At the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, we are always uncovering stories that challenge the boundaries of what we think we know—stories buried in the soil of South Florida, tucked into family photo albums, or nearly lost to time. One such story came to life recently during a powerful and informative presentation led by historian Susan Gillis, in collaboration with Spady Museum Educator Fabiola Bernier.
Their topic? The overlooked presence and impact of African American soldiers in and around Delray Beach during World War II—a narrative shaped by perseverance, erasure, and community resilience.
The War at Home and Abroad
While World War II raged overseas, life in South Florida was equally intense. The state was home to over 170 military installations, including the massive Boca Raton Army Airfield. Its primary purpose: radar training. Among the thousands stationed there were Black soldiers—men who trained, served, and contributed to the war effort, even as they faced segregation at every turn.
Records are scarce. Much of what we know comes from oral history and community memory, not official archives—many of which were lost in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center. But thanks to voices like Private Archie Carwell, who served at the base and married longtime Delray resident Irene Deerey, a fuller picture begins to emerge.
A Segregated Service
Carwell’s testimony affirms what little documentation suggests: that Black soldiers lived in separate barracks, ate in separate mess halls, and even had their own movie theater and post exchange (PX). Despite the clear division, these men found connection and camaraderie within the community—especially in places like Pearl City, Delray Beach’s historically Black neighborhood.
Delray didn’t just host soldiers—it housed their families. Civilian employees like Irene worked at the Black PX. Local homes opened their doors to military families. And with the establishment of a separate USO for Black troops in Delray, the town became a hub for off-duty joy and reprieve, welcoming performers like Benny Payne, former pianist for Cab Calloway.
Boca’s Base, Delray’s Legacy
Though the Boca Raton base officially closed in 1947 following devastating hurricanes, its legacy continues. Over time, developments like Dixie Manor—built originally to house Black civilians working at the base—became symbols of both historical progress and preservation struggles. Today, parts of Dixie Manor are being demolished, even as advocates fight to preserve at least one original structure as a lasting memorial to this pivotal era.
The story is far from over.
Why It Matters
This presentation is a reminder: the fight to preserve Black history is ongoing. It’s not always found in the archives—it’s passed through families, spoken in living rooms, and written into neighborhoods. The Spady Museum remains committed to amplifying these voices and connecting local history to the larger narratives of American life.
As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Spady House in 2026, these stories remind us why we preserve—not just for remembrance, but for the generations still to come.