She and Tony donated important memora- The Seminole Indian Day School in bilia to the Hollywood Historical Dania was started in the late 1920s Mae Horn McMillan. Broward County Society, including photos from Vir- and closed in 1936 for lack of com- Historical Commission, Broward County ginia Elliott TenEick’s collection.20 munity interest. As Betty Mae Tiger Women’s History Coalition Collection. Jumper noted, “We kids wouldn’t go In 1939, Mae Horn McMillan to school regularly, and our parents Joseph Young, in the early 1920s. leased the Pine Crest Sanitarium wouldn’t make us go, so it closed She helped found the Hollywood on 1515 E. Broward Blvd. in Fort because it was so expensive for the Historical Society in 1974, and was Lauderdale and started McMillan- government to maintain.”22 active in the Art and Culture Cen- Pine Crest School. She operated ter, the Museum of Archeology, the school at that location until it First used as a private school from the American Association of Uni- was moved to its current location 1922 to 1925, it was the winter 10 • Broward Legacy The Seminole Indian Day School. Broward County Historical Commission, Abby-Sheldon Collection.

Lake Placid School for Boys now the Hillsboro Club, 901 A1A, Hillsboro Beach, 1922-1925. Broward County Historical Commission. Broward Legacy • 11 The Riverside Military Academy. Broward County Historical Commission. headquarters for the Lake Plac- Katherine C. Wright Administra- id School for Boys (based in the GONE BUT NOT tion Building, Fort Lauderdale: Adirondacks) and was known for FORGOTTEN: In 1974 Kathleen Cooper Wright small classes and high tuition. SCHOOL NAMESAKES was the first black woman elected to Many of the students were from so- Fifty-one schools in Broward the Broward County School Board, ciety families, with names such as County were named after people. making her the first African-Amer- Rockefeller and Pirie. 23 The mil- Some namesakes are national his- ican elected to county-wide office. lionaire owner of Bonnet House toric figures like Charles Drew and She was a distinguished educator, in Fort Lauderdale sent his son, Crispus Attucks; others are local teacher and mentor who actively Clay, to the school. Several wood- pioneers like Leola Collins from supported professional groups as frame structures just north of the Dania and Ivy Stranahan from lighthouse that once comprised the Fort Lauderdale. Some schools are school are now part of the exclu- named for politicians and judges. sive Hillsboro Club complex. Whether a school is named for a In 1932, the Riverside Military school superintendent or teacher or Academy of Gainesville, Georgia, named out of gratitude for a land bought Hollywood Hills Inn, which donation, the significance of the was designed by Rubush & Hunter naming of schools remains a noble in 1924. It was located where Hol- exercise in recognition of past ac- lywood Boulevard ended at the traf- complishments. fic circle west of I-95. The Spanish/ Moorish style building had never The Broward County School Board been successful as a hotel. Cadets involves parent and teacher partici- spent the winter season there, enter- pation in naming schools by vot- taining Hollywood locals with their ing on the name. Today the School Sunday parades. A number of local Board requires the schools use their boys went there. The gym, Blan- namesake’s first and last name and ton Hall, was designed by Bayard not be named for a living person. Lukens in the 1930s. The build- Kathleen Cooper Wright (1935-1985). ing was demolished and replaced Today, new schools are no longer Broward County Historical Commission, by the startlingly modern, blue-lit, named after municipalities. Broward County Women’s History glass Presidential Building. Coalition Collection. 12 • Broward Legacy well as many civic, church and community organizations. She was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1985, at the age of 49. The Broward County School Board’s Adminis- tration Building in Fort Lauderdale is named in her honor. Stranahan High School, Fort Lauderdale: Ivy Stranahan started teaching children in 1899. She later served as president of the Florida Equal Suffrage Association and was active in the Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club.

Blanche Forman (1884-1959). Courtesy of Austin Forman. from coastal settlements and Lake Nova Blanche Forman Elemen- Okeechobee. Blanche earned and tary, Davie: Blanche Forman was retained the respect of the rough an elementary school teacher and tough men who passed through principal from Illinois. She and her the locks. Among those who went husband Hamilton came to Bro- through the lock were members ward County in 1910 and lived in of Florida’s outlaw bank-robbing a tent in the Everglades in what is Ashley gang. Because there was now the town of Davie. In 1912 no corner grocery store accessible Ivy Cromartie Stranahan (1881-1971). they became the first lock tenders she had to raise her own chickens for Broward County Historical Commission, on the New River canal operating eggs and meat. The surplus was sold. Abby Collection. the locks for the boats traveling Blanche became an excellent shot Broward Legacy • 13 Boyd H. Anderson (1902-1968). Broward County Historical Commission, Easter Lily Gates Collection.

Leola C. Collins. Courtesy of Marcellus Sterling Collins. with both rifle and shotgun to keep Boyd H. Anderson High, Lauder- the alligators and other wild animals dale Lakes: Boyd H. Anderson was away from her chickens. In later one of Broward County’s first judg- years, Blanche engaged in activities es, elected to the bench in 1934. He associated with the Daughters of the served on the bench for 40 years. He American Revolution and the P.E.O., was once described as a genial poli- a women’s service organization. tician with a homespun philosophy. Judge George W. Tedder, Sr. (1880-1966). Collins Elementary, Dania Tedder Elementary, Pompano Broward County Historical Commission. Beach: Known as the “Mother of Beach: George Tedder, Sr. was the Black West Side,” Leola C. Broward’s first appointed circuit after a brief closing in the early Collins opened a grocery store in court judge in 1929, presiding for 1970s, the first name of the- for Dania in 1910 but spent most of almost 30 years until he passed the mer principal, Blanche Ely, was her time feeding the hungry and mantle to his son George. The first dropped as a way to also honor her tending to the sick. She sought four floors of the Broward County husband. Blanche Ely is best known donations all over the county for courthouse of west-wing are named for fighting to keep the school open Provident Hospital, the first hospi- the Tedder wing. Southeast Sixth during harvest at a time when black tal to serve African-Americans in Street was named for Tedder. children were pulled from the class- Broward County. room to pick beans. A grass-roots Blanche Ely High, Pompano campaign prompted the School Beach: When the school reopened Board to restore the original name 14 • Broward Legacy William H. “Harry” McNab (1878-1956) and Robert A. “Bob” McNab (1882-1958). This image of the two brothers was taken in 1951. Broward County Historical Commission, T. H. Chapman Collection. Broward County. He was also the County Superintendent of Schools 1921-1928. He was instrumental in bringing Seminole children to the white schools. McNab Elementary, Pompano Beach: William McNab arrived in Pompano in 1899. The family, in- cluding brothers, William “Harry” and Robert “Bob” were farmers with large land holdings in Pom- pano Beach. They were involved with many civic and business deal- ings. McNab School bears the fam- ily name. It is located right off Mc- Nab Road and was built close to Harry McNab Lake. This was a man-made lake, the U.S. gov- ernment used sand Blanche General Ely (1907-1993). Broward County Historical Commission, Broward to construct the County Women’s History Coalition. highway. When the Award, 100 road was finished, of Blanche Ely High. Blanche came Black Men of Harry bought the to Pompano when she was a young Broward Out- county lake at auc- adult. She was appointed princi- standing Ser- tion and stocked it pal of a two-room schoolhouse on vice Award, with fish for many Hammondville Road in Pompano and the City years. William’s Beach that later became Coleman of Pompano wife Dora McNabb Elementary School. She and her Beach’s A Leg- was a teacher. M. A. Hortt husband, Professor Joseph Ely, be- acy of Cour- (1880 -1958). came a dynamic educational lead- age and Care Hortt Elemen- Courtesy ership team. She was instrumental James S. Rickards Award. A road tary School, Fort of the Fort in providing a school for migrant (1883-1949). and a low-in- Lauderdale: M. Lauderdale workers, “The Project School,” Broward County come housing A. Hortt was a real Historical which served the needs of the Historical project are also estate salesman and Society. mostly Hispanic farm workers who Commission, named for her. developer. Hortt would come to Pompano during Rickards Family Rickards Mid- Elementary School the season to harvest the vegetables Collection. dle, Oakland was located at 1700 S.W. 14 Court, grown by wealthy farmers. She has Park: James on a 9½-acre site donated by the been the recipient of many awards S. Rickards Broward pioneer. The school, built including the Broward Commu- served as principal of Fort Lauder- in 1958, was tucked away in the nity College Woman of Excellence dale High, the oldest high school in middle of a serene neighborhood Broward Legacy • 15 Virginia Shuman Young (1917-1994). Broward County Historical Commission, Hollywood Sun-Tattler Collection.

