Agenda 04-10-23 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH
!, w HISTORIC RESOURCES PRESERVATION BOARD
MEETING AGENDA
DATE: Monday, April 10, 2023 TIME: 6:30 P.M.
PLACE: Commission Chambers, 100 E. Ocean Avenue
1. Call to Order
2. Agenda Approval
3. Approval of Minutes
3.A. Approve board minutes from March 7, 2023 Historic Resources Preservation Board meeting.
4. Communications and Announcements
4.A. Advisory Board update from Planning & Zoning Director, Amanda Radigan — Updates regarding
Advisory Boards, including the new Peak Agenda Management System, Advisory Board Annual
Reports, and Volunteers for the new Visitor Center.
4.B. Website Migration — Staff will provide an update on the City's progress in merging the existing
components of the original historic preservation site with the City's upgraded website, and its
expansion to represent a more user-friendly and informative site.
4.C. Andrew's house at 306 SE 1 st Avenue —The Board, at the March 7th meeting, moved to initiate
the review of the historic Andrew's House for addition to the City's Local Registry of Historic Sites.
Staff will report on this initiative to include coordination with the property owner and Historica LLC.
5. Old Business
5.A. Local Designation of 413 NE 12th Avenue— Request for designation of 413 NE 12th Avenue, and
the addition of this c.1941, Wood-frame Vernacular, one-story single-family house to the City's
Local Registry of Historic Sites. Applicant: Dr. Martha Light Meeks, property owner.
6. New Business:
7. Other
8. Comments by members
9. Public comments regarding historic preservation
10.Announce date of next meeting —July 10, 2023
11.Adjournment
THE BOARD MAY ONLY CONDUCT PUBLIC BUSINESS AFTER A QUORUM HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED. IF NO QUORUM IS
ESTABLISHED WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF THE NOTICED START TIME OF THE MEETING THE CITY CLERK OR DESIGNEE WILL
SO NOTE THE FAILURE TO ESTABLISH A QUORUM AND THE MEETING SHALL BE CONCLUDED. BOARD MEMBERS MAY NOT
PARTICIPATE FURTHER EVEN WHEN PURPORTEDLY ACTING IN AN INFORMAL CAPACITY.
Historic Resources Preservation Board Meeting Page 2
Agenda April 10, 2023
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OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK.
Minutes of the Historic Resources Preservation Board Meeting
Held on March 7, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
in City Hall Commission Chambers
100 E. Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, Florida
Present:
Barbara Ready, Chair Mike Rumpf, Consultant
Dr. Ben Lowe (Arrived 6:39 P.M.) Jae Eun Kim, Principal Planner
Victor Norfus Craig Pinder, Planner II
Rhonda Sexton (Arrived at 6:36 P.M.)
Absent:
Tom Ramiccio
Alexander Ranbom
Michael Wilson
Bishop Bernard Wright
1. Call to Order
Chair Ready called the meeting to order at 6:34 P.M.
2. Agenda Approval
Motion
Ms. Sexton moved to approve the agenda. Dr. Lowe seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
3. Approval of Minutes — July 11, 2022 and October 10, 2022.
Motion
Ms. Sexton moved to approve the July 11, 2022, meeting minutes. Mr. Norfus seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Dr. Lowe noted that on page four of the October minutes it mentioned that the Board was
threatened. He requested that the minutes be amended to either remove the sentence or
say what the threat was. He said that he felt the threat was made towards Chair Ready.
Ms. Sexton agreed and stated that it was personal and made by Bishop Wright, who
threatened bodily harm to Chair Ready during the meeting and that she heard it clearly,
because she was sitting next to him.
Meeting Minutes
Historic Resource Preservation Board
Boynton Beach, Florida March 7, 2023
Motion
Dr. Lowe moved to approve the amended minutes as discussed above. Ms. Sexton
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
A. Advisory Board update from Assistant City Manager, Kathryn Matos —
Updates regarding Advisory Boards, including the new Peak Agenda
Management System, Advisory Board Annual Reports, and Volunteers for the
new Visitor Center
(Heard Out of Order)
Kathryn Matos, Assistant City Manager, stated that they are implementing new agenda
software, which includes the Advisory Boards, so all agendas will be in a uniform format.
Ms. Matos stated that the City Commission is requesting that each Advisory Board
provide an Annual Report of what they did the prior year and what they want to do in the
coming year. She clarified that it should be a three to five-minute discussion and the
content of the report has to be approved by the Board before the presentation is made.
She listed which months were available to make a presentation. Ms. Matos also
announced that the City is opening a new Visitor Center in an unused conference room
in the City Hall lobby. She stated that they plan to host information on local businesses,
tourist information and events, and have local artifacts on loan from City residents
temporarily on display. She passed around a no-obligation sign-up sheet for those
possibly interested in serving as a volunteer for a four-hour shift.
Chair Ready suggested that the City work with the Chamber of Commerce and have
coupons to restaurants and a Welcome Package for new residents.
Ms. Matos stated that she is working with the Palm Beaches and they are working with
Visit Florida, because they have a program for certifying Visitor Centers. She said that
the City will have an official Visitor Center, which will be marketed through the Palm
Beaches and Visit Florida. She commented that there are a lot of exciting components
and it will be a growing effort.
Susan Oyer,147 SE 27th Way, Boynton Beach, said that she was glad to hear this and
she spoke about a Welcome to Boynton Beach DVD, which could a sold there. She
thought that the Library Archivist should make replicas of historic postcards available for
sale and that they should work with the Historical Society and Sister Cities. She
announced that she has five Boynton Beach 100-Year Anniversary Plates with the original
programs that need a new home or if someone wants to sell them as a fundraiser. She
commented that the City should get on the list of 100 plus year-old cities.
Dr. Lowe commented that he excited about this endeavor and that there will be exhibition
space on the City's history outside of the Library.
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Meeting Minutes
Historic Resource Preservation Board
Boynton Beach, Florida March 7, 2023
Ms. Sexton suggested making the presentation to the City Commission in May because
it's History Month.
Mike Rumpf, Historic Resource Preservation Consultant, recommended making the
presentation when they compile their Annual Report to the State, which would be in
October/November. He said that the report is sent to the State because the City is a
Certified Local Government.
4. Communications and Announcements
Mr. Rumpf stated that the Andrews house at 306 S 1St Avenue is the oldest single-family
home in the City, on the west side of the railroad tracks. He explained that the parcel is
part of a master-planned redevelopment known as the Villages at East Ocean, having a
north and south portion. He said that the site plan for the northern portion was submitted
under a new contract purchaser for the property, so the south portion was not included,
as it is a phased development. He mentioned that house is shown on the approved
plan, but staff does not know if it will be preserved and he pointed out the home is not a
designated home.
Chair Ready queried if the Board could encourage the owner to preserve the property.
Mr. Rumpf responded that staff can do so when that portion of the property comes up for
review. He also noted that the Board can designate the property or have it go to the City
Commission for designation, and that the property owner could appear and state their
opinions.
Chair Ready thought that the property owner would have concerns, but that the Board
could allay them by explaining that the home being on the Register is not overly restrictive.
She said that she would like to see an in-depth report on the Andrews house, as it would
be part of the application process anyway.
Mr. Rumpf stated that the property was on the recommended list for local designation
arising from the Historic Site Survey, which will be reviewed later. He explained the
application process and advised that there would be communication with the property
owner.
Motion
Ms. Sexton moved to commence with a Board-initiated designation application for the
306 S 1 St Avenue property using City funds. Dr. Lowe seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
Mr. Rumpf recalled that there was a question about the Women's Club and advised that
all the major maintenance items there were completed, and it is accessible to the public
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Meeting Minutes
Historic Resource Preservation Board
Boynton Beach, Florida March 7, 2023
to lease. He stated that the City completed a design plan for crossing the street on
Federal Highway from the west side where there is parking available by the Senior Center.
He said that there will be an additional traffic light, a push button, and markings on the
street ,and that it should be completed in a year. He pointed out that the balconies remain
closed off due to the railings not being tall enough to meet Code. He stated that he has
not seen concepts to address this, but felt that it could easily be done and still pass the
Certificate of Appropriateness test, while maintaining the integrity of the building. He
mentioned that the City has not pursued it, but it was a future option.
Mr. Lowe inquired who to contact if someone wanted to rent the building.
Mr. Rumpf said that he will find out and let the Board know. Mr. Rumpf announced that
there were communications regarding the Poinciana School Rosenwald School Plaque
being installed near the school property. He explained that there had been some
communication breakdowns, but that he had continued to speak with all parties involved,
including the Public Works Department, regarding what they need to plan this out. He
noted the sign can be presented to the HOB Association.
Mr. Rumpf advised that there were two conditions the Jewish American Society for
Historic Preservation had when they agreed to send the sign, including the design and
fabrication. He explained the conditions and options for the sign. He requested feedback
and stated that a representative from the Society contacted the City because this has
been a year and a half long project. He suggested that installation of the sign be used as
a public media event, with the Board with pictures of the event posted on the website.
A. Advisory Board update from Assistant City Manager, Kathryn Matos —
Updates regarding Advisory Boards, including the new Peak Agenda
Management System, Advisory Board Annual Reports, and Volunteers for the
new Visitor Center.
This item was discussed earlier in the meeting.
