Ethelyn Bowles and son Theodore 'Lucky' Strachan, Sr.
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Bowles-Strachan House, Inc.
A 501 (c)(3) Non-profit organization
Federal EIN: 90-0934048
For tax-exempt donations mail check to:
Bowles-Strachan House, Inc.
4651 SW 19th Street
West Park, FL 33023
Or Zelle to 954-773-6731
For Tours Call or text 305-343-9403
VIRTUAL TOUR: https://youtu.be/3KAspK2xmBw (Click on link)
Mission
Our Mission is to respect and retain the legacy of the Carver Ranches Community. We are dedicated to researching and preserving the history of Carver Ranches & South Florida’s African American culture by collecting and archiving written material, vintage artifacts, dated photographs and oral histories; and to promote these findings through written, visual, musical, oral, and digital means for educational purposes.
History
Ethelyn Bowles (Photo above) was born in 1901 on Cat Island, Bahamas. She left her hometown at 19 years old and move to Liberty City, FL with her older sister, Rhoda Thompson. Salaries were very low for colored females during that time but she worked hard as a domestic and in the laundry. On May 1, 1936, she gave birth to her only child, Theodore Strachan. In July 1941, Ethelyn Bowles, a single parent, purchased this shotgun house for $945. She paid $50 dollars down and $12 or more a month faithfully until receiving the Warranty Deed dated January 12, 1944. It was one of four (4) model homes built for the Carver Ranches subdivision in unincorporated Broward County in South Florida. This subdivision was formally incorporated on September 6, 1940 by H.E. Foster, Donald F. Anderson, and Carl T. Hoffman and consisted of 300 acres (Broward County Records, Clerks file 364194, Corporate Record #13, Page 339). The subdivision was marketed exclusively to African-Americans, which was unusual during the 1940s.
Ethelyn moved to 4651 Lebrea Street (Now 19th Street) with the desire to become a homeowner and the hope for a better life for her and 14 year old Theodore ‘Lucky’ Strachan (Photo above). They were among the first eight (8) families in the community.
It was a typical A-framed structure constructed on piles with and open porch, an all in one living/kitchen/dining room, two small bedrooms, and an outhouse. The home exists in its original location and orientation and exhibits much of its original character and fabric. Mid-century (1950s) alterations include enclosed porch, window replacements, kitchen and bathroom addition (replaced outhouse). Ownership of this vintage dwelling has passed from generation to generation to generation, from Ethelyn to Lucky to Cynthia Strachan.
Before Lucky died in 2006, Cynthia questioned him about the Bowles and Strachan family’s Bahamian roots. So much of what he told her was about his growing up in Carver Ranches and the Black folks that settled there, that it turned into a mission of tracing the history of Carver Ranches. Cynthia interviewed 43 of the pioneer families that move there in the 1940s. Those oral histories, photographs and other historical findings were published in December 2006, in the documentary book, Promises from the Palmetto Bush, the Genesis of Carver Ranches, FL. Six years later Cynthia Strachan wrote and produce, Their Story is Our Story, the musical play based on this book. From the book came the weekly talk show, Their Story is Our Story. Eight episodes were aired on UTV (Channel 11-4) November 2012 –February 2013. Five of those episodes were shot in the Bowles-Strachan House living room.
https://youtu.be/dJ6kFa5vc5I (Click on link)
These are some of the early African Americans that settled in the unincorporated area of Broward County in the 1940s. Three white men purchased the 300 acres, named it Carver Ranches and only sold to Black folks. It became part of the City of West Park, Florida in 2005.
Historical designation
In February 2009, Cynthia Strachan contacted the Broward County Historical Commission requesting an historical evaluation of her family’s home. On February 23, 2009, David Baber (Administrator and County Historic Preservation Officer) and Matthew DeFelice (County Archaeologist) conducted a site visit to the residence. Their findings were sufficient to start the historical designation process. Florida Master Site File assigned site number 8BD4546 to the property and the completed form was submitted to the Florida Master Site File, Division of Historical Resources, Tallahassee, Florida.
The structure, which remains in much its original form, represents one of few original structures of the Carver Ranches subdivision, which is now part of the City of West Park.
The site exhibits distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style valuable for the study of a period of history, the method of construction, or use of indigenous materials and may include sites with unique or unusual exterior or interior architectural appearance, design or feature, or is an outstanding example of architecture typical to Broward County.
This 1941 house is the last of the four display houses that remains in the community. It has withstood the test of time, termites, and hurricanes. The back yard is often used for family gatherings and gardening. The trees in the backyard continue to give nourishment, shade, and an atmosphere of days of the past. There was an outhouse at the rear of the property; it’s possible the remains are still there.
