St. Lucie Historical Society, Inc.

P.O. Box 578

Fort Pierce, Florida 34954-0578

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-Golden Memories-

The Story of the St. Lucie Historical Society

by Patricia Foreman- President 2002-2004

 

The Mission Statement of the St. Lucie Historical Society, Inc., as had been stated in Article II of the Societies 1988 Bylaws:

The purpose and objectives of the Society shall be education, historical research, and study of items and objects of interest and value concerning St. Lucie County and the surrounding areas, and encouragement of interest in historical preservation.

Looking back...

The St. Lucie Historical Society began as a committee of the St. Lucie County Library Association, Inc. E. C. Collins, President of the St. Lucie County Library Association had appointed a group to serve as a historical committee. David Fee was the chairman, others on the committee included: Mrs. Jo Humphries, Mrs. Verne Kretschmer, Mrs. Ora S. Burney, Mr. L. W. Halbe, Mr. W. I. Fee, Mrs. Helen DeFriest, Mrs. Clare Register, Mrs. Emma Saunders, Mrs. Pearl Chew, Mr. Dewey Crawford, Miss Betty Summerlin and Mr. Collins.

The initial meeting was held at the old Community Center after the regular Library Association meeting. The meeting place was at the old USO building located where SunTrust Bank's parking lot is today, on the east side of Indian River Drive.

Thus, on Tuesday evening, November 18, 1952 the St. Lucie Historical Society held its organizational meeting. This group resolved to organize a society, and decided that membership would be $1.00 per year. Meetings were to be held on the third Tuesday of each month. Mr. Crawford was made Vice-Chairman.

Will Fee was first to offer his dollar and is said to have autographed it as a memento of the occasion. In December, finding they had a mutual desire to preserve the rich heritage of the local community sixty-one charter members were listed. Another committee was appointed to evaluate and accept pieces for a future museum.

 

CHARTER MEMBERS-December 1952

Mr.& Mrs. Fred Alispaw

Mr. & Mrs. R.V. Ankeny

Mrs. Loyal Barnard

Mr.& Mrs. R.E. Burney

Mr. & Mrs. Thaddeus C. Campbell

Pearl Chew

Annie Brown Cobb

Ernestine Collins

Mr.& Mrs. E C. Collins Jr.

Marilla B. Collins

Dewey Crawford

Mrs. T.J. Crow

Judge Flem C. Dame

Mrs. Lillian B. Deatrick

Mrs. E.P. Defriest, Sr.

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Edge

Charles S. Emerson

R.H. Escott (Life Member)

Bonnie Fee

Mr.& Mrs. David Fee

David Fee Jr.

Letha Fee

Susan Fee

William I. Fee

James T. Gay

Sam Gay

Raphael Griffin

Mr. Frank Hagel

James Halbe

Mr. & Mrs. L.W Halbe

W.W. Hatcher

Mrs. J.L Hoeflich

Mrs. B.K Humphries

Lane Jennings

Mr. & Mrs. Henry M. Jernigan

Mr. & Mrs. Albert E. Kretschmer

Jack Leibman

Mrs. Edith Luke

David Eugene Odom

Mrs. Helen O’Hea

Olive Dame Peterson

O.C. Peterson

Broward Poppell

George Putnam

Mrs Dorothy Putnam

Mr. & Mrs. Alton A. Register

Fanny Richards

Gustaf Ringdahl

Mrs. Orra S. Rogers

Fletcher Russell

Mrs. Frances T. Sharpe

John Sloan

Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Sloan

At the December 16, 1952 meeting Mr. Escott volunteered to purchase a plaque raised from the U.S.S. Maine for donation to the Society. (When the plaque arrived in March 1953, Mr. Escott was given an honorary life membership.) During this meeting a nominating committee was established consisting of Mrs. Humfries, Mrs. Burney and Mrs. DeFriest.

The committees recommendations were accepted at the January 20, 1953 meeting and the first officers and board members were:

Mr. David Fee- President

Mr. Dewey Crawford- 1^st Vice President

Mr. E. C. Collins- 2^nd Vice President

Mrs. Alton Register- Secretary

Mr. L. W. Halbe- Treasurer

Mrs. Pearl Chew- Historian

Mrs. Kretschmer

Mrs. Burney

Mrs Humpries

Mr. Will Fee

Mrs. DeFriest

Mrs. Saunders

Miss Summerlin

 

The name "St. Lucie Historical Society" was reported in our Historical Quarterly as being chosen by Mr. L.B. Halbe and Mr. Dewey Crawford. Both Halbe and Dewey were able lawyers. They thought that if we limited the organization- by calling it the "St. Lucie County Historical Society", it would not attract as many members as an area organization would.

During 1953 the "new" library building was finished and the opening dedication was in 1954 so perhaps everyone was busy with the library at that time, as there were no meetings from August 1953 to June 1955.

By June of 1955 no charter had yet been drawn and at the July meeting Ed Dennison offered to prepare the charter for the Society. Old Historical Quarterly articles report that L.B. Halbe and Mr. Dewey Crawford also worked on getting the charter.

In August two new officers were installed. Mr. Halbe as President and Mr. Rupert Smith as Treasurer. After October of that year, the meetings were changed to the first Tuesday of the month. On November 25, 1955 a charter was granted by Judge. A. O. Kannek.

At that time the purpose of the St. Lucie Historical Society was to encourage and inspire the on-going interest of residents and visitors in the rich heritage of the local community. Emphasis was placed on our County history but also includes the State of Florida's unique beginnings.

