Pleasant City Family Reunion Committee Inc. dba Heritage Gallery
Preserving the history and culture of the oldest African American Community in Palm Beach County
About Us
THE HISTORY OF PLEASANT CITY
Pleasant City, West Palm Beach a book written by Historian, Everee Jimerson Clarke, was published in 2005 by Arcadia Publishing. This book goes into details on the formation of Pleasant City and the lives of families that moved from the Styx and the development of this community.
These families, numbering more than 1000, had come to Palm Beach in the mid 1800's to extend the Florida East Coast Railroad from Juno to West Palm Beach, to build the Royal Poinciana Hotel, and a mansion, Whitehall, now the Flagler Museum, for Standard Oil magnate Henry Morrison Flagler. During their years of living in the “Styx”, these settlers established businesses, churches, schools, civic, and fraternal groups and organizations.
In 1900, Land Developer George Currie plotted a strip of land in the north end of West Palm Beach to provide homes for African Americans forced to leave their living quarters in the “Styx” on South County Road on the island of Palm Beach. He called the area Pleasant City in 1905, gave the streets beautiful and pleasant -sounding names (Beautiful, Cheerful, Contentment, Merry) and sold the lots for $150 & up.
The early settlers of Pleasant City had a deep devotion for family and community. They were progressive home and business owners. They educated their children, taught them responsible work ethics, and instilled in them a sense of pride and a need to return to the community, lending time and talent to those less fortunate than themselves. They were positive role models for youth.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Pleasant City Family Reunion Committee was created by the late 🌹Everee Jimerson Clarke🌹 in 1993 to sponsor the first Pleasant City Community Reunion in conjunction with the city of West Palm Beach's Centennial Celebration in 1994.
Former residents, who have property and close ties here and have been away for more than 20 years, found that life had taken a bizarre and frightening turn in Pleasant City.
There was a stigma of deterioration, crime, and low self-esteem. Many residents became discourages and moved away to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Many people vising or moving into West Palm Beach believed that Pleasant City has no important history because of what they see is negative. The Reunion Committee is working to overcome some of these misconceptions.
Aside from renewing old friendship sand strengthening family ties, we are encouraging former residents, many who are retirees, to come back home to get involved in the revitalization and redevelopment efforts of other community groups.
The reunion initiative continues to invigorate and inspire businesspeople and investors who can make a big difference in the community.
MEMBERSHIP
- Membership locally and elsewhere is comprised of persons from all walks of life, education, business, religion, government, teens, and children who have roots or a positive interest in Pleasant City. The term
- Pleasant City-ite was coined by Everee Jimerson Clarke to indicate any person born, reared or having family ties or lineage in Pleasant City. Multiple current members are descendants of the Pioneers from the Styx and Pleasant City.
- Members are encouraged to participate in our Historical and Cultural Art events which we provide to the community via planning and execution. Previous events include Living Legends of Negro Baseball League, Salute to Fathers, Ms. Senior Queen Pageants, Black History Month education & celebration, Kwanzaa, and Christmas w/ Toys for Tots.
NEWSLETTER
- The Pleasant City Family Newsletter, which features history, our organization, community news, special events, obituaries, photos, and family stories, has been published quarterly since 1994.
- We reach and maintain the interests of more than 1000 former residents in multiple states around the country.
- Aside from local subscriptions, the newsletter is distributed to businesses, churches, schools, and libraries. Other publications available included: “Pleasant City, West Palm Beach: A Pictorial History, and our cookbook, “Heritage Gallery Favorites.”
