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The Delray Beach Historical Society Historical Image Gallery

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The People of Delray in Action

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These "Jack Crevalle" fish are one of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean, so these Delray Beach anglers were obviously proud of their catch.

Fishermen at the Beach c. 1940s

In the 1940s, ocean fishing included fishing for grouper on the offshore reefs.

Fishermen c. 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

"America's Winter Polo Capital" was a title for Delray Beach in the 1940s and 1950s.  Sunday tournaments included the best polo players in the world, including local icon Stewart Iglehart, world famous polo star.  The polo fields were located on A1A a mile north of Delray Beach, in the town of Gulf Stream.

Polo c. 1940s

The Gulf Stream Polo Fields were just one mile north of Delray Beach on A1A in the town of Gulf Stream, making Delray Beach the hub of America's winter polo culture.

Recreation

Fishermen at the Beach c. 1940s

Fishermen c. 1940s

Lifeguards with Surfboards, 1964

Polo c. 1940s

Polo at Gulf Stream c. 1940s