History

The CRTE history that follows was extracted from the Towers East News newsletter dated January 2000 Volume III, Edition 2. The writer of the history is Margie O'Brien, a former resident of Coral Ridge Towers East. The text was imaged using OCR software in 2002.

The late Margie O'Brien

... As promised in the last issue, this edition of the CRTE NEWS is a special issue with a section that takes a look back at the early history of the building and the people who were here. In addition, there are news stories and other informative and interesting articles. We hope you enjoy reading the TOWERS EAST NEWS as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.

December 31st and January 1st 2000 are almost upon us. It's time to sing Auld Lang Syne before toasting to the 1000 years ahead. This part of the Millennium Issue of the CRTE NEWS focuses on CRTE's early years. The idea developed in the summer of 1998 when ILS STEVENSON (an original owner who then lived in apartment 1710) and I met in the 17th floor laundry room. While folding sheets, she told me about the great early years here. ILS sold her apartment and lives elsewhere now, but her happy memories remained with me. Through the cooperative efforts of the Newsletter staff and one "Guest Writer", MARGIE O'BRIEN (703), we were able to talk with 17 people who generously shared information. As we assembled interviews and photos, we became excited that we would be able to present a rather complete picture of the vibrantly active and funfilled time created by people who chose to live here and enjoy life in those early years. Let our New Year's toasts salute them and ourselves as we resolve to continue that tradition. -Marjori (Marge) Brusaco (1704).

An aerial view of the Galt Ocean Mile and the
Coral Ridge Towers complex (late 20th century).

Information on the early years of CRTE is divided into two sections: 1) Facts about the people, building, activities, and surrounding areas and 2) Recollections of several owners who moved into CRTE between 1966 and 1972 and still live here about their early experiences. As you read, think back to where you were in 1966. Did you ever imagine that in December 1999 you would be a shareholder in a co-op, living in an apartment in a high rise building situated in a city that calls itself, "The Venice of America," and which has grown so much that it stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Everglades? Could you, in your wildest imagination, have had any idea of the innovations and new vocabulary that would be a part of your life today? E-mail, phone voice-mail, windows in your PC, CD's that play music, ATM'S to draw money from a bank account, cordless cell phones, and a year called Y2K would be completely unknown 30 years ago. We are in a new world which is constantly changing. Robert Fulghum, Words I Wish I Wrote, sums it up: "Things never were 'The way they used to be'. Things never will be 'the way it's going to be some day', things are always just the way they are for the time being, and the time being is always in motion." Presenting the way we were in the early years helps us to put the present in perspective.

CRTE was built by HUD as the third building in the four building Coral Ridge Towers complex. It is built on solid coral rock and intended to withstand 50 years of bad weather. The builder of CRTE took more land than he was supposed to, and thus CRTE is the biggest property of the four buildings. To compensate, the builder agreed to build a walkway on the west side of the property. The four buildings were advertised as being on the water, but since CRTE and CRTS were not on water they constructed a Club House for each on the Intracoastal.

In the beginning this was not senior housing. The 55 age requirement was added later. The only requirement was to have adequate finances. Young children were allowed and six (6) attended school and another was born here. Members came from the Midwest (Ohio, Chicago, Indiana), New York State (Buffalo area, Long Island, New York City), New Jersey, Washington D.C. and other eastern states and Texas. One person described them as "beautiful people who enjoyed life and added a touch of elegance and graceful living." Another said they were an "accomplished and diversified lot who brought their culture from all over the nation." About 70% were seasonal. The first Board of Directors was selected by the builder.

Most people moved in as couples, since prices were "comfortable" for two people with some retirement money and Social Security. A little research at the Assessor's office by Margie O'Brien determined that to acquire a one bedroom unit, total cash investment was $1,400 with monthly payments as low as $127; a two bedroom unit, $2,000, with monthly payments of $167; and a three bedroom unit, $2700, with monthly payments of $244. HUD's policy provided that 90% of each of the four buildings had to be sold before construction of the new building could begin. Because all the early settlers at CRTE could not move in at the same time, occupation dates were established. Many moved in while the building was still being completed.

Units were simpler. Many kitchen appliances were considered upgrades and added to the total price. The apartments were unfurnished with vinyl tile on the floors in all rooms. This suited a beach lifestyle at a time when people could walk across two-lane A1A, carrying chairs, beach umbrellas, etc. to while away a few hours on the beach area which had no buildings at the time, without concern for bringing back sand or dirt that would ruin carpets. The area was so rugged that a man once claimed to have seen a Puma in the area and warned everyone to stay away.

An aerial view (early 1960's) showing CRTO and CRTN
in the upper right hand corner.

