1910-1939

In Fort Lauderdale, following the turn of the century, black residents and newcomers began to concentrate in the northwest section of the town. A steady migration of workers poured in from northern Florida, Georgia, and the Bahamas, many working on farms. By 1910, several black owned businesses began to spring up: a grocer, a barbershop, a shoemaker, a restaurant owner and a seamstress. In addition, there were ministers and teachers. These early residents shopped in their own community; at Pays Furniture and the Benton Clothing Store. There was also an employment agency, a taxicab company and an ice plant.

“Colored Town” was the place where wonderful memories were made. Churches such as Piney Grove Baptist and Mt. Hermon AME, and the Colored School (later renamed the Dillard School) were situated on unpaved roads.

The early homes were wooden bungalows, “shotgun” houses, Bahamian conch and Mission styles. They were built to catch the breeze and provide shade. Unfortunately none of the early homes along the North Fork have survived and few remain in the larger community. The colors blue and green were commonly used on the homes of black residents. In the African tradition, blue represents the sky, spiritual sanctity and peacefulness. Green signifies planting and harvest, fertility, prosperity, rejuvenation and spiritual abundance.

The Dixie Court, a public housing complex built in 1938, was a modern complex for its day during the Great Depression. Made of cinder block stucco instead of wood, the kitchens used gas stoves, and refrigerators instead of iceboxes. In addition, the housing consisted of indoor plumbing.

1940 - Today

Under Construction