This
tree was almost destroyed when the series of hurricanes hit South
Florida 5-6 years ago but it made a great comeback and now towers over my
building. For the first time I saw the above fruit(?) nut(?) and have
absolutely no idea what kind of tree this is and if the fruit is okay.
This is the second mystery fruit that no one seems to know what it
is--remember the one from last week? Still haven't found out what is!
Remember this one?

    

Hopefully someone will recognize the new one, or if I am lucky, both--let me know--and now on with the story of Gateway.

 
  
At
one time in the late 1920s Gateway was a lush tomato farm, a simple
beginning for the place we all call home. In the late 1940s the land was
purchased by a young developer from Connecticut whose idea was to build
the first townhouse community in Fort Lauderdale for the wealthy to
enjoy for the winter season. The developer’s wife was named Karen, so to
honor her he aptly named the place “The Karen Club”. In the mid 60s
condos attracted the wealthy to the beaches and the property was
acquired, in 1967, by the Second Presbyterian Church. With the help of
the Department of Housing and Urban Development it was converted into
affordable housing for the elderly under section 202 of the Housing Act
of 1959. Over the years the property fell into disrepair and action from
the city called for it to be torn down.

    

In
1985, with the help of Congressman Clay Shaw, and a 5 million dollar
grant, Presbyterian Retirement Communities saved the community, and its
residents, from the wrecking ball by agreeing to use the grant money to
renovate, and repair, the property to bring it up to HUD standards. On
September 28, 1987, a ceremony was held at Gateway marking the beginning
of the renovations. The rest of the story is very evident as you tour
around the beautifully landscaped 8 acres, with its 32 buildings
containing 265 apartments. There is over 1500 feet of seawall, and 8
docks, that accommodate yachts from all over the country and world. 

  

 There
are 232 trees on the property consisting of 27 specimens such as Royal
Palms, Citrus, African Tulip, Gumbo Limbos, Schefflera, Cassia Fistula,
Black Olive, Yellow Tabuia, Sabal Palms, Addontia, Lugustrum, Camphor,
Areca Palm, Orchid, Mahogany, Calamondin, Live Oaks, Calaphlum, Mango,
Bottle Brush, Bishofia,l Coconut Palm, Queen Palm, Silver buttonwood and
more. (Note from the editor; it would be great if someone with the
knowledge would volunteer the time to identify the trees and put name
tags on them!) The beautiful trees with the lavender flowers lining the
main drive through the complex are Queen Crepe Myrtles. They are very
special trees that will not grow north of Lake Okeechobee.

Gateway
has come a long way from a tomato farm, and near destruction, to being
one of the most desirable properties in Broward County.  We have the Board of Directors and Westminster Services to thank for our Shangri-La.

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"Love is a fruit in season at all times,

and within the reach of every hand.

Anyone may gather it and no limit is set.

Everyone can reach this love through meditation,

spirit of prayer, and sacrifice,

by an intense inner life."

Mother Teresa, 1910-1997  Missionary