By Jane Feehan
Robert Hayes Gore purchased The Fort Lauderdale News in
1929, one of many purchases that helped define today’s Fort Lauderdale. By
1930, he reportedly owned a portfolio of 32 properties; most were downtown. It
was said he wanted to make Fort Lauderdale one of the most beautiful cities along
Florida’s east coast.
During the Great Depression plenty of land became available to
serve as foundation for some of Gore’s dreams.
Realtor Lovick Miller wanted to sell oceanfront property north
of Lauderdale-by-the Sea, known as the Ausherman tract. C.C. Ausherman was the
first president of Fort Lauderdale’s Realty Board (1929); he bought that land
during the boom days before 1926. Some say he turned down an offer of $1
million for the tract during the good times. Good choice, bad timing. In 1928
or 29 he sold it to another Fort Lauderdale pioneer, John Lochrie. Lochrie
wanted to sell, perhaps for tax reasons, and Miller had just the right prospect
for the purchase: R.H. Gore.
Except Gore did not want it, even at the low price of
$25,000. The tract was too far north of his downtown home, businesses and other
properties. Miller told Gore he could make at least $100,000 on the land. Enticed,
Gore bought the property. Great choice, perfect timing. The 45 acres (reported
but doesn’t ring correct) with 1,800
feet of ocean front, became the site of the Sea Ranch Hotel and Cabana Club,
and later part of the Sea Ranch Lakes community (where more acreage was purchased).
Gore and family opened the Sea Ranch Cabana Club in 1939. Initially
a membership organization, the club offered 20 cabanas, each with dressing rooms
and other amenities, and a dining room with bar overlooking the ocean. The seaside club opened
to the public soon after. Reciprocal comforts were available to guests of the
Governors’ Club downtown Fort Lauderdale, which Gore also owned. The Sea Ranch Hotel
was added in 1940, remodeled in 1949 and provided more than 60 rooms. Also
added were the Hayloft Bar and additional dining facilities. A stable with
horses for riding was also part of the remodeling project. The hotel’s guest
list included the rich and famous, including Rita Hayworth and her new husband,
Aly Khan (m. 1949-1953).
And then came the community of Sea Ranch Lakes, part of the
original Gore purchase, where he eventually lived.
Named for the oceanside hotel and two fresh-water lakes on
the property, the walled community underwent development in 1956. Its 210 lots
bordered the Intracoastal Waterway and circled the lakes. Lots in those days were
sold for $10,500 to $36,000. Advertisements lauded the community as “exclusive,
secure and private.” It remains so today with its gatehouse and homes priced in
the millions. Officially organized as a village today, Sea Ranch Lakes population is estimated at 600.
The hotel’s history, which included a popular dinner theater
operated by Brian C. Smith (b. 1940- d. 2010) ended in the early 1980s when the
property was sold to make way for the Sea Ranch Lakes Condominiums selling at
$660K-$900,000 at this writing. And so it goes, condo
madness.
For more on R.H. Gore, see:
https://janeshistorynook.blogspot.com/2021/05/fort-lauderdales-publisher-r-h-gore.html
https://janeshistorynook.blogspot.com/2020/09/governors-club-opens-in-1937-setting.html
https://janeshistorynook.blogspot.com/2013/10/wftl-and-rh-gore-afloat-in-venice-of.html
https://janeshistorynook.blogspot.com/2013/09/look-in-sky-its-flashing-its-news-fort.html
Sources:
Fort Lauderdale News, March 8, 1930
Fort Lauderdale News, Dec. 1, 1930
Fort Lauderdale News, Dec. 23, 1939
Fort Lauderdale News, Sept. 3, 1940
Fort Lauderdale News, Dec. 28, 1940
Fort Lauderdale News, Nov. 12, 1949
Fort Lauderdale News, April 13, 1954
Fort Lauderdale News, Dec. 15, 1956
Tags: History of Fort Lauderdale, R.H. Gore, Sea Ranch Lakes history, Fort Lauderdale history
