Browse Items (35 total)
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History of the Pioneer Voices Oral History recordings history, 1959-1996
Supporting material for the oral history collection of interviews done by Rush Hughes, including newspaper articles.
According to the short description including in the binder of transcriptions, this collection originated with the Historical Society of Martin County director Steve Schmidt, then after receiving a $1,000 donation in 1960, local announcer Rush Hughes was employed to make more recordings.
Tags Oral histories -
Addison Alexander Whiticar oral history interview transcription, 1960
Addison Alexander Whiticar (1885-1980) was interviewed on 6 July 1960 by Rush Hughes.
Details fishing industry from his 1917 arrival in Stuart, fishing techniques and equipment, and some experiences as a charter boat captain.Tags Oral histories -
Edward H. LeTourneau oral history interview transcription, 1960
Edward H. LeTourneau (1888-1973) was interviewed c. 1960 by Rush Hughes.
LeTourneau spoke about Thomas E. Richards (his grandfather) establishing the pineapple industry in about 1883 and its decline. Also provided are details on pioneer life, including using boats to get supplies in Titusville and how settlers would watch their barometers to predict hurricanes.
LeTourneau's father, Joseph Howard LeTourneau (1862-1938), was an early settler of Eden (near Jensen Beach), arriving in 1885 and soon after marrying Lucie Richards, the daughter of Thomas Richards.Tags Oral histories -
John E. Taylor oral history interview transcription, 1960
John E. Taylor II (1892-1972) was interviewed in 30 June 1960 by Rush Hughes.
Taylor recounts his arrival in Stuart, where he first secured a job at his future father-in-law's store before purchasing it a few years later. His career later expanded into politics and real estate, including the development of the Bit-Lor Apartments (named after himself and his business partner, Bittner).
He notes the detrimental impact the construction of the Cross State Waterway had on local fishing, with the muddy waters severely limiting the fish.
Taylor also shares a vivid personal account of his encounter with notorious outlaw John Ashley during the robbery of the Bank of Stuart, where Taylor was employed as a teller at the time.
Additionally, he provides insight into why the Flagler railroad ultimately did not extend to Sewall's Point, contrary to earlier plans.Tags Oral histories -
Mary Neal Taube and husband Arnold Taube oral history interview transcription, 1960
Mary Neal Taube (1895-1966) and husband Arnold Taube (1886-1976) was interviewed in 18 February 1961 by Rush Hughes.
Mary reflects on her father's dry goods store in Jensen Beach, highlighting his role as one of the town's early merchants. She also shares memories of local social events and her experiences attending school in Jensen. Arnold recounts the devastating Jensen fire of 1908 and offers insights into his life and work as a commercial fisherman.Tags Oral histories -
Louise Sorensen Schultz oral history interview transcription, 1960
Louise Sorensen Schultz (1879-1968) was interviewed in 1960 by Rush Hughes.
They discuss Schultz's family arriving in Jensen in 1889 and life in early Jensen. Recalls the opening of the inlet, picnics, fishing, Hugh Willoughby, Jensen School bell, and the Stuart Yacht Club.Tags Oral histories -
Margaret Backus Sawtell oral history interview transcription, 1960
Margaret Backus Sawtell (1907-1999) was interviewed on 5 May 1960 by Rush Hughes.
She is asked about her mother, Catherine Fallis Backus (1863-1955) and her flower farm. Also details surviving a hurricane, playing with the Terrill children from Mars Hill, having pet alligators, and social activities.Tags Oral histories -
Belle Simmons Ross oral history interview transcription, 1960
Belle Simmons Ross (1877-1968) was interviewed on 30 April 1960 by Rush Hughes.
Belle Simmons Ross moved to Martin County in 1890 at the age of 13 with her family, led by her father, Eli Simmons. Eli was both a farmer and boat builder, and Belle herself became a skilled boat captain.
In this interview, Ross reflects on life during the pioneer era. She shares memories of purchasing supplies in bulk, participating in community social events, keeping bees, and her family's interactions with Native American communities.Tags Oral histories -
Florence A Dyer Ricou oral history interview transcription, 1960
Florence A Dyer Ricou (1898-1982) was interviewed on 1 June 1960 by Rush Hughes.
They discussed the pineapple industry, her father Harry Dyer and Dyer family history, Fernhill Cemetery history, and daily life in early Martin County.Tags Oral histories -
Earl Julius Ricou oral history interview transcription, 1960
Earl Julius Ricou (1900-1984) was interviewed on 1 June 1960 by Rush Hughes.
They discuss Ricou family history, fishing in the early twentieth century, Gosling, the DeSteuben Dry Goods Store, Ricou's hardware store (Ricou Hardware), hurricane preparation, and Palm City as a Hungarian settlement.Tags Oral histories