Frederick C. Peters (1900-1964) and his wife Berenice Peters (1899-1982) Image from The Story of Frederick C. Peters by August Burghard. known as Shady Banks. Due to low tracks of land in Plantation. attendance the school closed in the mid-1980s. McFatter Technical High and William T. McFatter Tech Cen- Peters Elementary, Plantation: ter, Davie: William McFatter was Frederick C. and Berenice Peters the superintendent of schools from donated land for the first school 1980 to 1983. and church in Plantation. At one time they owned a ranch and large Charles W. Flanagan High, Pem- broke Pines: The city’s mayor for 17 years, Flanagan died in office in 1995. He pushed for new schools and led an annexation effort that doubled the city’s size. Mertie Olsen. Courtesy of Olsen Virginia Shuman Young Elemen- Middle School. tary, Fort Lauderdale: Virginia Shuman Young was a dual pioneer High School and lived in Dania. – the first female chairman of the Broward County School Board and the first and only woman to be mayor of Fort Lauderdale. J. P. Taravella High, Coral Springs: James S. Hunt and J. P. Charles W. Flanagan. Broward County Taravella and James S. Hunt of the Historical Commission, Hollywood Sun- Olsen Middle School, Dania development company Coral Ridge Tattler Collection. Beach: Named for Mertie Olsen, a Properties founded Coral Springs. long-time teacher in Broward Coun- Whiddon-Rogers Education Cen- ty. She taught at South Broward ter, Fort Lauderdale: Gene Aus- 16 • Broward Legacy and Bob Graham. Pembroke Pines: State Represen- Dwight Rogers was a U.S. Con- tative Walter Young, a retired prin- gressman from 1945 until his death cipal, was a champion for educa- in 1954. He was always interested tional issues. in the progress of education. Rogers Junior High was originally named just for Rogers; later, after the clos- ing of the Whiddon Adult Educa- tion Center on Federal Highway,

J. P. Taravella (1919-1978). Henry D. Perry (1901-1972). Broward Broward County Historical Commission, County Historical Commission, Perry Family Hollywood Sun-Tattler Collection. Collection. tin Whiddon, president of Cause- way Lumber, served as chairman of the Broward County Commu- nity College Foundation until his death in 1989. He was named the Dwight Rogers, Sr. (1886-1954). Broward County Historical Commission.

the Whiddon name was added. Annabel C. Perry Elementary, Miramar: The wife of Henry D. Perry, Annabel was very involved with her church and family. The couple gave the land for the Pem- broke Road Baptist Church. A little park next to the Annabel Perry El- ementary School is named for her as well. Henry D. Perry Middle School, Miramar: Pioneer dairyman, banker and civic leader, Perry gave the land on which to build the Hen- ry D. Perry Elementary School. Gene Austin Whiddon (1928 -1989). Courtesy of Broward College, Archives and Special C. Robert Markham Elemen- Collections. tary, Pompano Beach: Markham Park, which opened in 1973, was first recipient of the college’s Dis- also named after the late C. Rob- tinguished Service Award in 1973 ert Markham, who was briefly the and the Seahawk Award in 1978. county’s property appraiser until his Whiddon Hall is home to Central death in 1966 (his son, William, be- Annabel Perry (1904 -1972). Broward Campus business programs. He came property appraiser in 1968). County Historical Commission, Perry Family managed the Broward gubernato- Collection. rial campaigns of Reubin Askew Walter C. Young Middle School, Broward Legacy • 17 Representative Walter C. Young (1922- ). Broward County Historical Commission, Hollywood Sun-Tattler Collection, Photograph by Pat Farrell.

William Dandy Middle School, Fort Lauderdale: William Dan- dy was the first African-American deputy school superintendent. He helped lead the school system through one of its most difficult adjustments, desegregation. Dan- dy retired after 34 years with the school district as a counselor, prin- cipal and deputy superintendent. James S. Hunt Elementary, Cor- al Springs: James S. Hunt was a developer of the city of Coral Springs. Bennett Elementary, Fort Lau- derdale: Ulric Bennett was Bro- ward County School Superinten- William Dandy. Broward County Historical Commission, Hollywood Sun-Tattler Collection, Photograph by Frank Alioto. 18 • Broward Legacy his decision that freed the ladies from wearing stockings in the classroom, as had been the rule. Stirling Elementary, Hollywood: Frank Stirling was one of the founders of Davie, and a prominent horticulturist and civic leader. Walker Elementary, Fort Lauder- dale: Clarence C. Walker presided over Dillard School from 1937 to 1942. When he came to Fort Lauder- dale in 1937, he led the fight to bring the school up to accreditation stan- dards and to end the School Board’s policy of shutting down classes for African-American students so they could work in the fields and give growers cheap labor. Colbert Elementary, Hollywood: James Stone Hunt (1897-1972). Paul F. Colbert was a well-liked for- Courtesy of the Coral Springs Historical mer principal of Hollywood Central Society. School. Colbert was also principal dent from 1932 to 1952. He was of West Hollywood, Hallandale and popular with female teachers for Dania elementary schools, McNi- col Junior High and South Broward

Frank Stirling (1878-1949). Broward County Historical Commission, Stirling Family Collection.

