Bingham-Blossom House, 1250 South Ocean Boulevard, Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, FL

Significance: This large residence, the first privately owned residence built on the ocean in Palm Beach, was an excellent example of the Shingle style, expertly adapted to the site and to the climate. Deep recessed porches, wide overhangs, and cross ventilation provide the necessary comfort without benefit of modern air conditioning. Built by one of the early settlers for some of the first Palm Beach winter season residents, the house was the first to be built on the ocean, and represents the pioneer stage of Palm Beach development. The grounds contain many tropical trees brought from around the world by Dr. David Grandison Fairchild, noted botanist and friend of the family, and organizer of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Plant Introduction in Miami in 1906.
Survey number: HABS FL-221
Building/structure dates: 1893 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1934 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 18q2 Subsequent Work