Originally Built As A Trading Post & Community Hall - Stranahan House

In 1893, a 27 yeard-old Frank Stranahan moved to Fort Lauderdale from Ohio. At the time, South Florida was just beginning to be settled by pioneers alongside the local Seminole Indians. Frank was hired to manage his cousin’s camp and ferry service at an outpost along the New River. He established himself as a successful businessman, trading with settlers and the Seminole Indians, who trusted him.

As the settlement grew, so did the need for a school. Ivy Cromartie, a young teacher, arrived in town to teach the nine students living there. Frank and Ivy eventually fell in love and married in August 1900. Frank built a two-story building with wide porches to provide the Seminoles with a place to sleep when they came to trade. Over time, the building evolved into a post office, community center, and town hall.

The railroad reached the town in 1896, and in 1906, Frank built a new trading post closer to the tracks. The old trading post was then renovated into a residence for the Stranahans. Frank became a major landowner in the region, donating property for public projects. Both he and Ivy played significant roles in the social and civic development of their city.

At the age of 63, Frank Stranahan, regarded as Fort Lauderdale’s founding father, was in poor health and deeply depressed. On May 22, 1929, he committed suicide by drowning in the New River in front of his home. When Ivy passed away in 1971 at the age of 90, she left the house to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, of which she had been a member since 1915.

The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The following year, the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society purchased it, initiating renovation and restoration efforts. The work was completed in 1984, and later that year, the house opened to the public as a historic house museum.

Today, it stands as the oldest building in Broward County and remains a center of Fort Lauderdale’s long and fascinating history.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

Today, the house is dwarfed by the towers built all around it.

The wood-frame house with wide porches has a stunning view of the New River.

A replica of Frank Stranahan's original trading post and office stands on the property.

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Just inside the front door you see there is plenty of Dade County pine paneling incorporated into the house walls and ceilings. Dade County pine was known for its termite resistance.

The next couple of images were taken in Frank’s office.

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This is one of the wooden pulleys which was a part of the original ferry delivery system used to cross the New River.

This photograph on the wall in Frank’s office, shows the house as the only building in the area.

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Ivy Cromartie Stranahan was the area’s first school teacher.

In the living room

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Looking into the dining room

In the dining room

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The wall safe in the dining room

In the kitchen

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In the breakfast room

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Between 1913 and 1915, this interior staircase, along with electricity and plumbing were installed. 

The door to the second-floor porch on the stairway landing.

The upstairs hallway

In the sewing room

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In one of the bedrooms

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A photograph showing the building when the lower floor was expanded and converted into the Pioneer House restaurant, while Mrs. Stanahan lived on the upper level.

A copy of the Pioneer House menu

The bathroom

In the primary bedroom

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These steep stairs lead to the third floor storage area.

What you should know:

• On the street metered parking and pay parking lot options are available in the area.

• Tickets can be purchased online or in person.

• Tours are self-guided with audio assistance.

• You could spend one to two hours exploring here.

• Check website for days and hours of operation.

• There is a walking trail nearby along the New River.

Location: 335 SE 6th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

For more information: Stranahan House

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