Historic Liberia

Historic Liberia. . , Hollywood-by-the-Sea, unlike most historic towns which grew and evolved over time, was envisioned and designed by one man: Joseph W. Young, Jr. He planned this modern city from the ground up, carefully considering every detail. Young realized that Florida's segregation laws were going to restrict Black workers and potential Black landowners who were helping to grow his city. He bought land on high ground along the main routes, near Dania where there was already an established Black community. In August 1923, he announced Liberia, a new town for African Americans. Frank Dickey's map, drawn in May 1923, shows forty square blocks surrounding a circular park, intended for a hotel site, similar to Hollywood's Circle and the Parkside Hotel configuration. Liberia was laid out in September 1923, and when the land opened for development, water and electricity were made available. The Young Company built four frame houses and donated land for schools, churches, and parks. The Hollywood Reporter described Young's vision for Liberia as a town where Black residents would control municipal affairs and share in the prosperity that Hollywood had already brought to the southeast coast of Florida., Liberia and the neighboring Black community in Dania thrived over time. Residents saw them as one community. This area was home to the sixty-five-time champion Red Bird baseball team. Historic Attucks High School, designed by prominent Hollywood architect Bayard Lukens, was central to the lives of the people who grew up in the community. After desegregation, it became a middle school and retained some of its original architectural features. Residents recall significant institutions including the Masonic Lodge, the laundromat, King's Grocery, Mr. Sears' Grocery, Mr. Harry's Store, Smith's Store, OC Barbershop, Johnny Hill's Barbershop, Ms. Parlor's Beauty Shop, Bryce Davis Funeral Home, West Lawn Cemetery, Tony's Bar, Foxx Bar, Penn's Pool Room, and the famous Paradise Club. A who's who" of renowned figures lived or spent time here, including the early settlers, well-known athletes, and entertainers. According to local oral historians, Sam Cooke, as a member of the Soul Stirrers, performed at a local church and James Brown stayed at the home of relatives. Liberia and Dania were welcoming communities for Black entertainers who, due to racial segregation, were not permitted to stay in some areas where they performed.