This section is a work-in-progress. Below is a sample of the type of content you can expect. New mini-archives will be added as we continue cataloging our digital collections.
Questions about the content of a Mini-Archive or wish to donate a collection? — Contact Us.
1910-1989 “Louis and Maude Smith Family & the Old Smith House” – Background materials re: the pioneering Smith Family; which arrived in Colohatchee in 1910 as some of the first White settlers. Census records, death records/obituaries, newspaper articles. 2023 Town Crier article re: the “Old Smith House”, their second home built in 1926 on Mahannah Road (now N.E. 24th St.), including photo, and its demolition in 1989. Detailed research notes supporting the article and their being the earliest “Wilton Manors” residents.
1940s+ “Pedersen Family” – Ads (including chicken farm at Wilton Dr and 21st Ct), photographs and history of WM pioneer/entrepreneur John Pedersen and his family.
1940 & 1945 “Pedersen Family Progresso Deed Records” – Plat and background of the Progresso subdivision; and deed records, including prices, for the 750 lots the family purchased at auction in 1940 and 1945.
1940s/1960s/2014 “Coach William “Bill” Huegele Recalls Old Ft. Lauderdale/Wilton Manors” – short Town Crier/Island City News article; Huegele collection of 1940s photographs of Casino Pool, Bahia Mar, County Courthouse, Post Office, Governor’s Club Hotel, old Ft. Lauderdale High School and War Memorial Auditorium and 1960s yearbook photos as coach at Everglades JH and FLHS.
1947-2011 “The Stafford Family Scrapbook” – selected photographs, documents and newspaper clippings capturing a “slice-of-life” of the pioneer Stafford family of Wilton Manors–Marcia, Les, Tracy and Nancy. [See also Marcia Stafford oral history]
1948+ “Leaver Family” – Clayton Leaver was WM’s pioneer contractor (Tropical Construction) and Lou Leaver was a major force in the WM Woman’s Club. Contains interior and exterior photographs of their 1950’s home.
1960-1993 “Louis W. Parker – Inventor, Philanthropist and Founder of Parker Electronics” – Includes the Winter 2023-2024 Town Crier article “South End of Dixie at the River-what preceded the Pride Center”, as well as newspaper clippings which provide more detail about Louis Parker’s early years, accomplishments and inventions, and philanthropic contributions.
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