Clarence C. Walker (1880-1942). Courtesy of the Fort Lauderdale Historical Ulric Bennett (1888-1982). Image from Painting at the Bennett Elementary School. Society. Broward Legacy • 19 Russell O. Bair (1897-1973). From the Fort Lauderdale High School Annual, Ebb Tide, Courtesy of Christine Lee.

lywood’s first junior high teacher, and second teacher, beginning in 1924 and remaining for decades. She began teaching in the Young Paul F. Colbert (1904-1972). Courtesy of the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society. Company sales pavilion at 19th and Harrison Street, then Hollywood Central when it was built. and Hollywood Hills high schools. Sunrise: Named after teacher, tru- Continuing his extraordinary service ant officer and textbook coordinator Chester A. Moore Elementary to the children and teachers of the Russell O. Bair. He retired in 1966 School in Hallandale was named for county, Colbert went on to become after 36 years with Broward Coun- Moore who was principal for many assistant superintendent and then as- ty Schools. For years he provided years of the Hallandale school. The sociate superintendent for the Bro- free theater tickets to students with school was closed because the number ward County School District before perfect attendance. of students attending wasn’t enough retiring in 1970. to merit the school’s continuance. Piper High, Sunrise: William Watkins Elementary: Pembroke Piper, Sr. was an aviation pioneer, McArthur High School, Holly- Park: Mrs. Pauline Watkins, a inventor and local benefactor. He wood: James Neville McArthur teacher in Broward County for 35 gave the Broward County public owned the best-known dairy in years, had this school named in school system the large acreage south Broward County, begun in her honor in on which Fort Lauderdale High 1929 with 50 acres. Prior to start- 1955 for her School was relocated to in 1962. ing the dairy, McArthur taught for long service His generosity has been memori- several years in Miami. In 1956 he to students. alized in the Piper Auditorium at donated land at 6501 Hollywood She was a that school. He was the inventor Boulevard where McArthur High social stud- and manufacturer of the Piper Cub School opened, initially in portable ies teacher aircraft. classrooms. In 1958 he donated an- and exten- other 10 acres and the permanent sive world Other schools named after promi- school was erected. He often went t r a v e l e r . nent people include the following. by the name of J. Neville. She also led Morrow Elementary School, in the Camp North Lauderdale, was named for Pauline Watkins (1915- Fire Girls in principal and School Board Special 2011). From the South Hollywood. Projects Supervisor Carmon Morrow. Broward High School Annual, the Browardier, Bair Mid- McNicol Middle School was 1960. dle School, named after Fannie McNicol, Hol- 20 • Broward Legacy Schools of Pompano By Daniel T. Hobby

1899 Schoolhouse. From an unidentified newspaper clipping in the collections of the Pompano Beach Historical Society.

Broward Legacy • 21 Pompano Beach Elementary School, ca. 1940s. Courtesty of the Pompano Beach Historical Society.

