Ever think about what life must have been like in Boca Raton 100 years ago? Now, you can learn about early Boca Raton by following pioneer Frank Chesebro (FC) on Twitter. "Frank" will tweet his day's activities at the end of his day. How do you think his day will compare to your day? How will the weather compare to the weather today? Do you think FC will witness any Florida or National history? Find out when FC begins sharing with his first journal entry on September 6th, 2011. You can follow him on Twitter.com/BocaHistory.

BACKGROUND
Frank Howard Chesebro came to Boca Raton with his family in 1903 to escape the cold Michigan winters. A fruit grower and nurseryman, he decided to try his hand at pineapple raising. He built a homestead near today's Dixie Highway south of Camino Real. Accompanying Frank were his wife Nettie, son Harry, and daughters Ruth and Esther. Harry was already twenty-one, and the girls were teenagers when they arrived. Son Allen stayed behind in Michigan to run the family property.

Mr. Chesebro was the principal employer in the town's earliest era. Two of his main crops were pineapples (pines) and tomatoes; but he grew many others as well since farming was literally a full time job in South Florida.

Frank Chesebro took an active role in shaping the community, which became Boca Raton. He kept a meticulous diary of daily activities, primarily farming, from his arrival in 1903 until his death in 1936.

FURTHER INVESTIGATION
Need help interpreting some of FC's expressions?      
Click here for the Glossary

Who are the people FC mentions?                             
Click here for Guide to Who's Who

Want to know more about FC?                                  
Click here for BRHS online exhibit: boca raton 1909
Click here for BRHS's Spanish River Papers: Vol. III, No. 2 February, 1975 & Vol. III, No. 3 May, 1975