Spady Recreates, Recognizes Significance of Historic LaFrance Hotel In October Exhibit

Colorful, artistic panels infused with a wealth of informative history, coupled with a re-creation of a parlor enjoyed by Delray Beach residents in the 1950s and 60s, will make the opening of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum’s fall exhibit an interactive experience. The exhibit on the legendary LaFrance Hotel opens October 3 and runs through December 29, 2008.

Built in 1949 by Charles Patrick, the LaFrance was the “home away from home” for African-American musicians and other members of the black working class, during the period of segregation. To many local residents, the LaFrance was also the place to go to see others and to be seen.

“If people were looking for a nice evening out they came to the LaFrance Hotel,” said Vera Farrington, founder of the Spady Museum. “There were always music and card games.”

The key elements of the exhibit – a series of artistically designed over-sized panels depicting the era and hey day of the hotel – were created by exhibit designer Linda Emerson. To help visitors visualize what it was like once upon a time, the Spady Museum recreated the LaFrance’s parlor on its first floor, complete with card tables and Pokeno games and dominos.

The museum’s “African American Neighborhoods of Old Delray” Permanent Collection, which showcases historical photos and memorabilia, is located on the second floor in the Tillman room.

Outside the museum, the real LaFrance received a significant makeover after being refurbished by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) into the LaFrance Apartments, housing for seniors. The two-story building was converted into a 14-unit complex at 140 NW Fourth Avenue. The hotel was turned into a boarding house in the mid-1980s. In 2003, the CRA bought the property for about $450,000 and spent about $2.5 million to complete the renovation.

About the Spady Museum
The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, a non-profit organization located in Palm Beach County, is dedicated to discovering, collecting and sharing the African-American history and heritage of Florida. Located in the former home of the late Solomon D. Spady at 170 NW 5th Avenue, the museum opened in July 2001. It is the only African-American cultural heritage museum of its kind in Palm Beach County. For more information, visit www.spadymuseum.org or 561-279-8883.