In February 1956 acquisition of the Lowell Hill photography negatives were discussed. It was hoped that "Bean" Backus, a long time friend of the Hill family, might intercede to try and get them for the Society. On June 12, 1956, by-laws were adopted. A board of twelve new directors were chosen. At that same meeting Mrs. Adeline Scharfscwerdt was made Program Committee Chairman. The first record of a "program" was at the August 1956 meeting. Mr. Phillip Platts and Mrs. Clarence Summerlin spoke about early settlers. Other speakers that year were: Judge Sumner, Mrs Tyler and Mr. D. H. Saunders,

Mr. Walter Hellier began to preside as President on August 8, 1957. Mrs. Barbara Ferson was the speaker at that meeting.

In these early years meetings were held at the library around a meeting table. In 1956 a number of meetings were adjourned for the lack of a quorum. Occasionally the meetings were held at members homes. Later meetings were held at the old Southland Cafeteria on 4^th Street. Monthly dinner meetings held there with guest speakers and programs helped the Society begin to grow. Just before the Southland closed the Society meetings were moved to the Tradewinds Cafeteria in Searstown. Some of the programs at that time were taped. Meetings began to be held at the Western Steer Steakhouse in the early 80's.

In May of 1958 Judge Angus Sumner spoke about the capture, killing and burial of four members of the infamous "Ashley Gang". He showed the pistol and a bullet-riddled $5.00 bill taken from the body of John Ashley.

C.E. Bennett offered in 1958, the use of his "tape recording machine" to tape talks by our speakers. They were to be typed in quadruplicate, one copy going to the county library and one to go to the Florida Historical Society, which had sent us 40 back issues of their Historical Journals in 1952.

The members of the Society met in November 1958 for a covered dish Thanksgiving dinner at the home of Earl Sumners. Dr. Adrian Sample, then president, provided the turkeys for this dinner and for others which were held in November for several years. The following month, Mrs. Carrie Holmes was our speaker along with her daughter, Addie Emerson. Mrs. Holmes was 92 years old at the time.

Our January 1959 speaker was Charlton W. Tebeau, author and Professor of History at the University of Miami, and 73 members were in attendance. In later meetings that year Howard E.C. Hawkins who came from St. Augustine spoke about the F.E.C. Railway. A life time teacher in the Fort Pierce Schools and faithful member of the Society, Adelaide Scharfschwerdt spoke on early schools in the county. Adelaide also served as program chairman for several years and gave a number of programs herself. For the 1959-60 season Mrs. C. E. Bennett became President.

Francis (Fanny) Richards spoke in March of 1960 on the arrival of her grand-father Thomas E. Richards in Eden in 1879 as well as the beginnings of pineapple raising "on the ridge". Mrs. Howard Taylor, formerly Ethel Fultz, spoke about Spruce Bluff, a place on the north fork of the St. Lucie River (Port St. Lucie), where her father had settled. Some of the graves located there are family members. Ed Merritt had placed a family monument there, and it had been recently vandalized.

The 1960-1961 season brought Mr. John D. Almond Jr. as President. Noted speakers for that year including: Dr. Thelma Peters of Dade Jr. College, Mrs. Bessie DuBois of Jupiter, Mr. William Boehmer and Mr. Charles L. Pierce. Local speakers included P.K. Platts, son of the first doctor in Fort Pierce, spoke of his father's early days here. Thad Carlton of the Carlton cattle family spoke on the cattle business, and recollections of when drives to Orlando and Punta Rassa lasted from four days to a week. Robert Jernigan spoke on guns and showed items found at the site of the old Fort Pierce.

It would be nearly impossible to separate the histories of the St. Lucie Historical Society, the Historical Commission and the County Historical Museum. Each group shares the same purposes and people.

In May of 1961, after almost a decade of successful activity, the St. Lucie Historical Society petitioned the Board of County Commissioners to create the Historical Commission. Florida law enacted in 1953 specified that such a governmental board was necessary for the collecting, recording and arranging of artifacts and the Society was having many pioneer items offered to them. That year our President was D.H. Saunders.

On September 3, 1963 while C.E Bennett was the Society President, the Historical Commission was created. It consisted of the following members: W. F."Fannie" Richards- Chairman, Roger Poitras- Secretary, Mrs. Marjorie Silver (later Alder), Mrs. George Cox, N. William Jorgensen, Walter R. Hellier and D.H."Banty" Saunders.

The Commission now consists of one member appointed by each of the County Commissioners, plus one member from each historical group in the county and several at-large members, for a total of 15 members. The structure of the Historical Commission is scheduled to be changed in 2004-2005. The Commission is not funded by the County, but achieves funding through community support and by selling advertising in it's publication, "History Alive". The Historical Commission had control of the Museum until late 1986, when direct County control was transferred to the Recreation and Parks Department.

During the early years various businesses offered space for the storage or display of the many items given to the Society by local families. Temporary space was provided in the Fort Pierce Utility Building. In nine months a Spanish treasure's display exhibited there drew 11,500 visitors.

The Society President in 1963 was W. F. Richards. Meetings after March 1964 were conducted under the direction of the next President Ora Cox, at the Tradewinds Cafeteria located on the corner west of the Publix store in Searstown. Soon our meetings overcrowded the Tradewinds and they asked us to come on a different night.

In May 1965 new officers included:

1965-1966

John Almond-President

Charles Cogburn- 1^st Vice President

Walter Hellier- 2^nd Vice President

Earl Sumner- Treasurer

Mrs. George Cox- Secretary

D.H. "Banty" Saunders

Mrs. L. F. Emerson

Mrs. John DuBois

Dewey Crawford

 

1966-1967

 

Charles S. Cogburn-President

John D.Almond Jr.-1st Vice-President

Mrs. L.F. Emerson-Secretary

Linnie Mae Hoskins-Glatz-Treasurer

D.H. "Banty" Saunders-Program Chairman

Mrs. T.J."Annie" Cobb

Dewey Crawford

Mildred Haines

James W. Normand

Leilia Rieley

Dr. Adrian M. Sample

Mrs. Earl Sumner

Florence Teal

 

1967-1968

 

Charles S. Cogburn-President

Raymond Saunders-1st Vice-President

Sam Lawder-2nd Vice-President

James W. Normand-Secretary

N.W. "Bill" Saunders-Treasurer

John D. Almond Jr.

