VERO BEACH — On Saturday, May 7 beginning at 6 p.m., Vero Heritage, Inc. will honor the Schlitt family at its 12th Annual Pioneer Family Recognition Dinner. Each year, Vero Heritage, Inc. honors a family who has contributed to the growth and progress of Indian River County.
Those previously honored include the Sexton, Schumann, Michael, MacWilliam, Graves, Helseth, Vocelle, Zeuch, Cox, Gifford, Holman and Carter families
Louis Ludwig Schlitt, a German immigrant, married Maryanna Boland in 1892 and in 1918 moved from Missouri to Vero Beach along with three of their children, Cornelius, Al and Alma, in order to farm year round. In 1919 their sons, John and Leo joined the family in Vero Beach after serving in World War I and each started small family farms on US Highway 1 raising citrus, vegetables and cows.
The family was instrumental in helping to build St. Helen’s Church in 1919 and in the development of Jaycee Beach Park. The Schlitt family community involvement has also included, among others, the Boy Scouts, Lions Club, Rotary and United Way. They have contributed their time, talent and resources to the development of Indian River County.
Cocktails begin at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m., and a short program on the Schlitts’ contributions to Indian River County will follow dinner.
Tickets are $55 per person.
Funds raised by the event assist in the preservation of the landmark Heritage Center, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For reservations or to become a sponsor, call the Heritage Center at 772 -770-2263 or e-mail veroheritage@bellsouth.net.
