[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 87 (Monday, June 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1362-E1363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF HYPOLUXO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 27, 2005

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, the Town of Hypoluxo, a gem in the strand of 
our jeweled communities of Palm Beach County, is celebrating its 50th 
anniversary on July 3, 2005. I have proudly represented Hypoluxo for 13 
years in the United States Congress, and have come to know its 
residents and town leadership very well.
  It is interesting to note that Hypoluxo got its name not from a Greek 
root, but from the Seminole name for Lake Worth which roughly 
translates to ``water all around--no get out.'' Today a great number of 
people want to move into the friendly confines of Hypoluxo, but because 
no one wants to ``get out'', home sites are difficult to find. No 
doubt, because of the wonderful people and the coastal breezes.
  Hypoluxo is one of the smallest communities in my District with its 
nearly 2,500 people, but it has in its rich heritage played a very

[[Page E1363]]

important role in the history and growth of Palm Beach County. It was 
the center of the story of the legendary Barefoot Mailman, who 
connected Jupiter with Lemon City (now the Miami area) in the 19th 
Century, long before any type of road existed.
  At one time, the mail to Miami had to be shipped to Jacksonville, 
then by rail to Cedar Key, steam shipped to Key West and lastly by 
schooner to Miami. The big advancement took place in 1885, with a 
railroad line south to West Palm Beach. The mail then traveled by row 
boat to Hypoluxo. At Hypoluxo, the Barefoot Mailman took over and 
walked six days along the hard sand next to the ocean for over 60 miles 
(and occasionally crossing inlets by swimming or by canoe) to Miami--
and back. All for $175 every three months.
  The Postal Creed says that ``neither snow, nor rain, nor snow, nor 
heat, nor gloom of night will stay these couriers from the swift 
completion of their appointed rounds.'' To the Barefoot Mailman you can 
add on gators, sharks, snakes, hurricanes, and swift currents. In fact, 
it is legend that alligators or sharks caused the demise of a Barefoot 
Mailman on one of his appointed rounds.
  Mr. Speaker, Hypoluxo has created in its natural scrub park, a statue 
monument to the Barefoot Mailman, to recognize the heroic traditions of 
each person who served the coastal residents and brought the news, 
commercial transactions, and many smiles to them during their years of 
service.
  To the citizens of Hypoluxo gathered to celebrate its 50 years in the 
shadow of its beautiful Key West Town Hall, its natural Florida 
hammock, and under the watchful eye of the Barefoot Mailman, I 
congratulate you and wish you the best in the next 50 years. I am sure 
that by that time the mail will arrive a little faster--but not with 
the colorful traditions of the Barefoot Mailman. Congratulations on 50 
years, and on behalf of Florida's 22nd Congressional District, I wish 
you many, many more.

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