The early attraction had alligators, monkeys and a large bear named Alice. Janice Johnson's father, Ivy Cato, took care of the park and the zoo animals.
Indian River County native Edna MacPherson and her late husband shipped otter skins to Northern markets, where they were made into coats and hats. They made enough money that way to buy a couple of appliances for their home and pay for a power hook-up from Vero Beach.
Local interest in the 1948 gubernatorial race was intense, because both major candidates had strong local ties. Two Vero Beach men who supported opposing candidates bet a wheelbarrow ride and ice-cream cone on the outcome.
Jim Wilson often had several dollars to spend in downtown Vero Beach after selling the tasty tropical fruit and dividing the proceeds with his mother. The family's mango tree died after the area received a dusting of snow in 1977.
