Evelyn Briggs Smith: "Happy Creek" Merritt Island

Описание: You are watching an interview of Evelyn Briggs Smith, who was born in Titusville, Florida in 1926 and was raised in north Merritt Island, Florida. This interview features abundant information on the lifestyle of early pioneers in Brevard County, as well as personal stories of the Briggs and Benecke families. Evelyn’s father’s family the Briggs, who were originally from Michigan, worked as commercial fishermen in the area. Her mother was a member of the Benecke family, who were settlers from Germany. Her mother was raised in a unique location in north Merritt Island called “Happy Creek,” which was named for the moonshine that was once distilled on its shores. Evelyn discusses many fond memories of her relatives, including her grandfather who made musical instruments, guns and boats, her mother Lena who would catch alligators to sell to tourists, as well as her Uncles Herman Ray and Carroll June, who operated a hunting and fishing guide service in the area.

This interview also includes discussion of her family’s locally sourced diet consisting of wild game meats, home grown vegetables, honey, and other more unusual fare like sea turtle, sea cow, and sea grapes. Evelyn also mentions her school days at Wilson School in Titusville, which was a one-room schoolhouse servicing the local families. There is a focus on the idea of “home” as being the focal point for social interactions, with Evelyn describing her family’s house as a gathering place to play games and socialize. The realities of cold winters, hard work, and dangerous wildlife, like rattlesnakes, alligators and wildcats, are also discussed. Thus, the unspoiled beauty of the local area, such as the phosphorescent Indian River, was always balanced by hard work and vigilance. Evelyn highlights this pioneer mentality of always carrying a gun and being prepared as a main theme in this interview that spotlights the difficult, but rewarding lifestyle of Brevard’s early settlers.

For transcripts of videos and more information, please visit our website at: www.brevardfl.gov/HistoricalCommission/OralHistoryProject