VERO BEACH — Long-time Orchid Island resident Anne Denby Michael will recount stories of the old Orchid School on Saturday, November 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hallstrom House in Vero Beach. Her presentation is the second in the series “Telling Tales” sponsored by the Indian River County Historical Society.
“There were three schools over the years for the community of Orchid,” says Michael, “beginning in about 1888.” The third and last schoolhouse was built in 1913 and served the community from 1914 until about 1926. The one-room building, made of cypress with yellow pine flooring, is now a private home in the Orchid neighborhood.
The Hallstrom House is the perfect setting for tales of the school because Ruth Hallstrom was the last teacher at the Orchid School in the mid-1920s. Michael will recount Ruth’s adventures as a teacher, along with other stories of the community of Orchid.
Weather permitting, the event will be held outside on the lawn. If you plan to attend, bring along a lawn chair to set under the trees and enjoy this lively and enlightening glimpse into our community’s past.
The Hallstrom House is located at 1723 Old Dixie Highway SW in Vero Beach. Tickets for “Front Porch Tales” are $15 for Historical Society members and $20 for non-members.
Information or to reserve tickets: Call the IRCHS office at 772/778-3435 or email indianriverhisto@bellsouth.net.