In January, 1836, the Florida Leg- in 1896, led to the creation of new attending the Pompano school. As islature created a new county that settlements along the tracks, in- with other local schools in agricul- covered the southeastern portion of cluding one named Pompano. By tural areas, school terms were ab- the peninsula, from the upper Keys 1899, there were enough children breviated. The original Pompano north to the mouth of the St. Lucie living in the Pompano area that the farmers did not have access to River. Named in honor of Major Dade County School Board autho- many agricultural laborers beyond Francis Dade, a U.S. Army com- rized a school for the community. family members and everyone in mander, who recently had been As was the procedure then, the the family was expected to work killed, along with most of his com- school board provided plans for during critical times in the growing mand, in an ambush by Seminole a one-room schoolhouse and the season. An article in the April 14, Indians, Dade County had but a lumber needed; local men provided 1905, Miami Metropolis newspa- handful of residents. the labor to build the structure. per explained the situation: It was not until 1885, that a county On October 2, 1899, Pompano’s Within the next two weeks prac- school board was established and first public school opened its door tically all of the rural or county began meeting. In the fall of that to nine students. Because many of schools of Dade County will have year, Dade County’s first public the early settlers lived near what is closed for the term. school was opened in what is to- today known as Lake Santa Bar- day the town of Palm Beach. A bara, the schoolhouse was located The school at Pompano was closed year or two later, a second school in that area, around the present-day last week as most of the children was opened in present-day Miami. intersection of 25 Ave. and S.E. were being taken from the school As the population of southeastern Fifth Street. Mary Butler was hired and put to work in the tomato Florida began to grow, new schools as the town’s first teacher, and was fields. were built, and within a decade, paid $40 per month. That same the School Board was operating year, a similarly small school was In nearly all of the schools that will as many as 15 schools throughout opened in Fort Lauderdale, with close this month, the attendance has the county, including at least one in 19-year-old Ivy Cromartie serving been up to the standard and above, Miami for black students. as its first teacher. These were the though it is stated that it should first two schools in what is today and would have been larger but for The completion of the Florida East Broward County. the fact that many parents prefer to Coast Railway extension to Miami By 1901, there were 28 students profit by the labor of their children 22 • Broward Legacy Blanche General Ely with students, ca. late 1920s. Courtesy of the Pompano Beach Historical Society. cated north of N.E. Fourth Street school in 1928. Prior to this, Pom- than to send them to school. were donated for the new school. pano’s white high school students took instruction at and graduated For many of Pompano’s residents, Before Pompano got its bigger from Fort Lauderdale Central High the first hurricane they experienced school, it was moved into yet an- School, which had been Broward was a minimal storm that hit south other county. In 1915 Broward County’s only high school from the of the Jupiter Inlet on October 11, County was carved out of portions time it was built in 1915. 1903. Even though the winds were of Palm Beach and Dade counties. barely hurricane strength, a num- Initially Pompano was not rep- Although they could now avoid the ber of buildings in Pompano were resented on the Broward County long daily ride to Fort Lauderdale, damaged, including the town’s Board of Public Instruction, but in some Pompano students who had schoolhouse. 1919 Pompano pioneer Joseph P. been attending Fort Lauderdale’s Smoak was elected to that body and Central High School were a little Classes were resumed in a nearby served on it for the next decade. disappointed that they would be building and, in 1905, a new and moving from a school with 2,000 somewhat larger school was opened One of the early actions of the students and a full range of pro- on what is today the 800 block of Broward County Board of Public grams and activities, to a school East Atlantic Boulevard. The relo- Instruction was to authorize a new that had an enrollment that was cation of the school was a reflection grammar school for Pompano. A counted in the dozens. of a shift in the community’s center two-story masonry building was of population eastward to around constructed on the land donated A new school building was con- the railroad tracks. Around 1910, for that purpose (today the site of structed adjacent to the existing the school building was moved to Pompano Beach Middle School), grammar school that had been built the 100 block of N.E. First Street. and the old wooden school was a decade earlier, and when com- In 1909, Palm Beach County was sold and moved once again. After pleted, the grammar school stu- created, with Pompano being its being used as a private residence dents moved into the new, larger southernmost town. With the lo- for a while, the building was sold building and the high school took cal population increasing, the Palm to the Methodist Church, which over the older structure. The first Beach County School Board au- used it for Sunday school classes graduating class at Pompano High thorized a second teacher for the before it was finally demolished in School had just eight students. Pompano school. Plans were being the 1960s. made to replace the wooden struc- As Pompano entered the 1930s, it ture with what one resident de- Perhaps nothing did more to boost had a kindergarten through twelfth- scribed as a “fine stone building.” Pompano’s civic pride than the grade educational campus that To that end, four acres of land lo- opening of the town’s first high would serve it through the 1950s. Broward Legacy • 23 There were still, however, a signifi- expansive than being an academic The burden that these African- cant number of area residents who instructor, although she did not American schools worked under did not have access to local public shirk that duty. Rather, she felt that can be seen by teacher-student ra- schools. Rigid racial separation laws she had to use her talents to pro- tios reported by the Board of Pub- prevented Pompano’s black resi- vide children in her community the lic Instruction in 1938. Pompano dents, who constituted over half the tools they would need to make it in white schools collectively had one local population, from attending the a world in which many forces were teacher for every 25 students, while Pompano schools; they would have at work to insure their failure. the Pompano Colored School had to wait until the coming decades for one teacher for every 54 students. significant educational support from Hers was a 24 hours-a-day, 365 At the Hammondville School, the the public school system. days-a-year calling. Any number single teacher employed there had of her former students still recall 67 students. During the era of segregation, the that if Mrs. Ely caught you doing myth was that the races were separat- something you shouldn’t be doing, Another challenge faced by black ed but were provided equal facilities. anywhere in town, it didn’t matter students and educators was the tra- No one believed it. Almost without if school was in session or not -- dition of closing their schools dur- exception, black students were given punishment would follow. ing the peak period of harvests so inferior buildings and instructional as to allow the maximum amount materials. Black educators were Although Blanche Ely differed with of agricultural laborers in the generally paid less than were their Booker T. Washington in some ar- fields. This practice continued into white counterparts and had more stu- eas, she closely followed Wash- the early 1950s, in spite of strong dents in their classrooms. ington’s philosophy of making the condemnation of it by Mrs. Ely and best of a bad situation and that the others in the black community. Exactly when formal education be- black community must develop, gan in Pompano’s black community on its own, an economic founda- As the second half of the twentieth is open to debate. Some evidence in- tion and social stability in order century began, Pompano Beach’s dicates that there were regular class- to move forward. No doubt, she African-American students who es by 1915, but clearly by the 1920s, was in agreement with Washington sought a high school diploma had there was a formal school for black when he said, “Character, not cir- to enroll in a high school in Fort students in Pompano. cumstances, make the man.” She Lauderdale, Miami or some other would be a force in the community city. Blanche Ely’s lobbying for a According to long-time Pompano until her death, seven decades after new school that included all grades Beach resident Mercerlene Alexan- she first arrived in Pompano. was finally approved by the Board der Rutledge, the first school serving of Public Instruction in the fall Pompano’s African Americans was a The Broward County Board of of 1951, and Pompano Beach ac- two-room, wooden building located Public Instruction (School Board) quired its second high school. At in the 400 block of Hammondville budgeted for a new school in Pom- the insistence of the community, Road. When this structure was de- pano’s black community during the the school was named for Mrs. stroyed in the 1926 hurricane, classes 1927-28 school years – it opened as Ely. Over the years, she had not were held in Psalters Temple A.M.E. the Pompano Colored School at 718 wavered in her commitment to pro- Church, located less than a block N.W. Sixth Street. Mrs. Ely was se- viding her students with the best away. Unfortunately, the church was lected to be the school’s principal. educational environment available heavily damaged two years later by In 1954, this facility was renamed and character-building. another hurricane. Coleman Elementary School, in honor of Rev. James Emanuel Cole- In 1954, the United States Supreme Despite the discrimination and mis- man, pastor of Pompano’s Mount Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board fortune Pompano’s black students Calvary Baptist Church. of Education held that schools that had to face, the 1920s brought at were racially separate were inher- least one fortunate change. In 1923, Prior to the Second World War, two ently unequal. Despite the court’s a young teacher came to Pompano. other schools were established for order, the Broward County School Born in the small central Flori- Pompano’s black students whose Board did just about everything it da town of Reddick in 1904, she families worked in the agricultural could to keep the schools segre- would later graduate from Florida fields. One was located west of gated. Mrs. Ely did not object to Agricultural and Mechanical Uni- town off today’s State Road 7 and separate facilities as much as she versity, commonly known as Flori- was known as the Hammondville did the unequal resources pro- da A&M or FAMU. School. The other was located in vided to the county’s black pub- the migrant labor camp on Ham- lic schools. In 1957, the Broward Blanche General Ely was a woman mondville Road just east to today’s County School Board attempted to who was not given to deep self- Powerline Road. transfer Mrs. Blanche Ely from her doubts. She saw her role as more position as principal of Blanche Ely 24 • Broward Legacy Pompano Elementary and High school campus. White students went from kindergarten through 12th grade here. This view is looking northeast - the building in the lower left is the gymnasium, with the old elementary school to its right and the new school (used by elementary students after it was built) behind. Courtesy of the Pompano Beach Historical Society. High School in Pompano Beach 1960s, a number of new schools closed for a dozen years. During to a lesser position in Hallandale. were built in the Pompano Beach that period, the facilities were used Many were convinced that this area to accommodate the expand- for administrative offices, adult ed- was an attempt to punish Mrs. Ely ing student population: Norcrest, ucation and community programs. for being so outspoken. The rul- Charles Drew, Cresthaven, Sand- School Board member Bob Parks, ing was appealed all the way to the ers Park and McNab elementary who had previously taught at Pom- State Board of Education, which schools opened during this period. pano Beach High School, took the overruled the transfer. By the end of the 1960s, it was lead in finding a way to reopen the clear that the county schools would school. In 1997, it was reopened Meanwhile, on the east side of have to integrate. The problem for as an “All Magnet” school, draw- Pompano Beach, the white educa- Pompano Beach was that demo- ing its student population from not tional campus was showing its age. graphic changes and housing pat- only Pompano Beach, but also ar- The city and surrounding area was terns made it difficult to keep two eas farther away. experiencing a dramatic population high schools open. Following the growth and in the early 1950s, plans 1969-70 school year, Blanche Ely As the school year began in 2012, were being made for new facilities. High School was closed. Most Ely Pompano Beach has nine public Pompano Beach Elementary School students went to Pompano Beach elementary schools, two middle was relocated to a new campus half- High School the following year. schools and two high schools locat- a-mile to the east in 1953, and the Mrs. Ely and community lead- ed within its city limits. There are high school to an adjacent parcel ers instituted a lawsuit against the also several specialized, alternative several years later. As the student closing, and the high school was and private schools within the city. population swelled, the school’s reopened in 1974, but the demo- nickname, the Beanpickers, seemed graphic problems continued. Portions of this article have previ- anachronistic to many of those who ously appeared in Trade Winds of had not grown up in Pompano. In In what was a shock to the commu- Pompano Beach Magazine. 1956, a referendum was held and a nity, in 1985 the Broward County new school nickname chosen: the School Board voted to close Pom- Golden Tornadoes. pano Beach High School. In spite During a relatively short time- of political controversy and pub- frame, from the late 1950s into the lic protests, the school remained Broward Legacy • 25 Broward County Retired Educators Association By Margarite Falconer