5. Old Business:
A. Identification of Priority Historic Sites — Staff will provide an update and
request feedback on the drafting of a Priority Historic Site List which may also
prompt a discussion on further options for incentivizing historic preservation
and the designation of local sites.
Mr. Rumpf explained that the City had a Historic Site Survey that was approved in 1996
and that it was the City's first formal, comprehensive inventory of properties eligible for
designation and about 36 properties were recommended. He explained the survey
process. He stated that he reviewed the list to determine the status of the homes and it
raised other related topics. He commented that some restorations may alter the exterior
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Meeting Minutes
Historic Resource Preservation Board
Boynton Beach, Florida March 7, 2023
and one home had an accessory unit. He noted that Historic Districts came up in the past
and if they established a Historic District through the property owners voting process, they
can have more unique regulations that apply to the District as a whole.
Chair Ready said that she has wondered if designation of the home located at 321 SW
1 st Avenue should be Board initiated.
Mr. Norfus inquired if the members could visit the sites, as some of the images show the
properties were modernized.
Chair Ready responded that it would be up to the property owner.
Ms. Sexton said that she was unsure if there was enough historic characteristic left to be
eligible for designation.
Mr. Rumpf recalled that there were major modifications, but he could provide a preliminary
review. He explained that many of the properties, particularly 701 S. Seacrest Boulevard,
have the potential for a Code Amendment that allows for an Adaptive Reuse for residential
and commercial properties in some areas of the community, and those are on Seacrest
could be offered that option as well. He said that this is a potential incentive, although
the properties on Seacrest are not commercial. He noted that there has been staff
discussion about having an overlay to allow some of those uses to incentivize
preservation, if an amendment is connected to the Historic Preservation Program.
Ms. Sexton commented on one of the things she has seen, because they are preserving
the history of the structure, the Zoning regulations, and some of the Building Codes.
Further discussion about this ensued.
Mr. Rumpf agreed to provide a preliminary analysis of this at the next meeting.
Mr. Norfus suggested that information on historic properties should be included in the
Visitor Center
Dr. Lowe said that the Board should talk about this in the future. He noted that there are
a lot of changes occurring in the Downtown and he thought they could perhaps carve out
a Historic District.
(Mr. Norfus briefly stepped off the dais at, and returned to it at 8:90 P.M.)
Mr. Rumpf reviewed the homes on the list. He advised that of the 36 original sites, five
homes were added to the Local Register, 11 sites were demolished, including one
planned demolition, leaving 20 potential sites that were recommended for designation
over 26 years ago. He said that staff will bring back possible suggestions of sites for
consideration.
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Meeting Minutes
Historic Resource Preservation Board
Boynton Beach, Florida March 7, 2023
Mr. Norfus inquired if the homes were mapped, so that they could identify potential
Historic Districts. He said that a lot of the homes were gone, but the sites still exist.
Mr. Rumpf stated a map with the original sites is on the website.
B. Website Migration — Staff will provide an update on the City's progress in
merging the existing components of the original historic preservation site with
the City's upgraded website, and its expansion to represent a more user-
friendly and attractive site.
Mr. Rumpf reported that the project lead is in ITS, and staff has been working with him.
He explained that the Historic Preservation website is a marginal site, which only includes
special projects funded by grant funds. He advised that the information is now being
migrated, formatted, and expanded to have all the basic principles of information, and
that they basically have a draft that they will populate and have a Q and A section. He
announced that staff will bring back an expanded and more populated website and staff
would seek input.
C. New Business:
Local Designation of 413 NE 12th Avenue — Request for designation
of 413 NE 12th Avenue, and the addition of this c.1941, Wood-frame
Vernacular, one-story single-family house to the City's Local Registry
of Historic Sites. Applicant: Dr. Martha Light Meeks, property owner.
Mr. Rumpf explained that this application was initiated by the property owner and they
had a compliance review. He noted that what was unique about this property was its
history. He stated that the home was from a 1935 Depression, New Deal, war-time era in
the Happy Homes subdivision in the HOB area. He noted that the property was in family
ownership since it was built and that some windows were changed, and that the front
porch was slightly modified. He advised that the alterations are compatible with the
building design and the structure is eligible based on age. He mentioned that the home
was built in an era when the City passed ordinances defining where Whites and Blacks
could live.
Dr. Martha Meeks-Light, the property owner, stated that she lived in the home since birth
with her parents. She gave a history of the activities that would take place at the property.
She explained that they had a good relationship with Harvey Oyer and at that time, her
father could not purchase land because there were no loan companies for Blacks. She
said that Mr. Oyer loaned them $400 to buy land. She said that she will ask for all the
help she can get to restore it, and that it will be used as a museum. with her family's and
the City's legacy. She noted this home would be a museum representing life before
integration. She commented that she did not go to City Hall, or downtown, and that Blacks
could pick up mail from the Post Office on certain days. She stated that the schools were
separate and she went to Poinciana, which was why she was so happy the Rosenwald
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Meeting Minutes
Historic Resource Preservation Board
Boynton Beach, Florida March 7, 2023
Plaque acknowledged the school.
She stated that she always had plans for the home and that she said she hoped the Board
would approve the application.
Mr. Norfus provided a history of the area and acknowledged the Rosenwald organization.
He said that he had a picture of his aunt, uncle and mother with him, who he said were
all teachers at Boynton Beach Colored Elementary. He stated that his mother graduated
from there, and one of the earliest teachers was his cousin, Francine Meeks, who owned
the LaFrance Hotel in Delray. He commented on the historical significance of the house
and the people in it. He said that Juanita Meeks, his grandmother, lived in the house and
that she and Lena Rahming were involved with the Head Start Program. He also spoke
about other family members, such as Doc and Dr. Meeks-Light, Montine, Katie and Paul
Butler. He explained that his main goal is to unify the City and that the City is recognizing
100 years of Segregation. He noted that Ed Meeks was a Charter Founder of the City
and that he was responsible for having the roads paved. He mentioned that when Blacks
had to move to the west side for segregation, displaced citizens moved onto the Meeks,
Wells and Andrews properties, known as Colored Town, but there were people already
there, and the area became known as the Heart of Boynton. Mr. Norfus explained that
they are attempting to create a Meeks Educational Learning Center and a Cultural Center
that will be associated with the house. He stated that they will create an oral history of the
house, and that they had created an oral history of the family.
Chair Ready commented that the history of the house was pretty extensive. She
suggested putting its history on the website.
Motion
Dr. Lowe moved to accept this application,
Mr. Rumpf explained that Mr. Norfus cannot vote due to a conflict of interest with the item,
and three voters was not sufficient for a quorum. He suggested they defer this item to
the next meeting.
Motion
Dr. Lowe moved to table the item to the next meeting. Ms. Sexton seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
The item was tabled to the meeting on April 10tH
(Mr. Norfus left the dais at 7:48 P.M. and returned at 7:49 P.M.)
6. Other:
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Meeting Minutes
Historic Resource Preservation Board
Boynton Beach, Florida March 7, 2023
None
7. Comments by members
Chair Ready invited the members to the Historical Society's March 271h program, via
Zoom, on the Gilded Age in Palm Beach. She commented that Board Member Alex
Ranbom has not attended meetings.
Dr. Lowe asked who monitors member absences, and learned that it was the City Clerk's
office.
8. Public comments relative to historic preservation
Susan Oyer asked about the Highwaymen paintings in the Woman's Club, and if the
paintings were part of the sale to the CRA/City or if they were supposed to stay with the
Woman's Club. She stated that they are in an elderly woman's home, whose children will
not want to give them up, so the Board should address this now. Ms. Oyer asked about
the status of the original street names being listed underneath the current street names.
She said that the Board had worked on this about 10 years ago, and then stopped and
she would like to see the Board bring it back.
Mr. Norfus noted that in the HOB, along 13th, Utherprey Thompson founded St. Cuthbert
Church. He said that Sara Sims founded St. John Missionary Baptist Church and pointed
out that residents were baptized in the canal near Wilson Pool. He noted that just as
Bishop Wright was able to pay homage to his grandfather by having a street named after
him, 11 to 12th and 13th Avenues were known as Lincoln and Washington and that the
streets were named after his relatives. He commented that although the buildings are
gone, the street has religious significance to the community. He commented that this was
something that the Board could address in the future.
Ms. Sexton agreed and stated that having original street names gives a greater sense of
character to the community.
Dr. Lowe suggested that they should research the matter and pick up where they left off.
Mr. Rumpf explained that the idea was not well received and the project stalled.
Ms. Oyer said that the Board should add it to their program and move up their presentation
to the City Commission so it could be included in the budget.
9. Announce date of next meeting —April 10, 2023
Ms. Sexton stated that she will be out of town on April 10tH
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Meeting Minutes
Historic Resource Preservation Board
Boynton Beach, Florida March 7, 2023
10. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Ready properly adjourned the meeting at 8:44
P.M.
Catherine Cherry
Minutes Specialist
9
/ DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PLANNING AND ZONING DIVISION
STAFF REPORT
TO: Chair and Members,
Historic Resources Preservation Board
FROM: Michael Rumpf,
Planner and Interim Board Liaison
DATE: April 5, 2023
RE: Historic Resources Preservation Board
Meeting of April 10, 2023
This report and accompanying exhibits represent the combined back-up for the subject
agenda.
