FROM COW TOWN TO BOOM TOWN FEATURES & PROFILES
Joe Barry, as the USA Team Defeats Argentina in the 1979 World Cup, Played in Wellington, Florida Photo Credit: © POLO PLAYERS EDITION
A
fter Bink went into the Navy during World
In 1953, when approximately one hundred people lived in what is
War II, he met Secretary of State Edward R
now known as Wellington, Acme Drainage District was formed to
Stettinius at Caps Place while both men were
control the water in the area, prevent flooding, and drain formerly
on leave. By now, Bink had learned to fly an
swampy areas to be used for farming and home sites. This was
airplane and acquired a boat captain’s license.
done by an extensive system of canals that were dug throughout
Bink served as a fishing guide for Mr. Stettinius. Later Bink,
the area, to pump water either east to the ocean, or west to the
after procuring his real estate license, helped Mr. Stettinius sell
Everglades. Both Bink Glisson and Charles Wellington served on
some land to Mr. Wellington. Bink became the trusted confidant
the Acme board over the years. Aside from controlling water levels
to Mr. Wellington, and handled his local affairs. Bink and Mr.
in Wellington, Acme, now called Acme Improvement District,
Wellington flew over the swamp in western Palm Beach County
provided Sheriffs deputies to Wellington.
in an airplane, and purchased all the land he could. That area constituted most of today’s Wellington and Royal Palm Beach.
In 1967, Acme pushed for Forest Hill Blvd to be extended five
On this area, Charles Oliver Wellington founded the Flying
miles out to Southern Blvd which became the main artery to
Cow Ranch. The cattle were branded with Mr. Wellington’s initials,
Wellington. The road opened in January of 1968 and soon
C.O.W., much to the dismay of many steers and bulls on the ranch.
the farm lands in Wellington flourished. More land was soon cleared and leased as farm land. Soon, Wellington boasted the
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