INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Bigger and better; shiny and new – it’s the American way. Sadly though, when longstanding buildings are destroyed in the name of progress, a little bit of American culture often vanishes as well.
Local landmark buildings saved from the wrecking ball, as well as those gone forever, were highlighted earlier this month at A Heritage Celebration: If These Walls Could Talk, to benefit Vero Heritage Inc., which manages the Heritage Center and Citrus Museum.
The Heritage Center has served as a central gathering spot since 1935 and was itself rescued from the brink of disaster just a short time ago after public outrage halted its demise.
Historical groups manned tables under photo banners hanging from the ceiling, and back-to-back Walls of Fame and Shame displayed photos of buildings both protected and demolished.
Additionally, the family of the late B.T. Cooksey brought along the collection of vintage photographs and rare postcards he began collecting about 50 years ago, and four local authors spoke about their books on the area.
“I’m a new resident to Vero; I’m really enjoying this,” said Melinda Murphy, as she perused Hall of Fame photos. “I’ve lived in historic homes all my life. I lived in New England in a home built in 1770 before coming down here.”
Visitors each went home with a collection of printed histories, stories and photos of historical buildings, thanks particularly to the efforts of Pam Cooper, Florida History and Genealogy Supervisor at the main library; Janie Gould, Vero Heritage board member and fifth generation Floridian; and Anna Jackson Brady, Historic Preservation Commission Vice Chair, and City of Vero Beach Historic Preservationist.
“Adaptability is the name of the game,” said Ruth Standbridge, Indian River County Historian. “A lot of our buildings have adopted uses.”
In addition to the multi-purpose Heritage Center, other examples include the Fellsmere School, built in 1916, which now houses Fellsmere City Hall, a Boys and Girls Club and is home to the Fellsmere Frogleg Festival.
The Farmers Bank, built in 1925 has been Vero Furniture Mart since 1986, and the Macedonia Church, built in Sebastian 1908 by workers on the Flagler Railroad was moved to Gifford, slated to become a Black History Museum.
“When the hurricanes came, our old buildings really held their own; a lot of the new ones didn’t hold up,” said Sandridge. “It’s a testimonial to how they were built and why we should save them.”
Examples of homes that have withstood the test of time include the Orchid School, offered in 1917 by A. B. Michael to the then St. Lucie County School Board for use as a school.
Located on the river in Wabasso and still in Michael family hands, A. B. Michael’s great-great-granddaughter now lives there.
The 1921 Beaumont House in Riomar has been home since childhood to J.J. Wilson, who brought along a few historical goodies, including a 1956 telephone directory.
“It’s just because we’re so disorganized in our house that we still had it,” laughed Wilson.
Many in the crowd of longtime Vero residents got a kick out of looking up their old family phone numbers. Elizabeth Graves Bass pointed out that because their numbers were similar; they frequently got misdialed calls directed to the historic Vero Theatre.
Also known as Florida Theater, the 14th Avenue building is another hallmark of the downtown area.
“This is history,” said Wilson, adding with her customary wit, “History is the true story with a little hyperbole thrown in.”
