Ever heard of Charles Gilbert Redstone? This guy’s journey from Canada to Florida is straight out of an adventure tale. Back in 1911, with no roads to guide him, he navigated through untouched wilderness to what we now know as Vero Beach. He wasn’t alone, though; his sons, B.T. and Ray, were right there with him, setting up a sawmill that would help build the town from the ground up. That’s how the foundation of Vero Beach was laid, one log at a time.
Charles and his sons weren’t just passing through; they were on a mission to make something out of the wilderness. Their sawmill wasn’t just a business; it was the start of a community, supplying the lumber to build the first homes and businesses in Vero Beach. They were literally building the town from the ground up, plank by plank.
By the time 1925 rolled around, Vero Beach was on the brink of something big. Charles had taken a step back, letting his son B.T. take over the reins of the sawmill. That year was huge for Vero Beach: they built the first bridge to the barrier island, linking the town to new opportunities and officially putting Vero Beach on the map. And, with a little trip to Tallahassee, they even got Indian River County recognized. Big moves for a small town!
Charles wasn’t just about building stuff; he also had a hand in shaping the community. As the first president of the city council, he was all about laying down the laws and guidelines that would help Vero Beach grow in the right direction. And his personal life? Well, it was just as eventful. After his first wife, Anna (also known as Angelina), he married Emma Watts. Life was always moving for Charles.
Even after stepping back, Charles kept tabs on the town, staying connected to Vero Beach until at least 1935, as far as records show. His legacy is more than just the buildings and the streets; it’s the spirit of a community built from nothing but a vision and hard work.
When you think about the early days of Vero Beach, Charles Gilbert Redstone and others like him are at the heart of its story. Their tales go beyond just building structures; they embody the essence of what can be achieved with a mix of vision, hard work, and resilience. These pioneers laid the groundwork for the vibrant community Vero Beach has become today.
Do you have a piece of Vero Beach history to share? We’d love to hear it. Whether it’s a story passed down through your family, an old photograph, or a bit of local lore, share it with us on our Facebook page. Your contributions help paint a fuller picture of Vero Beach’s rich past, and we’re all about celebrating every piece of history that has shaped our community. Let’s keep the conversation going and dive deeper into the stories that make Vero Beach unique.
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