The membership year is from July 1 through June 30. Dues are $50 per year. The Broward County Retired Educators Association will forward the state dues of $35 to Florida Re- tired Educators Association, the state organization (FREA). Mem- bers receive a membership card from FREA and are listed in the BCREA membership directory. BCREA meets on the first Thurs- day of each month from October through May. Since October 2009, meetings have been held at Deicke Auditorium, 5701 Cypress Road in Plantation. Meetings begin at 11:45 a.m. and include a potluck lunch. Everyone attending is asked to bring a dish to share. What We Do Besides having monthly meetings with good food and interesting Edna Jacobs, Broward County Historical speakers, members contribute to Commission, Broward County Retired the community in many ways. Educators Collection. 26 • Broward Legacy to teach in 1925. She lived with her uncle C. D. Kittredge who was mayor of Fort Lauderdale at that time, and had just built a fine new house. Edna was married to Wal- lace Jacobs in that house on May 7, 1927. The house later served as the Red Cross Headquarters for the county and is now the French Quarter Restaurant. Edna’s first teaching job was at the Southside School. After six years at Southside, she went to West Side Elementary as principal and sixth grade teacher. In 1954 she became principal of the new Lauderdale Manors Elementary Schools and continued there until her retirement in 1964. In the meantime, she served as Chairman of the Broward Associa- tion of Elementary School Princi- pals and was on the State Board of Elementary Principals where she served as vice-chairman. While on the State Textbook Committee she was instrumental in the promotion of legislation to advance elemen- tary school libraries statewide. In 1979 the Broward County His- torical Commission named her a Pioneer. She was also active in the Lillian Lampkins, president of BCREA from 1986-1988 (1920-2006). First Methodist Church where she Courtesy of the Broward County Retired Educators. taught Sunday school, played pia- The primary purpose of the group the performing arts. The group also no and sang in the choir. She also is to raise money for scholarships have a state travel consultant who found time to serve as President of which we give to high school se- plans trips and cruises throughout her Delta Kappa Gamma Society. niors who plan to become teachers. the world which might be of inter- Edna served as District 10 Direc- Through the Community Service est to members. tor for the Florida Retired Educa- Committee donates school supplies tors Association (FREA) for four for the Broward Education Founda- History years, but the Broward County Re- tion, food and clothing for the Co- Soon after she retired in 1964, Edna tired Educator Association was her operative Feeding Program, sup- Jacobs was asked by Superinten- pet organization. She loved all its plies for the Humane Society and dent Myron Ashmore to organize a people and always worked in their books and magazines for patients group of retired educators in Bro- interests until her late nineties. She in the VA hospital. We also col- ward County. On October 26, 1964, died May 17, 2003. lect coupons for our troops, Camp- a meeting was held to consider the bell’s and General Mills labels for matter. On November 4, 1964 a con- Lillian Lampkins, who served as education, aluminum pull-tabs, old stitution was drawn up and by-laws President from 1986 to 1988, was eyeglasses, blankets and pillows were formed. On February 10, 1965 the first African American to hold for children in crisis. Members the first official meeting of BCREA the position. sponsor a fifth-grade essay con- was held. Jacobs was elected Presi- test through our Literacy Commit- dent of the Broward County Retired tee, and donate both new and used Educators Association books for needy children. Through our Cultural Affairs Committee, of- Born in Milo, Maine, Edna fers several activities each year in Kittredge came to Fort Lauderdale Broward Legacy • 27 2012-2013 officers. From the left, President, Margarite Falcone; President-Elect, Diane Texter; Secretary, Josephine Walker; Treasurer, Marelise Le Clerc

28 • Broward Legacy The Spirit of the Times (Reflections of a Broward School Teacher) By Maureen Dinnen

Maureen Dinnen, 35-year veteran Broward teacher, former president of Florida Educators Association and the Community College Senate Presidents, has served on the Broward School Board from 2004 to 2012 and has been a member of the Bro- ward County Historical Commission since 2009. She has been a resident of Broward County for 64 years.

