Indian River County Historical Society

06/14/2026

Landscaping Restoration Update!

The restoration efforts are still going strong!

Yesterday, Jack & Son's Tree Service came back to trim the Indian Coral Tree and remove the dead trunks from the Sycamore tree.

Both of these trees are original to the property and have certainly stood the test of time!

The Hallstrom House is open today, stop by, take a tour of the House and walk the property with our knowledgeable Docents!

Hours:
Today - 1-4
Wednesday - 10-4

06/11/2026

Today, we are moving forward with our renovations at the Hallstrom House, concentrating on the landscaping. Trimming began yesterday and will proceed over the next few days to address damage caused by the winter freeze, as well as trees that have not received care in years.

Jack Buckner, the owner of Jack & Son's Tree and Lawn Service, evaluated the landscaping identified which trees required trimming and removal.

The crew started on the palm tree by the Pineapple bed which will provide more direct sunlight!

The Hallstrom House hours are:
Wednesdays - 10-4
Sundays - 1-4

06/04/2026

When Ruth's mother Emely died, her last wishes were: take Ruth back to Sweden to meet her family, educate her, and Travel the world. Her father, Axel, kept those promises. The family would travel back and forth to Sweden and Axel and Ruth traveled extensively to places in Europe, and Ruth made trips to Asian countries.

In this photo, Axel and Ruth were on an adventure to parts unknown!

Axel was always on crutches due to a severe burn he received at the age of 10, working on the family farm in Sweden. Finally, when he was 70 years old he had to have his leg amputated.

To learn more about the family and their life as pioneers we invite you to experience a Docent led tour.

The Hallstrom House Museum and Farmstead is open on Wednesdays from 10-4 and Sundays from 1-4.

05/28/2026

Exciting Update from the Historical Society!
Our dedicated volunteers have been tirelessly working to open the Train Station this summer. However, due to some necessary building repairs, the renovation of the Exhibit has experienced a slight delay.

But here’s the good news!

We will be open on July Fourth for an exclusive sneak peek at the progress made so far. While you enjoy the Classic Car show in the adjacent parking lot, be sure to swing by the Train Station for a special glimpse!

05/17/2026

Come on by today from 1-4!

05/16/2026

05/13/2026

The Historical Society has professionally produced a series of mini-documentaries about the history of Indian River County
Enjoy this installment, "The War Years".

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/13/2026

The Midsummer night is filled with magic
The Christian tradition of celebrating the prophet St. John the Baptist coincides with the summer solstice. In Northern Europe, this date is still marked by bonfires and festivities.

From the late Middle Ages, Swedes began raising and dancing around a Midsummer pole. Decorating it with flowers and greenery is called 'maja', which is why it's also known as a maypole.

Back in Sweden’s agrarian past, the Midsummer night was believed to be a time of magic and mystery. Plants were said to gain healing powers, and rituals were used to predict the future. One such tradition involved picking seven different kinds of flowers and placing them under your pillow to dream of your future spouse. But don’t say a word while picking them – silence is key, or the magic won’t work.

Walking barefoot in the dew as night turned into dawn was thought to promote good health. Wearing a wreath of flowers symbolised fertility and rebirth. To preserve the flowers’ powers, many dried their bouquets and even placed them in the Christmas bath to keep the family healthy through the long winter.

Today, Midsummer is about celebrating that the best part of the year still lies ahead.

Experience a traditional Swedish Midsommer on June 20th, 11-3 at the Hallstrom House!

05/10/2026

Enar Hallstrom founded the Oslo Flying Circus. Can anyone identify the young men in these photographs, as well as any information or stories you may have about the Club. We know they gathered at the back of the property, but can you tell us the specific location?
The newspaper article identifies Enar and his companions as Ray Meredith, Enar, Warren Stocker and Fred Yount.
There is no date on the news article, guessing early 1950's?

05/08/2026

At the tender age of four, Ruth experienced the loss of her mother, Emely. Although their time together was brief, Ruth remembered that “everything changed” after her passing.

To support Ruth, her Aunt Johanna, who was her father's sister and a thriving businesswoman in Chicago, made the decision to relocate to Florida and help raise her.

One can only envision Johanna’s reaction upon arriving in Florida, a stark contrast to her life in Chicago.

Ruth and Auntie, as she was called, shared a deep bond, and with the support of other influential women, Ruth grew into a strong, independent figure and an inspiration to everyone who crossed her path.

This Mother’s Day, take a moment to celebrate the women who embraced motherhood.

The Hallstrom House hours this Sunday are 1pm-4pm.
Stop by, we would love to tell you their story!