Vivian Davis

Addie Emerson

Walter R. Hellier

Lelia Rieley

Dr. Adrian M. Sample

It was announced at the September 1967 meeting that we now had a "home" for the museum. With help from City Commissioner and manager of station WARN, Sam Lawder the Society had 24 tape recordings of meetings and conversations with old timers. At the April 18, 1968 meeting held at the Trade Winds Cafeteria, the following Board of Directors were named:

1968-1969

 

John D. Almond Jr.-President

Sam Lawder-1st Vice President

W.F."Fanny" Richards-2nd Vice President

Florence Teal-Secretary

Annie Brown Cobb-Treasurer

C.H. Combs

Vivian Davis

Walter Hellier

N.W. "Bill" Jogenson

A.A. Marks

Olive Peterson

Raymond Saunders

 

By 1968 under President J. D. Almond Jr., many of the artifacts were housed in space provided by William G. Tye at #133 in the Arcade Building on 4^th Street. In these early years even more items were stored in the Refrigeration Terminal owned by Dorothy Binney Palmer...and more space was needed.

The current St. Lucie County Historical Museum building, at 414 Seaway Drive, had been built by the U.S. government as a Motor Pool for the Amphibious Base which was located in Fort Pierce during World War II. When no longer needed for that purpose, it was turned over to the county. The county used it as the Mosquito Control Center. After a new Mosquito Control Center was built, our present building became available.

The efforts of Mr. Bob Gladwin, then Commodore of the Sea Scout Ship Edwin S. Binney, and Mrs. Addie Emerson, both of whom were members of the Historical Society as well as the Historical Commission led to a five year lease being signed in June of 1968.

The move from the Arcade Building to Seaway Drive was accomplished with lots of help, a great deal of this help came from Sea Scouts. The "cleaning" of the building was a back breaking labor of love on the part of many volunteers.

Mrs. Vivian Davis, a local school teacher and artist, was persuaded to paint murals to serve as background for the various exhibition areas depicting the life of the early community. As interior restorations have taken place through the years, most of these murals have disappeared.

John D. Almond served two more terms as President in 1968 and 1969. The St. Lucie County Historical Museum officially opened on September 17, 1968. Through the years many members of pioneer families have been involved in activities of the Society, the Commission and the Museum.

Mrs. Addie Emerson was the first Museum Director. Her salary was $100 per month. She was followed by Iva Jean Sherman (Maddox) from 1980-82. Iva Jean recalls that at that time there were no screen doors, and the main doors were propped open to ease the heat. Visitors at that time included all the little creatures that lived in the area. Part of the daily activities included chasing them out before closing. In the mid-70's Bob Gladwin installed a photographic dark room and a decade later a costume room and photo lab were created.

Ed McCarron became the Museum Director after Mrs. Sherman left to continue her studies, he stayed 2 years. In June of 1985 the much appreciated air conditioning was installed. That same summer the Treasure Room was created and the Register/Gardner house was moved to the property.

The next director was Scott Loehr from 1985-88. In 1987 the small gift shop area blossomed into the "Pineapple Patch", under the guidance of Mrs. Marion Ames. Mr. Ed Swanson became Superintendent of Museums just in time to oversee the massive building program of 1989. In June and July of 1990, while David Helms accomplished preliminary construction, Bob Drumm designed interior renovations. A renovation of the main museum and the creation of the train room and the vehicle sheds were completed in 1991.

The Museum currently operates under the supervision of the St. Lucie Cultural Affairs Office directed by Mr. Jon Ward. Ms. Patti Raffensberger is the Special Facilities Manager. The staff includes: Iva Jean Maddox-Superintendent, DeeDee Roberts-Supervisor, Ann Sinnott who oversees educational activities, other employees includes Una Wera, Roz Monahan and Norma Brand. Numerous volunteers assist in the day to day operations of the facility and many others participate in special activities.

Other activities include the presentation of timely special events and occasional fund-raisers. The Museum Gift Shop is the on-going financial arm of the Society. Profits are used to support the programs and projects of the Museum.

Rueben Carlton served as President in 1970 followed by two term President Vivian Davis in 1971 and 1972. In 1973 our President was Mrs. Albert McClintock.

1974-1975

 

Isabel McClintock- President

Edith Reed- 1^st Vice President

Helen DeFiest- 2^nd Vice President

Addie Emerson- Secretary

R.C. Boynton- Treasurer

Vivian Davis

Lee Keen

William Taylor

Robert Gladwin

Cornelia Keen

Albert McClintock

Raymond Saunders

 

1975-1976

 

Maude Coffee- President

Martha Sutton- 1^st Vice President

William Taylor- 2^nd Vice President

Ruby Hawkins- Secretary

Mrs. E.C. Burrows- Treasurer

Cornelia King

Helen DeFriest

Edith Reed

Raymond Saunders

Claude Davis

Harold Ankeny

Astor Summerlin

 

1976-1977

 

Maude Coffee- President

Roland Poppell- 1^st Vice President

Fred Glaeser- 2nd Vice President

Claudia Taylor- Secretary

R.C. Boynton- Treasurer

Addie Emerson

Claude Davis

R.R. Varnes

Florence Teal

Vivian Davis

Raymond Saunders

Ruby Hawkins

 

Through the 70's museum staffers and Society members conducted historical tours. Our bicentennial project in 1976 was the publication of the Pictorial History of St. Lucie County which was largely funded by Sun Bank. It was illustrated with photographs from negatives of the Hill Photographic Concern. In that year an effort was made by the Society to get the Federal Post Office to put out a postage stamp honoring Benjamin Pierce.