Item 5.A Local Designation of 413 NE 12th Avenue
One of the principal objectives of the City's Historic Preservation Program is to maintain an inventory
of properties that are eligible for preservation and promote and process the addition of eligible sites to
the Local Registry. For such consideration is the request from Dr. Martha Light Meeks, one of the
property owners, for the designation of 413 NE 12th Avenue, and the addition of this c.1941, Wood
Frame Vernacular, one-story single-family house to the City's Local Registry of Historic Sites.
Eligibility for designation is based on one or more of the criteria stated in the City's Land Development
Regulations, Chapter 4, Article IX, Section 6.B.1 which regards, in part, an association of the property
with significant historic events, persons, or design characteristics. In summary, the analysis of the
property finds that 413 NE 12th Avenue is eligible for designation under criteria "a", "b" and "c" from
the above-referenced section. Criterion "a" describes an eligible property as one that is associated
"with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of the City's history", and
criterion "b" is an "association with the lives of persons significant in the City's past". With respect to
the historic house, criterion "c" represents a property that "embodies the distinctive characteristics of a
type, period or method of construction".
A few notable findings documented in the report that summarize the significance of the property are
highlighted below:
• Ownership of the property has remained within the family since the house was first built, and
the Meeks family has owned property in Boynton Beach since 1896.
• The Meeks family have contributed to the development of the City, and have continually
worked for and contributed to the betterment of the community.
• The property consists of one of the five remaining structures built in the 1940s, within the 1925
subdivision of Happy Home Heights.
• "Feeling" is how a property conveys a particular period of time through physical features. As
the small property retains integrity of setting, design, materials, and workmanship, the
structure relates to the feeling of residential life during the segregation era in the 1940s. The
property retains its "integrity of feeling."
• The property is a "rare example of a minimally altered Wood Frame Vernacular residence from
the 1930s in the City. Wood Frame Vernacular structures are the earliest form of construction
within the City of Boynton Beach. From the 1920s onwards, construction methods and
architectural styles had advanced; however, in the segregated areas, which contained some of
the poorest residents, homes continued to be built of wood frame and siding according to
traditional methods."
• The structure is sufficiently intact to convey the property's relationship to the Depression/New
Deal/War Time Era and the associated segregation policy of the City at that time." With
respect to eligibility criteria, the property has retained its integrity of association.
See attached Designation Report for a complete description of the property and Meeks family, the
eligibility criteria as excerpted from the City's Land Development Regulations, and the narrative
describing the relevant historic context.
-2 -
OLD BUSINESS
5 .A
Local Designation of
413 NE 12th Avenu
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Dr. Martha Meeks Light and Herman "Doc" Meeks House
413 NE 12th Avenue, Boynton Beach
Local Historic Designation
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List of Illustrations
Figure 1: Boynton Railroad Station, c.1898
Figure 2: Seaboard Airline Depot c.1950s
Figure 3: Katie, Louise, Harry, and Herman Meeks going to Boynton Colored Elementary
Figure 4: Hurricane Damage to High School, 1928
Figure 5: Katie Montine Meeks and Friends in the Club Continental
Figure 6: Happy Home Heights Subdivision Plat, 1925
Figure 7: Happy Home Heights Ad (Palm Beach Post, "Boynton",June 3, 1925
Figure 8: Building Permits (Palm Beach Post, "Building Permits", June 8, 1939
Figure 9: Lake Worth, Fla., USGS, 1945
Figure 10: Existing Home Construction Date by Decade
Figure 11: Partial Happy Home Heights Subdivision Aerial
Figure 12: 413 NE 12th Avenue Looking West
Figure 13: 413 NE 12th Avenue Looking East
Figure 14: South Elevation
Figure 15: West Elevation
Figure 16: South and East Elevations
Figure 17: North Elevation
Figure 18: Living and Dining Areas
Figure 19: Front Bedroom
Figure 20: Kitchen
Figure 21: Front Porch Interior
Figure 22: Edward, his wife Francine and their children Boise, Martha, and Mary Etta
Figure 23: Ellis Meeks in 413 NE 12th Avenue
Figure 24: George Washington Meeks in the Yard Next to 413 NE 12th Avenue
Figure 25: Juanita Meeks in 413 NE 12th Avenue
Figure 26: George W. Meeks and Daughter-in-Law at the Meeks House
1
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Dr. Martha Meeks Light and Herman "Doc" Meeks House
Local Historic Designation
Property Address: 413 NE 12th Avenue, Boynton Beach, Florida 33435
Parcel Control Number: 08-43-45-21-20-001-0170
Legal Description: Lot 17, Block 1, Happy Home Heights, according to the Plat thereof
on file in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for Palm
Beach County, Florida in Plat Book 11, Page 30.
Construction Date: 1941 (date provided by family)
Architect/Builder: Architect not known. Mr. Ed Jones (carpenter), Mr. Charlie Day
(plumber), Mr.Thad Williams (electrician)
Building Use: Single-Family Residence
Architectural Style: Wood Frame Vernacular
Location and Site: The property is located on the north side of NE 12th Avenue just
west of North Railroad Avenue. The interior lot measures
approximately 40 feet wide by 90 feet deep. The one-story
structure faces south.
Florida Master Site File No.: PB19614
Statement of Significance
The property at 413 NE 12th Avenue is a rare remaining example of a wood frame vernacular
structure in the City of Boynton Beach. Built during the segregation era, the residence is a
significant example of the wood frame vernacular style which retains many character-defining
features and its integrity.The property is associated with an early pioneer family whose members
contributed to the development of the City and the community. Ownership of the property has
remained within the family since the house was first built. The property significantly contributes
to the historic fabric of the City of Boynton Beach and is eligible for individual designation and
inclusion on the Boynton Beach Register of Historic Places.
2
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Criteria for Significance
Chapter 4, Article IX, Section 6.B.1 of the City of Boynton Beach Land Development Regulations
"Designation of Historic Properties and Districts"1 states:
"To qualify as a Property or a District, individual properties must have significance in
American history, architecture, archeology, engineering or culture and possess integrity
of location, design,setting, materials, workmanship,feeling, and association. For Districts,
eligibility is based on the establishment of historic contexts or themes which describe the
historical relationship of the Properties within the district. Individual Buildings shall
normally be at least 50 years old and, in the case of a District at least 50% of the Buildings
shall normally be at least fifty years old. Buildings shall also be significant in one or more
of the following areas:
a. Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of the City's history; or
b. Association with the lives of persons significant in the City's past; or
c. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of
construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values,
or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack
individual distinction;
d. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or
history, or
e. Is listed in the National Register of Historic Places."
As indicated in the report, 413 NE 12th Avenue is eligible for local historic designation under the
following criteria:
a. Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of the City's history.
b. Association with the lives of persons significant in the City's past.
c. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of
construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values,
or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack
individual distinction.
i City of Boynton Beach Land Development Regulations.
3
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Historic Context
The development of the City of Boynton Beach has taken place over four broad eras:
• Pioneer Era (c.1875 to c.1919)
• Boom Time Era (c.1920 to c.1928)
• Depression/New Deal/War Time Era (c.1929 to c.1945)
• Modern Era (c.1946 to c.1967)
413 NE 12th Avenue was built c.1935 during the Depression/New Deal/WarTime Era in the Wood
Frame Vernacular style.
Pioneer Era
The earliest recorded property owner in the Boynton Beach area was Captain James A. Armour,
the head lighthouse keeper in Jupiter, who, in 1875, filed a claim for beachfront land which
encompassed the present Boynton Municipal Beach. Some of the earliest settlers included black
families who farmed in the area.
It was believed that the Town of Boynton was founded by Major Nathan Smith Boynton who
owned all the land in the area and the hotel; however, recent research has shown this is not
entirely accurate.
In 1892, Byrd Spilman Dewey (Birdie Dewey), a prominent author of the time and wife of Fred
Dewey, a Civil Warveteran from Indiana, purchased 160 acres of land at the southern end of Lake
Worth. In 1895, she sold 120 acres of this land to William Seelye Linton, a new speculator from
Michigan who made a small down payment of$100. In 1897, Linton sold 40 acres of this land to
Major Boynton, former editor and publisher of the Port Huron Press and owner of the recently
built Boynton Hotel. However, the sale was not completed as Linton, who had not paid the
Dewey's in full forthe land, had no deed.This left the area known as Boynton in turmoil especially
as Major Boynton had formed the Southern Florida Land Company and sold town lots on his land
for$50.
In September 1897, the Deweys filed a foreclosure lawsuit against Linton and Boynton for
nonpayment which resulted in them regaining their land. Neither Boynton nor Linton ever filed
a plat for the town of Boynton. In 1898, the Deweys filed plats for the town of Boynton and for
Dewey's Subdivision. As the Deweys were friends with Major Boynton, they named the town in
his honor. Fred Dewey sold lots with genuine deeds to settlers and, as a consequence, served as
land agent for several interests in the area including Henry M. Flagler's Florida East Coast (F.E.C.)
Railway which had been granted property for building the railroad through to Mia mi2. Flagler's
first passenger train traveled through Boynton in 18963.
Z Pedersen, G.L. and DeVries,J.M. Pioneering Palm Beach, the Deweys and the South Florida Frontier. Charleston,
SC:The History Press, 2012, p.96-100.
