The Butler House ~ Deerfield Beach Historical Society
The Butler House ~ Deerfield Beach Historical Society
The Butler House ~ Deerfield Beach Historical Society
4.5
About
The Deerfield Beach Historical Society was founded in 1973, with a directive to identify, preserve and maintain historical sites in the Deerfield Beach area. In 1977 the home of James D. and Alice Butler, early Deerfield pioneers, was bequeathed to the Society and became our permanent home. About the Butler House: This Mediterranean Revival style building was the home of Deerfield Beach pioneers and civic leaders, James D. and Alice Butler. The historic Butler House has been completely restored. It contains many of the original furnishings with the exception of the dining room table that was replaced after the first one was used to board up the west dining room window during the 1928 hurricane. Furnishings include the wicker furniture purchased by the Butlers in 1923 for $500. The plans for the house were obtained from a popular ladies magazine, the Ladies Home Journal of September 1923. It cost $10,000.00 to build and it is situated on almost four city lots. The house is built of hollow tile, the interior walls are plaster on lath and the roof is made from Spanish terra cotta tiles. About James D. and Alice Butler: The Butlers married in 1906 in Texas and came to Deerfield Beach in 1910 on a visit and stayed to become two of Deerfield Beach’s most popular and public-spirited citizens. When Broward County was formed in 1915, Mr. Butler was a member of the first school board. For eight years he served on the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and for four years on the Deerfield Beach City Commission. Mrs. Butler helped found the Deerfield Beach Woman’s Club and they both assisted in the establishment of the First Baptist Church of Deerfield. Mr. Butler died in 1965 and Mrs. Butler died in 1976; both are buried in the Deerfield Beach Cemetery.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
27 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
10
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
1
miami4me2c
Miami, Florida, United States86 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
~ What a great little piece of Deerfield Beach Architectural history ! ~ With one of most gorgeous Florida "Bayan Tree"on the property. ~ Check out the pictures of the the property ~ that is very well kept ~ This house is located on 380 E Hillsboro Blvd in Deerfield Beach. It has great architectural history and reminds us what traditional living in South Florida really consisted of. ~ There is no entrance fee ~ Call before you go and check your local newspaper for events that they usual have on the weekend. ~ Opened 2pm to 5pm on Sundays ~ Call them at 954-429-0378 ~ Live music the last Sunday of every month ~ (see photos)
Here is an excerpt from their web site to give you a better understanding of the architecture ~
"This Mediterranean Revival style building was the home of Deerfield Beach pioneers and civic leaders, James D. and Alice Butler. The plans for the house were obtained from a popular ladies magazine, the September 1923 issue of the Ladies Home Journal. It cost $10,000 to build and it is situated on almost four city lots. The house is built of hollow clay tile, the interior walls are plaster on lath and the roof is made from Spanish terracotta tiles."
So if you are in the area and want to enlighten yourself on our local history. This is one of the places you should check off your list.
~ Cheers! ~
Here is an excerpt from their web site to give you a better understanding of the architecture ~
"This Mediterranean Revival style building was the home of Deerfield Beach pioneers and civic leaders, James D. and Alice Butler. The plans for the house were obtained from a popular ladies magazine, the September 1923 issue of the Ladies Home Journal. It cost $10,000 to build and it is situated on almost four city lots. The house is built of hollow clay tile, the interior walls are plaster on lath and the roof is made from Spanish terracotta tiles."
So if you are in the area and want to enlighten yourself on our local history. This is one of the places you should check off your list.
~ Cheers! ~
Written 2 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gonzalo J
Boca Raton, FL87 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
Not much to say other than the absolutely pristine environment of this historical property of great value.
A real treat for history buffs.
A wonderful venue for some events.
A real treat for history buffs.
A wonderful venue for some events.
Written 1 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the compliment, Gonzalo! If there was anything we could have done to make your experience a 'five star' one, please contact me directly at historydeerfield@gmail.com
Written 8 March 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
V4888FZbrianp
Lighthouse Point, Florida1 contribution
Oct 2016 • Couples
The people were so nice and informative. Great history. The property is amazing. More should be done to preserve it. A perimeter wall and gardens would really make it nice.
Written 25 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We completely agree! We're working with some companies and the city to figure out what our options are in the back yard :)
Written 8 March 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Arielfl
Coconut Creek, FL2,105 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
I came over for one of the free tours they offer on Saturday mornings. This is one of four sites that the Deerfield Beach Historical Society operates in the city. The historic home was the residence of James D. and Alice Butler. They married in 1906 in Texas and came to visit a relative in Florida in 1910 and ended up staying. James had made money by owning a small grocery store. Later when he moved to Deerfield Beach he farmed green beans.
