Note Type
Historical NoteNote
Blanche Forman 1884-1959
Blanche Forman, a pioneer of Broward County, came to Fort Lauderdale from East St. Loius, Illinois, in 1910. Blanche attended the University of Illinois and began her career as an elementary school teacher. Later, she became a principal and married Hamilton Forman, her high school sweetheart. Upon moving south, Blanche and Hamilton Forman lived a true pioneer lifestyle, making their home in a tent deep in the Everglades. The Forman’s purchased land and began the difficult task of growing Irish potatoes on unhospitable land and tending to livestock often under threat by local wildlife and mosquitos.
It wasn’t until 1917 that a narrow rock road was built west to Davie and the Forman’s were able to capitalize on this development and buy Jersey cows. These cows were the base for the Forman Dairy, the first dairy in the area. Blanche bottled the milk by hand in the kitchen and raised the calves. As the dairy grew, Blanche ran the processing operations of the farm, purchased supplies, paid the bills, and kept the records. For fifty years, Blanche was one of the most successful and well-respected business women in Broward County.
A member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, First Christian Church, Alpha Chi Omega sorority at University of Illinois, Blanche dedicated her efforts to the enrichment of her community. The Forman’s established the Hamilton and Blanche Forman Christian Foundation to aid young men and women in education for ministry and missionary work. Later, the Forman’s helped establish North Broward Hospital District. Blanche and Hamilton’s lasting legacy was arranging for their farm land to be donated to establish what is now, Nova Southeastern University.
History Fort Lauderdale Photograph Collection