Park, Florida, my first class- room was a non air-conditioned portable with wooden jalou- sie windows and a heater that looked like a pot-belly stove. We never got to try out the heater because shortly after the start of the term, the en- tire school was moved to the old Fort Lau- derdale High School build- ings on N.E. 3rd Avenue in downtown Fort Lauder- Maureen Dinnen. Courtesty of the Broward County School Board. dale. In earlier days, when I was growing In August of 1962, I was hired by up, not only was Fort Lauderdale the Broward County Board of Pub- High School located there but its lic Instruction to teach eighth grade football field, Stranahan Field, was American History at Northeast a major center used by schools and Junior-Senior High School. Lo- city groups for a variety of events. cated on the site of the present-day By the 1960s the Broward County Northeast High School in Oakland School System was growing so Broward Legacy • 29 The School Board Administrative Offices. Broward County Historical Commission. rapidly that old school buildings front of my eighth graders. Needless Kennedy’s assassination came on were used as temporary holding to say we all dissolved in hysterics. the TVs in Dallas. What a horrible places while new schools were be- Meanwhile, I was thinking how in history lesson for our students. ing built. the world the turtle position training would help us withstand an atomic Soon we all moved back to the One day while leaving school in attack in these old buildings. Northeast High School site where downtown Fort Lauderdale, I re- the junior and senior high schools member being held up in traffic as Fortunately, I was only 21 years were separated, and we were re- a long convoy of freight train flat- old and regarded this entire time named Rickards Junior High bed cars went by for what seemed as an adventure. My adventures School. While at Rickards I honed like a half-hour. The parade of continued, for next I was assigned my teaching skills, and even took a tanks, large artillery and a variety one large class of some 289 pre- year’s unpaid leave to go to gradu- of fearsome war machinery slowly teenagers on the second floor in ate school. passed as we got out of our autos the former high school library with to watch. This was before we had the book shelves removed. Televi- In 1964 as part of the racial inte- heard anything about a Cuban Mis- sions were located around the room gration of Broward County Public sile Crisis. On my way home from because during each class a history Schools, Rickards Junior High ad- work, I looked down from the 17th lesson was transmitted from the mitted African-American students. Street Causeway Bridge to see that Dade County Lindsey Hopkins I remember two young boys coming all sorts of U.S. Navy craft had Center. Since the TV presentation to my seventh grade class looking moved into Port Everglades. You came on in the middle of the class, scared but brave. I was proud of the can bet the Dinnen family and ev- I had about 15 minutes before and way my students welcomed them eryone in Broward County was 15 minutes after the TV program to amidst some of the negative atmo- glued to the nightly news on televi- teach my students. This large TV- sphere that existed in the county. sion that night. class style of instruction was the new idea in that era’s education cir- Even though Rickards Junior High As a result of the Cold War appre- cles. I can tell you, teaching teens was a new school, the non-stop stu- hensions that atomic blasts were this way did not last long. dent population growth made the possible, teachers of that era had to use of portable classrooms neces- practice bomb drills with students. An even more sorrowful experi- sary once again. I taught in a por- I can recall having to demonstrate ence was being in that large class- table that seemed so dingy that one the “turtle position” on the floor in room when the news of President Saturday the students and I painted 30 • Broward Legacy the inside. They were so proud of their work. It was beautiful. In 1967 I decided I needed a new challenge and embarked on high school level teaching. Once again, adventures loomed. I took a job teaching mathematics at Da- nia Sterling High School. Over the summer the school name was changed to Hollywood Hills High School and the school was set up at the old naval air barracks on the History Teacher Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Air- Miss Maureen Dinnen port. This site had once been a ju- from the 1972 Epic, nior high school called Naval Air Hollywood Hills Junior High and had served as the High School’s annual, first location for Broward College, Hollywood, Florida, then known as the Junior College Vol. V. of Broward County. Unknown to our parents, as children, we used to play around and in the earthen bun- kers in that area. Well, into the barracks went Hol- lywood Hills High School. The faculty shared one mimeograph machine and one hand-cranked ditto machine. My classroom was on the second floor of a barracks building that had previously been used as an electronics lab. There were five narrow poles standing in a row down the center of the room. Since I walked around a lot when I was teaching, I became a navigation expert! Again, no air conditioning was provided, and the awning style windows had to be propped open with sticks since the opening handles had long since Hollywood Hills High School, 2013. Photograph by Joan Mickelson, PhD. vanished. Let me tell you, barracks are hot in South Florida in August did fly into the room. The low mark jor riot with racial elements. I re- and September. was when I returned from winter member using every ounce of force break to find that some creature and threats I could muster to pre- The building was strange in that had chewed off the edges of my vent my kids from joining in. What you had to walk through two other grade book. a mess! Racial tensions were ap- classrooms to enter or leave my parent during that time. Hollywood room by the front door. There was a During that year at the barracks Hills High School incorporated a back door that led to a rather shaky we had other challenges. A group smaller nearby African-American stairway down to the ground. As of young men from our school on high school named Attucks High a teacher, one had to keep alert as the way back from an airport lun- School. Attucks’ kids felt outnum- some enterprising students would cheonette got into a disagreement bered, and they were. I recall how sneak out the back door when you with an airport official and began to great we all felt when Tyrone Ash turned your back. The only avail- rock his car as a joke. Remember, from Attucks became a Hills stu- able teaching tool was the black- this was 1967. The official, under- dent leader. board that was about six feet wide standably upset, called for help and by three feet high. About mid-year the sheriff’s office responded with Also, 1967-68 was the year that someone stole my classroom back a number of officers. Somehow this the Broward County public school door so sometimes bugs and birds whole incident escalated into a ma- system was the pilot case for the Broward Legacy • 31 for 10 great years. Known for win- ning National Merit scholarships, the school grew to be one of the top high schools in the county and the state. Many of its students, includ- ing those in the classes that painted that portable classroom, are today attorneys, teachers, doctors, busi- ness leaders and prominent citi- zens. The Hills faculty still has re- unions which I attend although I left in 1977. All during this period the school district center, called the County Office, was located in a group of World War II buildings clustered in what is now the Sailboat Bend area Hollywood Hills Classroom. From the 1977 Epic Yearbook. of Fort Lauderdale. For a growing district to operate out of such an Florida state-wide teacher walk- tors, overhead projectors and all old, cramped location was a won- out. Most of the 4,000 Broward the latest audio-visual learning aids der. When I needed a film to show public school teachers turned in of that school era. We were doing in my classes, I would go there to resignation slips to the Broward great! At Hills, I taught American the film center, pick it up by hand, County Classroom Teachers Asso- history most of the time in both and later one person would return ciation. All of them were dramati- regular and portable classrooms several films for the rest of the fac- cally put in a giant steamer chest because Broward County never ulty. When the School Board meet- on the stage of the War Memorial seemed to be able to catch up with ings attracted a crowd, people had Auditorium where every day for the monumental student population to stand out on the lawn in front of two weeks teachers assembled in- growth. One portable I taught in the building and listen to the pro- stead of reporting to their schools was dingy beige in need of a paint ceedings over loud speakers. for work. An agreement was job. Again, my students and I came forged for Broward teachers to re- on Saturday and did the work. Af- The period from 1962 to 1977 in turn to work, and an injunction was ter the students rejected my color the Broward Schools was certain- slapped on the association to keep choice we put on a second coat that ly eventful, and there are some them from joining the state walk- made everyone happy. It looked wonderful memories for anyone out. The teacher resignation forms fabulous. who taught or attended our public were burned in back of the Broward schools. As I reread these accounts County Courthouse. These were One January day at Hills my stu- of that period in our school system really tough times professionally. dents were taking an exam when I know today’s teachers, students We lost some excellent teachers. I told them to put down their and parents must wonder how we However, I did receive textbooks pencils. I explained we were go- ever got anything done success- for my students to augment the 30 ing outside because it was snow- fully. We did rise above a great va- I had for some 175 students and we ing, and they might never see this riety of problems. The redeeming got a small raise. again. It melted before it hit the features were the people I worked ground, but you could actually see with and the students I taught. We Hollywood Hills was the high snow falling on your shoulders in had a certain spirit that I still see in school attended by the kids who Hollywood, Florida. many of our public schools and at lived on ranches in Davie. In the the school district level. With that spring during those years students A highlight of those early days at you can do anything! were allowed days off for cattle Hills High School was the winning round-up. It is amazing to think of of the state football championship. that much vacant land existing in The entire school got so involved. Broward County. Everyone who could went to the championship game in Orlando, Once we moved from the barracks including parents, students, teach- into the new Hollywood Hills ers, administrators and community High School building we enjoyed members. We felt invincible! new classrooms, air conditioning, a modern cafeteria, movie projec- I stayed at Hollywood Hills High 32 • Broward Legacy SPOTLIGHT The Sensory Experience that is the Mai-Kai By Anne E. Sallee

Original Entryway Sign. Image courtesy of the Mai-Kai.

Broward Legacy • 33 and Trader Vic’s, with their Can- tonese cuisine, exotic rum punches, flaming torches, rattan furniture, flower leis and brightly colored fabrics, Bob and Jack Thornton studied their predecessors, emu- lated what worked and invented the rest. They created the Mai-Kai Restaurant, which opened on a de- serted area of Federal Highway on December 28, 1956.

