Oct 02, 1973
National Register of Historic Places - Stranahan House (The Pioneer House)
Statement of Significant: The Pioneer House, built in 1902, was the home of Frank G. and Ivy Cromartie Stranahan from 1902 until his death in 1929 and her death in 1971. Frank Stranahan was the first permanent white settler in Fort Lauderdale. In January, 1893, he took over the operation of a ferry on the New River, and established the New River Camp (on the present site of the Pioneer House) to provide lodging for travelers and a trading post for commerce with the Seminole Indians. With construction of the Florida East Coast Railroad through the area in 1895, a community of planters, fishermen, and traders began to develop in 1899 a one-room schoolhouse was built, and Miss Ivy Cromartie arrived as the first school teacher in the community. She married Frank Stranahan in 1900. Their new home was built on the site of his original store, and served as both residence and place of business until his new store was completed several blocks nearer the railroad, and again after that building burned in 1912. Frank Stranahan continued to play a leading role in the commercial and political development of Fort Lauderdale. served for ten years on the city council with four years as president of that body. Ivy Stranahan was equally active and influential in civic and cultural affairs. Their joint importance in their community is reflected in the fact that the Stranahan name has been given to a river, a park, and a school but perhaps the most significant contributions of both were in their relationships with the Seminole Indians. By his understanding and unfailing sincerity in the conduct of trade, Frank Stranahan won the respect and friendship of the Seminoles. Ivy Stranahan was instrumental in drawing Seminole children into the educational system and extending the services of religious institutions to the Seminole reservations. Their contributions as unofficial intermediaries during the first two decades of the twentieth century, a critical period of adjustment for both the Seminole and the rapidly expanding white population, has been recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and leaders of the Seminole Tribes alike.
National Register of Historic Places - Stranahan House (The Pioneer House)
Statement of Significant: The Pioneer House, built in 1902, was the home of Frank G. and Ivy Cromartie Stranahan from 1902 until his death in 1929 and her death in 1971. Frank Stranahan was the first permanent white settler in Fort Lauderdale. In January, 1893, he took over the operation of a ferry on the New River, and established the New River Camp (on the present site of the Pioneer House) to provide lodging for travelers and a trading post for commerce with the Seminole Indians. With construction of the Florida East Coast Railroad through the area in 1895, a community of planters, fishermen, and traders began to develop in 1899 a one-room schoolhouse was built, and Miss Ivy Cromartie arrived as the first school teacher in the community. She married Frank Stranahan in 1900. Their new home was built on the site of his original store, and served as both residence and place of business until his new store was completed several blocks nearer the railroad, and again after that building burned in 1912. Frank Stranahan continued to play a leading role in the commercial and political development of Fort Lauderdale. served for ten years on the city council with four years as president of that body. Ivy Stranahan was equally active and influential in civic and cultural affairs. Their joint importance in their community is reflected in the fact that the Stranahan name has been given to a river, a park, and a school but perhaps the most significant contributions of both were in their relationships with the Seminole Indians. By his understanding and unfailing sincerity in the conduct of trade, Frank Stranahan won the respect and friendship of the Seminoles. Ivy Stranahan was instrumental in drawing Seminole children into the educational system and extending the services of religious institutions to the Seminole reservations. Their contributions as unofficial intermediaries during the first two decades of the twentieth century, a critical period of adjustment for both the Seminole and the rapidly expanding white population, has been recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and leaders of the Seminole Tribes alike.
Oct 02, 1973
Posted Date
Aug 04, 2023
Historical Record Date
Oct 02, 1973
Source Name
National Register of Historic Places
