Echoes of the Past: Martin County's Enduring Historic Treasures
Some old buildings are simply that – old buildings. But some are in a completely different category: integral parts of our history, filled with stories about the people who went before us, and therefore profoundly worthy of preservation.
As we celebrate Martin County’s 100th birthday this year, it's an especially poignant time to reflect on the historical buildings in our area and what they mean to us. For many, they are a living link with the past, reflecting how generations before us thought, lived, and worked. We can read about history, of course, but how truly exhilarating it is to stand in a place like the House of Refuge and vividly imagine what life was like on the untamed Treasure Coast, when settlers were few and terrifying shipwrecks frequently tossed crews into the unforgiving ocean.
Our very own House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar, still magnificently standing at 148 years of age (built in 1876), is the last of its kind from a network of ten such stations that once stretched along Florida's Atlantic coast. These havens provided food, medical attention, and safe shelter for shipwrecked sailors and travelers. Its remarkable endurance is thanks to the tireless efforts of the Martin County Historical Society, the dedicated Soroptimists of Stuart who spearheaded its initial preservation in the 1950s, and the continuous generosity of countless donors and volunteers who have maintained it over the years. It's actually County property – meaning you and I own it! That makes it our collective responsibility to preserve this irreplaceable landmark so that future generations can experience this tangible link to our rich maritime history.
The Golden Gate Building in Stuart is another cherished architectural gem, reflecting the Mission/Mediterranean Revival style popular in our region during the 1920s land boom. Constructed in 1925 as the centerpiece for the ambitious "Golden Gate" residential development, it served various roles, including a post office and even the town hall for the short-lived municipality of Port Sewall. After decades of neglect and falling into disrepair, this iconic structure was saved from demolition in the 1990s through dedicated community efforts. It was ultimately purchased by Martin County in 2002 and, after extensive restoration, now serves as a vibrant community hub: the Golden Gate Center for Enrichment, managed by House of Hope. This center provides vital resources like literacy classes, job training, and health education to the community.
A special shout-out to my friend Saadia Tsafarides, "Godmother of Golden Gate," who has been a tireless advocate and grassroots organizer, leading the charge for the neighborhood's preservation and revitalization. Her profound dedication was recently recognized with the "Preservationist of the Year" award, a well-deserved honor for her unwavering commitment to saving this historic landmark.
If you’ve enjoyed a concert at the historic Lyric Theatre, shared a meal at the charming Seminole Inn, or admired the grandeur of the Mansion at Tuckahoe while strolling through Indian Riverside Park, you too have experienced the invaluable efforts of those who protected and preserved our shared heritage.
However, these historic sites must be preserved properly, or they risk becoming mere movie sets or theme park attractions. The materials used in their preservation have to be accurate to the period, not something you might pick up at a big-box store. The individuals who undertake this work are true craftsmen and artists, not simply repairmen. They are charged with ensuring that what existed then exists now, as closely as possible, maintaining the authenticity and integrity of these irreplaceable treasures.
We owe it to future generations to do the right thing by our historical buildings and preserve their legacy – a powerful promise to make to ourselves as we celebrate Martin County at 100.
Stacy Weller Ranieri's opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.