Greater Boynton Beach - Chamber of Commerce

Overnight: Slight chance of showers with a low of 73

Join US | Contact Us | Search:

Local Places to Visit

Historical Landmarks In Boynton Beach

The Andrews Home

306 S.E. First Avenue

The Andrews Home is the oldest house in Boynton Beach and has been restored to its original humble splendor. Among the early pioneer families in Boynton Beach were Mr. and Mrs. Bert L. Kapp who bought the property in 1900 and built this historic landmark in 1901. There were no building codes for construction back then, but the pioneer families constructed homes to last. The Kapp house was built using heavy timbers of now nearly extinct Dade County pine, and adjustable steel rods were ingeniously used throughout the attic for strength. As a result, this landmark home has survived every hurricane to hit Palm Beach County.

Originally constructed 50 feet to the west of the current location, it was moved onto a new foundation to allow its viewing from Ocean Avenue. Before the house was moved, the surrounding land was searched using a modern metal detector. Dozens of historical and interesting artifacts of early Boynton Beach were recovered. Old buckles, toys, broaches, jewelry, eating utensils, and even items of historical importance were miraculously discovered and are currently on display at the home.

Credit: Andrews Home and Bob Katz.

Boynton Woman's Club

1010 S. Federal Highway

The present Boynton Woman's Club, designed by famed architect Addison Mizner, was built in 1925-1926 for $50,000. The cornerstone was laid in 1932 and the building and property were dedicated to Major Nathan Smith Boynton, whose heirs had contributed $35,000 towards this lasting memorial to him. It housed the community's library until 1961 and continues to serve as a social and cultural center. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Credit: Boynton Beach The First 100 years; produced by Boynton Beach Historical Society and Friends of the Boynton Beach City

Library; 1995

Schoolhouse Children's Museum

129 East Ocean Avenue

Boynton Beach Elementary School, originally simply called Boynton School, was built in 1913. Constructed of sturdy concrete block, it contained two floors, six rooms and indoor plumbing. It was Boynton's only school for the next fourteen years. After a high school was complete in 1927, the 1913 schoolhouse became Boynton Elementary School. It operated until 1990, when it was no longer needed, and it was then used for special programs.

The former Boynton Beach Elementary School is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Today the Boynton Cultural Centre, Inc. partners with the City of Boynton Beach to operate the Schoolhouse Children's Museum. As a hands-on children's history museum, it has been visited by close to 100,000 children and their parents, teachers and grandparents since it opened in November 2001. Exhibits depicting South Florida's rich history provide visitors with a glimpse of the past while exploring, playing and learning.

Portions credited to: Boynton Beach The First 100 years; produced by Boynton Beach Historical Society and Friends of the

Boynton Beach City Library; 1995

Lofthus -

Underwater Archaeological Preserve

3/4 of a mile north of the Boynton Inlet

The Lofthus is a vessel that wrecked off Manalapan in 1898. In 2003, the ship was dedicated and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The historic site is a favorite among area divers.

The Lofthus was originally built in Sunderland, England and was launched under the name Cashmere in October of 1868. The vessel was used in the East Indian trade until sold to a Norwegian in 1897, renamed Lofthus, and transferred to the American trade. The Lofthus wrecked in February of 1898 while en route from Pensacola to Buenos Aires with a cargo of lumber. The crew was saved, but the vessel was a total loss.

The remains of the Lofthus are scattered over an 80 x 15 yard area with the vessel's bow to the northeast. Three main sections of wreckage protrude above the sandy bottom. Many species of tropical plants and fish now inhabit the twisted wreckage and spiny lobsters hide under deck plates.

The Lofthus is protected by Florida laws prohibiting unauthorized disturbance, excavation or removal of artifacts. If you visit, please keep the site intact for others.

Credit: Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources Bureau of Archaeological Research.

Areas of Interest In Boynton Beach

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee

Wildlife Refuge (561) 732-3684

Boynton Woman's Club (561) 369-2300

Green Cay Wetlands (561) 966-7000

Mangrove Nature Park (561) 742-6225

Neighborhood Art Gallery of

Boynton Beach (561) 736-8181

Schoolhouse Children's Museum (561) 742-6780

Nearby & Minutes Away

Boca Raton Museum of Art (561) 392-2500