Vignette
The story of the Rohrbachs’ Laurchar Lunch Room
In the 1930s and ’40s, small diners or fast food establishments could be profitable business ventures along the country’s highways, catering to…
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Stuart History
The people, places, events and buildings that shaped our town, from its pioneer days to today. Each page gives a short answer first, then the full story with sources you can check.
Stuart History list
Video
Potsdam to Stuart: Celebrating 100 Years
Before the arrival of Henry Flagler's railway in the late nineteenth century, South Florida was a largely empty region where travel relied…
From the collection
Doll
This handmade doll belonged to Lily Efferding and has been cherished for 125 years, traveling through generations as a treasured companion. Dolls…
Vignette
1928 Hurricane destroys city incinerator
The hurricane of Sept. 16, 1928 was especially destructive and devastating to the little town of Stuart. Many buildings, shops and homes…
Video
The History of Martin County
Established in 1925, Martin County evolved from a wild landscape of pine woods and swamps into a thriving hub driven by ambitious…
From the collection
Bicycle
This high-wheel bicycle represents the daring spirit of the 1880s, when such contraptions, with their enormous front wheel and tiny rear wheel,…
Vignette
Lamb’s Pet Farm, Miller’s Poodle Pagoda
Through the years, many Martin Countians have raised animals for profit, while others simply enjoyed owning a pet. In the late 1950s…
Video
Historical Markers Dedication Ceremony
To celebrate the city's centennial milestone, Stuart Main Street introduced an engaging public art initiative featuring ten custom-crafted sailfish statues to highlight…
From the collection
Harry Dyer Sketch
Flora Frazier Dyer captured her husband Harry in this intimate sketch, preserving a moment of their life together in early Stuart. The…
Vignette
Archibald Alvin Hendry Jr., entrepreneur, Part 2
A.A. ‘Buck’ Hendry was a no-nonsense man of many accomplishments and successful business ventures. By the mid-’50s, he had renovated and improved…
Video
Confusion Corner on the National News, 1970s
This historic broadcast humorously profiles a famously chaotic traffic intersection in Stuart, Florida, known as "Confusion Corner," where seven roads and a…
From the collection
Harry Dyer Framed colorized photo
Harry Armstrong Dyer's portrait, lovingly colorized and framed by his wife Flora Frazier Dyer, captures a moment of Stuart's early community at…