We have something special to share!
The Boynton We Remember is here!
Order on Amazon or purchase in-person at one of our upcoming programs and events.
The Boynton We Remember: Stories, Photographs, and Memories from Our Community
Every community has stories worth preserving. These are some of Boynton Beach’s.
The Boynton We Remember is a collection of community-contributed stories, photographs, and memories preserved by the Boynton Beach Historical Society. Rather than a comprehensive history, this book captures personal experiences, people, places, and traditions remembered by those who have called Boynton Beach home.
The stories primarily document community life since 1968, when the Boynton Beach Historical Society was founded, while reaching into earlier decades through family memories, historic photographs, archival materials, and stories passed down through generations.
Featuring more than 40 community-contributed stories and 100 historic photographs, postcards, and archival images, this richly illustrated collection offers a personal look at Boynton Beach through those who lived, worked, and built lives here.
Inside You’ll Discover
- Firsthand stories from longtime residents and local families
- Historic photographs, postcards, and archival images
- Memories of neighborhoods, schools, churches, fishing, farming, and local businesses
- Beloved restaurants, landmarks, gathering places, and traditions
- People, places, and events remembered by contributors
- A historical timeline placing these memories within Boynton Beach’s broader history
More than a keepsake, The Boynton We Remember preserves personal memories and offers residents, family researchers, visitors, and Florida history enthusiasts an intimate view of Boynton Beach through the voices of its community.
Praise for The Boynton We Remember
“Love my copy, plan to buy more for my family as gifts. Makes a great coffee table book.”
— Beth Bernet
“Got mine yesterday! It brings back great memories! I wish my dad was still around to see it. Thanks to everyone involved in putting this book together.”
— Joe Scalzo
“Just recd the book the whole thing is amazing thank you for including us”
— Kim Kelly, Hurricane Alley
“Received mine and ordering more for gifts.”
— Shawn McLaughlin Aubrey
“Just ordered the book… will place it proudly in the main salon of the Geno Five for our guests.”
— Geno V Charters
“I read 80% of it last night on a binge. GREAT book- I encourage all from Boynton to buy it and support the Historical Society.”
— Alex Berry
“Brought back so many great memories. Took me back in time when growing up in Boynton Beach was awesome! Thank you to all who put this book together and those that shared their pictures and stories. Looking forward to the next publication!”
— Sandi Farrell
“The new book is very well done. Thank you to the writers and story tellers. I bought several to keep and also give as gifts to my friends and family in Boynton.”
— Phil Parker
“Yeah… a new coffee table book!”
— Susie Garlock Angiolilli
“Bought mine and already finished it. I enjoyed the stories. Learned a few new things. Definitely brought back some really good memories.”
— Ty Gibson
“Received mine yesterday and it’s definitely bringing back some memories.”
— Mike Schmeltzer
“Got my book yesterday and it is a book of ‘memories’… good job.”
— Dianna Goodby
“Got mine and I have read it cover to cover!!!!! It is a wonderful keepsake! Thanks so much for printing it!!!! I have lived in Boynton for 42 years and taught school there for 33 years!!!!”
— Debbie Baughman
All proceeds from the sale of this book benefit the Boynton Beach Historical Society.
President’s Corner
Hello All and Welcome to Spring!
BBHS is very much looking forward to having everyone join us for our VERY FIRST ICE CREAM SOCIAL! Many years ago, holding Ice Cream Socials was a popular Boynton Beach activity, and we’re excited to bring this fun idea back. Please head over to our website and click on the Free Evite there, in order for us to gauge a head count and plan for all the ice cream lovers out there.
You may remember our February Historian Newsletter was focused on Cullen Pence, an important early Boynton Beach citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Pence donated the land that we know today as “Pence Park.” Please understand that the Pence family placed several DEED RESTRICTIONS on their land gift to the people, and there are currently some controversial plans from the City that would CONTRADICT THOSE DEED RESTRICTIONS. Upcoming City meetings to pay attention and speak up about keeping Pence Park green and honoring this gift are 4/14 and 4/25 on the City’s agenda website.
Finally, if there are any volunteers out there who’d like to join our efforts to keep BBHS fresh and interesting, we’d love to hear about any skills or talents you might have that would enhance BBHS. Please email us at BBHSprograms@gmail.com, and come on over and help us!
Kind regards,
Barbara Ready
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