Robert Ganger, (left), president of the Delray Beach Historical Society and longtime Delray Beach resident Robert Neff pose in front of a new historic monument celebrating the city of Delray Beach Municipal Beach.
The Delray Beach Historical Society placed a historic marker commemorating the city of Delray Beach Municipal Beach given to the city by the Hunt and Gleason families in 1895.
“This area they set aside for the municipal beach would be worth $1 billion if sold today,” Delray Beach Historical Society President Robert Ganger said.
“Sarah Gleason held the official title of the beach.”
In 1895, Gleason gave that land to the city of Delray Beach.
More than 60 people turned out to a dedication ceremony to view the large rock monument, which is east of the beach sidewalk at 200 Ocean Blvd. and Bay Street.
Robert Neff, a land developer helped the Society obtain the marker from the state. Neff, one of 60 observers at the dedication, spoke afterward about his storied past with the city.
“I came to Florida in the 1920s, battled mosquitoes in a Model-T Ford. We camped along the way to Delray Beach. I eventually settled for good at the corner of Bay Street and Ocean Boulevard in a beautiful home with a front window that overlooked the beach. I lived there for 35 years,” Neff said.

For more information on the new historic marker call 561-243-2577.