Two Upcoming Pioneers of Jewell Book Signings with Ted Brownstein

There will be two events, powerpoint slide show and book signings for Pioneers of Jewell this coming week

Quaker Meeting House, 823 N A St, Lake Worth, Sunday, March 16, 9:30 AM

Parrot Cove Neighborhood Association, Monday, March 17, 7 PM , Believers' Victory Church, 918 North Lakeside Drive.

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Book Summary:

In 1885, Samuel and Fannie James, an African American couple, reported to be ex-slaves, fled the increasing racial polarization of Northern and Central Florida for the sparsely settled everglades frontier. They were the first to settle in the area that would later become the City of Lake Worth, arriving with just the clothes on their backs and $50 in their pockets. While local history buffs may have heard their names, until now virtually nothing was known of their doings, character, or relations with others in what was then known as Jewell, Florida.  Their story is explored in Pioneers of Jewell in the context of their times. Details of their land dispute with Dr. Harry Stites, their friendship with original Barefoot Mailman Edwin R. Bradley and the quirkiness of hermit Michael Merkle are told for the first time. This motley collection of settlers braved the swamps, the floods, the mosquitos and the isolation to pave the way for later development.