Florida Historical Markers Programs - Marker Detail

Description: Floyd L. and Jane Wray founded Flamingo Gardens, originally Flamingo Groves, in 1927. It first served as a citrus grove, and later became a botanical garden. The Wrays built this frame house in 1933 as a weekend home, and used it for relaxing and conducting business. They also used the house to entertain business associates, civic groups, and friends. It is the oldest residence in Broward County west of University Drive. Floyd and Jane Wray were significant to the growth and development of Broward County and the Broward County citrus industry. Additionally, they were responsible for the creation of one of Florida's first botanical gardens. Floyd served on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Fort Lauderdale, and served as a substitute municipal judge for the City of Hollywood. He was a founding member of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, founding member of the Broward County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Pan-American Committee of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and was instrumental in the establishment of Port Everglades. The house was converted into a museum in 1975, and in 1991 the interior of the building was restored to depict a typical South Florida country home of the 1930s.