For Hometown news
MARTIN COUNTY --
The House of Refuge, Martin County's oldest building, will host a third annual holiday open house on Dec. 16 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The public is welcome to come enjoy historic holiday decorations, free admission to the House of Refuge, live bluegrass music, holiday shopping at the boathouse, refreshments and more. A free shuttle bus is provided from the Hutchinson Island Marriott starting at 11 a.m.
The Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge was one of 10 houses of refuge built along the sparsely populated east coast of Florida at a time when sailing ships dominated world commerce.
Constructed in 1876 on the St. Lucie Rocks, an outcropping of the Anastasia Formation that underlies much of Florida, it is the only house of refuge that remains.
In addition to showcasing historical lifesaving equipment, the House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar provides a look at turn-of- the-century living along the coast. Areas available for public viewing are the boathouse, kitchen, dining room, parlor, bedroom and a lookout tower constructed during World War II.
For more information about other upcoming events, the House of Refuge Lecture series and workshops visit www.houseofrefugefl.org or call (772) 225-1875.