On October 23, 2012, Broward County Commission designated the Bowles-Strachan House as a Historical Resource Center. This is a first for Broward County and the City of West Park.
Community Programming
Donations
Donations to charity can reduce your taxable income and lower your tax bill. You may deduct charitable contributions of money or property made to The Bowles-Strachan House, Inc, if you itemize your deductions. After receiving your gift, you will receive a letter of appreciation that will include our EIN number and other required information.
As a non-profit 501 (c) (3) charity, tax laws require us to notify you that this letter is the official acknowledgment of your gift. Also, we are required to certify that you received no goods or services in consideration of this contribution. If you decide to claim the tax deductibility of this gift in the U.S., you must retain the acknowledgment letter for your files.
This museum-like house serves as a time capsule of the period that marks the beginning and formed its foundation. Visitors stop by for tours, family gatherings, tracing family roots, school report content, ancestral fact finding, to donate items or to stroll down memory lane. The elders reminisce and share their own stories, while the youth look on with inquisitive eyes and questions to match. We believe that learning about one’s ancestors lead to learning about one’s self; and knowledge of one’s history affect one’s present and future.
Extending an open hand to give is in the perfect position to receive. Thank you.
To donate mail check to:
Bowles-Strachan House,Inc
4651 SW 19 Street
West Park, FL 33023
or Zelle
Phone # 954-773-6731
______________________________________________________________________________
This residence is not just an old house. The older generation and the younger generation can look upon it as a reminder of our past that has led us to our present. It’s a testimony from the early settlers of faith, courage, and strength. It has withstood the test of time, termites and turbulent weather, which is indicative of the solid foundation that this community was built upon.
Most of the families of the pioneers still live in the community. Some people from the neighborhood have already donated items and artifacts from the past for this project. The elders come by with their stories, reminiscing about the time when they were young and their lives were vibrant. The children come by curious and full of questions. They learned about the community’s history and on occasion will learn about and see photographs of their ancestors.
Carver Ranches is now a part of The City of West Park; that is a part of Broward County; that is a part of the state of Florida; that is a part of the United States of America; that is a part of the world. Our history is part of the world history.
Visit us to get a glimpse of yesteryears. Tours by appointment only.
954-773-6731 or 305-343-9403 cell
A 501 (c)(3) Non-profit organization
Federal EIN: 90-0934048
For tax-exempt donations mail check to:
Bowles-Strachan House, Inc.
4651 SW 19th Street
West Park, FL 33023
Or Zelle to 954-773-6731
For Tours Call or text 305-343-9403
VIRTUAL TOUR: https://youtu.be/3KAspK2xmBw (Click on link)
Mission
Our Mission is to respect and retain the legacy of the Carver Ranches Community. We are dedicated to researching and preserving the history of Carver Ranches & South Florida’s African American culture by collecting and archiving written material, vintage artifacts, dated photographs and oral histories; and to promote these findings through written, visual, musical, oral, and digital means for educational purposes.
History
Ethelyn Bowles (Photo above) was born in 1901 on Cat Island, Bahamas. She left her hometown at 19 years old and move to Liberty City, FL with her older sister, Rhoda Thompson. Salaries were very low for colored females during that time but she worked hard as a domestic and in the laundry. On May 1, 1936, she gave birth to her only child, Theodore Strachan. In July 1941, Ethelyn Bowles, a single parent, purchased this shotgun house for $945. She paid $50 dollars down and $12 or more a month faithfully until receiving the Warranty Deed dated January 12, 1944. It was one of four (4) model homes built for the Carver Ranches subdivision in unincorporated Broward County in South Florida. This subdivision was formally incorporated on September 6, 1940 by H.E. Foster, Donald F. Anderson, and Carl T. Hoffman and consisted of 300 acres (Broward County Records, Clerks file 364194, Corporate Record #13, Page 339). The subdivision was marketed exclusively to African-Americans, which was unusual during the 1940s.
Ethelyn moved to 4651 Lebrea Street (Now 19th Street) with the desire to become a homeowner and the hope for a better life for her and 14 year old Theodore ‘Lucky’ Strachan (Photo above). They were among the first eight (8) families in the community.
It was a typical A-framed structure constructed on piles with and open porch, an all in one living/kitchen/dining room, two small bedrooms, and an outhouse. The home exists in its original location and orientation and exhibits much of its original character and fabric. Mid-century (1950s) alterations include enclosed porch, window replacements, kitchen and bathroom addition (replaced outhouse). Ownership of this vintage dwelling has passed from generation to generation to generation, from Ethelyn to Lucky to Cynthia Strachan.
