Henry Flagler s retirement plan: develop Florida s east coast
Would Miami be as exotic if it had been named Flagler?
It’s hard to say, but the reality is, in the late 19th century, south Floridians nearly named their port city for the railroad magnate who made easy access there possible.
“He was offered to have Miami named after him. He didn’t want that,” said Edwin L. Lamont, docent for the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum in Palm Beach. “It was for two reasons. One, he truly was a humble man. I think the other reason is, this was the time of the yellow press, and to have your name on things like that, it was just more opportunity for the yellow press to take a shot at you.”
By Sally
Local Holiday events for the weekend:
For the ninth year, the City of West Palm Beach has brought back a 700-ton sand tree, known as Sandi. Light shows and music will be presented from 6 to 10 p.m. daily through Dec. 31 next to the 35-foot-tall “tree” in Sandi Land. Santa Claus will pose for photos sitting in a 6-foot-tall lifeguard chair, offering a safe distance between him and families.
Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society: During Zoo Lights, guests can walk through themed areas with 1 million eco-friendly lights and extravagant holiday displays. Event hours are from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 18-23 and 26-29 and Jan. 1-3 and 8-9. Festivities include eating s’mores by the fire and decorating holiday cookies.
By Sally
Holiday events for the weekend:
Ring in the holidays with “A Classic Christmas in Yesteryear Village”.The Village’s historic buildings will be minimally decorated, indicative of the time period portrayed in Yesteryear Village. Activities include visits with farmer Santa and Mrs. Claus, Classic Christmas carols and seeing farm animals in the No Name Corral as well as a Gingerbread House demonstration. Click here for more.
Breakfast with Santa: The City of Boynton Beach hosts the breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 12 at the Boynton Beach Senior Center. Santa will bring his elf along for the event, which also includes a holiday craft.