 

1977-1978

 

Kyle Van Landingham-President

Roland Poppell-1st Vice-President & President

Claude Davis-2nd Vice-President

R.C."Buddy" Boynton-Treasurer

Addie H. Emerson-Secretary

Harold Ankeny

Maude Coffee

Vivian Davis

Bill Mims

Marjorie Smithers

Aster Summerlin

Florence Teal

Regnald Varnes

At the June meeting of 1977 the Board raised the price of membership to $3.00 and $5.00 for couples. The Treasurer's report that month indicated a balance of $106.18 in the General account and $1,736.46 in the Book and Stationary account. The Society was asked to participate in the activities of the Dedication of the County Civic Center and Court House Complex on November 11-13, 1977. Most of the programs in 1977 were concerning the early forts and the Indian wars. Life Memberships were given to Mrs. Maude Coffee and Mr. Charles Miley. President Kyle Van Landingham resigned as President in February of 1978 as he was appointed County Attorney of Okeechobee County.

1978-1979

Lucille Rights-President

Roland Popell-1st Vice President

Claude Davis-2nd Vice President

R.C. Boynton-Treasurer

Addie H. Emerson-Secretary

Vivian Davis

Gregory Luke

Bill Mims

Marjorie Smithers

Florence Teal

Kyle Van Landingham

Regnald Varnes

A letter from the University of Florida was read at the June 20, 1978 meeting asking for contributions for a Scholarship in the memory of Zora Neale Hurston, Black teacher and writer who lived and taught school in Ft. Pierce and who is buried here. A collection was taken at the meeting and brought in $21.00. At the February 20, 1979 meeting a letter from Doroty Binney Palmer was read, she lamented the rapid growth of progress and the loss of Florida's natural beauty. She declined our request to make a tape of her experiences of early St. Lucie County. At the April meeting a special greeting was given to the newly wed Mr. Regnald Varnes and Miss Cornelia Keen Varnes, they are both staffers at the Museum. Also at that meeting a copy of the book "Our Worthy Commander" was presented to Miss Roberta Rights for designing a banner for the Society. The banner relates or symbolizes the history of the County. Center-gold Spanish coin, background-blue waters of the Indian River, old Fort Pierce at the base of the coin, with fringe on the bottom to represent the fishnets used in our waters.

1979-1980

Lucille Rights-President

Claude Davie-1st Vice President

Gregory Luke-2nd Vice President

R.C. Boynton-Treasurer

Marjorie Smithers-Treasurer

Donald Moore-Secretary

Montra Davis

Addie H. Emerson

Ruby Hawkins

Bill Mims

Betty Ptacek

Marjorie Smithers

Florence Teal

Kyle Van Landingham

Olive Dame Peterson

Regnald Varnes

Hazel Woolard

    R.C. Boyton resigned at the November 16, 1979 meeting and Olive Dame Peterson was appointed to the Board. At the January 1980 meeting Bill Mims resigned and Betty Ptacek was appointed to the Board. The Society participated in the 75^th-Diamond Jubilee of the Cucumber Festival on January 19-20,1980 by selling Conch Chowder, coffee, cold drinks doughnuts and plants. In April of 1980 our Society joined the Florida Historical Society and the Florida Historical Confederation.

1980-1981

Greg Luke-President

Donald Moore-1st Vice President

Lucille Right-2nd Vice-President

Marjorie Smithers-Treasurer

Betty Ptacek-Secretary

Montra Davis

Deche Hamill

Ruby Hawkins

Ann Lott

Virginia McSurley

Olive Dame Peterson

Jack Roberts

Iva Jean Sherman

Hazel Woolard

Addie Emerson retired from the Museum and the Society hosted a party. Much discussion was done in the fall of 1980 over a historical dig which was being done in Sebastian. Members from our Society who were taking an active part in the dig included Lucille Rights, Annie Nobles Miller, Josephine Futch, Pete and Olive Peterson. Thirty old homes and buildings were visited and plaques placed on them. Board members Virginia McSurley and Ann Lott resigned in December 1980, Deche Hamill and Jack Roberts were appointed in March of 1981 to finish their terms.

1981-1982

Greg Luke-President

Donald Moore-1st Vice President

Iva Jean Sherman-2nd Vice-President

Marjorie Smithers-Treasurer

Betty Ptacek-Secretary

Montra Davis

Bob Gladwin

Deche Hamill

Ruby Hawkins

Olive Dame Peterson

Lucille Rights

Jack Roberts

Hazel Woolard

The Society donated $100 to the local Youth History Fair in November of 1981. At that same meeting the decision was made to establish a fund to purchase and maintain a living historical home representative of the area. 

In May of 1982 there were 72 members including 5 life memberships. A picnic was also held in May at the home of Christine and Bob Gladwin. Each attendee received a Key Lime tree as a remembrance of the event.

 

1982-1983

Jack Roberts-President

Marge Smithers-1st Vice President

Charles White-2nd Vice-President

Deche Hamill-Treasurer

Helen Ritchie-Secretary

Alice Edgell

Addie Emerson

Greg Luke

Olive Dame Peterson

Betty Ptacek

Lucille Rights

September of 1982 brought the resignation of Iva Jean Sherman as Museum Director, Dane Jones took her place until November, when he reigned due to poor health. Addie Emerson was named as temporary Director. In December of 1982 there were 104 members including 5 life members. It was also announced in December that Ed McCarron was hired as the new Museum Director. The Society focused on membership and by June 1983 had added an additional 97 members. Dues at that time were $3.00 and $5.00 per couple. Meetings were being held at the Western Steer Steakhouse.

