The Boca Raton Historical Society (BRHS) has debuted its 23rd annual holiday ornament, with images celebrating Boca Raton’s upcoming centennial.
Each year, the BRHS creates a new holiday ornament to celebrate different eras of Boca Raton’s history. Last year, the ornament was designed to honor the history of the Yamato Colony, the first settlement in Boca Raton that was developed by Japanese farmers. This year, the ornament incorporates imagery from the most pivotal chapters in Boca’s nearly 100-year history.
“Our Centennial ornament is a wonderful tribute to the rich history of Boca Raton,” said BRHS Executive Directory Mary Csar. “Each design element reflects a unique piece of our city’s legacy, from its early settlers to its contributions to technology and architecture. It’s a meaningful way for residents and visitors alike to celebrate 100 years of Boca’s vibrant past.”
Here’s a breakdown of the images that appear on the ornament:
Addison Mizner’s signature: Reflects Mizner’s influence on the shaping of Boca Raton
Pearl City’s Tree of Knowledge: Celebrates Boca’s first community, Pearl City, founded by Black settlers
Yamato’s Japanese script: Honors the Japanese settlers of the Yamato Colony
Palmetto Park Pavilion: Celebrates the historic beachfront landmark
Town Hall Dome: The dome of the original town hall, now the Boca Raton Historical Society headquarters, celebrates Boca history
Boca Raton Army Air Field logo: Commemorates Boca’s role in World War II
IBM PC: The first personal computer was developed by IBM in Boca Raton, and this image symbolizes Boca’s role as a leader in technology
The ornament is available for purchase for $24.95 at the The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum gift shop or can be ordered online at bocahistory.org.
