“EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN!”
May 1, 2025
Such an old expression, with so many ways to be interpreted. I think about my Grandma and all that she taught me about the beautiful antiques in her china cabinet. There are many folks today who appreciate and collect all those lovely shades of depression and carnival glass. Old pieces that can still be found by lucky shoppers at yard sales and thrift shops in shiny new condition. Old glass that gets to find a fresh home in the heart of someone new.
It’s also an expression that might make us think of all our departed loved ones, wishing for just one more chat, smile or hug. But my favorite thought is that this expression was the first thing that popped into my head when I thought about announcing that I have the pleasure to share with you the return to our Board of Directors of Dr. Ginger Pedersen, Janet DeVries Naughton, Dr. Ben Lowe, and Steve Anton.
We’ll be hearing from each of them throughout this year and the next as BBHS undertakes some new and exciting projects, and puts our BBHS muscle into saving the Andrews House as well as pushing for the renovation of the Magnuson House, so allow me to brag for and about our NEW/OLD Board Members for a spell:
Ginger, longtime BBHS Board Member now back in action, author, researcher, tour guide, historian extraordinaire has stepped up to help us line up some awesome local speakers as we move towards healing from the covid isolation back into in person meetings that can also be simultaneously broadcast on zoom for those BBHS members who cannot attend but still want to be with us.
Janet, also longtime BBHS Board President and Member now back on the Board, speaker, author, researcher, tour guide, and also historian extraordinaire, has been well known by the BBHS family for decades, although she thought she had stepped back, she was actually always only a phone call away to our rescue.
Ben, FAU History Professor, former BBHS Board Member now rejoining us, has always been a staunch voice standing up for saving what’s left of our history in Boynton Beach, so very pleased and relieved to have the return of his commonsense and expert approach to getting things done.
And Steve, rejoining us as well, he’s always there for us with his camera and techie knowledge and help.
Great news all around, so very pleased to have all four of our awesome Board members stepping back up for us!
Barbara Ready, President
Boynton Beach Historical Society
MOVE THE HISTORIC ANDEWS HOUSE
As reported in the October 2024 issue of The Historian, the newsletter of the Boynton Beach Historical Society, a vital piece of Boynton Beach’s history is on the verge of destruction and YOUR help is needed to ensure it is saved by moving the house to a new location. Move Historic Andrews House, Boynton Beach Historical Society and others are working together to achieve this goal.
WEBSITE: MOVE HISTORIC ANDREWS HOUSE
Donate now to help Move the Historic Andrews House
Photos from our 2024 Downtown Boynton Beach History Stroll
A Message to our Boynton Beach Historical Society Family
March 2021
Standing in the Florida Reading Room now located on the second floor of the Boynton Beach City Library, I am grateful for a large comfortable room dedicated to Florida books and journals. This room has one of the best views in the city. Looking out a large window you see Ocean Avenue and the old Boynton High School majestically restored. So many people have commented to me about this cultural gem that sparkles in the heart of our downtown for all people.
The old high school was saved from the wrecking ball at the last moment by the Boynton Beach Historical Society, fellow citizens and city leaders. This old building has strong bones and was a place of refuge for many people during the 1928 hurricane. I see new trees growing and a joyful children’s park. Children can be seen playing on the swings, running around and laughing. An attractive black fence keeps the children safe. Here is history unfolding in 2021 during the pandemic.
Randall Gill, Boynton Beach Historical Society President
The Reading Room also provides a view of Seacrest Boulevard, the historic First United Methodist Church and the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum. Kinetic art installations give Boynton Beach a modern vibe for the future. It is quiet in the Reading Room. It is an oasis of Florida history with fascinating books about Seminoles, shipwrecks, sea captains, farmers, pioneers, nature, birds, and the Everglades. Drop by sometime and pick up a book and look out a window where you will see a city full of possibilities.
We have launched virtual programs this season with great success. We appreciate all our members and friends who support our work and are happy to welcome recent new members. Technology, in its best form, allows us to continue to be together during this pandemic. We hope you will join us for future programs.
Warmly,
Randall Gill