3 Farace,V.K. et. al. Boynton Beach, The First 100 Years. Boynton Beach: Boynton Beach Historical Society& Friends
of the Boynton Beach City Library, 1995, p.38.
4
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
p
t a iii r , r
u rr irii ✓l//J ui � f v
Figure.Z:Boynton Railroad Statism, c..1898(Boynton Beach City library).
During the late 1890s, residences and commercial buildings sprang up along Ocean Avenue. By
1900, Boynton had become a major supplier of tomatoes and pineapples to northern markets'.
The rich soil from the farms also quickly produced beans, peppers, and bananas. Dairy farming
also developed on the ocean ridge east of the Florida East Coast Canal. The success of the
Boynton Hotel and local farm production prompted the designation of Boynton as a regular stop
for the F.E.C. Railroad.The successes from the farms and dairies triggered more expansion to the
area throughout the early 1900s.
In 1907,the black community petitioned the School Board for a teacher.The Superintendent was
ordered to employ a teacher, but the residents were to provide a building. A one-room wooden
schoolhouse was constructed on Federal Highway north of Boynton Beach Boulevard. In 1909,
when Palm Beach County separated from Dade County,the school became known as the Boynton
Negro School'.
In 1908, a group of civic-minded women banded together to improve the quality of life for
residents. The group was formally organized into the Boynton Woman's Club in 1909. The club
quickly succeeded in its main purpose: to provide a venue for local social affairs and to house a
lending library.
Boom Time Era
The Florida "Boom Time Era" was at its peak during the early 1920s. In 1920 Boynton Beach
became an incorporated town and in November of this year, a $10,000 bond was passed which
financed the $6,000 purchase of an ocean front park. Other early projects included the
construction of a jail and, in 1920, doubling the F.E.C. railroad tracks which serviced Boynton.
41bid. p.7.
5 Boynton Beach Historical Society Website"Boynton Beach's Poinciana School History".
5
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Within the next three years the town proceeded with paving streets and installing a water
treatment system and, in 1924, a volunteer fire department was organized. In 1925 the Seaboard
Coastline Railroad served the Boynton area.
S, ; v r v n yrai"w/ � �� %nria r �r r✓�jr
9 �aFl1K,
v m,„
Figure,2:,Seaboard Airline Depot c..29.50.s(Boynton Beach City Library).
On February 20, 1924,the Commissioners of the Town of Boynton adopted and passed Ordinance
No. 37 (Attachment A) which established segregation and set apart "separate residential limits
or districts for white and negro residents"'.The Ordinance set the boundaries for what was to be
known as "The Negro District within the Town of Boynton, Florida" while the remaining land or
parcels of land within the Town would be known as "The White District within the Town of
Boynton, Florida". The Ordinance made it illegal for black residents to reside "within the
territorial limits of said Town so set apart and established for the residence of white persons"
and for white residents to reside "within the territorial limits of said Town so set apart and
established for the residence of negroes." The penalty for violating this Ordnance was a fine of
no more than $500, or imprisonment for not more than 60 days, or both.
The black community, who primarily lived on Federal Highway
to the north of Boynton Beach Boulevard, was forced to move
west. Many buildings were also moved including homes,
businesses, and the Boynton Elementary School which was
moved to Wells Avenue and renamed Boynton Colored
Elementary.
NA
Figure 3:Katie, Louise, Harry, and Herman Meeks going.to Boynton Colored Ffernentary(Victor D. lVorfu.$).
6 Ordinance No. 37,Town of Boynton. City of Boynton Beach Public Records, 1924.
6
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
On November 18, 1924, the Town Commission adopted and passed Ordinance No. 47
(Attachment B) amending Ordinance 37 by "extending and defining the boundaries of the
separate residential limits or districts for negro residents"'.
Enterprising men were developing large tracts of land throughout Boynton. James Hartley and
the Palm Beach-Boynton Development Company with K.D. Purdy began Lake Boynton Estates, a
subdivision at the west end of Ocean Avenue. Two additional platted areas increased the size of
Lake Boynton Estates.
Stile Hall, C.F. Knuth and C.O. Miller organized the Boynton Finance Corporation to cover all
aspects of real estate from construction to finance. The firm purchased tracts of land for both
residential and commercial development throughout the community. Two developments by
Knuth and Miller were found in Beverly Hills and Bower's Park. Hall with K.D Purdy developed
Lakeside Gardens and Boynton Heights, L.E. Perkins purchased 30 acres of the Carrie Knapp tract
west of town for redevelopment, and the Blake Company, owned by George H. Blake, developed
Boynton Hills which was originally the Hardee pineapple fields. The Blake Company's extensive
plans called for a "Grand Boulevard", which would accommodate 350 lots and the Blake Hotel.
During the height of the boom Frank J. Nutting of the Nutting and Perkins Real Estate Firm
confirmed a land sale exceeding $10,000 an acre. The newly named EI Dorado Park became the
costliest parcel in the area according to Nutting.
In 1925, Robert E. Wells, a Bahamian landowner and businessman, platted his property as the
Robert E. Wells Subdivision. The street, originally named Wells Avenue and now East Martin
Luther King Jr. Boulevard, became a thriving main street serving the black community$.
Also in 1925, a new Rosenwald School was built for the black community on the corner of
Seacrest Blvd. and NW 12th Ave. Rosenwald Schools were built primarily for the education of
African American children in the South in the early 20th century. The project was the product of
a partnership between Julius Rosenwald, CEO of Sears, Roebuck and Company and the African
American leader BookerT. Washington. From the 1910s to the early 1930s,over 5,000 Rosenwald
Schools were built in the southern states9.
In the second half of the 1920s, a series of unfortunate events began to unfold in Boynton. In
early 1925, citrus canker was discovered in the orange groves forcing the destruction of all citrus
groves in Boynton. Financial problems began to plague the town, tax assessments continued to
rise, recall elections and failed resolutions were topics of discussion, and resignations became
commonplace with municipal officers. While salaries for municipal workers were slashed and
bonds were burned, the voters of Boynton voted unanimously for the construction of a beach
front casino that cost nearly$12,000.The Florida Land Boom was coming to an end and Boynton
was deeply in debt.
Ordinance No.47,Town of Boynton. City of Boynton Beach Public Records, 1924.
8 City of Boynton Beach Black History Website.
91bid.
7
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
In 1927, the Boynton Beach High School,
designed by William Manley King in the
Mediterranean Revival style, was completed.
fi
However, the building was badly damaged
along with many others during the 1928
hurricane. Many people took refuge in the
;9 new building only to be injured when the
auditorium gave wayio
Figure 4:Hurricane Carnage.to High,School, .1928(City of Boynton Beach).
Depression/New Deal/War Time Era
State legislative assistance alleviated some of Boynton's financial problems; however, concerns
regarding indebtedness from municipal projects reached a peak when residents on the east side
of the Intracoastal Waterway, which was earlier known as the East Coast Canal, served notice to
the town of their wish to separate from Boynton and start a new municipality. Boynton and the
eastside residents reached an agreement whereby the new municipality would assume
indebtedness in excess of$350,000. The agreement was finalized in 1931 with the formation of
two separate municipalities, Boynton and Boynton Beach.
On November 7, 1933, the Board of Town Commissioners passed and adopted Ordinance No.
13611 (Attachment C). This racial "sunset law" stated that after December 1, 1933, white people
over 18 years of age could not be in the black section of town, and blacks could not be in the
white section after 9 p.m. from October through May or 10 p.m. from June through September.
By 1935 the Town of Boynton began construction of a replacement for the old wooden bridge on
Ocean Avenue. The new bridge was financed with Depression Era funds supplied by the federal
government.
By 1939 the Town of Boynton Beach changed its name to Ocean Ridge. Within two years the
Town of Boynton also adopted a new name and became the Town of Boynton Beach.
The war years brought a different kind of living to Boynton residents as nighttime activities
ceased, blackouts were ordered along the shoreline, and patrols kept watch on the beaches
which were off-limits at night and partially limited in the day. Allied ships became the target of
German U-boats. During one four-month period, sixteen ships were torpedoed between Cape
Canaveral and Boca Raton.
10 Farace,V.K. et. al. Boynton Beach,The First 100 Years. Boynton Beach: Boynton Beach Historical Society&
Friends of the Boynton Beach City Library, 1995, p.22.
11 Ordinance No. 136,Town of Boynton. City of Boynton Beach Public Records, 1933.
8
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
In 1945, the Club Continental opened at 150 NE 101h Avenue.The first floor contained a bar area
and the second floor was used for dances and concerts. The club was a hub for black
entertainment from the 1950s to the 1960s and was part of the Chitlin Circuit which was a
network of clubs, theaters, and other venues where black entertainers were allowed to perform
during the segregation era. Many artists that performed here for $400 a night would eventually
become household names such as James Brown, B.B. King, Fats Waller, and Guitar Slim".
I �r
Jowl""'
Figure.5:Katie Montine Meeks and Friends in the Club Continental(Victor D. Nofus)
Modern Era
In 1951, the Palm Beach Post reported a meeting between the Boynton Negro Civic League and
the City Commission.The Civic League requested expansion of the black residential section of the
town, playgrounds for children, and beach bathing facilities for the black community. The
meeting was noted as being the first time the black community had taken part in a local
Commission meeting13
By the 1950s Boynton Beach was developing along the lines of other small South Florida cities. A
new city hall was built on the corner of Seacrest Boulevard and Boynton Beach Boulevard in 1958,
additional beach front property was purchased to extend recreational facilities, and Bethesda
Memorial Hospital was opened in 1959. Further improvements included construction of a new
civic center (1960), a new water treatment plant (1962), and a bridge over the Intracoastal at SE
15th Avenue (1967). From 1950 to 1960, Boynton's population grew from 2,543 to 10,400.
