Pearl City (Boca Raton) facts for kids
Pearl City is a special and historic neighborhood in Boca Raton, Florida. It is the oldest community in the city. This area was created before Boca Raton officially became a city. In December 2023, Pearl City was recognized nationally. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
People believe the neighborhood's name comes from a type of pineapple. This pineapple was called "Hawaiian Pearl." It was grown in the Boca Raton area when Pearl City first started. You can find Pearl City just south of Glades Road. It is located between Dixie Highway and Federal Highway in Boca Raton. Even during a time of segregation, Pearl City grew into a vibrant place. It had a strong social, economic, and cultural life. This rich community spirit continues to thrive today.
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Discovering Pearl City's Past
How Pearl City Began
Many Black families moved to South Florida a long time ago. They came from places like the Bahamas or southern states. These states included Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. Around 1911, a few African American families moved to Boca Raton. They came from nearby towns like Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. They were looking for better job opportunities. The area just south of Boca Raton, called Deerfield Beach, already had a Black community.
Important business people helped start Boca Raton's economy. Their names were Thomas Rickards, Frank H. Chesebro, and George A. Long. They were involved in farming and other businesses. These businesses created the need for many workers. They hired laborers from Deerfield Beach and Delray Beach. These workers helped on the new farms in Boca Raton.
Creating a Community for Workers
Pearl City was officially started in 1915. It was built as a home for these farm workers. Before Pearl City, they had to travel about five miles every day. They went back and forth from Deerfield Beach to Boca Raton. George Long first suggested creating this community. He wanted workers to live closer to their jobs.
Soon, small pieces of land were offered for sale. You could buy a lot with a small payment of just $5. However, these land pieces were smaller. They were also more expensive than land offered to white families. One of the first people to live in Pearl City was Alex Hughes. He bought one of the first lots for $25. He paid $10 as a down payment. Then, he built his home there.
A School for Children
In 1920, Alex Hughes spoke to the Board of Public Education. This board was in West Palm Beach. He asked for a school for Black children in Pearl City. After finding eight children ready for school, the board agreed. They provided a teacher for the new school.
The school building itself had been used before. It was a former school for white children. It was moved from its old spot to a new one. The old spot was west of the FEC railroad tracks. The new spot was on Dixie Highway and Eleventh Street. Moving the building took eighteen days.
Life in Pearl City: 1930s-1950s
During the 1930s and into the 1950s, many Pearl City residents worked on farms. They often worked for August Butts. He grew green beans on his farms. These farms covered what is now called West Boca. Life was challenging during this time. Most homes in Pearl City did not have running water. They also often lacked electricity.
Pearl City's Modern Revival
Becoming a Historic Place
The Boca Raton City Council made Pearl City a historic district in 2002. This means the city recognized its special past. In 2023, Pearl City received even more recognition. The National Park Service added it to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a very important national honor.
In recent years, the neighborhood has seen many improvements. Streets have been repaved. These changes have made the area look even better.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A special memorial was built in 2001. It honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. This memorial is in a small park. The park is located on the grounds of Ebenezer Baptist Church. This church is at the northeast corner of the Pearl City neighborhood. It serves as a place for reflection and remembrance.
