JAMES PONCE: A LIVING LANDMARK

The official historian for the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce and The Breakers resort and an expert on the life and times of Henry Morrison Flagler, James Ponce offers a unique first-hand perspective on all facets of Palm Beach through his series, Historical Walking Tours of Wonderful Worth Avenue.

Including stops at Via Parigi and Via Mizner, as well as the Everglades Club on the west end of the Avenue, Ponce shares with his guest commentary on the history of the famed shopping destination, the unique architecture of Addison Mizner and the historical significance of many of the avenue's legendary landmarks. Proclaimed Palm Beach's only "Two-Legged Historical Landmark" by the Palm Beach Town Council in 1996, Ponce, the past president of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, was born in St Augustine and can trace his Spanish ancestry in Florida back to 1594. He began his career at The Breakers more than 47 years ago and also has been affiliated with The Colony and Brazilian Court.

Since his retirement, he has been appointed official historian at The Breakers, where he also leads tours and lectures on Henry M. Flagler and the history of Palm Beach.

The one-hour Worth Avenue tours are held two Wednesdays each month from October to April, and on several Saturday mornings during the summer. One tour each month will be available for private groups and organizations, the other open to the public. The tours are complimentary, sponsored by the Worth Avenue Association, but donations are accepted in honor of the Historical Society of Palm Beach. Advance reservations are requested, as spots usually are filled weeks in advance.

For reservations and more information, call the Worth Avenue Welcomes You hot line at 561/659-6909.