inside: Carolyn Lamour ... - Floridawise Magazine

CityWise
The History
of Lake Worth
The City of Lake Worth was named
for Major General William Jenkins Worth
who was born March 1, 1794. Worth
entered active service during the War of
1812 and was promoted to the rank of
major by the time he was 20 years of
age. When he was 26, Worth became
the Commandant of West Point where he
taught military tactics for eight years. His
resignation in 1828 was formally
announced by Cadet Robert E. Lee.
In 1841, Worth was named the tenth
commander appointed to close the war in
Florida with the Seminoles. On April 9,
1831, the final battle took place against
Halleck, the last resisting chief of the
Indians. Worth was honored by the State
of Florida for his military skill and
dedicated service. He went on to
distinguish himself in Texas and Mexico
during the Mexican War. Fort Worth,
Texas, is also named for this military hero.
The development, of what is now
Lake Worth, had its beginnings in the
early 1900s. The Palm Beach Farms
company, with its vice president, Harold
Bryant, purchased thousands of acres of
18 October 2006
Everglades land in 1909. In 1910, this
company bought a large tract of costal
land. Harold Bryant, his brother, F.E.
Bryant, and William Greenwood were
hired as agents to promote this new land.
These developers concentrated on the
section now known as Greenacres City.
They sold five, ten acre tracts of fruit and
truck land for $250. As an added
inducement, a free lot in the town on the
shores of Lake Worth was offered with
each tract purchased.
Platted in January 1912, as the town
of Lucerne, the area of the giveaway lots
became so popular that the area to the
west was virtually abandoned until the late
1920s. Because a post office was now
necessary, and there was another
“Lucerne” in Florida, the founders
changed the name to Lake Worth,
honoring General Worth of Seminole
Indian War fame. The city was
incorporated on June 4, 1913.
Between April and December of
1912, the early settlers changed the town
site from a “sand lot in a clump of wild
palmetto with 38 residents to a town of
308 permanent residents, 77 completed
buildings and 48 more under
construction.” It became known as the
“Wonder City” when; in this short time
they formed a chamber of commerce, a
school, a library and a Women’s Club.
The Lake Worth Herald, Lake Worth’s
oldest business, printed its first issue in
August 1912. On May 18, 1914, electric
lights were turned on for the first time.
The mainland portion of the city is
situated along a wide stretch of Intracostal
Waterway with the same name as the city,
Lake Worth. The municipal beach
complex, located on Palm Beach Island, is
a focal point for the residents and visitors
who take advantage of the sun, surf,
sand, dining and shopping. This complex
is called the Casino. It was built in 1922.
It has seen many architectural changes,
especially after the 1947 hurricane.
In the heart of the Palm Beaches, Lake
Worth is cooled by the easterly tropical
prevailing trade winds and warmed by the
Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream, “Nature’s
Beauty Path” comes closer to the shore
than any point in the United States. It is in
Lake Worth where the quality of life is
seen in its people.
Lake Worth Today
The term Old Florida charm, new
Florida style is how you would describe
downtown Lake Worth today. There is so
much to do and see. Whether you’re
alone or with the entire family you’ll enjoy
the entertainment. Weekly events like
“Evening on the Avenues” every Friday,
signature event celebrations and festivals
you won’t want to miss. So many unique
places to shop … restaurants you’ll just
have to try.
This month you won’t want to miss the
Hispanic Festival. The festival will be held
Oct. 21 at Bryant Park Lake Worth, on the
waterfront. Hispanic Fest in Lake Worth is
Palm Beach County’s largest Hispanic
celebration. Occurring during the
celebration of Hispanic Heritage month,
Hispanic Fest combines the rich tradition
of native Hispanic dance, children’s
activities, contemporary arts, music and
food!
The 2006 celebration will move to
new heights with expanded activities and
more of the great Latin music and
entertainment you have come to love. Tito
Puente will be our headliner with his
fantastic full orchestra.
This month “Evening on the Avenues”
will feature our most popular event –
HALLOWEEN ON THE AVENUES
featuring “Cindini” an escape artist, sword
swallowing and of course the pet costume
contest sponsored by Paws on the Avenue.
This event will also feature arts and crafts,
food and much, much, more. For more
info, call 561-582-4401. ❂