Private developers once again returned to the community. In the mid-1960s three large
residential projects began at Hampshire Gardens, Sterling Village, and the 415-acre
"Leisureville"14
12 City of Boynton Beach Black History Website.
13 Palm Beach Post, "Negroes Present 3-Point Program", May 22, 1951, p.7(Newspapers.com).
14 Historic District Design Guidelines, City of Boynton Beach, 2013. p.25-31.
9
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Significance Analysis
Happy Home Heights Subdivision
Many of the oldest subdivisions in Boynton Beach are named after African Americans:
• E. Roberts Addition (1911): named after owner Eddie and Elizabeth Roberts.
• Meeks and Andrews Add: (1914): Named after Allen Meeks and John Andrews families.
• Frank Weber Addition: (1922) named after Frank Weber.
• Meeks Addition: 1923— Named after Ed and Frances Meeks family.
• Robert Wells Addition: 1925 named after Robert WeIIs15
The Happy Home Heights Subdivision was originally platted by the Boynton Development
Corporation on February 25, 1925 (Attachment D). The creation of this subdivision is associated
with the segregation policy established by Ordinance No. 37 in 1924 and Ordinance No. 47 in
1924 which set boundaries for"The Negro District within the Town of Boynton, Florida" and "The
White District within the Town of Boynton, Florida", and Ordinance No. 136 in 1933 which
established a racial "sunset law".
The subdivision originally consisted of ten blocks which stretched from just west of North
Seacrest Boulevard to North Federal Highway and contained the lots on the south side of NE 13'
Avenue and the lots on both sides of NE 12th Avenue. It appears the lots to the west of North
Seacrest Boulevard have been replatted and incorporated into other subdivisions. The internal
lots measured between forty to forty-two feet wide by ninety feet deep. The corner lots had
slightly larger frontages. Originally, the roads were forty feet wide. As shown below, when first
platted, NE 12th Avenue was known as Lincoln Avenue as it was named after Edward Lincoln
Meeks.
R
Figure 6:Happy Home Heights Subdivision Plat, .1925.
The earliest mention of the Happy Home Heights Subdivision is from June 3, 1925, when the Palm
Beach Post listed an advertisement encouraging white investors to buy lots in the subdivision.
15 Victor D. Norfus oral communication,various dates.
10
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
NON aw'`
Clome on mrbite folks, let's buy some colovid loI i
kappy, flome Heights. You can macre them a good, in.
come. Property lots 4205 feet, at $325 to $425; tetras
20 per cent doer, balance $10 ;per month. Qnly a fey
lett.
Figure 2:Happy Home Heights,fid(Palm Beach Past, 'Boynton',June.3, .19,2,x,p..19(Newspapers.cairn)).
Very little information regarding the sale of lots in Happy Home Heights is provided in
newspapers after the above advertisement. This suggests either sales may have been slow or,
more likely, properties were being purchased by black families and no further advertising of
available lots was published. However, in 1939, most of the building permits issued in May were
for the subdivision.
Ing
h °" �� �W
,r
l 1 `1 �f�
Figure 8:Building Permits(Palm Beach Post, "Building Permits',June 83 .1.9.3.9,p.2(lVewspapers.com)).
When the subject property was built, it is likely it would have been one of only a few houses in
the subdivision but by 1945, as shown in the map below, the subdivision and surrounding
subdivisions had been developed extensively.
t it
V�
OMAN
F� B.
j
Figure 9:take Worth, Fla., USGS, .194.E(USGS.gov)
11
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Over time the subdivision has continued to develop as a single-family residential neighborhood.
However, as shown in the graph below, only three properties from the 1930s and five from the
1940s remain.
Existing Home Construction Date By
Decade
.......... �III�II �I lil . ..........
�i
BE lug
� III
19205 19305 19405 19505 19605 19705 19805 19905 20005 20105 20205
Decade
Figure.10:Fxi.sting Home Construction Cate by Decade.
Development in the subdivision is low rise with the majority of buildings being one story in height
although two-story examples exist. By viewing an aerial image of the surrounding area, most
properties appear to have similar setbacks, although the subject property is closer to the street
than most, and their footprints appear to be similar in size. The quality of landscaping and
associated features such as fences, driveways, boundary walls, vegetation, and level of
maintenance varies from propertyto property.The roadways are surfaced with asphalt and there
are concrete sidewalks only to the north side of the east/west running roads and on North
Seacrest Boulevard.
Y
Mo
ti � ire i,AI
Figure.1.1:Partial Happy Home Heights.Subdivision Aerial, 2022(Palm Beach Property Appraiser Website).
12
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
V"F
i
r J
r r r iii hla
,I ea!r(Y��X�per`�?✓l�f�l>ON r 1 Wl //� �r (s� �� � l �
�y
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'MIN
Y
�;� �F�u,�r�gr��Sl�" u�l�`' .r.,;��rr/ � � ryxi�r�4�//%Fjf✓r,��,b ,G;,, �� !,-��.�{;,��
Figure.1,2:4.1.3 IV .1,2rh Avenue Looking West(WAW.Adams,August 7, 2022).
r
--am/M
mmi
/ / r
Its '�1'1»rY yUlw 4ir" 4si ���,
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o
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Figure.1.3:4.1.3 IV .1,2rh Avenue Looking East(WAW.Adams,August 7, 202222).
Based on the above, 413 NE 12th Avenue is eligible for historic designation under criterion "a
"association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of the
City's history" as it is associated with the early development of the City of Boynton Beach and the
segregation policy established by Ordinance No. 37 and Ordinance No. 47, adopted in 1924,
which set boundaries for "The Negro District within the Town of Boynton, Florida" and "The
White District within the Town of Boynton, Florida" and Ordinance No. 136, adopted in 1933,
which established a racial "sunset law".
13
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
413 NE 12th Avenue
Description
The single-family residence at 413 NE 12th Avenue, built 1941, sits on an interior lot on the north
side of the street just west of N Railroad Avenue. The south facing lot measures forty feet wide
by ninety feet deep. The residence is setback twelve feet from the front property line and is
approached by a concrete walkway which continues along the fagade of the house.The driveway
and parking area are surfaced with concrete. The property is enclosed by a four foot (4') high
chain link fence.
The one-story residential structure is rectangular in plan and has a total floor area of 998 square
feet. Construction is of concrete block piers supporting a wood frame structure with exterior
wood siding. The main structure and front porch have pitched gable roofs surfaced with grey
asphalt shingles. The front porch roof is slightly lower than the roof of the main house. To the
rear of the main house is a one-story kitchen, a bathroom, which was originally a porch, with a
shed roof of rolled asphalt, and a one-story storage shed with a flat roof.
The south (front) elevation contains a one-story porch structure which runs almost the full width
of the house. It appears the front porch may have been enclosed at some point as the original
facade of the house with wood siding and aluminum frame two-over-two single-hung windows
with wooden surrounds and sills still exists within the porch.The porch is constructed of a wood
frame with a pitched gable roof with grey asphalt shingles and wide overhang.There are exposed
rafters under the overhangs to the west and east. The front roof gable contains vertical wood
siding while the walls contain horizontal wood siding of two different types. Most of the porch
siding is of novelty drop siding; however, there is an area under the eastern window of what
appears to be tongue and groove siding indicating a later repair. The wood siding of the porch
does not align with the wood siding of the main house. Wood trim is incorporated at the porch
corners, the door surround, and where the vertical and horizontal siding meet. Fenestration
comprises aluminum frame jalousie windows and a twenty-one-panel wooden door. The front
door is off-center to align with the original front door, the interior doorway, and the rear door.
Over the front door is a wooden canopy with a flat roof supported by two plain wooden square
supports.
The gable of the original house is visible above the porch. This gable is surfaced with horizontal
wood siding and there appears to be an enclosed vent.
14
413 NE 121h Ave.—Local Historic Designation
r,a/i Yi/rr/rlrr rll-re ri✓O�rfr �J � 6✓Iplll�li�wi/�//%/nvlrr✓rr/,��,✓v li
i
r of✓, " � ;,, %�
�rw ry yyi%G✓l T
Figure.14:,South Elevation(WAW.Adams,August 7, 2022).
The west elevation is of novelty drop siding,with two,two-over-two aluminum frame single-hung
windows with wood trim surrounds and sills, exposed rafters, and wooden shutters.Towards the
rear of this elevation are an aluminum frame awning window with wood trim surround and what
appears to be an aluminum frame sliding window to the rear.
t
v �r
s,
Figure.15: West Elevation(WAW. Adarn.,August 7, 202222).
The east elevation is of novelty drop siding with three, two-over-two aluminum frame single-
hung windows with wood trim surrounds, sills, and exposed rafters. At the rear is a small storage
shed of novelty drop siding with an aluminum frame jalousie window with wood trim surround.
15
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
i
� yfrs 1
h
f r�
Figure.16:,South and East Elevations(WAW.Adams,August 7, 2022).
