Boca Raton Garden Club History

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A Blue Star Memorial By-Way Marker was dedicated on May 2, 2006 at the Boca Raton Garden Club under a sprawling gumbo limbo tree.  The marker honors all men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. During World War II, Club grounds were part of the Boca Raton Army Air Field, a top secret radar training center. The majority of the base was located in and around what is now the Boca Airport and Florida Atlantic University. Mess Hall #1 was situated on present day Garden Club property and Officers' Quarters were on adjacent streets.

Keynote speaker, Abe Wilen, focused on the importance of memorials like the By-Way Marker. "We veterans did make a difference," said Wilen, a B-24 navigator, who was shot down during World War II and was a prisoner of war for twelve months at Stalag Luft 3 in Germany. "It has such an impact on the life we live today...to live where you like, to get the education you desire." 

Wilen spoke to an audience which included other WW II veterans who were introduced and recognized for service to their country. One of the veterans in attendance, Archie Carswell, served at the Boca Raton Army Air Field. "We all know the large role the city played at the Boca Raton Air Field," said Mayor Abrams. "It brought the new technology of radar, and it's important we dedicate this memorial so future generations can remember the contributions veterans have made to life today," he said. "It's essential they understand the history of Boca and their country." 

A patriotic themed reception followed the dedication in the clubhouse where members had an opportunity to mingle with World War II veterans, the mayor, and representatives of The Principal Financial Group Foundation. Guests sampled a luncheon tea table of homemade dishes and a dessert table of decorated carrot cake, assorted sweets, and a platter of chocolate dipped strawberries in the shape of U. S. A. 

The Club was one of 9 statewide that was named a winner in the 2005-2007 NGC/Principal Civic Development Grant Program, "Let Freedom Ring." It is the second Blue Star Marker in Boca Raton. The first one, a Blue Star Highway Marker, was dedicated in 1957 and is located in downtown Boca. Upon completion of the Airport Authority Building, the By-Way Marker will be moved to the Boca Airport and rededicated there as its permanent site. 

Our Club Flower is the Piriqueta caroliniana, which is actually an herb that is part of the Turneraceae family. It is an evergreen year-round flowering shrub that can tolerate the intense heat and sun of Florida.

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. Since it is drought-tolerant, it is also suitable for xeriscaping. It typically grows to be between 6 and 15 inches tall and has velvety stems that usually bear a single brilliant yellow flower.

Piriqueta blooms from midwinter to summer as the season permits. It grows in dry areas on sandy soil from Florida to the Carolinas. It resembles the Yellow Alder, which also grows in our gardens and is our District X flower.