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Historical Delray Beach Images

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In the 1950s Delray Beach experienced the second "land boom" and thousands of people moved to the area. Delray's mile long beach, originally donated for public use, became a draw for everyone.

Overview of Oceanfront, 1956

Delray's marina and yacht clubs just south of the Atlantic Avenue bridge have hosted all kinds of pleasure and fishing boats for more than 100 years.

Boating on the Intracoastal Waterway c. 1950s

Ocean Rescue Headquarters in the 1940s was located at the foot of Atlantic Avenue, with the lifeguard captain housed above the municipal pool overlooking the ocean.

Pavilion and Lifeguard Tower c. 1940s

Tourists have flocked to Delray Beach for more than 100 years, and the beach has always been the number one attraction for visitors and residents.

Beach Pavilion, 1940s

Delray was one of the first East Coast locations where surfing became popular. These lifeguards posed for photos with their boards on a flat calm day, but in 1964 on a good surfing day, there were often more than 100 surfers in the ocean at the same time. Surfing was almost outlawed the same year, since hotels did not want the beaches monopolized by local youth at the expense of space for wealthy tourists.

Lifeguards with Surfboards, 1964

Several homes and businesses in the area had windmills and even water towers before electricity became available. These girls posed on the windmill during the first decade of settlement here.

Windmill on the Dune, 1912

Not only was the pool popular for residents and tourists, but it was also home to the high school swim teams and diving teams. It was located at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and A1A.

Municipal Pool at the Beach c. 1950s

Strolling along the beach or sitting in the sun has always been a favorite passtime in Delray Beach.

Delray Beach and Walkway c. 1940s

Even after Delray Beach experienced serious hurricanes in 1926 and 1928, the beach still did not erode significantly. Only after the Boynton Inlet disrupted the normal flow of sand did it become necessary to dredge and fill the beach from offshore.

Oceanfront c. 1939

This anchor was salvaged from a 1700s sailing ship wrecked a few miles south of Delray Beach. It is now in Anchor Park at the south end of the beach.

Anchor at the Beach c. 1960s

Delray Beach hosted numerous beauty pageants in the 1950s.  These contestants happily pose on a lifeguard stand for a publicity photo.

Lifeguards with Surfboards, 1964

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