The north (rear) elevation contains a roof gable with horizontal wood siding and vent. Below this
is an enclosed porch with a shed roof, novelty drop siding, wooden corner trim, and a rear door
with screen. Over the door is a flat roofed canopy supported by two simple square wooden
supports.The rear window was obscured by a wooden shutter.Adjacent to the porch is a storage
shed with a flat roof, novelty drop siding, wooden corner trim, and a wooden door.
M
.1
Figure.17:North Elevation(WAW.Adams,August.13, 202222).
16
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Internally, the house comprises an entrance porch, living room, three bedrooms, a kitchen, and
a bathroom. Originally, there was an outhouse located at the northwest corner of the back yard.
The interior floors are surfaced with vinyl tile. Many of the interior walls are of painted wood
siding with wooden base boards, door surrounds, and quarter-round corner beading although
the walls of the front bedroom are surfaced with painted wood paneling. The ceilings of the
original house are of painted, textured plaster and the kitchen ceiling is of wood boarding. The
walls of the front porch addition are clad with wood on the exterior only leaving the wooden
structure exposed on the interior.
The house appears to have been designed along the principals of a shotgun house as all doors
from the front to the rear align and all bedrooms are located on the east side.
Additions and Alterations
Very few records exist on this property; therefore, most of the following was determined from a
brief survey, photographs from the survey, and information provided by Dr Martha Meeks-Light
and Victor D. Norfus, her son.
At some point, the front porch may have been enclosed as a second frontage to the house is
visible within the porch. Construction of the porch is compatible with that of the original
residence. To the rear of the property, a porch also appears to have been enclosed. This now
contains the bathroom. Adjacent to the rear porch is a storage shed which may be a later
addition. Construction of both the porch and storage addition is compatible with that of the
house.
It is likely the original house contained wooden single-or double-hung windows; however, these
have been replaced with aluminum frame single-hung and awning windows. The front porch
contains jalousie windows which appear to be a later alteration.
I
l
1 r
y
Figure.18:Living and Dining Areas(WAW.Adams, Figure.29:Front Bedroom(WAW.Adams,
August.23, 2022)• August.23, 2022
17
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
u q��ip
N �W� �i snuf6aFdk�' IyF, nm
,�iim a u10111��7 bid
Figure 20:Kitchen(WAW.Adams, Figure2.1:Front Porch Interior(WAW.Adams,
August.13, 202.2.). August.1.3 202.2.
Integrity
Chapter 4, Article IX, Section 6.B.1 of the City of Boynton Beach Land Development Regulations
"Designation of Historic Properties and Districts" states:
"Guidelines for Historic Designation. To qualify as a Property or a District, individual
properties must have significance in American history, architecture, archeology,
engineering or culture and possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials,
workmanship,feeling, and association."
As noted above the structure is in its original location. The subdivision has developed over time
and new architectural styles have been introduced; however, it still retains its original intent as
a single-family neighborhood, the street layouts changed minimally, and there are no examples
of inappropriate development. The property retains its integrity of location and setting.
The property has been altered; however, the alterations are early and are consistent with the
architectural style of the house,the window alterations are reversible, and the essential exterior
form, plan, space, structure, and style have been retained. The property retains much of its
integrity of design.
The property retains almost all the original materials including wood siding, structural materials,
and interior materials.The only materials lost are the original wood frame windows.The property
retains much of its integrity of material.
As most of the original materials remain, the traditional workmanship required to construct the
house, likely without the aid of a set of plans, is evident. The property retains its integrity of
workmanship.
Feeling is how a property conveys a particular period of time through physical features. As the
small property retains integrity of setting, design, materials, and workmanship, the structure
relates to the feeling of residential life during the segregation era in the 1940s. The property
retains its integrity of feeling.
18
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Wood Frame Vernacular structures are the earliest form of construction within the City of
Boynton Beach. From the 1920s onwards, construction methods and architectural styles had
advanced; however, in the segregated areas, which contained some of the poorest residents,
homes continued to be built of wood frame and siding according to traditional methods. The
structure is sufficiently intact to convey the property's relationship to the Depression/New
Deal/War Time Era and the associated segregation policy of the City at that time
The property retains its integrity of association.
Based on the above, 413 NE 12th Avenue is eligible for historic designation under criterion "c"
"embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction" as this is a
rare example of a minimally altered Wood Frame Vernacular residence from the 1930s in the
City.
19
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Ownership History
The following ownership details are based on information obtained from the Palm Beach County
Property Appraiser website 16 and Polk's Directories" 11
1958 - 1970 Washington Meeks
1971- 1975 Mrs.Juanita Meeks
Pre-1990 Paul Butler and Montine Butler
1990 Juanita Meeks
1998 Katie Meeks Butler, Martha Meeks Light, Herman H. Meeks, Harry F.
Meeks, Gregory A. Meeks, Edward Pressley, Vincent Pressley, Eleanor L.
Pressley, Michael J. Pressley, Sharon Pressley
2020 Martha Meeks Light, Michael Pressley, Sharon Pressley
Family and Property History
The following family information was provided by Dr. Martha Meeks Light19 and from a discussion
with Victor D. Norfus, her son20.
The recognized heads of the Meeks family are Allen and Ellen Meeks. Allen and Ellen worked as
slaves on the same plantation when they were children. They stayed together throughout their
lives, were married, and had four children named George, Ellis, Oscar, and Edward. In 1896, after
slavery ended, they moved to Boynton.
>> �� The oldest son, Edward Lincoln Meeks, was around 20 years of
age when the family moved to Boynton. He worked on Flagler s
railroad and bought several plots of land on NE 10th Avenue
from N Railroad Avenue to NE 2nd Street. Edward had three
children named Otis, Bosie, and Elise.
Figure 22:Edgard his wft Francine and'their children Boise, Martha, and Mary Etta(Victor D. No�fus).
16 Palm Beach County Property Appraiser website.
17 Polk's Lake Worth and Boynton Beach(Palm Beach County, Fla.)City Directory. 1958-1967.
"Polk's Lake Worth Boynton Beach and Lantana(Palm Beach County Fla)City Directory. 1968-1975.
19 Dr. Martha Meeks Light written communication,August 7, 2022.
20 Victor D. Norfus oral communication,various dates.
20
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Ellis Meeks worked on a farm in a small town in Miccosukee, Florida
and then had a job working on the trains on Flagler's railroad before
moving his family to Boynton. He owned a large house with five
l
bedrooms and a large porch surrounding the house on land he bought
�t
near the railroad on 111h Avenue. He was a driver, conductor, ticket
master, and mechanic.
4J
ml
Figure 23:Ellis Meeks in 4.1.3 IV .1,2'h Avenue(Victor D l o( fus).
Eventually other Meeks began to migrate to Boynton. In 1910, 12-
year-old George Washington Meeks, son of Allen and Ellen Meeks, ;, � ��
came to Boynton by hitchhiking on a train via Tallahassee where he
had relatives. In 1924-1925 George married Elizabeth Roberts J �
daughter of Eddie and Elizabeth Roberts. Eddie Roberts was a
farmer whose family owned the Roberts Quarter(a quarter,was an
area of land owned by the descendants of slaves who used this
term, which came from slave quarters, to refer to their land).
Figure 24:George Washington Meeks in the Yard Next.to 4.1.3 IV .1,2rh Avenue(Victor D. t o( fus).
At five feet, five inches tall and 130 pounds, George was a small man who could not work on the
railroad where employees had to weigh at least 150 pounds. He worked on the farm picking and
packing strawberries until equipment was purchased to help with the heavy processes. George's
wife had tuberculosis during her pregnancy and died at a young age while giving birth to their
son Joseph Meeks.
George continued to live with his in-laws and son in the Roberts
Quarter until 1935 when Juanita Suttles arrived in Florida from
Lafayette, Georgia. George and Juanita married and continued
to stay in a rental house with George's in-laws in the Roberts
N
Quarter where the family continued to grow. The family
syr needed more space, but George could not borrow money from
,g" a bank or loan company. A man named Mr. Harvey Oyer, an
/ U
*00 insurance agent, loaned George $400 to purchase four plots of
land at 413 NE 12th Avenue the location of the current house.
,
i
o� /t''�' At this time only black builders could build houses in the black
T `Aeft
�,; area. Mr. Ed Jones was the carpenter, Mr. Charlie Day was the
plumber, and Mr.Thad Williams was the electrician.
Figure 25:Juanita Meeks in 4.1.3 IVE.1,2rh Avenue(Victor D. t o( fus).
21
413 NE 121h Ave.—Local Historic Designation
George was a quiet man who loved his wife and children. Juanita helped to earn money by
washing and ironing for Mr. Oyer and cleaning houses owned by white residents. She also tried
to make things better for children and the community by making the house available for events
that affected the black residents. During World War II,the house was used as a meeting place for
families whose sons and daughters had been killed while fighting for their country. Bodies were
taken from the train to the house for pre-funeral preparation,consoling families of the deceased,
prayer, and rituals such as the ringing of the church bell.
l
w ,
gym,.
Figure 26:George W. Meeks and Daughter-in-Law at the Meeks House(Victor D. lVoafus).
The house was also used for happy occasions including use of the adjacent land for outdoor
weddings and prayer meetings for the safe return of service men and women.