Before Lucky died in 2006, Cynthia questioned him about the Bowles and Strachan family’s Bahamian roots. So much of what he told her was about his growing up in Carver Ranches and the Black folks that settled there, that it turned into a mission of tracing the history of Carver Ranches. Cynthia interviewed 43 of the pioneer families that move there in the 1940s. Those oral histories, photographs and other historical findings were published in December 2006, in the documentary book, Promises from the Palmetto Bush, the Genesis of Carver Ranches, FL. Six years later Cynthia Strachan wrote and produce, Their Story is Our Story, the musical play based on this book. From the book came the weekly talk show, Their Story is Our Story. Eight episodes were aired on UTV (Channel 11-4) November 2012 –February 2013. Five of those episodes were shot in the Bowles-Strachan House living room.
https://youtu.be/dJ6kFa5vc5I (Click on link)
These are some of the early African Americans that settled in the unincorporated area of Broward County in the 1940s. Three white men purchased the 300 acres, named it Carver Ranches and only sold to Black folks. It became part of the City of West Park, Florida in 2005.
Historical designation
In February 2009, Cynthia Strachan contacted the Broward County Historical Commission requesting an historical evaluation of her family’s home. On February 23, 2009, David Baber (Administrator and County Historic Preservation Officer) and Matthew DeFelice (County Archaeologist) conducted a site visit to the residence. Their findings were sufficient to start the historical designation process. Florida Master Site File assigned site number 8BD4546 to the property and the completed form was submitted to the Florida Master Site File, Division of Historical Resources, Tallahassee, Florida.
The structure, which remains in much its original form, represents one of few original structures of the Carver Ranches subdivision, which is now part of the City of West Park.
The site exhibits distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style valuable for the study of a period of history, the method of construction, or use of indigenous materials and may include sites with unique or unusual exterior or interior architectural appearance, design or feature, or is an outstanding example of architecture typical to Broward County.
This 1941 house is the last of the four display houses that remains in the community. It has withstood the test of time, termites, and hurricanes. The back yard is often used for family gatherings and gardening. The trees in the backyard continue to give nourishment, shade, and an atmosphere of days of the past. There was an outhouse at the rear of the property; it’s possible the remains are still there.
On October 23, 2012, Broward County Commission designated the Bowles-Strachan House as a Historical Resource Center. This is a first for Broward County and the City of West Park.
Community Programming
- Historical Presentations
- Recording Oral Histories
- Storytelling Time
- Planting A Garden Youth Program
Donations
Donations to charity can reduce your taxable income and lower your tax bill. You may deduct charitable contributions of money or property made to The Bowles-Strachan House, Inc, if you itemize your deductions. After receiving your gift, you will receive a letter of appreciation that will include our EIN number and other required information.
As a non-profit 501 (c) (3) charity, tax laws require us to notify you that this letter is the official acknowledgment of your gift. Also, we are required to certify that you received no goods or services in consideration of this contribution. If you decide to claim the tax deductibility of this gift in the U.S., you must retain the acknowledgment letter for your files.
This museum-like house serves as a time capsule of the period that marks the beginning and formed its foundation. Visitors stop by for tours, family gatherings, tracing family roots, school report content, ancestral fact finding, to donate items or to stroll down memory lane. The elders reminisce and share their own stories, while the youth look on with inquisitive eyes and questions to match. We believe that learning about one’s ancestors lead to learning about one’s self; and knowledge of one’s history affect one’s present and future.
Extending an open hand to give is in the perfect position to receive. Thank you.
To donate mail check to:
Bowles-Strachan House,Inc
4651 SW 19 Street
West Park, FL 33023
or Zelle
Phone # 954-773-6731
______________________________________________________________________________
This residence is not just an old house. The older generation and the younger generation can look upon it as a reminder of our past that has led us to our present. It’s a testimony from the early settlers of faith, courage, and strength. It has withstood the test of time, termites and turbulent weather, which is indicative of the solid foundation that this community was built upon.
Most of the families of the pioneers still live in the community. Some people from the neighborhood have already donated items and artifacts from the past for this project. The elders come by with their stories, reminiscing about the time when they were young and their lives were vibrant. The children come by curious and full of questions. They learned about the community’s history and on occasion will learn about and see photographs of their ancestors.
Carver Ranches is now a part of The City of West Park; that is a part of Broward County; that is a part of the state of Florida; that is a part of the United States of America; that is a part of the world. Our history is part of the world history.
Visit us to get a glimpse of yesteryears. Tours by appointment only.
954-773-6731 or 305-343-9403 cell