1950s | City of Satellite Beach

The Founders of Satellite Beach

The Hedgecocks & Cousin Jimmy Caudle

Row 1: Irma (Hub), Percy, Annie (Shine)

Row 2: Birchal (Father), Hub, Helen (Percy), June & Shine

Jimmy (center) working with Hub (left) and Shine (right)

17 May 1958. The City Emblem is Launched

To promote the new town of Satellite Beach, a "satellite" was erected on A1A between Harwood and Glenwood Avenues. Brothers Shine and Hub Hedgecock along with cousin Jimmy Caudle, built a sphere made of sheet metal measuring five feet in diameter with metal cups attached to catch the wind and make the satellite rotate. On launch day, the PAFB Commander and other Space Program dignitaries were present to watch and participate in putting the satellite into orbit. As a tractor pulled the tower cables, a small charge of dynamite was detonated sending bundles of talcum powder into the air like smoke from a rocket engine. With the tower erect and secured, the satellite rotated in the breeze to the pleasure and amazement of the crowd. Unfortunately, the satellite remained aloft for less than a year (Mar 1959) with the tower succumbing to corrosion and high wind.

Pictured atop the tower on launch day is city resident Betty Atkins.

1958. First Restaurant Opens

The Skyline restaurant was built in 1957 by Dumont Smith for Charles Rodes and was located on the west side of A1A. The restaurant was operated and then later owned by Lou Pavlakos, SB Councilman from 1964-68. The Skyline was the first business/restaurant built in the city.

March 1959. Golf Fundraiser with Sam Snead

Sam Snead prepares to Tee off with Paul Pruitt and Hub Hedgecock. Hub's son Mark (far right) stands by as caddie for his Dad.

Local Attorney Frank Clark organized the benefit golf tournament with the goal of raising money to build the city's first Little League baseball field (Olson Field) and was played on the par-3 course located behind the Skyline restaurant. Participating golfers would play one round against world-renowned golfer Sam Snead whom had already won seven major tournaments including the Masters and PGA Championship. Each participating golfer donated $75 and $50 for their caddies. Ted Craver was one of the few golfers that shot a better round than the champ that day. "Slammin, Sammy" was known for his folksy image, wearing a straw hat, and keeping his nickels and dimes close. At the end of the day, Skyline Restaurant owner Lou Pavlakos purchased Snead's hat for $75 which he donated to the benefit. When it was time to pay Mr. Snead's fee, Lou presented the payment in a sealed tin can (the going joke was Snead buried his winnings in his back yard sealed in tin cans).

The land Olsen Field was built on was given to the city by the owners: Louis Olsen (largest % land owner), Jimmy Caudle, Percy and Shine Hedgecock. The building of Olsen Field was done by an all volunteer labor force led by the Hedgecock brothers.

Pictured here L - R : Unk, June Hedgecock, Sam Snead, Percy Hedgecock, Sam Snead and Lou Pavlakos, Frank Clark, and Ted Craver

Sam Snead and Lou Pavlakos