Join us for the annual luncheon celebrating the 139th birthday of the Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, the “Mother of Fort Lauderdale,” as a precursor to Women’s History Month!

Luncheon is being hosted by the History Fort Lauderdale (formerly known as the Historical Society) and the Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club (FLWC) at their historic 1917 clubhouse on 20 S. Andrews Avenue.  It will include short presentations on Ivy’s remarkable contributions to our city and region. Mae Kramer Silver, a local historian, speaker, author, and benefactor to the FLWC shares Ivy’s birthday and will also be celebrated.

Ivy arrived in Fort Lauderdale from Lemon City (now North Miami) to be the first school teacher in a one-room school house in 1899. A full-size replica of Ivy’s 1899 schoolhouse is part of History Fort Lauderdale’s campus of buildings.  During Ivy’s tenure, she was the FLWC president (1913-1916) and worked through the Florida Federation Of Women’s Clubs (FFWC) to advance the rights of all women and of Native Americans and African-Americans. As chairperson of Indian Affairs for the FFWC Ivy had the support of the FLWC in helping to secure Seminole Reservations in the state of Florida.

Also, Ivy and her husband, Frank Stranahan, donated land for a school for African-Americans and Ivy served as Treasurer of Provident Hospital, the first hospital to serve the medical needs of Fort Lauderdale’s black citizens. In 1916, Ivy and Frank donated a 135 x 100 lot to build the FLWC clubhouse, which was designed by the acclaimed architect August Geiger in the Mediterranean Revival Style. The building was dedicated in May 1917.

Tickets are $50 for the tea luncheon and includes an enchanting afternoon of Ivy’s secrets, history and whimsy.  VIP “Friends of Ivy” $100 ticket holders will receive priority seating and complimentary gift. Tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite or call History Fort Lauderdale at (954) 463-4431. Sponsorships are also available. Seating is limited!