Note Type
Historical NoteNote
Eva Bryan Oliver 1883-1964
Eva Bryan Oliver was among the pioneer settlers of Fort Lauderdale. Born in 1883 near Jasper,
FL, Eva Bryan moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1900. She was a woman of many “firsts” for the
fledgling city. She was the first non-Native American woman to be married. The ceremony
occurred in 1902 on water of the New River and officiated by Captain Valentine. Eva then
became known as the first woman to drive a car in Fort Lauderdale. Heavily involved in the
community, Eva became the first president of the Woman’s Civic Improvement Association, later
to be called the Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club. She was also Chairman of the Committee which
named Port Everglades.
Eva and husband, Frank Oliver, had five children, all whom served in the military. An active “Gold
Star Mother” and member of the Disabled Veteran’s Auxiliary Frank R. Oliver Jr. Unit 40, named
after her son killed in WWII, Eva was known for her quiet philanthropy. She assisted families in
need during the Great Depression while running her own tea room out of her home. An active
suffragist, Eva served as the first woman on the local election board after women won the right
to vote.
Eva Oliver’s most lasting contribution to the community was her role as the “first” historian of
Fort Lauderdale. She was the first to compile the stories and histories of Fort Lauderdale which
appeared between 1936 and 1937 in the local newspaper, titled “Pioneer Days”. Additionally,
she kept scrapbooks filled with information on the development and history of Fort Lauderdale,
which she donated to the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society for preservation for future
generations. Eva lived an active life of service to both her family and community.
History Fort Lauderdale Photograph Collection