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• • <br />PROCLAMATION <br />HONORING PELICAN ISLAND <br />ON ITS NINETY-EIGHTH BIRTHDAY <br />WHEREAS, in 1882 when Paul Kroegel and his father came to homestead <br />across from Pelican Island, Newhaven was the name given to the post office and <br />area. Schooners and steamboats carried passengers and goods on the Indian <br />River. Reverend Thomas New, who founded Newhaven, also attempted to dig an <br />inlet from the Indian River to the Ocean, and <br />WHEREAS, in 1884 the name of the post office was changed to Sebastian, <br />and the Flonda State Census of 1885 listed six heads of households Fishing, citrus <br />and winter vegetables were the main crops, and in 1885 the Honda East Coast <br />Railroad brought tourists, who supported the booming fishing industry; and <br />WHEREAS, the rich beauty and bountiful harvest from the Indian River also <br />attracted the interest of scientists and photographers. Paul Kroegel grew concerned <br />about the birdlife of the tiny Pelican Island and by 1903 he had convinced President <br />Theodore Roosevelt to establish by Executive Order the first National Wildlife <br />Refuge. Paul Kroegel became its first warden and today Sebastian and Pelican <br />Island are important parts of Indian River County. <br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY <br />COMMISSIONERS, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA that the Board extends <br />heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Pelican Island for a Very Happy Ninety- <br />eighth Birthday, and looks forward to its Centennial Celebration. <br />Adopted this 6th day of March, 2001. <br />BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS <br />INDIAN RIVER COUNTY FLORIDA <br />Caroline D. Ginn, Cf'(airman <br />March 6, 2001 <br />5 <br />Bpj <br />7 26.} <br />v� <br />