Browse Items (35 total)
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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 -
Judge Harry Frazier Dyer oral history interview transcription, 1960
Judge Harry Frazier Dyer (1910-1984) interviewed on 6 June 1960 by Rush Hughes.
Dyer details his family's history in the area, growing up in Stuart, hunting, St. Lucie canal's effect on fishing and its failure to bring economic prosperity to Stuart.Tags Oral histories -
Lacy C. Kickliter oral history interview transcription, 1960
Lacy C. Kickliter (1882-1961) was interviewed on 30 April 1960 by Rush Hughes.
Topics discussed include the social life of early Stuart, including meeting the train and having picnics, techniques of fighting mosquitos, and the pineapple industry. Also details being sequestrated for jury duty in Miami for three weeks in about 1903.
Lacy C. Kickliter was the tax collector for Martin County for many years.Tags Oral histories -
Lizzy M. Beyer oral history interview transcription, 1961
Interview conducted on 18 Feb 1961 by Rush Hughes with Lizzie Ludwig Beyer (1882-1969), who owned the Little Dixie Restaurant in Stuart. Interview details how her husband worked for the Ashley Gang when they first arrived in the area
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 -
Lucien S. Gregorie oral history interview transcription, 1960
Lucien S. Gregorie (1874-1963) interviewed on 30 April 1960 by Rush Hughes.
Gregorie became a resident of Palm City in 1914. He speaks mainly about being a citrus farmer.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 -
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 -
Mizell George Platt Sr. and Edna Winifred Roebuck Platt oral history interview transcription, 1960
Mizell George Platt Sr. (1894-1973) and Edna Winifred Roebuck Platt (1900-1984) were interviewed on 25 November 1960 by Rush Hughes.
Mr. Platt recounts his family's move from Pine Level in DeSoto County to Indiantown in 1898 in search of open range for cattle ranching. His father, an early settler and rancher, drove approximately 3,000 cattle across the state and became the first white settler in the area, previously inhabited only by Native Americans. Mr. Platt describes their interactions with local Indigenous communities, the establishment of a post office named "Annie," and the development of infrastructure such as the Stuart-Annie Road, later known as Gaines Highway.
Mrs. Platt offers insight into life in Tropical Farms near Stuart, where her family operated a general store and steamboat on the Kissimmee River. She reflects on the self-sufficient lifestyle of the time, including homegrown food, bulk goods ordered from Jacksonville, home remedies, and traditional courtship customs. Transportation was primarily by horse, oxen, and boat.
Tags Oral histories -
Pennie Fort King oral history interview transcription, 1960
Pennie Fort King (1893–1986) was interviewed by Rush Hughes on June 6, 1960.
Discussion primarily focused on her experiences with household management, cleaning, and cooking. She also spoke about the limited social life in early Stuart and shared memories of her childhood neighbor, Ma Ashley of the Ashley Gang.Tags Oral histories