As you can see from the photos there were few buildings (Webmaster's note: Click Photos on the sidebar and look at the black and white photos). The view south extended all the way to Port Everglades and the pier in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea could be seen by looking north. For some, the Galt Ocean Hotel, where L'Hermitage is now, provided beach access with lunch afterwards. At times formal luncheons were held there for 50-70 people. Pantry Pride, a small grocery store between 32nd and 33rd Streets was the only place to shop. Later the building now housing the Bank Atlantic was built as an auction house. Many CRTE residents would go over each night to make the house look full. An elegant restaurant, Frankies, originally the CRTS Clubhouse and now the Pier, was a popular place to dine and view the Intracoastal.

The lobby area of CRTE has gone through several different designs over the years. Beginning with bare concrete and no furnishings as people moved in, a marble floor was added and the first furnishings were described as Men's Club with dark walls. Though beach life was casual, CRTE was quite formal. Dress was more formal then. Men wouldn't walk through the lobby without a jacket. There was great pride in decorating the lobby, and it was usually elegantly done. One year the Sun Sentinel wrote an article with pictures about the beautifully decorated CRTE lobby at Christmas. Everyone we talked with painted a vivid picture of a very active group in the early years, emphasizing how friendly and compatible they were.

The community room was busy at all hours of the day and evening. In the morning, a men's group played Gin Rummy and other card games. For awhile, afternoon bridge was played by women in apartments. Finally, there was an announcement that afternoon bridge would be played in the Community Room. More than 100 people showed up! Bingo, art classes (with 20-25 people), crafts classes, Bible Study were early activities. Holiday games and contests were popular. Almost everyone attended something. In the evenings, a Book Club met every two weeks with as many as 25 people attending on a regular basis. Participants were required to read the book or not come. Mr. McCarty, who at one time in his career had worked for an organ company, gave organ recitals during the holiday season.

An early 1960's photo taken prior to building CRTE and CRTS.

There was good support for Community projects. Residents would collect toys for kids at Christmas, and after one bad hurricane, residents, under the leadership of Dolores Anderson collected all kinds of needed items for distribution.

There was a Social Director. Morning coffees were started right away. In accord with building standards, a hostess, wearing a long gown, greeted everyone as they entered and introduced people to one another. Participants usually dressed up too. Coffees included Fashion Shows and Art Shows. A representative on each floor encouraged everyone to attend, and they intermingled easily since they were interested in meeting new neighbors.

Parties were held in and out of the building for any and every occasion. There were parties to welcome seasonal residents back in the winter and to see them off in the spring, Kentucky Derby parties, New Year's Eve parties, and International parties. One year, there was a big dance party in the lobby on the marble floors. On Christmas Eve, there was a champagne party. As today, residents were responsible for decorating the lobby near the elevators. When work was completed on this project for the 17th floor, they celebrated with a Hallway Party. There was even a Hurricane Party. One year the play "1776" was performed in the Community Room. Many events were formal dress and hostesses were designated to keep the party going.

The most famous dinner/dance was held at the Pier 66 ( now the Hyatt). Men wore formal black tie and women wore long evening gowns. The event was reported in the Sun-Sentinel. Many residents belonged to the Symphony, attended operas, and plays at the Parker Playhouse, enjoying dinner together first. There were Boat Parties on the Intracoastal to view the lights. Members also planned bus trips, so they could go together to view special Christmas lights and decorations in the Palm Beach or Miami areas. They even took overnight trips to Key West. Since everyone was new and furnishing apartments, they were eager to create occasions for visiting each other. You could hire a caterer for $25, and many did for cocktail or bridge parties in their apartments.

From the beginning, there was a beautiful well-used pool, and a putting green enjoyed by the men in the morning. Later, women joined the group. There were many tournaments, lots of participants and spectators. Aggie Sipple won a gold plated putter for being the best woman golfer one year. A first class Shuffleboard Court also saw lots of action and contests.

The Clubhouse served as another major social center, operating five or six days a week for "smokers," card games, and private parties. At first it was unfurnished. Thais (now Scroope) along with others organized a luncheon to raise money to buy china and other items. The Social committee invited a dance teacher from a local studio on the Galt to give lessons there. The money raised was used to purchase the dance floor, still used for our dinner dances in the Community Room. Aerobic classes also were held in the Clubhouse.

A lovely rose garden was planted and tended by Mr. Schaffer, the Chicago Tribune drama and art critic. Almost everyone flew the American Flag on their balconies, especially on patriotic holidays. Many apartment doors were decorated as were balconies.