This section of the town was called the Meeks Quarter.The police would expect residents in this
area to gather information about crime in the area. The house continued to get business with
whatever was going wrong or right in the area.
The house has survived several hurricanes. In 1948, the family had to seek shelter in the Club
Continental for two days. When the family arrived home, the house had no roof. Black workmen
installed a temporary roof before nightfall,a neighbor prepared food,and the Red Cross provided
dry bedding.
In the 1950s, segregation was hard on the community who feared being kidnapped or murdered
by the Ku Klux Klan. Some families were so frightened that they relocated. The house was used
as a gathering place and shelter during this time of crisis.
Nine people have been born in the house, all of whom grew up to be successful individuals.
Juanita Suttle Meeks passed on November 1, 1991. She was survived by her sons Harry, Herman,
and Gregory, and her daughters Sylvia, Martha, Ellinor, and Montine21.
21 Palm Beach Post"Juanita Suttle Meeks", November 6, 1991, p.117 (Newspapers.com).
22
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Based on the above, 413 NE 12th Avenue is eligible for historic designation under criterion "b"
"association with the lives of persons significant in the City's past"as the Meeks family have lived
and owned property in Boynton since 1896, have contributed to the development of the City,
and have continually worked for and contributed to the betterment of the community.
23
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Bibliography
Publications
City of Boynton Beach Land Development Regulations.
Farace, V.K. et. al. Boynton Beach, The First 100 Years. Boynton Beach: Boynton Beach Historical
Society & Friends of the Boynton Beach City Library, 1995.
Historic District Design Guidelines, City of Boynton Beach, 2013.
Pedersen, G.L. and DeVries, J.M. Pioneering Palm Beach, the Deweys and the South Florida
Frontier. Charleston, SC:The History Press, 2012.
Polk's Lake Worth and Boynton Beach (Palm Beach County, Fla) City Directory. R.L. Polk & Co.,
Publishers, Richmond, VA, 1958-1967.
Polk's Lake Worth Boynton Beach and Lantana (Palm Beach County Fla) City Directory. R.L. Polk
& Co. Publishers, Richmond, VA, 1968-1975.
Documents
Ordinance No. 37,Town of Boynton. City of Boynton Beach Public Records, 1924.
rnti;;ti;; s: �ulra.lralra ll.�us Vclrall...liir�lk. Il rn �"lic .as x?lid::::::�..3�..26 dlialid::::::O
........... ......... ............................................................... ...................................................... .........................................................................�..............................................................................................................................
Ordinance No. 47,Town of Boynton. City of Boynton Beach Public Records, 1924.
rnti;;ti;;as: l a�ulra.lralra ll.�us �L!2.!ll...liir"nik. IprncYlic .as ax?lid::::::�..3�..�..6 dlralid::::::O
............. .......................................................................... ..................................................... .........................................................................iF .......................................................................................................................
Ordinance No. 136, Town of Boynton. City of Boynton Beach Public Records, 1933.
rnti;;ti;; s: �ulra.lralra ll.�us Vclrall...liir�lk. Il rn �"lic .as x?lid::::::�..2366 dlialid::::::0 u-c rn::::::�::lit Clerk.
........... ......... ............................................................... ...................................................... ......................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ...................................y................................
Newspapers
Palm Beach Post, "Boynton", June 3, 1925, p.19 (Newspapers.com).
Palm Beach Post, "Building Permits", June 8, 1939, p.2 (Newspapers.com).
Palm Beach Post, "Negroes Present 3-Point Program", May 22, 1951, p.7 (Newspapers.com).
Palm Beach Post "Juanita Suttle Meeks", November 6, 1991, p.117 (Newspapers.com).
Maps and Plats
Happy Home Heights Addition Plat, February 25, 1925.
Websites
City of Boynton Beach website, page consulted on various dates.
24
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
. .in:1air.::::Ir Lb =z
City of Boynton Beach Black History Website, page consulted October 1, 2022.
b.! .p. rpiis„oic:a�: Ia .�? 0.1
.. � rri �ti . :. r. . r .::: !.
Boynton Beach Historical Society Website "Boynton Beach's Poinciana School History". Page
consulted October 9, 2022.
Lt., .:..lraay n:t.an lrn
Google Street View, page consulted on various dates.
Irnti:ti: �ps:gggg .g..g�o�oggllc. irmggirma s Alla cgg a.. ....II IF....a..2ti;;Irn....Avc ....If::3 gpitnti;;�oirn....1f::3ca lrn ..�..IFIL.:..�.. 'aggryq�p2 .'a 7 �3
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..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Newspapers.com, page consulted on various dates.
Irnt::::.ni-..Z/ .:..irkt. .2..In. ..ICp
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, page consulted on various dates.
rnti;;ti;;as: .alias �ay.�au a as As as Ilpu�a acu ti;;
i1/E,�a acu ti;; Ilti;;alill.as axe aau cll:::::: 8434521.20001.01.70
............. .....................................u.................. ................................ /. ........u........... ...............u........./......................u....................... ..................................../......................u...................... ........................................................................u........................................................................................................................................................................................
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USGS
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...................IC:":...........X....X............N.:A..............................................N.:A..........N.:A...............X.........................................R..........................................................................!Y.:":......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
�
Communications
Dr. Martha Meeks-Light written communication, August 7, 2022.
Victor D. Norfus (son of Dr. Martha Meeks-Light) oral communication, various dates.
25
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Attachment A
Ordinance No. 37, 1924
37-
An Ordinance ol' the Tov;n t,,)f" a!�oynto!ri, Iwlor-ida, establiihing
artd getting apart in naid Towy) qo.,p+irs,te residential I.AmItu or
districts fcar VIIiite jond negro rd,21.dents; deslgna,tj,ng, aotabliflh-
andFjoti'llig T
., arjart thle territorial. lirnits or cilatriat of
aaid Tomi wlttiln which abitt %aa—ncrLs may reside snd, aepftral�e
terrltorlHl limits or, districts il-i said, T09m; wIthin wdliah
ne&roes mAy reside, prohlbitir)g nny white �Mrooh $'Pon taking
up or estak)IIal)ing a pla,c.e ol' renidance, vithin tubo to-,,�rrit,orial
li-mits of said Tcqrn so yet apart fmd estabIiz'hed for the r^e-
sidet!ice, of negrQe.q.; prohibiting any T;e-p , ,n
f rouli taIkIng
ul.,a or esW, ilsLling, aialaa. of z-rmidence wlth�,Ip the torah otial
H.f.arita or s�aid so set pArt and e stablish-od for the ro-
94A,ewL,em of White persons; definin,g the t orms 11Pivvidei-�ce" and
"Place of' Re.sidence", srd providing penalties J'or vioabions
of this Ordinan"e.
BE IT u"IRDAIN11a) R-Y THE "IV41t, CoMVI8,,-':JO,N OF THII TOVII OV, BOY111XR,
FLO,Rlr)A:
I . 2rha,t said Town herob,,F establish ana set; apart
the land within torr f°callovrimFt d,escribod 'Itipits in tl,re "yIowm
of Hloynton to be bereat"t-oll, kalown as "The Negro D19,trIct,
",within the To%wn of !30YI'vtonml Florida", to-wit'.
Comuenving at the interBet,,,Lion oftho `)ent live of the
Rii;ht-af-way Of the F,1011.da bast Coact Railway Company and
the 1,-,,ortl�t line of Arden Park Aidaition to the Town Ot 1:30,71'VtOli,
FIoride; thenc.ci ',',egt along I
, said, Nurth, Ine of Arden Farlk
Addition and, X0,11owing said 1-tne O-xtended 'nest: to the Genter
line of Cotry Road ar Grf,r,Oln dxtendt-,d 1,,',orth; tbenrt�
26
413 NE 121h Ave.-Local Historic Designation
North along ,said center line of County Road and fo1.1,0011,g,
said center line extended North to the South bank of the
3oynton,Caaal; thence following the Muth ba of the
F�oynton crin�l In in HasterlY rl, T-Oction, to the -Fast line of
the RIght.or-way of the Florida East Coast kndlway C;OnTanY.,
a 8
thence Allowing said test IWO 01' tkLe i�'10!rid Far t Coa.s
Commas yie Right—Of-Way in a 3outherly dire0tiOn
to th't, ;;C'int of 00g1r:1n1Mg.
2, Iniat said Town doeq lyereby tatAbItah and set
apart all the remaining land or pareels of land wlthiri the
Town of Boynton, Florida, as 0 SeParate r0sl=tial limit,
or district to be :firer eWer krown as, "luto 1,1,hite 1lstrlct
OEM the Town of Buyntom, I'loridn".
6. Thot it shall be unlawful, Cor anV' White POMOD
hereafter to establish on take up Ili$ or her plft °O Of re-
sidence within the territorial Units of said Town so set
apart and established for the residence or negroes.
4. That It fhall be unlawAfizl, f;,)r any negro )--io"—after
to establish or take UP his or bar pla0e of residence ulthW
the tepritorial jjmjt* of said, lfuwn so aet apart and es-
tablweo rar the renidence of Wte persons .
