I n O c t o b e r o f 1 8 9 0 ,
the vast territory of Cape Canaveral was purchased by a few wealthy graduates of Harvard University. The young alumni formed a trust to create Brevard county’s first private country club for the rich and famous. The November 28, 1890 issue of the East Coast Advocate introduced its readers to the new club as follows:
It embraces many bayous, creeks, ponds, peninsulas and islands, and will prove one of the very best selections that could have been made for the purpose for which it is intended—a game preserve, particularly for duck shooting. The Club is composed of some of the most solid young men of Boston, several of them being millionaires. The corporation will be very exclusive—in fact is so already; the membership fee is $5,000….
The bluebloods purchased nearly 18,000 acres of Cape Canaveral and the peninsula north of Merritt’s Island “at the average price of about one dollar per acre.” Plans to construct appropriate quarters were not hindered by any lack of money.
The main lodge was three stories tall with twenty rooms for members and guests. The club featured a large dining room, a wine cellar and a trophy room, and plenty of storage for arms and ammunition. In the distance, more modest outbuildings provided shelter for butlers and maids. The private grounds were graced with a swimming pool, and at the water’s edge the shallow-draft steam yacht, Canaveral, awaited the hunter’s call. Atop the lodge, there was a spectacular view of both ocean and wildlife that flocked to the surrounding marsh. Still off limits, the site is now home to NASA’s launch-pad 39A.
More early history of the Cape: the first rocket launch of Hitler’s V-2.
Sources:
Eriksen, John M. Brevard County, Florida : A Short History to 1955
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North Brevard Historical Society