The house was built in a Mediterranean Revival style according to plans Alice won in a Ladies Home Journal contest. The 2 story house cost $10,000 to build. The only change Alice made to the plans was that they she didn't want the step down into the dining room that was common in houses of that period because she didn't want the children she was planning for to trip and fall. Sadly due to a medical condition Alice was never able to bear children. Instead she and James looked after the children of the community and were very active in causes for them. James was a member of the first Broward School Board in 1915. There is still a scholarship in their name that is given to this day to every student who graduates from Deerfield Beach High School. Alice formed the first women's club and James served as a Broward County Commissioner. They were both active in their church. The furniture in the house is almost entirely original except for the dining room table that was broken and replaced when it was used to cover up a window during the 1928 Hurricane.
In 1974 the houses was designated a historic site. The Butler's left the house to the Deerfield beach Historical Society in 1977. They operate a small gift shop in the back of the house. Besides the house the property also has a Kester Cottage which was economical housing in the early 1920's. It looks like it was being used for storage. Another nice feature of the property is the 100 year old banyan tree.
My tour was conducted by a young volunteer. She did an amazing job and I learned a lot about people I had previously heard of but did not know that much about. If you are interested in visiting a city wide garage sale is being held at the Butler house on January 31st. More dates for tours can be found on the historical society's website.
The house was built in a Mediterranean Revival style according to plans Alice won in a Ladies Home Journal contest. The 2 story house cost $10,000 to build. The only change Alice made to the plans was that they she didn't want the step down into the dining room that was common in houses of that period because she didn't want the children she was planning for to trip and fall. Sadly due to a medical condition Alice was never able to bear children. Instead she and James looked after the children of the community and were very active in causes for them. James was a member of the first Broward School Board in 1915. There is still a scholarship in their name that is given to this day to every student who graduates from Deerfield Beach High School. Alice formed the first women's club and James served as a Broward County Commissioner. They were both active in their church. The furniture in the house is almost entirely original except for the dining room table that was broken and replaced when it was used to cover up a window during the 1928 Hurricane.
In 1974 the houses was designated a historic site. The Butler's left the house to the Deerfield beach Historical Society in 1977. They operate a small gift shop in the back of the house. Besides the house the property also has a Kester Cottage which was economical housing in the early 1920's. It looks like it was being used for storage. Another nice feature of the property is the 100 year old banyan tree.
My tour was conducted by a young volunteer. She did an amazing job and I learned a lot about people I had previously heard of but did not know that much about. If you are interested in visiting a city wide garage sale is being held at the Butler house on January 31st. More dates for tours can be found on the historical society's website.
Written 1 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
denaholliman
Deerfield Beach, Florida1 contribution
Oct 2016 • Couples
Loved the house, everyone was so nice and welcoming. We enjoyed talking with Amy Kaye, what an asset to your historical society. Thanks so much for taking the time to help Deerfield Beach remain a true community with a small town feel.
Written 29 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your support and kind words!
Written 8 December 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mannyg75043
Oakland Park, F1 contribution
Oct 2016 • Couples
Located this small treasure while driving through Deerfield Beach and has extraordinary local history to it. I highly recommend a visit on any Saturday 10-2 and bring the family... lots to see and learn!
Written 19 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your feedback!
Written 28 November 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
roxannea883
Deerfield Beach, Florida1 contribution
Oct 2016 • Friends
I have lived in Deerfield Beach, FL for many years and have only recently been afforded the very pleasant and best kept little secret on the side of the road history entry in architecture and early settler culture that shaped this beautiful community by the seaside. I recommend a visit and really take a good look at the foundation and architectural design and materials that burgeoned this area so long ago and remains standing today and needs some help to remani so by people spirited to keep the strong comunal and structural foundations of these treasures sound for future generations.
Written 25 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Well said! We are appreciative of your support!
Written 28 November 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cynthia710
Boca Raton, FL1 contribution
Sept 2016 • Family
The staff was very informative about the house and the BUTLER'S themselves. They take you to each room in the house and explain what it was used for by the BUTLER'S. Also, there was an adjacent cottage type house that I believe the BUTLER'S lived in till the big house was built.
Written 23 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia,
We really appreciate the feedback. Hope to see you back at the Butler House soon!
Written 24 October 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
E L
Boca Raton, FL14 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
A "must" visit for the entire family.....to experience the real history of Deerfield Beach. This historic House has been completely restored and contains many of the original Butler Family furnishings and artifacts including wicker furniture purchased by the Butlers in 1923 for $500. Stop by for a guided tour on Saturdays provided by informative and friendly docents. Be sure to check out the 100 year old banyan tree in the backyard....a real photo opportunity!
Written 17 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback. We appreciated and enjoyed having you by for a tour and hope that you come back soon! Keep in mind we also have special events the last Sunday of every month. Check us out on Facebook or on our website where we will keep everyone updated. Thanks again!
Written 20 October 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie E
Irmo, South Carolina1 contribution
Sept 2016 • Solo
Very authentic and quaint. Knowledgeable staff. Very informative and friendly. Most beautiful tree in the back yard..huge! Great picture spot! A must see when you're in the area!!
Written 16 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie, we are so pleased you enjoyed your time at the Butler House! We do love that big Banyan tree and we try to have as many events as we can in that area. Check us out on our website and on Facebook to see upcoming events! :)
Written 20 October 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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