Private yachts lining New River is nothing new, this exceptional Real Photo Postcard from 1918 shows The Willena of Chicago, a private houseboat moored downtown in front of the White Star Auto Line office. Built in 1914 The Willena was owned by businessman W. H. Fahrney and piloted by Captain John Hasley. At 110 feet in length it was powered by twin 50 horsepower kerosene engines.
White Star Auto Line was an early bus service taking passengers between Miami and West Palm Beach and points between. Charlie Swaggerty was the first driver for the company. The Ford Model T parked by the houseboat appears to be a 1918 model.
The Hotel Broward, shown in the background, is still under construction and will open in 1919. See “The Broward Hotel on Postcards” post here.
Reminiscing in 1957….
A newspaper article about the Willena….
Fort Lauderdale Postcards 
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