1983-1984

Charles "Buck" White- President

Carla Parrish- 1^st Vice President

Alice Edgell- 2nd Vice-President

Deche Hamill-Treasurer

Helen Ritchie-Secretary

Addie Holmes Emerson- Historian

Ruby Hawkins- Historian

John Durham

Bob Gladwin

Greg Luke

Ed McCarron

O.C. Peterson

Olive Peterson

Betty Ptacek

Catherine Rights

Lucille R. Rights

Cynthia Putnam-Trefelner

Bob Tylander

Several fund raising events where held to support the Cobb House Project. These included Bake sales, plant sales, Christmas card sales, rummage sales and an antique clothes fashion show held in September 1983 at the Pelican Yacht Club.

 

The Peter P. Cobb House was moved on December 20, 1983, from it’s original site on Indian River Drive to it’s new location next to the Historical Museum. The cost to move the house was $6,400 and the contract to move it was signed with Grover Fletcher of Roseland in November. (Sadly it burned to the ground on November 16, 1984).

 

1984-1985

 

Marjorie Smithers-President

Catherine Rights-President

Helen Richie- 1^st Vice President

Alyce C. Edgell-2nd Vice President

Carla Parrish- Recording Secretary

Allerdyce A. Hamill- Treasurer

Ruby Hawkins- Historian

Robert Tylander

Buck White

Phyllis Kennon

Dues are raised to single membership at $5.00 and $8.00 for couples with 350 active members.

 

1985-1986

 

Catherine Rights- President

Carla Parrish- 1^st Vice President

Deche Hammill- 2nd Vice President

Marion Ames-Recording Secretary

Joe Mannion- Recording Secretary

Carmen Peterson-Corresponding Secretary

Christine Gladwin- Treasurer

Ruby Hawkins- Historian

Betty Lou Wells- Parliamentarian

 

Rachael Cook

William Guthrie

Alice Edgell

Scott Loehr

Marge Oliver

O.C. Peterson

Honey Trefelner

Robert Tylander

 

 

The Gardner House is moved to the Historical Museum property on July 18^th 1985. Meetings are held with Taylor Publishing as work begins on our book. Membership rises to 397 by December of 1985. A rummage sale in June raises $1,700 for restoration of the Gardner House.

 

At the September 18, 1985 general meeting, Scott Loehr the new Museum Director, and his wife Diane were introduced to the membership. At the October 15, 1985 meeting Marion Ames is introduced as the new Recording Secretary, as Mr. Mannion has moved to Fort Worth. With the current membership reported as 397 at the November 19, 1985 meeting, it was noted with regret that Annie Brown Cobb who was from one of Fort Pierce's early families had passed away during the past month. Honorary Life memberships were given to the Gardner family members at that meeting as well.

1986-1987

David Cleveland- President

Catherine Rights 1^st Vice- President

Diane Loehr- 2^nd Vice President

Marion Ames-Recording Secretary

Carmen Peterson- Corresponding Secretary

Christine Gladwin-Treasurer

Ruby Hawkins- Historian

Marge Oliver- Parliamentarian

Rachel Cook

Alyce Edgall

W.S. "Stu" Godfrey

William Guthrie

Joan Lobe

Betty Ptacek

Honey Trefelner

Bob Tylander

 

 

A Cracker Party and auction at the Gardner House was held on November 8^th. A fun and profitable event, resulting in $2574.91 for the Historical Society's use. Other activities for the year included one hundred and forty-nine volunteer hours which were given by members manning the St. Lucie Historical Society booth at the County Fair.

Robert U. Gladwin gave the Museum 200 glass plates from the Hill collection which he had kept for many years. He had been alerted to them by Mrs. Dorothy Gortner, when her cousin Catheryn had come to clean up the studio.

The Membership Directory published during this season states that the following have received Life Memberships: Walter Hellier*, D. Howard "Banty" Saunders*, Vivian Davis, Billy Osceola*, Robert U. Gladwin, Kyle VanLandingham, Addie Holmes Emerson*, Maude Coffee, Charles S. Miley*. (*Deceased) Honorary Memberships have been awarded to Mr. & Mrs. Maurice "Buddy" Gardner, son Dan Gardner and Mr. James Spooner.

1987-1988

David M. Cleveland- President

Richard D. Schmidt- 1^st Vice President

Alyce C. Edgell- 2^nd Vice President

Virginia Spiotto- Recording Secretary

Joan Lobe- Corresponding Secretary

Marge Oliver- Treasurer

Ruby Hawkins- Historian

Christine Gladwin- Parliamentarian

W.S. "Stu" Godfrey

Robert D. Tylander

Marion Ames

Diane Loehr

Robert Terry Jr.

Justine Roberts

Yearly dues are raised to $7.00 for individuals and $10.00 for couples. The membership stood at 283 for the year, possibly affected by the lack of a regular meeting place at that time.

A cookbook entitled "Tasty Treasures" was published in the spring. This cookbook included a look at bygone years and a copy of an original drawing by local Marine artist Bruce Elliott graced the cover. There was also a "Cracker" recipe section. The first historical Calendar of Saint Lucie County was printed for 1988. After 27 months and some $60,000 (cash and in-kind services) the Gardner House opened.

Robert U. "Bob" Gladwin passed away on November 20th, 1988. His years of service with the Sea Scouts, the St. Lucie Historical Society, The Historical Commission and the St. Lucie County Historical Museum touched many lives. Bob's diligence, dreams and hard work have helped produce a place where our past can be preserved and revered, so that all of us can go on to a brighter, more informed future.

