SEBASTIAN — Descendents of pioneer families, friends and history buffs alike attended the unveiling of the latest book in the Sebastian Area Historical Society’s “Tales” series – “Even More Tales of Sebastian” – at Squidly’s Books Sunday afternoon, listening to stories of old and swapping their own.
“We are able today to link the past of Sebastian to the Sebastian of today,” said Sebastian Area Historical Society President Phil Bova, kicking off a short lecture about the book.
Longtime Sebastian families date back to as early as 1816, he said.
Bova was in charge of interviewing 25 or so families for this third installment.
“I was very, very privileged to be a part of it,” he said.
Transcribing Bova’s notes and typing up the stories was Wilma Bertling.
“We never could have done it without Wilma,” said Bud O’Neill.
The stories she transcribed included that of Doug Kroegel, grandson of the famed Paul Kroegel who was the “first true protector” of wildlife.
“Many people hadn’t heard of Sebastian,” Bova said, “but they heard of Pelican Island.”
There’s a story about the Taylor family, which dates back to 1939, producing the first barber in Sebastian.
There are tales about the Food Town Supermarket, owned by the Chesser family.
Metta Chesser Keen contributed to the story.
“I was glad to be a part and give input into the book,” Keen said, adding that she, of course, immediately thought of details she wished she had included and other details she probably should not have shared.
“I haven’t read it yet,” she said when asked how her family’s story turned out.
Other stories shared in the collection include one from Archie Joe Warren, grandson of Archie Smith, who ran a fish house along Indian River Drive for 50 years.
Alfred Conniff shared a story about what it was like to be a kid in Sebastian during World War II, practicing for air raids and looking for German U-boats in the lagoon.
“Some of you who are long in the tooth and gray in the beard might remember,” Bova teased the audience of about 75 people.
In the audience was Etta Perron, whose fiancé, Billy Ocker, contributed photos to the book.
“It’s a beautiful community,” Perron said, explaining she wants to share that beauty with others.
Perron picked up three copies of the book to give to family and friends as Christmas gifts.
“I might as well get a jump on Christmas shopping,” she said.
Marcia Bassett and Joan Clinton attended the book signing for a different reason. Their friend, June Fenty, contributed a poem about Sebastian.
Bassett said they wanted to have Fenty sign their copies and show her support.
“I think we’re going to enjoy the book, too,” Clinton added.
Copies of the book are available for $20 at the Sebastian Area Historical Society, the North County Library, and the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call the Historical Society at (772) 581-1380 or visit 1235 Main St., Sebastian, Tuesday through Thursday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
