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WINTER BEACH, FLORIDA
By Mike Miller June 14, 2021
Newcomers to Florida usually require quite some time to learn the names and locations of the well known towns with the word "Winter" in their names.
Winter Park, Winter Haven, Winter Garden, and Winter Springs come to mind. But history has almost forgotten Winter Beach.
Winter Beach is not much more than a name now with only a scattering of people living in the vicinity. It is on US Highway 1 about 6 miles north of mainland Vero Beach.
The US Census Bureau calls it the Winter Beach Census-Designated Place and says about 1,000 people live there.
The original name of this place was Woodley and it was founded in the late 1890s. The citizens changed the name to Quay in 1902 to honor US Senator Matthew S. Quay of Pennsylvania. Quay Dock Road is a current reminder of these days.
Senator Quay had introduced a bill in the Senate to widen and deepen the Indian River Lagoon as part of the Intercoastal Waterway.
The citizens of the area believed this project would be a great economic benefit to the community.
Senator Quay had a winter home in St. Lucie Village, a small settlement on the Indian River Lagoon north of Fort Pierce.
In 1922 the citizens once again decided the community needed a new name and in 1922 they came up with Winter Beach.
The slogan of the community was "Where Sunshine Spends the Winter".
Developers began work on a grand program to sell 8,000 lots in Winter Beach.
When Indian River County was established in 1925, Winter Beach was considered as a possible County seat but was passed over for Vero Beach because Vero was an incorporated city.
A current day reminder of this historic community is found on the barrier island across the Indian River.
Old Winter Beach Road is the northern boundary of the village of Indian River Shores, location of the historic and famous Johns Island Club.
The advertisement for the original Winter Beach development said it extended across the Indian River to the Atlantic Ocean, and mentioned the causeway spanned the Indian River and two islands.
A look at the modern aerial photo of this area shows the current 69th Street in Winter Beach extending to the Indian River.
It lines up perfectly with an overgrown cut across Hole in the Wall Island and Pine Island to the east and connects to the current location of Old Winter Beach Road on the barrier island.
This is all that remains of the wooden bridge and causeway that at one time connected Winter Beach to the barrier island.
Between Pine Island and the barrier island was a swing bridge that allowed boat traffic to pass by in the north-south direction.
The real estate boom collapsed in the late 1920s along with the developer's dream of a major new city, Winter Beach.
In 1946 the bridge was badly damaged in a fire, and in 1947 it was completely demolished and removed.
One reminder of the town's name is the nearby Winter Beach Cemetery, founded in 1908.
I was pleased recently to receive an email from a descendant of one of the founders of Winter Beach. She is also a member of the Winter Beach Historical Society. Here is what she wrote.
Hello Mike,
Thank you so much for the write-up on Vero Beach, Florida and Winter Beach.
I am Vice-President of the Winter Beach Historical Society.
My Grandfather, JJP Hamilton was instrumental in the planning of Winter Beach Estates with Mr. Braswell.
My grandfather was a big landowner, owned a general store and was on the first elected Board of County Commissioners.
My great-grandfather Edward Hamilton moved with his children from North-west Florida, Shady Groves to John's Island (Quay/Winter Beach) in 1905.
WBHS recently finished a mini-documentary for the Indian River Historical Society. My topic was Winter Beach Estates and the Cemetery.
We are working on our Winter Beach Historical Society Website now. It is up and running. www.wbhsinc.org.
I appreciate all you do to preserve Florida heritage.
Best regards,
Peggy Hamilton
OF INTEREST NEAR WINTER BEACH, FLORIDA
Jungle Trail
Sebastian
Vero Beach
The Old Wabasso Bridge Finds a Home at Walt Disney World
THINGS TO DO IN WINTER BEACH, FLORIDA
Winter Beach Salt Marsh
7000 65th St, Winter Beach, FL 32967
This expansive natural area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. The marsh provides a pristine environment for numerous bird species, making it a fantastic spot for photography and nature walks.
Our favorite activity is the guided eco-tours, which offer insights into the delicate ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts in preserving Florida’s natural habitats. The serene beauty and the sound of the natural world make every visit memorable.
Winter Beach Boardwalk
Indian River, Winter Beach, Florida
This picturesque boardwalk is perfect for leisurely strolls, offering breathtaking views of the river and its surrounding wildlife. Our favorite time to visit is at sunset when the sky is painted in vibrant colors, creating a tranquil and romantic atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for photographers or anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Winter Beach in peace.
Round Island Oceanside Park
2201 SR A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963 | (772) 589-2147
This beach park located just south of Winter Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists for its clear waters and wide variety of watersports available. Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Our favorite part is the guided kayak tours through the mangroves, where you can get up close with manatees and dolphins in their natural habitat. The park’s amenities and the friendly staff make every visit enjoyable and hassle-free.
The Vero Beach Train Museum
2336 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | (772) 778-3435
Nestled a short distance away in the heart of Vero Beach, this museum is housed in a meticulously restored 1903 Florida East Coast Railway depot, offering visitors a nostalgic journey into the golden age of rail travel.
Inside, you'll find a wealth of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that chronicle the rich history of railways in Florida and their impact on the region's development. This is also the home of the Indian River County Historical Society.
Our favorite feature is the model train display, which captures the imagination of both young and old with its detailed miniature landscapes and bustling miniature trains. The museum also hosts special events and train shows, adding to its charm and appeal.
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By Mike Miller, Copyright 2009-2024
Florida-Back-Roads-Travel.com
Florida Back Roads Travel is not affiliated with or endorsed by Backroads, a California-based tour operator which arranges and conducts travel programs throughout the world.
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