Thatched building out in front of the Mai-Kai. Image courtesy of the Mai-Kai. To visualize a Polynesian oasis in the sleepy location just outside of Fort Lauderdale, on the west side of Federal Highway in Oakland Park, took great imagination. When they Tatched-Roof building in front of the Mai Kai. Courtesy of the Mai Kai. purchased the land in the middle of nowhere along U.S. 1, there was no stop light from Oakland Park Bou- levard to Pompano Beach. Many In the 1950s, conditions in post- the war was over, life would never of the surrounding roads were dirt World War II America were perfect be the same. and the only sign of life were the for two young Stanford University The explosion of Polynesian kitsch cows in a pasture nearby. Milk graduates from Wilmette, Illinois, pop culture and the availability of was 22¢ a quart, and Boca Raton to come to Southeast Florida and mass-produced, low-cost air condi- was drafting its first city charter. build what is arguably the longest- tioners for homes and commercial Bob and Jack Thornton cobbled to- standing and most successful Poly- properties led to dramatic popula- gether family funds and a reluctant nesia- themed establishment, a tion growth in South Florida in the bank loan, and searched for just the mecca for Tiki-philes, the Mai-Kai 1950s. right artifacts that would depict the Restaurant. customs and village life of Polyne- As WWII veterans and their fami- sia, whose many islands are bound- In a 1988 Sun-Sentinel interview, lies moved to South Florida, where ed by a triangle formed by Hawaii, Bob Thornton said, “From the time many had spent basic training, the New Zealand and Tahiti. Though I was eight years old, when my stars aligned for the success of the a few original works of art remain folks took me and my brother to eat Thorntons’ Mai-Kai, which means in the restaurant, many would later at Don the Beachcomber in Chi- “the finest” in Hawaiian. become prohibitively expensive to cago; I’ve loved all things Polyne- insure and were donated to the Fort sian. While other kids dreamed of As fans of Don the Beachcomber’s Lauderdale Art Museum and Stan- becoming firemen, my brother and I dreamed of opening a South Seas restaurant. We didn’t know a thing about food, but the bridges, the torches and the funny masks were irresistible.” Bob and Jack Thornton’s timing was impeccable. Hawaii had been annexed and would soon become a state, the writings of Thor Hey- erdahl and James Michener were widely read and the musical South Pacific was a stage hit. World War II had profoundly affected every aspect of life in America, from work, shopping and popular en- tertainment. As American soldiers returned home from World War II, they brought home stories and sou- venirs from the South Pacific. Once Mai-Kai in 1962. Courtesy of the Mai-Kai. 34 • Broward Legacy Polynesian Revue in the mainland United States. From Navy officers on liberty to Saudi kings, the show kept a full house every night. “In those days, they were the number one place in town,” says Jack Drury, who handled public re- lations for the Mai-Kai from 1963-1983. “Dur- ing the season, you couldn’t get in. There was a line around the block. We promoted the whole image. If you came to Fort Lau- derdale, you had to go to the Mai-Kai before you left.” Patrons regu- larly caught glimpses of the celebrity set such as Joe Namath, Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, Bob Thornton. Courtesy of the Mai-Kai. Yul Brynner and Omar Sharif. ford University, the Thorntons’ which was closed to keep the din- alma mater. ing patrons dry. The ceiling was As the numbers grew, creativity to permanently enclosed in the ‘60s make room for more seats stretched The Mai Kai was built and designed when the work and maintenance of the limits. The show stage had a by the esteemed Fort Lauderdale a sliding roof became more aggra- railing that was raised before and architect Charles McKirahan, who vation than value. between shows to make room for shared a love for all things Poly- tables. There was a seating area nesian with the Thornton brothers, The dining areas included an up- behind the stage which staff had and decorator Wayne Davidson. scale private dining room, called to block from the stage during The Mai-Kai’s original construc- the Bangkok Room, designed in shows to keep patrons from acci- tion cost was about $400,000. It Thai style. If you look at the ceil- dently wandering through the stage was the most expensive restaurant ing of the current gift shop, you can on their way to the restrooms. In built anywhere that year. The suc- see what remains of the Bangkok a passageway from the kitchen, cess of Mai-Kai was quickly ap- Room décor. The Mai-Kai was the small two-top tables were added parent as its earnings exceeded the hippest spot in town, one of the top- along the wall and diners ate as initial investment in its first year, grossing restaurants in the United staff whizzed by, earning that area making it one the most successful States and the largest consumer of the nickname “I-95.” restaurants of its time. The restau- rum in the nation. rant consisted of four rooms that The early restaurant boasted two could seat 150 people, with a small The Polynesian Revue that is syn- bars: the Molokai Lounge with its gift stand by the front desk selling onymous with the Mai-Kai expe- 1880s seaport saloon decor, and souvenirs. As the restaurant grew, rience was introduced January 2, the Surfboard Bar. The Surfboard so did the lagoons, rivers and luxu- 1962. Every year, the Polynesian Bar was designed like a long sleek riant gardens that wind around, Revue is restaged and is performed surfboard and the barstools were creating the feel of an exotic tropi- by Hawaiians, Tahitians, Samoans designed to look like pineapples. cal village. and Maoris, who are directed by The image behind the bar changed Tahitian-born Mireille Thornton, from daytime to nighttime light- Initially the front section of the wife of Mai-Kai owner Bob Thorn- ing once or twice every hour. The roof over the dining area was open ton. Mrs. Thornton continues to re- Molokai Lounge was a bit smaller to the sky and tables were moved main the show’s principal choreog- than now but had the same ship- in during inclement weather. A rapher and costume designer. The board feeling. sliding glass roof was later added show remains the longest-running In the 1970s, the Mai-Kai under- Broward Legacy • 35 The Surfboard Bar with Mariano Licudine. Courtesy of the Mai-Kai. went a $7 million expansion under that Wilma caused more than $1.3 on its website list of significant the supervision of architect/design- million in damage to the Mai-Kai. Broward County architecture and er George Nakishima. The expan- Notably, the restaurant opened as believes the (Old Flame) qualifies sion included a $600,000 kitchen soon as the power was restored on for both local and national designa- with a unique Chinese-style Mon- November first and the staff did not tion as a historic landmark.” golian brick smoke oven, the only lose a day’s pay. one of its kind in Florida and one of The ambiance, the libations, the only four in the United States. The Although Jack Thornton sold his food, the gardens and, of course, restaurant’s seating capacity was share of the business to his brother the show, whether for a visit to expanded to over 700. The build- in 1969 and Bob Thornton passed the Molokai for Happy Hour or ing to the north of the entryway was away in 1989, Mireille Thornton, an evening with the full dinner added to make room for the South Bob’s widow, runs the restaurant show experience, are an unparal- Seas Trading Post, a larger gift shop with her son and daughter, Dave leled sensory experience! If you and offices. This later became the Levy and Kulani Thornton Ge- haven’t been yet or have dismissed Bora Bora Room, used for private lardi. They continue to maintain it as a tourist trap, you are missing parties and office space and the the character and special flavor of a uniquely memorable encounter in gift shop was returned to the res- the Mai-Kai, “The Finest,” to this our eastern Broward area. taurant. On Monday, October 24, day. The building and grounds of 2005, when Hurricane Wilma clob- the Mai-Kai have withstood hur- Credits: bered South Florida, the damage ricanes, challenges to the economy Sun Sentinel was so severe the Bora Bora Room and changes in society for the past Mai-Kai Staff; Pia Dahlquist and could not be re-opened, and serves 55 years. In a 2007 Sun-Sentinel Kern Mattei, Jr. now as storage. The gift shop was article, Diane Smart, then president Mai-Kai Press Releases moved back into the main build- of the Broward Trust for Historic Tiki Central Forum ing. Dave Levy, Mirielle’s son and Preservation Inc., said, “The Bro- corporate vice president, estimated ward Trust has placed the Mai-Kai 36 • Broward Legacy book review By Marla Sherman Dumas Pioneer Parish, Saint Anthony Broward’s First Catholic Church by Fr. Jerry Singleton

