The Kester Cottages were mostly built along the beach road in the 1930’s by William L. Kester. Kester had originally come to Pompano in 1923 for fishing but stayed and invested greatly in the community. The wood-frame cottages, which Kester would later describe as “pepper crates,” provided employment for the local workers who built them, and a means to attract tourists to the area. The sturdy, economical “Kester Cottages” soon were being built throughout Pompano, to house local residents as well as winter visitors. The houses, as many as 150, were mostly 25-by-35-foot single story dwellings on the beachside, one, two and three bedroom models. They were all painted white and each featured shutters with cutouts from the four suits in a deck of playing cards. Houses cost $950 and were rented out for $29 a month.

The cottages were donated to the Pompano Beach Historical Society in 1974 by Kester’s nephew, Stewart. They were moved from their original location south of Atlantic Boulevard to Founders Park where they now serve as museums to preserve the rich history of Pompano Beach. The west cottage is set up as it would have been in Kester’s time. The east cottage displays the artifacts of the working life of Pompano, including farm equipment, military, home front and school memorabilia and preserved items from a lumber yard, a print shop and a pharmacy.

Hours: The Cottages are open for tours by appointment. To tour the cottages in person, please call the Pompano Beach Historical Society at (954) 782-3015 at least 2 days in advance to reserve a time.

Contact: (954) 782-3015

Website: www.pompanohistory.com/kester_cottages

Photo Credit: Kester Cottage Museums