The Rich History of the Town of Orchid
Provided below are links to pages that give information from Town of Orchid's rich history. From early pioneers arriving to this untamed barrier island, to the cultivation of world-famous citrus groves, and ultimately luxury residential development, learn about who and what shaped the Orchid of today by looking at its varied past. History is a long, often winding road, that stretches ever farther behind whilst it paves the road ahead. The present is only the bridge between what we ought to have learned and what we'll learn still (or often, will learn again).
If you have photos that you'd like to share on our website that show Orchid as it changed and grew over the past century, please contact the Town Clerk for assistance (772) 581-2770.
A variety of sources have helped make this collection of historical information possible. Namely, the Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources, the Town's own archives (such as minutes, ordinances and also newspaper articles from Indian River News, Press Journal and 32963), interviews with Ann Zugelter, Emily McDonough and Anne Michael, the Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club's records, and Barbara Greenbaum’s files.
In the late 1800s Captain Frank Forster, who had had a sailing career that took him all over the world, was the first with a desire to make a home in the area where Town of Orchid is now located. He was only 29 years of age, but he had a vision for the area which at that point was still only accessible by boat - perfect for a sea captain ready to put down roots. He acquired land under the Homestead Act. The home he built was on the riverside of Orchid north of where the Wabasso bridge is now and had a long dock that extended into the lagoon from which he frequently fished.
In 1886 Stephen Kelita Michael was among the first settlers to purchase a piece of property from Captain Forster and to construct a family home on it. The building materials for the first homes had to be floated down the river from Titusville, as there was no physical connection yet between the mainland and Orchid Island. The first bridge was finally constructed in 1926 and was made of wood. Nevertheless, the residents of Orchid Island enjoyed postal service as early as 1887 and it was Captain Forster who served as first Postmaster to the area.
On May 12th, 1965, the Town of Orchid was incorporated. The prevailing reason for this small community to incorporate was to preserve the natural beauty of the area for future generations. According to the Indian River News at the time, the residents realized the historical and beautiful area had to be preserved; unwise development of the area could and probably would destroy its natural beauty, which a carefully planned expansion program would preserve.
In 1985, the Deerfield Groves Partnership purchased land owned by Deerfield Company (two separate, unrelated entities), most of which was within the boundaries of the Town of Orchid. The intent was to process and aggressively market the Orchid Island grapefruit. At the time the land use permitted in the Town of Orchid was quite restrictive permitting only eight living units per acre. Ideal for the citrus groves that still dominated the area, while the remainder of the barrier island in Indian River County had started to be developed.
On August 15th in 1991, residents in Orchid received a letter informing them a foreclosure suit was filed, because Robert Haines III faced financial hardship. Development in Orchid came to a halt and its future was momentarily uncertain. The facilities of the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club were closed and security services at the gated community became minimal.
By November 1991, the court appointed Vista Properties Management as the receiver of the Town’s land. Its president, John Kurtz, closed the sales office and began a comprehensive inventory of everything on the property. Meanwhile, the previous developer’s son, Robert Haines IV, who was no longer serving as Mayor, but still as a councilmember, failed to attend several Council meetings, favoring instead spending time in Connecticut with his father’s business. In December 1991, Emily Appleton was appointed to fill his seat on the Council.
On March 31, 2000, the Town of Orchid received official recognition from the US Postal Service and Orchid, FL 32963-9504 became an official mailing address. In March 2001, the Press Journal reported that the Town had grown by 1,300% in the last decade.
