Fort Lauderdale Historical Society Debuts New Fort Lauderdale History Book

Riverside Hotel
620 East Las Olas Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 

Fort Lauderdale has long been dubbed “The Venice of the Americas,” but a new book introduced by the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society (FLHS) is offering seldom-seen snapshots of Fort Lauderdale as the “Playground of the Stars.”

The book, Fort Lauderdale-Playground of the Stars, makes its South Florida debut on Sunday, April 13th at the Riverside Hotel from noon to 3 p.m., with an intimate book signing, meet-and-greet with author Jack Drury and refreshments. Admittance is $25 per guest, which includes light refreshments and an autographed copy of Drury’s book. If interested in attending, please contact FLHS Director of Education and Public Programs Jamie Wilms at 954-463-4431 ext. 12.

Authored by Drury, a publicist who represented a venerable list of clients in Fort Lauderdale in the 1960s, Fort Lauderdale-Playground of the Stars offers a pictorial history of more than 70 nationally known celebrities including Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, Cary Grant, Jayne Mansfield, Jackie Gleason and Ed McMahon, who either resided in or frequented the Fort Lauderdale area.

“The Riverside Hotel and its renowned Golden Lyon Pub, which sits directly on Las Olas Boulevard, has a 70 year history of hosting and entertaining celebrities,” says A.J. Jabbour, general manager of the Riverside Hotel. “It is fitting that Mr. Drury and the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society have chosen the Riverside for this launch.”

Interested locals and visitors are invited to be among the first to receive a personally autographed copy of Fort Lauderdale-Playground of the Stars. Hosted by the Riverside Hotel, the reception will include personal accounts of Drury’s stories and offer a firsthand look at the celebrity experience in South Florida of yesteryear.

After the book signing, you are encouraged to stay and stroll the Boulevard to take in many of the book’s landmark references and enjoy lunch at some of the famed cafes, including the Indigo Restaurant. 

Photo Cutline: Fort Lauderdale-Playground of the Stars