1988-1989

Richard Schmidt-President

Ed Swanson- 1^st Vice President

Cathy Rights Browning- 2^nd Vice President

Bridgette Abernathy- Treasurer

Jeanette Wilus- Secretary

Christine Gladwin- Parlimentarian

Rudy Hawkins- Historian

David Cleveland

Melody Edwards

E. L. Adams

W. S. Godfrey

Justine Roberts

A new meeting place, the First Christian Church was established in September of 1988. Meetings were held on the third Tuesday and meals were provided for $6.00 each. There was also a 1989 Historical Calendar printed, just before Christmas.

1989-1990

Dick Schmidt- President

Hertha Bisher- 1^st Vice President

Justine Roberts- 2^nd Vice President

Jeanette Willis- Recording Secretary

Bridget Abernathy- Treasurer

Cathy Gladwin- Corresponding Secretary

Edith Luke- Historian

George Gibbons

Larry Adams

Bob Ames

Cathy Browning

Alyce Edgell

Christine Gladwin

Jim Heffelfinger

Elsa Sickler

Plans for the Bob Gladwin Memorial Garden were launched. The first tree for the garden was purchased in memory of life member Vivian Davis from donations made in her memory. Her murals graced the walls of the Museum. The estimated cost for the Garden was $4,000. The Society lost several active members in 1989, including; William "Bill" Taylor, Maude Coffee, Martha Stoudt, and Minnie Brook. Other plans set in motion in 1989 include the "Train Room" construction.

In the spring of 1990 the St. Lucie Historical Society booth at the St. Lucie County Fair took a Rosette! This award is given for "Best of Theme" which was "Something to Remember". Rachel Cook, Chairperson, did a lot of research on the history of the St. Lucie County Fair through the years, from it's beginning in 1965. Using this material she put together an excellent outline of the growth and development of the Fair. With the help of Ed Swanson (Museum Director) and Allan King (Registrar). This outline formed the backdrop for the St. Lucie Historical Society Booth.

1990-1991

John Helseth- President

Hertha Bisher- 1^st Vice President

George Gibbons- 2^nd Vice President

Jeanette Willis- Recording Secretary

Cathy Gladwin- Corresponding Secretary

Allardyce Hamill- Treasurer

Elsa Sickler- Parliamentarian

Alyce Edgell- Historian

Bridgett Abernathy- Cookbook Committee

L.B. "Jim" Heffelfinger- Publicity

Dick Schmidt- Fire Engine Muster

Hertha Bisher- 1^st Vice President

Larry Adams

Bob Ames

Cathy Browning

Christine Gladwin

Pat Hughes

Several fund raising events are held by the Society to try and raise $10,000, which was the anticipated cost of the Bob Gladwin Memorial Garden. These events included a fish fry in June, and a Cracker Party in October, featuring Seminole food.

1991-1992

John Helseth- President

Catherine Browning- 1^st Vice President

George Gibbons- 2^nd Vice President

Jo Anne Holman- Recording Secretary

Allardyce Hamill- Treasurer

Jeanette Willis- Corresponding Secretary

Elsa Sickler- Parliamentarian

Alyce Edgell- Historian

Bridgett Abernathy- Cookbook Committee

L.B. "Jim" Heffelfinger- Publicity

Dick Schmidt- Fire Engine Muster

Hertha Bisher

Larry Adams

Kathy Gladwin

Donald Studholme

 

Fort Pierce lost one of it's finest in November 1991, when Maurice "Buddy" Gardner was taken by death. "Buddy" was a life member of the Historical Society, and he and his family donated the Gardner House to the Museum. He came to Fort Pierce in 1923. This is where he met and married his childhood sweetheart, Bertha Boese. She was the love of his life. They were married for 57 years before his death. They owned the Gardner House for 50 years, living in it for 47 years. He worked for Dr. Mandaville, who was an Optician for 16 years. In 1949 he made a career change and went to work for the city of Fort Pierce in the Utilities Collections Department, where he stayed for 20 years. "Buddy" will be missed a lot, but every time any of us look at the Gardner House, we can think about "Buddy" and his family and all the many happy hours they spent there.

The Dedication of the Memorial Garden was held on September 21, 1991. Other events included a "fire Engine Muster/Antique Car Show held in October and a Cracker Party at the home of Dale and Cynthia Trefelner on November 16.

Buck (Charles) White, past president of the St. Lucie Historical Society, died on April 13, 1992 of pancreatic cancer. After retiring from the Federal Government in Washington D.C., Buck moved to Fort Pierce around 1980, and was active in many political and social organizations. During his two year term as president, Buck organized and had printed the first Membership Directory for this Society, took an active role with the St. Lucie County Historical Commission in moving the Cobb House to the Museum, and tried to meet and greet, or speak to each member at our dinner meetings.

 

1992-1993

 

Catherine Browning- President

 

The Society cleverly commemorated it's 40^th anniversary at it's November 17, 1992 meeting with a fashion show depicting the styles of clothing worn in our area. Starting with an 1837 soldier and his lady (Bob Whitelay and Nellie Hallstrom), an early settler's (Charles Gibbons and Hertha Bisher), Seminole warrior and squaw (Ed Swanson and Helen King), F.E.C. conductor and female passenger (Allan King and DeeDee Roberts), with Captain Richards (George Gibbons) seeing her off. Joe College in a racoon coat with a flapper girl (Allan King and Nellie Hallstrom), the Ashley gang (Charles and George Gibbons), and lastly a 1943 U.S. Navy sailor and his bobby-socked girlfriend (Stan and Margaret Wisniewski). Narrated by Ada Coats Williams and written by Ed Swanson and Allan King.

 

1993-1994

 

Alyce Edgell- President

Elsa Sickler- 1^st Vice President

Deche Hamill- Treasurer

Marion Reed- Recording Secretary

Jeanette Willis- Corresponding Secretary

Marcie Hake- Parliamentarian

Frances Gibbons

Hertha Bisher- Commission Representative

Jack Meany

Larry Adams

Carolyn Jones

Lorena Bussey

Thomas Eliassen

Wendell K. Bishop

Lurene Gibbons

 

Membership was at 325 in March of 1994. Dennis Dawson agreed to chair the St. Lucie County History Fair. In February the Society honored the Museum volunteers with a dinner and awards. The Society lost six members in as many months these included Preston Burnett, Mary Coleman, George Gibbons and Bruce Roberts.

