From the Jul/Aug 2009 edition of Marsh Rider
By: Bishop Wright Jr.
A place for shelter and socializing The Belle Glade Buggy and Airboat Association has built one of Florida’s finest Safe Havens. The craftsmanship is a “must see.” There have been a few Tree Houses on Kraemer Island, a small island in the Southeastern part of Lake Okeechobee; on the western edge of Palm Beach County. Kraemer Island is north of Torry Island accessible only by Airboating during the wet season and by recreational vehicles during the dry drought seasons.
A small canal separates the two islands. Kreamer island was first settled in the 1800s as a fishing and agricultural settlement. It suffered numerous casualties over the years from fires and hurricanes, including one in the 1920s, during which over 1,000 people around the lake perished. The area became generally flooded after the Herbert Hover Dike was built in the 1960s. That dike was the result of flooding from two hurricanes in 1947.
The island is now considered a ghost town to most but not airboaters. This is no doubt one spot to visit and store in your GPS not only to take cover, but also stop in and socialize with others.
Mother Nature has taken away several other tree houses and we hope this one is here to stay.
If you’re ever on Lake Okeechobee stop by and check it out, say hi to Paul Hart president of GABA, he and other club members are just trying to preserve a little history for generations to come.
The only thing they ask from you is to respect the time and money they have in the tree house. Pictures just don’t it justice.
(N 26-45.674’ W080-44.744’)
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