City of Boca Raton Donates Historical Documents to the Boca Raton Historical Society
The city of Boca Raton recently transferred a significant archive of historic maps and photographs to the Boca Raton Historical Society to insure their safekeeping and preservation. These maps and photographs have been scanned and added to the city’s database. The actual documents, which include original “linens” with hand drawn ink maps, will be kept under archival storage conditions by trained professional staff at the Historical Society’s museum in Town Hall. The “linens” would have been used as a master to produce “blueprint” copies; today modern technology has eliminated their use.
Photo from the new collection depicts Glades Road looking east from the CSX (Amtrak) tracks 1972. Note the absence of I-95.
In addition to the valuable maps, some with a market value of as much as $1000 each, the city has generously provided a copy of the scans of same for the Historical Society’s use. The scans themselves are of great value as city staff has access to high quality large format scanners; the BRHS would otherwise have to pay a large sum to scan these oversized artifacts. Some of the items include ca. 1938 property map showing the Spanish River Land Company holdings (now the Boca Raton Resort & Club), a 1941 zoning map that shows the footprint of every structure in the then town limits (not many), and miscellaneous high quality aerial images.
The transfer of this collection was made possible by Historical Society member and long time city employee Dick Randall, former Mapping and Design Administrator for Planning and Zoning. Dick recommended the scanning and transfer of this collection to eliminate the need for the constant handling of the fragile original items and to insure their long term preservation. Dick avers, “These maps document the amazing growth of our community and will be a significant resource for individual researchers and scholars in the years to come.” Mayor Susan Whelchel echoes these
Boca Raton Historical Society Executive Director Mary Csar with Dick Randall and Mayor Susan Whelchel examine the gift of historical archives from the city to the BRHS.
sentiments, “They belong at the Historical Society; what better place for them?” The Boca Raton Historical Society thanks Mr. Randall, Mayor Whelchel, and the City of Boca Raton for helping preserve our past for the future generations.
For information contact:
Susan Gillis, Curator
Boca Raton Historical Society
71 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton FL 33432
561-395-6766 X104 curator@bocahistory.org
