Incorporation of the Town of Orchid
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. A local municipal government dedicated to the retention of the splendors of early Florida's natural beauty would best preserve the unspoiled area by enacting reasonable ordinances and promoting policies and procedures that would best serve the area.
There were only 7 registered voters residing in the new Town, which had been newly endowed with municipal powers and privileges by the State legislature.
On March 7th in 1966, the first Councilmembers were elected. George Lier was chosen as the first Mayor. In a statement to the Indian River News, he said; "The whole idea of the unhurried atmosphere of the ol' South being continued by the incorporation of the ‘Town of Orchid’ deeply appeals to me. I appreciate the efforts of my constituents in making it possible for me to be Mayor of a Town that will continue to be as naturally beautiful as it was when the pioneers first came here... a lovely area with Florida Sunshine and the resultant healthy atmosphere for work, play and rearing children... where the blue herons walk in the front yard and the big white cranes stand silently in the waters of the River.”
Ann Denby Michael served as the first Vice-Mayor and she said of Orchid; “It is my prayer that, in reactivating the ‘Community of Orchid’ as the ‘Town of Orchid’, we may remember to preserve its natural beauty for our children, their children and for the State of Florida.”
Jeannette Lier, Joe Michael and Helen Ryall, Sr. completed the first council (pictured left). The Town also had a Town Clerk, Louise Johnston. A local law firm, Gould, Cooksey and Fennell, provided the Town with legal counsel. As there was no regular meeting schedule right away, Mayor Lier (or three of the Councilmembers) could call a meeting with just two hours’ notice. For twenty years, a simple white river-cottage would serve as the Town Hall. Although one might be tempted to believe that this small and young Town was informal in its dealings; its Council had to abide by all the same rules and regulations as larger, more established municipalities did.
As a municipality of the State of Florida, Town of Orchid had power over its zoning and taxation. In 1967, the Town budgeted for expenses of $2,000 and collected $1,914.24 in taxes. Times sure have become more expensive since then!