In the Spring of 1994, Alyce Cleveland Edgell our Society President, and her husband Robert Charles Edgell were lost in a double tragedy. Alyce had been an active participant in the Society, as well as the editor of the Historical Quarterly. Both these dedicated people poured their hearts into the preservation and promotion of our local history.

 

1994-1995

Carolyn Jones- President

Wendy Bishop- 1^st Vice President

Lurene Gibbons- 2^nd Vice President

Deche Hamill- Treasurer

Marion Reed- Recording Secretary

Jeanette Willis- Corresponding Secretary

Marcie Hale- Parlimentarian

Larry Adams

Hertha Bishop- Commission Representative

Lorena Bussey

Tom Eliassen

Charles Gibbons

Frances Gibbons

John (Jack) Meany

Elsa Sickler

The long awaited 192 page, 300,000 word, over 300 photo, Backus print covered-

A Portrait of St. Lucie County, Florida by Lucille Reiley Rights is completed. Publication is made possible with the help of Riverside Bank. Retail price is set at $30.00.

The Memorial Garden benefits by the addition of the "Florindia" mule watering trough. Donated by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Neill, the trough had been on the Edwin and Alice Stead Binney home site, bounded on the north by Indrio Road.

Sale of the First Christian Church brought to a close our many years of meeting there. We presented them with a plaque in appreciation for their hospitality. Fortunately, the Elks Club manager LeRoy Lamb made room for us at the same price.

The St. Lucie Historical Society Board as well as the Museum lost a productive friend in January of 1995. Jack Meany, in his commitment to the Museum also involved his wife Carolyn. He was a superb modeler and assisted in the efforts to recreate the town of Fort Pierce in scale for the Museum. Jack was thoughtful and considerate with much concern for the welfare of the museum.

 

1995-1996

 

Carolyn Jones- President

Wendy Bishop- 1^st Vice President

Carolyn Meany- 2^nd Vice President

Deche Hamill- Treasurer

Marion Reed- Recording Secretary

Kathy Gladwin- Corresponding Secretary

Marcie Hale- Parliamentarian

Lorena Bussey

Tom Eliassen

Charles Gibbons

Lurene Gibbons

Alma Carraway

Fern Blessing

Harold Holtsburg

Donald Moore

 

1996-1997

 

Carolyn Jones- President

Wendy Bishop-1st Vice President

Carolyn Meany 2^nd Vice President

Marion Reed- Recording Secretary

Deche Hamill-Treasurer

Larry Adams

Ferne Blessing

Lorena Bussey

Cathy Gladwin

Dennis Dawson

Tom Eliassen

Havert Fenn

Charles Gibbons

Lurene Gibbons

Marcia Hale

Harold Holtsburg

Harvey Smallman

 

 

1997-1998

 

Dennis Dawson- President

Wendy Bishop- 1^st Vice President

Carolyn Meany 2^nd Vice President

Allardyce Hamill- Treasurer

Marion Reed- Recording Secretary

Kathy Gladwin- Corresponding Secretary

Marcie Hale- Parliamentarian

Lorena Bussey- Historian

Larry Adams

Ferne Blessing

Havert Fenn

Charles Gibbons

Lurene Gibbons

Harold Holtsberg

Carolyn Jones

Harvey Smallman

 

Our Society had a booth at Party in the Park in November. A very festive Christmas Party was held at the Gardner House. During the Christmas event an auction of commissioned watercolors of historical sites in the County were offered as well as a painting by Susan Cassens. The Society paid $1,000 toward the fee for the Tuskegee Airman Exhibit to be shown at the Museum. Mr. Charles Hill Jr., who was a member of this famous group spoke at our January 20, 1998 meeting. He and his wife who had served as a 1^st Lieutenant in the WACS now live in Port St. Lucie. An adult History Camp was held in the spring.

 

1998-1999

 

Dennis Dawson- President

Marion Reed-Recording Secretary

Allardyce Hamill- Treasurer

Wendy Bishop

Ferne Blessing

Lorena Bussey

Judith Cox

Havert Fenn

Charles Gibbons

Kathy Gladwin

Marcie Hale

Harold Holtsberg

Maggie Minchew

Harvey Smallman

George Sparling

 

Ed Swanson announced he would be leaving on the 23^rd of October 1998, and a new director had not been found at that time. 

The Society worked with the Florida Humanities Council to produce a video on the life of Zora Hurston.  In May 1999, the Society joined the Confederation for the Preservation and Restoration of Historic Sites. 

1999-2000

 

Dennis Dawson- President

Wendy Bishop- 1^st Vice President

Maggie Minchew- 2^nd Vice President

Allardyce Hamill- Treasurer

Marion Reed- Recording Secretary

Kathy Gladwin- Corresponding Secretary

Marcie Hale- Parliamentarian

Lorena Bussey- Historian

Bill Blessing

Ferne Blessing

Debby Brothers

Charles Croghan

Havert Fenn

Charles Gibbons

Harold Holtsberg

Harvey Smallman

George Sparling

 

 

The Society participated in "Party in the Park" and co-sponsored the "Arts Along These Waters" cultural festival. The Society hosted a volunteer dinner, which was well received. Bill and Ferne Blessing, managers of the Pineapple Patch are forced to resign from their position due to Bill's ill health. Meetings were changed from the third Tuesday to the third Thursday of the month.