"The Way We Were" section would not be complete without some mention of a social activity of a clandestine sort that some "interviewees" mentioned. These involved "Midnight Lotharios" - referred to as "Fire Stairs Cowboys" or ''Fire Stair Romeos." The Towers East News staff has no further information. If interested in more details, ask the people who were here then. ..

( We thank those early settlers who graciously made themselves available for interviews and provided us with the information used in the preceding section as well as the Recollection section which follows. We also are grateful to Ils Stevenson for starting us on this venture and to David Sensky for the photos which he loaned us to use).

1. Memories of a true pioneer - Submitted by Margie O'Brien, Guest Writer. The subject of this article wishes to remain anonymous. I agreed to this stipulation because I knew she would be an excellent historian. (*Ed. Note: Margie O'Brien met the woman whose memories follow at the CRTE Clubhouse years ago when Margie and her son were touring CRTE to decide whether to purchase an apartment here. The woman's enthusiasm was as strong then as it is now). The year is 1966. A lady and her husband from a large Midwestern city (that wonderful town) became residents and stockholders at CRTE by acquiring a two bedroom unit.

For those early "settlers" this was a totally new and innovative experience to live in a 337 unit building in sunny and warm south Florida. The early residents were an accomplished and diversified 'lot', who brought their culture from all over the nation. They pulled together and accomplished together. They lived together in peace and harmony. And they had their work 'cut out for them.' Although kitchens were equipped with GE appliances, and bath and window sills were marble, floors were bare concrete. The lobby floor was of marble, but there was not one piece of furniture.

Many people enjoyed the social life which developed in the building. People gathered around the pool area in the evening, visited one another's homes and took part in community activities. When school was in session, a Pine Crest School bus would arrive daily and transport children of residents to school.

In 1967 two great performers, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald starred in a television special "A Man and His Music." At this time CRTE had its own "All Star Cast" with many residents contributing to the enjoyment and enhancement of life. Among the contributors were Fred and Elizabeth Behr. Fred, with the support of his wife, Elizabeth, initiated and conducted a book discussion group called, "Great Books." This was a stimulating and enlightening endeavor and many people took part. However, Fred had a lot of responsibility. He must select a 'Great Book' and make sure there were enough copies available for all...Possibly, Fred had to indulge in a little 'mind reading' to make the best selection.

Another contributor was Margaret Berg. Under her leadership and efforts, CRTE residents became more aware of the needs of others in the community. The Veteran's Administration and other worthwhile organizations benefited as did the givers of their time and energy.

The most significant change that early settlers at Coral Ridge Towers have experienced is the change in their surroundings. Early snapshots taken by 'our true pioneer' depict a far different Galt Ocean Mile area. Streets and buildings were surrounded by sand, water, and more sand. Only a few condominiums were on Galt Mile in 1966. With the exception of Pantry Pride on 34th Street, stores and banks were some distance away.

In the year 1966, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in the Galt Ocean Mile area was a happy place to be.

2. Fred and Elizabeth (Betty) Behr (1709). At Christmastime 1962, Fred and Betty Behr visited with his uncle in Pompano Beach. The CRTE model apartments had just been built on what is now CRT South. "Those apartments are the best buy on the Gold Coast," his uncle said. "You should see them." They did and immediately chose a two bedroom apartment and placed a binder for $25 (refundable) on the apartment. They wanted the very top comer - 1709, but it was unavailable. So they settled for 1609. They later acquired 1709. The builders would not break ground until 80% of the apartments were sold. Three years elapsed, and in August, 1965, they came from Putnam, N.Y. to Fort Lauderdale with their adolescent daughter, Elizabeth, who enrolled in high school here.

A September hurricane delayed construction, so they rented an apartment on the Galt Mile for a few months. This stay reinforced their decision in favor of CRTE. The kitchens in the few condos built at that time were very small because the builders theorized that "People who live on the beach don't cook." Betty did cook and they immediately invested in extras at CRTE such as a larger refrigerator and dishwasher for their kitchen which was the largest in the area then. This added several hundred dollars to the base price of $1990 for their two bedroom apartment.

In January, 1966, they moved in. Paper covered the concrete in the halls. Toilet seats had not yet been installed! Reservations were required to use the freight elevator which delayed delivery of items necessary to make the apartment livable.

They both have happy memories of CRTE, their home while Elizabeth went through high school and college and her wedding which was held in 1709. They participated in many of the activities at CRTE. Though they initially resided in their light, sunny apartment in "the top comer'' from August - June, they now enjoy a second home in Vermont from May - September. Thus, they exemplify those who were and now are able to enjoy the best of two completely different ways of life in the USA and during an early exciting period.

