LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Posted on 13 June 2013 by LeslieM

June 2013 proclaimed “Deerfield Beach History Month”

Dear Editor:

Whereas, for hundreds of years, the area that is now known as Deerfield Beach was home to the Seminole natives. The city’s history begins in 1877, when the first non-native glimpsed at the swamps in the area. In the early records of the Deerfield Beach area, dating back from 1890, a small group settled along the Hillsboro River; and

Whereas, On June 22, 1898 a post office was established at Deerfield, FL to serve a population of 20 settlers. It is said this name was chosen because of the numerous deer that grazed along the Hillsboro River. This river formed the northern boundary of Deerfield; and

Whereas, the intersections known as Hillsboro Boulevard and Dixie Highway became the center of the village’s activity, and by 1910, there were a few stores and hotels. The businesses were based on Deerfield’s railroad station, which farmers used to send their crops along the railroad built by Henry Flagler; and

Whereas, the Town of Deerfield was incorporated on June 11, 1925. George Emory Butler, Jr. was elected as the first mayor. 1925 also saw the opening of the first public library, which was serving a population that had climbed to 1,300 residents. In 1939, the name of the town was changed to Deerfield Beach, and the population numbered about 1,800;

Whereas, in 1951, the town name was changed to the City of Deerfield Beach. The economy gradually continued to evolve away from agriculture toward tourism. Now the economy is heavily diversified and includes distribution, manufacturing, and office industries, in addition to tourism. Deerfield Beach had a population of 50,000 residents. Its iconic pier and pink brick beachside walkway attract visitors year-round.

Whereas, The Deerfield Beach Historical Society has a mission is to continue the vision by keeping the city’s rich history alive.

NOW THEREFORE, I, JEAN M. ROBB, Mayor of the City of Deerfield Beach, Florida, in recognition thereof, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2013 as:

“DEERFIELD BEACH HISTORY MONTH” and urge every citizen to take time this month to engage with the Deerfield Beach Historical Society to help support the mission of the Historical Society, which is: to identify, preserve and maintain historical sites in the Deerfield Beach area; to acquire artifacts and data and make historical resources accessible to the public, to educate and encourage awareness of local history.

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