 

2000-2001

 

Dennis Dawson- President

Maggie Minchew- 2^nd Vice President

Allardyce Hamill- Treasurer

Glenn Carraway- Recording Secretary

Deborah Brothers- Corresponding Secretary

Charles Croghan- Parliamentarian

Rosetta Carraway- Historian

Kathy Gladwin

Harold Holtsberg

Rosalind Monahan

Harvey Smallman

LaRue Smallman

George Sparling

Jane Sparling

 

2001-2002

 

Dennis Dawson- President

Maggie Minchew- 2^nd Vice President

Allardyce Hamill- Treasurer

Glenn Carraway- Recording Secretary

Deborah Brothers- Corresponding Secretary

Charles Crogan- Parliamentarian

Rosetta Carraway- Historian

Rosalind Monahan

Patricia A. Foreman

George Sparling

Harvey Smallman

LaRue Smallman

Jane Sparling

Lorena Bussey

Marlene Sherwin

 

New board member Pat Foreman designer our booth at "Party In The Park VII". Held November 3, 2001 at Ft. Pierce Inlet State Recreation Area. The theme of the event, was of course, trees.

 

 

Pineapple Patch Manager, Kitty Hooper, mans our booth!

 

Society members participated in and enjoyed the "Freedom Schooner Amistad Visit" held December 6-15, 2001. Our County Historical Museum lent space for the visiting Amistad Exhibit. Close to 5000 people enjoyed a free tour through the ship as well as the Historical Museum.

Museum volunteers and staff prepare packets for school children.

L-R Norma Brandt, Rosalind Monahan Dee Dee Roberts, Charlie ,Una Wera, Ann Sinnott.

East Coast Lumber celebrated it's 100^th Anniversary with a special exhibit, which opened on May 10,2002.

 

 

Historical Society Board of Directors prepare culinary delights for members and special guests who attended the East Coast Lumber Exhibit opening.

L-R Deche Hamill, Kitty Hooper, Lorena Bussey,

Pat Foreman, Rosetta Carraway.

 

 

2002-2003

 

Patricia A. Foreman- President

Charles Croghan-1^st Vice President

Maggie Minchew-2^nd Vice President

Allardyce Hamill-Treasurer

Marion Reed-Recording Secretary

Marcie Hale-Parliamentarian

Tom Baumker-Historian

Lorena Bussey

Harold Holtsberg

Kitty Hooper

Rosalind Monahan

Marlene Sherwin

Michael Simone

LaRue Smallman

George Sparling

Jane Sparling

 

 

In May 2002 during the transition month, money was put aside for a new mannequin of Benjamin Pierce to be placed in the Museum Fort Room. In addition that month we held a reception at the Museum for the opening of the East Coast Lumber Centennial Exhibit.

Due to the efforts of Roz Monahan throughout the 2002-2003 season, we enjoyed a slate of exceptional speakers and special guests. The season's speakers were: George Blythe, Jim Moses, St. Lucie County Sheriff's Mike Colton and Ken Linstad, Michael Simpson with his Lincoln Park Academy Quartet, Jennifer Futch-Nash, Havert Fenn, Ramon Trias and Dr.Mulanax.

Our Society also participated in outside events. These events are a great opportunity for exposure of the Society’s purposes and communicates our commitment to the community. During this season we had booths at: Party in the Park, the Port Saint Lucie Fall Festival and the Port St. Lucie Historical Society’s Cowhunters and Native Americans Event. This past season we have developed 10 history "story boards", which can be used for several years at educational or exhibiting events.

The Society began two new "projects" this season. We awarded a Scholarship to a student attending Indian River Community College and hope to have the funds to do so each year. As we have for many years we again sponsored the local schools History Fair, but in February 2003 we awarded the first place winners Honorary Membership in the Society. Other activities of the Society included Museum events: Family Fun Day in conjunction with the opening of the "More than the Mouse Exhibit" and the Girl Scout "Her Story".

We worked with author Ada Coates Williams in an attempt to republish her A Brief History of St. Lucie County. She has put that project on hold until she is able to get a release from Arcadia Publishing, who published her latest book.

2003-2004

 

Patricia A. Foreman-President

Rosalind Monahan-1^st Vice President

Charles Croghan-2^nd Vice President

Charlotte "Fran" Mee-Treasurer

Jeanette Willis-Recording Secretary

Maggie Minchew-Corresponding Secretary

Harold Holtsberg-Parliamentarian

Lorena Bussey-Historian

Tom Baumker

Cathy Gladwin

Allardyce Hamill

Kitty Hooper

Michael Simone

Marlene Sherwin

George Sparling

Jane Sparling

On September 2, 2003 the Society was informed that a final distribution of $263,333.33 from the Ruth Hallstrom Trust would be transferred to our AG Edwards account by way of SunTrust stock. The Society will be forever grateful to our special benefactor.

The October Board meeting brought a request from Education Specialist Anne Sinnott and $500. was allocated for the Museums History on Tour (HOT) traveling trunk program. The Society participated in a very rainy Party in the Park event in the fall of 2003, we were one of the lucky groups, as we were in a covered area.

Three new name plaques were placed in the Memorial Garden in the spring of 2004, Donald Studholme, Ruth Hallstrom and Charles Gibbons. The Society also financed a historical video of Ms. Carlton Humphries presentation about cow hunter history, which was presented at one of the Museum’ educational programs for volunteers.

A scholarship for $1,800 was awarded to Nicole Andreoli a senior at Westwood High for the fall semester at IRCC.

2004-2005

 

Nancy Bennett

Lorena Bussey

Dell Cook

Charles Croghan

Patricia Foreman

Elinor Gersony

Kathy Gladwin

Allardyce Hamill

Harold Holtsberg

Kitty Hooper

James Macomber

Maggie Minchew

Rosalind Monahan

Marlene Sherwin

Michael Simone

 

 

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