3. Mary Christoph (419). Mary and her husband moved into CRTE in 1966. She and her husband ran a store on A1A called "Christoph's Five and Dime."

On January 1st, 2000, Mary's life span will include three (3) centuries. Born in 1898, Mary will be 102 in April. She is proud of her age and her life. She has always been a lady and is well respected in the building.

4. Morton Schiff (403). Morton and Marie E. Schiff moved to CRTE in 1966. He was born in New York, but, prior to coming here, was a government employee in Washington, D.C. for many years. As a child he won a Boy Scout Merit Badge for public speaking and continued this activity in Ft. Lauderdale as a member of Toastmasters. He also completed an AA degree in 1998. He says he has always enjoyed living here.

5. Florence Damm (921) --fiery redhead, light on her feet-- came from Indiana. Married in 1934, she and her husband raised horses. They went to Kentucky each year where he would buy her a horse for her birthday. He bred them and she raised them. They raced the horses at Hialeah for 34 years. Florence was also a vaudeville and night club entertainer in the 1930's, using the stage name, Mickie McShane. She danced ballet and did acrobatics. She also taught tap dancing.

In January 1966 she and her husband came here on their anniversary and purchased an apartment in CRTE for $2000. They spent their free time at the races in the afternoon and jai-alai in the evening. They enjoyed dancing at the parties at CRTE which were elegant with the ladies wearing formal gowns.

6. Dorothy McCarty (1405). Dorothy and her husband, a retired investment company executive, moved to CRTE in January, 1966, from South Bend, Indiana. They had been vacationing in the area when they learned about CRTE through friends. They purchased a two bedroom, two bath apartment for approximately $1900. She has enjoyed living here. Now widowed, her health does not allow her to be as active as she once was. She misses the wonderful social life which included holiday parties, music and dancing and pot luck dinners.

7. Maggie Finnerty (1412). In the 1960's Maggie and her husband Dr. James Finnerty lived in Bellport, Long Island N.Y. where he was a surgeon. In winter they escaped for awhile to the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel, a busy and popular place located where L'Hermitage is today. Among the guests who stayed there were sports celebrities such as Mikey Mantle, and politicians who attended an annual three day meeting. The hotel had the atmosphere of a private club, and many returned year after year, though it was expensive in season. When they and other frequent visitors to the hotel learned about CRTE, they flocked to get information and changed from tourists to shareholders since the annual maintenance fee here was lower than they had been paying for a few weeks. Many people made their choice of apartment from plans or after inspecting apartments when they became available. Family and friends who visited also bought. This added to the core group of convivial members and explains the frequent reference by early owners to the feeling they had then that "it was like being with family."

8. Betty Pletzner (1222). Betty and her husband Frank lived and worked in the Washington D.C. area for many years. They originally were from New Jersey. Growing up near water, they decided to vacation each winter for a week or two in the Fort Lauderdale area. They also decided to come to the Fort Lauderdale area when they retired, which was earlier than they had anticipated because Frank had some heart problems, and the doctor recommended a warmer climate. In 1965 they leased an apartment here for a year near where the Publix is now in Coral Ridge Mall. It was called Coral Lake Towers and had eight floors. They lived on the 8th floor. While there, a bad hurricane came through and dumped much rain on the area. There was three feet of water across from their apartment, their car was flooded, and the lobby and elevators were flooded.

Because Frank always wanted to live on the beach (though Betty was apprehensive because she didn't like hurricanes), they looked at beach properties. The day they came to CRTE, sand was still on the roads from the recent hurricane and police were not letting anyone onto the beach area. Frank convinced them that they owned at CRTE and they were let in. They looked at the unfinished building, viewed the one apartment that was fixed up as a model, liked what they saw and bought here. The price was $1950 with a $320 monthly maintenance fee for their two bedroom apartment on the 12th floor. They wanted to be higher, but the building was almost sold out and there were no apartments available above the 12th floor. In fact, theirs was the last one on the 12th floor to be sold.

In 1966 Frank and Betty were the 15th family to move in. The building was not complete. The lobby and other common areas were still concrete and barren of furniture and trim. The freight elevator had cardboard on the walls to protect it. Each apartment had vinyl tile over the concrete floor. Betty said she felt like a pioneer. Betty was in her 50's when she moved in. She went back to work as an art buyer for Britts Department Store (where TJ MAX is now). She also worked as a secretary before retiring for good. She says, "I love it here. This is my roots. It's a beautiful building, a great location, good security, a fine bus system, and lots of activities. I wouldn't trade it for anything."

