1960s | City of Satellite Beach

1960. Little League Champs

Satellite Beach's first Little League team wins the Eau Gallie Little League Championship by going undefeated in the final tournament and finishing the seaon with a 14-2 record. The champs have been playing together for only two years under the constant supervision of Hub and Shine Hedgecock, who never missed a practice or game. Following the teams victory, the boys were guests of Mayor Percy Hedgecock for ice cream and Coke at the Skyline Restaurant.

R1: Ricky Wickell, Tommy Bruno, Johhny Moore, Johnny Pavlakos (batboy), Randy Hedgecock (mascot)
R2: Coach Shine Hedgecock, Pat Casey, Mike Guider, Ricky Ponazeh, Garly Noll, John Clark, Paul Belcher, Mark Hedgecock, Mark Miller, Coach Hub Hedgecock.

April 1961. City Hall Built

The first City Hall and Fire Department were all housed in one building and built on land donated by Percy Hedgecock. The entire complex cost the city $20,000 and was built in 4 months by all volunteer labor. The structure housed council chambers, town clerk, building inspector, fire and police chief offices. Mayor Hedgecock was the driving force behind the planning and construction of the new SB City Hall.

May 1961. Members of the SB Volunteer Fire Department

The original volunteers of the Fire Dept were members of the cities founding families and local construction workers building homes in Satellite Beach. The Fire Department was manned by an all-volunteer force from 1957-1963 until the first paid firefighter, Harold Eskew, was hired.

R1: Jack Smith, Dumont Smith, Al Donaker, Shine Hedgecock (Chief), Howard Richards (Assistant Chief), Arthur Davis, Richard Smith, Gene Eggermont, Randy Hedgecock (mascot)
R2: M.D. Mathews, Phil Morris, Ben Bowman, Norvin Erickson, Liolin "Slim" Sells, Ronnie Thornton, Hub Hedgecock, Ted Craver

1961/62. Members of the SB Fire Dept Women's Auxiliary

1961 Charter Members of the SBVFD Auxiliary: Barbara Eggermont (Gene), Barbara Smith (Jack), Maratha Smith (Richard), Peggy Sells (Ray), Annie Hedgecock (Shine), Betty Bowman (Ben).

The Women’s Auxiliary was comprised mostly of firemen's wives and a few of their civic minded friends. The Auxiliary performed vital support to the Fire Dept and city through fundraising, organizing social events and providing refreshments during training and fire calls. Throughout the 60s, the ladies sponsored the Miss Flame Beauty Pageant in Satellite Beach for inspiring local high school girls. These hardworking, selfless ladies were the unsung heroes of the SBVFD.

1962 Members

R1: Betty Dean (Doyle), Naomi Sells (Slim), Annie Hedgecock (Shine), Shirley Richards (Howard), Irma Hedgecock (Hub), Peggy Sells (Ray).

R2: Esther Broome, Bertha Hutchinson, Martha Smith (Richard), Betty Bowman (Ben), Margie Dean (Charlie), Barbara Eggermont (Gene)

May 1962. The SBVFD Fish Fry

Starting in 1961 and continuing through the late 60s, the SBVFD and the Women’s Auxiliary hosted a fish fry to raise funds for the Fire Dept. This annual benefit was extremely popular with residents and all proceeds used to purchase protective clothing, firefighting equipment saving the city and taxpayer thousands of dollars each year. The menu included fresh caught fried fish, hush puppies, coleslaw, rolls, dessert, coffee or soda at a cost of $1 for adults and .75 cents for kids (1961 prices). The fish fry was held in the Fire Dept parking lot and recreational park (originally called the Hedgecock Community Park) next to Olsen Field.

Fire Chief Shine Hedgecock and Peggy Sells, President Woman's Auxiliary, post the SBVFD flyer for the annual Fish Fry.

The SBVFD fish fry master cooks: Richard Smith, UNK, Ray Sells, Hub Hedgecock, and Councilman / Volunteer Fireman Lou Pavlokos

24 Jul 1963. Grand Opening of Satellite High Pool

Judy Hedgecock, 17-year old daughter of Mayor and Mrs Percy Hedgecock of Satellite Beach, officiated at ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the dedication of the $53,000 three-pool complex located adjacent to Satellite High School. Pictured with Judy are lifeguards Tim Denham, left, and John Antoon. (Brevard Sentinel Star, Photo by Frank Westbrook)

11 May 1965. Bowling is a Family Affair

Satellite Beach Mayor Percy Hedgecock receives high game trophy during Islander League awards banquet. Mrs Hedgecock, left, received Most Improved Bowler award, and daughter Barbara ended the season with high average of 171. (Brevard Sentinel Star, Photo by Bob Mullane)

October 1965. 8th Annual Founders Day Parade

Percy Hedgecock waves to the crowd flanked by Mayor Howard Elmore of Indian Harbour Beach, left, and Tom Moldenhauer of Melbourne Beach. Car being driven by daughter Judy.

12 Oct 1965. Satellite Beach Library Ground Breaking

Construction of a library/civic center complex was completed in 1966 using nearly all volunteer labor. Over 6,000 books and periodicals were donated to fill the shelves. The first librarian was Lillian Gartner who served until 1972 and was followed by Betty Demchock. Betty retired in 1993.

(L-R) Betty Winn, Mayor Hedgecock, Pat Briel, Lois Stell, Dick Herbine, Betty Demchock, and Jeanne Pekora.

1968. Library receives 30,000th book

Satellite Beach Librarian Lillian Gartner accepts the 30,000th book from Mayor Hedgecock. Library Board Members from L to R: Jeanne Pekora, Betty Demchock, Pat Briel, and Lois Steil