Women pioneers--Florida--History--19th century

This thesis examines the roles and contributions of women
who pioneered Southeast Florida in the late nineteenth
century. The area researched is nineteenth century Dade
County which extended from the St. Lucie River south to
Indian Key. Dade County women and women's groups were
instrumental in transforming the wilderness settlements
into communities through the establishment of comfortable
homes, public schools, churches, libraries, and community
service organizations. Of particular importance, the
thesis studies the change in lifestyles as women adapted to
the new subtropical environment. Also examined are the
three centers of pioneer population (Lake Worth, Biscayne
Bay, and Fort Lauderdale) and the individual women who
contributed to these settlements.