9. Thais (Ty) Scroope (902). Thais was born in New Orleans. As a child she experienced social life of a city whose motto is, "Let the Good Times Roll." In 1964 when she was considering retirement from an interesting career in government service which included being in Hawaii during World War II, her girlfriend from New Orleans, who lived at the Commodore on the Galt Mile encouraged her to visit South Florida where she could "freelance" as a legal secretary while she adjusted to a new life. Her friend also introduced her to models for the CRT buildings where a one bedroom would cost $1500. In 1964, Thais met a handsome, charming man named Ray Stewart.. He was recently widowed and planned to buy an apartment in Pompano. Thais and Ray visited the CRT models together and he said, "Marry me and we will get a two bedroom apartment at CRTE.". She said "yes" and they were married in 1965, rented an apartment for a few months while their apartment at CRTE was being completed, and moved into CRTE in December, 1965. (The first ten floors opened before the floors above were finished.)

Kay was asked to be on the Board and in charge of the Social Program. This was a good move for the Board since they got two for one as Ray and Thais were a team. They organized programs in the building, the Clubhouse, and in coordination with other CRT's and condos in the area. (Information on the specific activities is reported in Section one.)

They were together for 19 years, but in 1984 Thais was alone again for three years. She kept active socially and at the pool. A "member" she met there invited her to a party at his apartment where he also asked a recently widowed man, Judge Henry Scroope. Judge Scroope invited Thais to dinner at the Lauderdale Yacht Club and later to a ball game. When she told a friend about the latter invitation, the friend commented, "But you don't like ball games!" Thais went anyway and in 1986 they were married and have enjoyed 15 wonderful years together.

"'I've had a wonderful life" says Thais. "This apartment with its magnificent view of the sky in the day and lights of the city at night is a continuing pleasure. And I have memories of so many friends and fun times."

10. Aggie Sippel (317). Aggie and Augie (Agnes and August) moved to Florida in 1968, when he needed a warmer climate for his health. While exploring choices, they initially considered Stuart, but a visit to friends who lived at CRTE changed their minds. They immediately liked it, but no one bedroom apartments were for sale. The friends learned that a doctor who lived in 511 was planning to move to a new home being built in Boca Raton. His apartment had not been listed, but they arranged a "visit" and soon the Sippels made an offer. They went back to Kenmore N.Y., a small town near Buffalo, sold their home and became Florida residents. About six months later, 317 became available. Aggie was a bit reluctant to move so soon, but Augie said, "The view of trees and the pool area from that apartment is beautiful and will never change." 317 was newly carpeted and freshly painted. They both were able to enjoy golf on the CRTE putting greens. And they participated in an active social life. Aggie still enjoys the apartment where she "never feels lonely" since she can sit on her balcony and see the pool activities.

11. Jayne Nuttall (1012). Coming from Ohio, Jayne and her husband Lloyd spent several winters at Lauderdale-by-the-sea where they watched the CRT's being built. In 1970, Lloyd bought an apartment in CRTE as an anniversary present for Jayne. The apartment was on the 6th floor and cost $17,000. There was nothing across the street, Jayne recalls. The Galt Ocean Mile Hotel and the Beach Club Hotel were the only buildings in the area. The Galt who developed the Mile was also from Ohio. The Coral Ridge Properties owned ocean property or one could buy a membership in the Beach Club for ocean access. There were mostly seasonal professional people living at CRTE - bankers, brokers, surgeons, military officers, etc. One was the CEO of International Harvester. Everybody worked together to make CRTE an attractive place to live. No one said no. All were in the same age group. Jayne says she always loved Ft. Lauderdale - the accessibility, churches, and friends.

12. Carl Tonneberger (1409). Carl knew CRTE in the years 1966 - 1971 when he visited a couple from Toledo, Ohio, where he lived. The couple came to Fort Lauderdale in the 1960's and initiated the purchase of an apartment in the CRT North building since the husband needed a change from the stressful life of running a large car dealership. Before their apartment at CRTN was available, they learned that CRTE, then on the drawing board, would have air conditioning built in (instead of window units) and changed to an apartment here. One memory of those visits to CRTE is when Carl booked a table for the dinner/dance at Pier 66 (described in Activities section). In 1972, Carl "matrimonied" and moved to CRTE permanently, living in his present apartment with his wife for 20 years. In the past seven years, his daughter, son and six grandchildren have been frequent visitors. He still watches football games, particularly when the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor plays. He also enjoys the pool area. He says, "It has been and still is a great place to live year round."

13. Visitor to - Jean Potter (719). Jean Potter's family, who were from Manchester, New Hampshire, moved to CRTE in 1966. Jean, who was employed in New York City, came down in winter, usually February, for short visits. Her memories of those early years reinforce those of others. She recalls, "All of the people were very congenial."