Marla Sherman Dumas, a planning consultant, has served as a Broward County Historical Commissioner since 2007. She previously contributed an article on an historic Hollywood neighborhood, Parkside, which appeared in the 2009 Broward Legacy. Her interest in historic preservation and the history of Broward County provides her with expertise necessary to review this book.

Pioneer Parish: Saint Anthony Broward’s First Catholic Church by Fr. Jerry Singleton, Middle River Press, Oakland Park, Florida, 2011, ISBN 978-0-9838203-0-7, $75, 174 pages. Fr. Jerry Singleton, pastor of Saint this publication in honor of the Anthony Church and School since 90th anniversary of the church and December 2005, with assistance the 85th anniversary of the school. from editor Chauncey Mabe, and The final product is a lovely and researcher Judy Borich, developed engaging coffee-table style book Broward Legacy • 37 Drawing of the Saint Anthony School, circa 1921. Courtesy of the Fort Lauderdale History Center. containing a written history and hired as a public school teacher in was assigned to this parish in Oc- a collection of significant photo- Fort Lauderdale but was fired al- tober 1929 and served the commu- graphs and illustrations that memo- most immediately when members nity for over 40 years and retired in rialize the history of Saint Anthony of the community found out she June 1971, is credited for much of Church and School. was Roman Catholic. One source the early success of Saint Anthony that the author quotes regarding Church and School. Furthermore, The author acknowledges that the this incident is the same publica- he is acknowledged as being respon- content was compiled through ar- tion for which this book review has sible for initiating the idea for open- chival research and recollections of been written, the Broward Legacy. ing Holy Cross Hospital through parishioners. As part of the book, a (The article appeared in the Bro- his fundraising efforts he started in list of all interviewees is included. ward Legacy, volume 18, number 1950 enabling the hospital to hold The book tracks the history of the 3-4, summer/fall, 1995.) an official ground-breaking -cer church and school from their incep- emony in 1953. He is credited with tions in 1921 and 1926, respective- Of great interest to readers is an recognizing the need for Central ly, through the Great Depression, opportunity to gain an understand- Catholic, the second Catholic high World War II, the Civil Rights pe- ing of the significance of the names school in Broward County, with riod, Fort Lauderdale’s decline in given to many community institu- its first graduation class in 1953; the 1970s and its later resurgence. It tions such as Barry University and and opening Annunciation Church also contains a final chapter in which Archbishop Curley High School in 1952, a mission that served Fort Singleton discusses the potential for (originally known as Central Cath- Lauderdale’s African-American change faced by Saint Anthony, and olic) and the roles their namesakes Catholics prior to the success of the the Catholic Church in general, dur- played in the history of Saint An- Civil Rights movement. ing the 21st century. thony Church and School. Sr. Mary Paschal Sydnor, who This book includes information that The founding of Holy Cross Hospi- joined St. Anthony in 1940, is cred- clearly ties the earliest history of tal was described as a small Catho- ited for recognizing the need for Saint Anthony Church and School lic hospital that has become a ma- a gymnasium-auditorium for the to what was happening in secular jor medical facility for the entire school. Designed by architect Rob- settings in the area and the nation. community at large. Both of these ert E. Hansen, it opened in 1941 and For example, the author explains institutions serve Catholics and served St. Anthony School, Central that in 1921 when Saint Anthony non-Catholics alike and are iconic Catholic High School for a time parish was established, the com- examples of excellence in educa- and during World War II, the U.S. munity still remained clearly anti- tional and medical services to all Navy and Coast Guard servicemen Catholic. In support of this asser- South Florida residents. stationed at Port Everglades and tion, Singleton relates the story of the nearby small airfield that even- Julia Murphy, who in 1915 was Fr. John Joseph O’Looney, who tually became Hollywood-Fort 38 • Broward Legacy St. Anthony school bus. Broward County Historical Commission.

Lauderdale International Airport. Also included as part of the book are lists with short biographies about students called to service in the Catholic Church and famous stu- dents, supporters and parishioners. The latter list includes politicians, sports stars, actors and business leaders that are easily recognizable to the community at large. Throughout the book, the photo- graphs and illustrations give an excellent pictorial overview of the church and school and include formal and more candid pictures of key stakeholders, students and parishioners responsible for the de- Aerial Veiw of St. Anthony’s Church and School. Photograph by Anthony Kozla velopment and ultimate success of both of these facilities. community will find reading the available from the church. narrative and reviewing the pic- Contact Information: Certainly this book has great sig- tures from Pioneer Parish: Saint Pauline Favreau nificance to anyone who ever at- Anthony Broward’s First Catho- Administrative Assistant tended the church or school as well lic Church a valuable experience. Saint Anthony Catholic Church as those persons that are currently For those interested in obtaining a 901 N.E. 2nd Street, involved with Saint Anthony. Ad- copy, this book is available for sale Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 ditionally, anyone interested in at Well Read Book Store on 17th 954-463-4614 the overall history of Fort Lauder- Street Causeway in Fort Lauder- dale and the greater South Florida dale and on Amazon.com. It is also Broward Legacy • 39

The Restored West Side Grade School, 2011 You Can Help Preserve History

Each day more of our local history is lost by the passage of time, the passing of early pioneers, and the loss of historic and archaeological sites throughout Broward County. But you can help. The Broward County Historical Commission has been working to preserve local history since 1972 with help from people like you.

By donating old family photos and documents, volunteering at events, and providing donations to the Broward County Historical Commission Trust Fund, your efforts help preserve our history.

Consider how you can help save our heritage and create a legacy for your community by contributing your time, historical items, or your generosity. What you do today maintains the dignity of history for the future. Call us at 954-357-5553.

Monetary donations may be made to: Broward County Historical Commission Trust Fund 301 Harmon (S.W. 13th) Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 www.broward.org/history

A Service of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners This public document was promulgated at a cost of $00000 or $0.00 per copy, to provide historical information to the public about Broward County.

Broward Legacy • 40