From the collection
Brass Bed Warmer
On cold winter nights before central heating, families relied on humble tools like this brass bed warmer to make their beds comfortable,…
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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
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Illustrious 19th century actor had plans for Hobe Sound
MARTIN COUNTY — Probably few, if any, people in Martin County know much about Joseph Jefferson, a famous internationally recognized theatrical actor…
From the collection
Aunt Jemima Coin Bank
This cast-iron coin bank captures a piece of American advertising history from the early 20th century, when branded merchandise transformed everyday objects…
Vignette
Remembering the anti-polio campaign in Martin County
MARTIN COUNTY — Throughout history contagious disease, epidemics and plagues have adversely affected mankind. Zika, ebola and dengue fever have presented health…
From the collection
VHS Tape Portrait of Hutchinson Island
This VHS tape captures a visual portrait of Hutchinson Island, the barrier island that forms Stuart's eastern edge and has long drawn…
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War plane and sub spotters: The story of civilian defense
MARTIN COUNTY — The U.S. declared war on Germany and Japan on Dec. 8, 1941, a day after the Japanese bombing attack…
From the collection
Washingtons Appeal (hardbound book)
This signed copy of *Washington's Appeal* came into the hands of Captain Francis Adams, a figure connected to Stuart's maritime heritage during…
Vignette
The story of McFarlan and the glass plate negatives
In April 1895 the very young village of Stuart had only a few early pioneer settlers along the St. Lucie River. Further…
From the collection
Small Cedar Box – Womens Club Stuart, Florida
This modest cedar box, imprinted with the mark of Stuart's Women's Club, holds a piece of the civic spirit that shaped our…
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‘Ugly Wild Bill’s’ Indian Village and Zoo was once a famous tourist attraction in Martin County
Most every small town has its colorful and memorable characters and Hobe Sound was no exception. In the late 1920s, William “Bill”…
From the collection
Charter for City of Stuart
In 1933, as Stuart emerged from the Great Depression, the community formalized its identity by adopting this city charter, the legal foundation…
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Roebuck — a prominent family of Stuart
Few structures in Martin County have been ‘reincarnated’ for different businesses for as long a period of time as the Roebuck Building…