5. That sere' white per wbosba,11, b0 cata vIcted Of
as violation of this Urdinancv shall be aubjoct to a, fino
of not more than Five Hundred ($500,001 dollars, or W
prlsonumnt for not MPO than Sixt-,y' (60) da7a , or both such
fine a:2,kd imprisonment In the discretion of the court.
a�,n� r- a v
,T ne&t�o volto :ihall be aonvicted of 11
of thin urdinance shall be subjnat to a fine of toot; more than
27
413 NE 12"Ave.-Local Historic Designation
five HUrj&oed �bollarq,, or iriprisonmerat for not niore than
Sixty NO) days, or both such fine and imp rlsonmerit in the
'al8oretlem ofP,:he Court.
7., 11!hst w'n.erover in this Orlinance Wie to "reaidence"
or "Place of realdemce" In used it sho .11, mean "'a, place ivler,e
one dwelLs or resides permanently"', or "where orle renides"
or the '%one" of such person; W4 tYlas may (,,,,onsist of one or
1?411 �
njoT, r
IoonIn a j�q buildop ing, it May be 1P entire I Ai err
more thmi mW buildipfir.
me above DOW= No. Z147 baving been, reod in Full at
a meetiug of the Town Comtlis"aion of the Town of t3qynton,
on the SW day of Wbroary, " W 1984, was
adoptod and paaoed. at a regular 2noeting of the said 'Vown
Connission held on the 1 U dwy of February A. D. and
a copy thereof posted at the fr",,�mt dclor of the '1`own Nall at
Boynton$ Florida an the '220th da,y. of Vebrua:�y A,, 1)�.
C. F. Knuth (8igned)�
J . L,,.. Powell (Lldgned)
Corlanissioners of Lhe To i�m
of BOyx�tah, Vl,orida.
28
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Attachment B
Ordinance No. 47, 1924
0R.D1Ni6.;"f.,a, .17
Ah ORDUUNCE UT�HE T(Y'1.1 OF B(CKI-N,'ON, 14.0i�.'IDA,
SI] 'TION I OF QRDITNAICh' No. 37, AND
iXTi,,IDING XND DE]�'ITUITT THE b,1, U1,,DAR1i.;3 Gil TH.1��
SEPOWE INSID11TAL OR,
AU-,'My !MS 1, S,PkID TO"17.
BE IT OFMA11711) by the Tc,.,&d Oommiaoioii of ale.
of Boymtmq MON .-
1. That Section 1 of Or-dlzjsmi1o. 37 be,, and t1jo
same im hereby amiended to react a,s
I%= said Town does hereby eqtallish mad, set apaxt
the land within the follovIrg described lindta within
the Tcmn of 610yntm, to be bereimWlter known
"'rhe 1d�egr c) Distri ct, mitbtri the Tc),m:;n of 5c-yynton,
t,o-2f�i t:, CorTrfenoing at the Intersection of die espt 1:11me
of' the rlght-ofmay of Me i,'lorlda Ba,r3t 1,�Oaat �irlllrtm d
impany and Uie 'Ntmth line of -ryden miditior to
U,,,e T<yVin ('af LQynto 11, a�jqmg aR J, , ,
41
north line of Arden Park Additlon, farad following,,, said
1ie extenainFz� ';ont to the c(,s,nter line of the County
Road or a"reom Stree" If OxtWked L',O!V*o.; iorti
al.o,rq,; 5aid cenCer lim ofth(,,i 1-ounLy AoRd or Orrmrl streeto
if W,;ended b,o,.ntj 0 ;,md said centei. lime to the
middlo section line dividing, the 1�ox,th and "-outh halven
of Secti-on ®1'owpsplp 45 Muth Of q;;5 L,,a5t;
,aat alorig half secLion. line f *e Ast line of We
lost half of' Stection 21, bet-,ce 1�dovth oLoryg said. 3ection,
Itne tD the Snuth bank of "No 50ynton WWI thence
i3oynto,.& cariul in arl
1'�:as,terl.v direction to bhe 'Test line or the upwormay,
29
413 NE 12th Ave.-Local Historic Designation
30
31
rause, «t'am l , , azguaet and ,�epte e ^, in anq,'T y,04jr
unless aalioa there to teaser, ai.edloal 0,11 surgloal,
a&sistarnoe to persons,, rehAdlr' g In the Said NOUo
Dietriot a or Iii came of nzy eausor enoy or o~f la'arr t
in tbo eaici Regra, Die�rjot, which e-rgeu'ao,' ' may
e declared by tho coo 'tItuted governim authority
of the fown of Boynton, the '0MAnty of Palm7. BOaOh,
the etato of F'iorlda�s or the ITnIted States ot'" Asara rIca;
provided however, that tb1s ordinance e1 11, not
apply to hbo members of the P01110e or Fire Department
of the Ton of Ro nton, wberti'rsaid members are In 1:lyr suit
of their duties.
r It shall e unlavful for any, par on of the
ll'marr o l ,sea over t r,e ape of o ghteer years to loiter,
err e , et,rol'l or be about or fta, t�i,4 Nblic st.vioote,
;pulsar, public and, other pincea, On foat, in �ao�elo
of any kiral vhatsolever or, in any other mrarr , within",
t1Mt t rritor" in t�e owrj or eynt o'no F3.ot'Ida ,,
establio'had and act, apart and Iniown,] own, ax 10"fl White
T>jztrjc,t withi-n the Tom of Boynton Flgide , Oi l
district shall, oouprl ie all of ttao fond or pug-eela
of land witbl . the Town of B*ynton, Florida wltl
the e option of "The 'Negro Dtstrlot wltftjn ?,he Towuu
of o w Loa fiaariri �a mote t ar�ticu aar2 g��ea ill eaf i
Sectlon, 12 ofthisa ding ce; after the 'taoatr 09' 900
o"'olµook P.M'. of any day aioxrr;tng-the months of Octobert
Novo, berg', Deeembero :wraauary, Febrauaxry, 'March, April,
and, %ay or after tfao hour of 1000 010100k "P- -
on a-rq Aw7 d rIng the months of' 74une„ July,, August and
Septe bor^, in am,.y e-ar,, uuuleee 0&1I^a 'there by tl
a;aonntituted go errra,l rl a:uthorit ol" the Town of B07ntou,
ttA Oount7 of Pow ltiea.csly,, the et to of Florian o btu the
United gtau,teo of A orloa.
# Ari^ poreon Violatl g„ amy Of t1 ,'"ovleionas
of thin OrdiTvinee shall be fined not zove than in,,00
for eaah offense, our be, iarzprinoned. in the Town Jail for
the fudge of th,sr .yo;r",o Court of the 1"coaui of Bo tote,
Florida.
5. All ordinances or pk to of Ordira n000 'In-
a onsujaateart with the provis ota.ss of this Ordlt?,M roa,, b,e and
the ea",rs.o are harab -e e `l,od*
,, This tard.inaaluoo el ll takei of rect December 1, 19N,15,
The aboi're Ordinance, ffa vi,n ; been read in l'`arll at
a e$ rla.t mamoting of A' aaa �og'ard of o issione,rau
or, November 7th, vas duly ra;aeeod and. adopted
on it"e second and final re .9 r4, at a, Regular
of thea C oar,d of TowrL Comissioners held oarr t'traveraaber 21,
x-9581
„Mayor,
V1ae Mayor
Town, taotW
lt
32
413 NE 12th Ave.-Local Historic Designation
Attachment D
Happy Home Heights Plat, February 25, 1925
7 syn
7�
i
g k u
AMO
p
i 4 i P 41
00
d u
I
fx �tiL J�
ALI
115
ji
I
NN i C� A
k
�Llu� 0
f
v� u rEn ^.k �
Ps"
,�'a"
r v
33
413 NE 12th Ave.—Local Historic Designation
Submitted By: Victor D. Norfus - Historic Preservation Board - April 10, 2023
Subject: Missionary Hope Park - NE 13 Avenue Boynton Beach - 1900's — 1950's
I would like to have a park name after the residents outreach on 13
avenue to homeless, downtrodden, hungry and hopeless residents.
There is a history of outreach to the spirit and body by 13 avenue
residents. We need to make the community and city aware why they
''w ' are attracted to the area of 13 avenue.
- The proposed Missionary Park is located on NE 13 Avenue. The
location was used by St. John and St. Cuthbert to baptize members in
the 1900— 1950's St. John MBC founder Mother Sara Sims lived on 13
avenue.
Mother Uterprhey Thompson founded St. Cuthbert and lived on 13 avenue.
111
Was once known as the canal Bank road now 13 avenu . She held church at
she home until the church was built. This is her at her home on 13 avenue.
IRK Elder Albury of Pentecostal church feed homeless and hungry residents from
1900— 1950's on NE 13 avenue & NE 2nd street. Home is still standing.
` Church is located on NE 14ave now but was on 12 ave in early 1900's.
'� 4� Imo.
*1 OM 11
Br. Murph was a member of Prince Hall Masonic Lodge in Boynton. He lived on 13 avenue. His
home is still standing. He paved all the streets 10, 11, 12, and 13 avenue with sawdust because
the city refused from 1900— 1950's. He was activist in community for integration and
community development.
Today many homeless and poor resident still frequent the same are searching for food and
hope in their lives. The Seminole Indians sold furniture on 10th avenues .They came ashore at
Missionary Hope Park area. The sold their goods to the residents. At night the missionary
resident would reach out to them about health issues for children and adult Seminole Indian
women. There is a reason the downtrodden resident are in the area but many have forgotten
the community spiritual outreach by the residents and the churches and lodges they are
affiliated with.