Organizers of the third annual Pineapple Party at the historic Hallstrom Farmstead didn’t let last Saturday’s intermittent showers dampen the day as a steady stream of visitors came to view the stately home and grounds where Swedish horticulturist Axel Hallstrom established his pineapple plantation in 1909. Members of the Indian River County Historical Society have lovingly maintained the home since 1999 when it was bequeathed to them by Axel’s daughter, Ruth Hallstrom.

“Three years ago, a relative of the Hallstroms in Fort Pierce had some offshoots of the original pineapple plants and asked if we wanted some of them. So we went down and got them,” said event coordinator Mary Frances Womack, pointing to a bed of plants that now includes the originals and newer ones contributed by members.

“We love the Hallstrom House and we love having this event; not liking the rain though,” said Womack.

A couple of antique cars graced the front lawn and tents in the backyard were set up for visitors to enjoy music by Blue Cypress Blue Grass and Goin’ Vinyl while chowing down on pulled pork and chicken. Other tents housed members of the Vero Beach Art Club displaying their work, children’s activities and face painting, a silent auction and pineapple ‘swan’ carving demonstrations. Jonathan Turner of Jones Turner, the landscape firm that manages the Hallstrom Farmstead and other historic properties, explained how to grow pineapples and gave out ornamental plants.

The landmark 100-year-old house reopened Aug. 1 following a six-month renovation necessitated after a chunk of plaster in the parlor came crashing down.

“The challenge was it had to be plastered and we wanted to make sure it was anchored,” said John Woods. “The original plaster was horsehair and we couldn’t do that anymore, but there were some techniques that were available that a few people were aware of. So getting the plaster and the people who knew how to do it was the challenge.”

Local resident Jerry Ripple was up to the challenge and, after they discovered the ceiling in the dining room was also beginning to bow, fixed the ceiling in that room as well with, as Woods described it, “a technique that will last us, we hope, for another 100 years.” In addition to the ceiling, beveled glass to repair a broken window needed to be shipped from England.

Hallstrom House is open for tours 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and the last Saturday of the month. For more information, visit irchistorical.org.

Photos by: Gordon Radford