Pleasant City (West Palm Beach) facts for kids
Pleasant City is a neighborhood located in West Palm Beach, Florida. It sits north of 15th Street and east of Dunbar Village and the Florida East Coast Railway. This community was started in 1905 and became part of West Palm Beach in 1912. It was created to provide homes for African-American workers who had jobs at local hotels and other businesses.
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The Story of Pleasant City
How Pleasant City Began
Around the year 1900, a land developer named George Currie planned a new area in West Palm Beach. He wanted to create homes for African Americans. These families had to move from their previous homes, which were in an area called "the Styx" on Palm Beach Island. George Currie named the new area Pleasant City. He gave the streets nice names and sold building lots for $150 each.
Many of these families, over 1,000 people, had come to Palm Beach in the mid-1800s. They helped build the Florida East Coast Railroad from Juno to West Palm Beach. They also helped construct famous buildings like the Royal Poinciana Hotel and the large mansion Whitehall. Whitehall is now known as the Flagler Museum and was built for Henry Morrison Flagler, a very rich businessman.
For about 20 years, while living in "the Styx," these settlers built strong communities. They got married, started families, and opened businesses. They also created churches, schools, and various community groups. These important parts of their lives moved with them to Pleasant City.
Pleasant City Today
Pleasant City is the oldest African-American community in West Palm Beach. It covers about 27 blocks and once had nearly 2,800 residents. It is bordered by 23rd Street to the north, 15th Street to the south, Dixie Highway to the east, and the Florida East Coast Railway to the west. Being close to the railway helped it become a busy business area.
This neighborhood was once a lively center for black-owned businesses and beautiful homes. However, over the years, it has faced challenges. Things like damage from hurricanes and issues with public housing have caused some changes.
Many old buildings that were important landmarks have been taken down. This happened during community redevelopment efforts.
Community Life and Culture
Bringing Families Together
The Pleasant City Family Reunion Committee was started in 1993 by Everee Jimerson Clarke. This group helped organize the first Pleasant City Community Reunion in 1994. This reunion was part of West Palm Beach's 100th birthday celebration.
Many people who used to live in Pleasant City, but had moved away for over 30 years, came back. They found that the neighborhood had changed a lot. Some residents felt sad about the changes and moved away to find new chances elsewhere.
The Heritage Gallery: A Place to Learn
The Heritage Gallery opened on September 21, 1996, at 2315 N. Dixie Highway. Its main goal was to create a lasting memory for the first settlers of Pleasant City, known as the Pioneers. The gallery shows what their lives were like and what was important to them.
It has a special collection of old documents, stories from people who lived there, and historical items. You can also find photographs, art, and other memorable things. All of these are available for the public to see and learn from. Since 1996, The Heritage Gallery has been a helpful place for many African American history projects in Palm Beach County.
The Heritage Gallery also helps train young people. It sponsors events that teach about history. These events have included "The Living Legends of Negro Baseball," "The Triple Nickles," and "Buffalo Soldiers." They also honor important designers and artists, and celebrate people who have achieved great things.
The Heritage Gallery offers many programs, such as:
- Heritage Gallery Tours
- History Study Groups
- Jazz Preservation Society
- Inter-generational Society (connecting different age groups)
- Eleganté International Teen Club
- Computer Lab
- Camp Heritage Trail
- Special Events
- Pioneer Days
- Ms. Senior Queen Pageant
- Father’s Day and Mother’s Day celebrations
- Youth in Business programs
- Youth Performing Arts
- Community Resource Center
New Developments in Pleasant City
Affordable Homes for Families
Merry Place is a project that provides affordable housing in Pleasant City. The West Palm Beach Housing Authority (WPBHA) developed it. In 2007, the WPBHA built 128 affordable apartments there.
Later, in 2018, a company called Pulte Homes announced plans to build 36 affordable townhouses. These homes would be right next to the Merry Place Apartments. Pulte Homes is working with the WPBHA on this project. The WPBHA also owns empty land at Merry Place where there is space for 52 more homes called condominiums.
Local Businesses
The oldest business still operating in Pleasant City is Bush Brothers Provision Company. It was built in 1925 during a difficult economic time. Local workers were hired to help build it, sharing the work. The company is still in the same building and owned by the same family today.
