Waldo Sexton arrived in Vero Beach in 1913, not with blueprints and contractors, but with a head full of dreams and a passion for the extraordinary. The result? The Driftwood Inn is a unique structure unlike any other, and just one piece of the legacy left by this colorful entrepreneur.
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Sexton, founder of McKee’s Jungle Gardens, didn’t believe in straight lines or conventional methods. He envisioned a sprawling haven built from cypress logs and salvaged treasures, and that’s precisely what he created. Using “voice command only,” he guided crews into shaping the inn – a two-story wonder with balconies galore, uneven floors mimicking waves, and a charming disregard for right angles.
But the magic wasn’t just in the structure. Sexton embarked on a mission to fill his creation with a “Menagerie of Monstrosities” – a delightful mishmash of curios collected from far and wide. Ship’s wheels, cannons, antique chests, and plush sofas – these were just a few pieces in his eclectic orchestra of objects. Europe and local Florida towns alike surrendered their treasures to his vision.
And then there were the bells. A vast collection, some from Mexican missions, others from legendary locomotives like Virginia’s Old 97, and even one belonging to Harriet Beecher Stowe. Ringing a bell at the Driftwood became a tradition, with the number of clangs measuring one’s popularity.
Sexton, a master storyteller, reveled in sharing his collection. Tours became legendary, filled with fantastical tales about each object. One visitor, entranced by his performance, returned for a second tour, only to discover entirely new stories spun for the next group. When confronted, Sexton declared, “Madame, I’d rather be a liar than a bore any day!”
Sexton’s legacy extends far beyond the Driftwood. He was a developer, an agriculturalist, and a dreamer who left an indelible mark on Vero Beach. The “Menagerie of Monstrosities” remains a testament to his eccentric spirit, a reminder that sometimes, the most captivating creations are born from unconventional visions and a touch of delightful storytelling.
