Waldo E. Sexton facts for kids

Waldo Emmerson Sexton (born March 23, 1885 – died December 28, 1967) was a creative businessman. He built many popular places in Vero Beach, Florida, starting in the 1930s. These places still bring joy to people today. He was even named a Great Floridians for his work in farming.

The Life of Waldo Sexton

Early Years

Waldo E. Sexton was born in Shelbyville, Indiana. He was the youngest boy of five children. He was the first man from his area to go to high school. He attended Shelbyville High School in his county's main town.

Waldo first went to Indiana University to study medicine. But he soon realized that being a doctor was not for him. He then moved to Purdue University College of Agriculture. There, he met John Wheeler. He joined a fraternity called Phi Delta Theta in 1906.

While in college, Waldo sold cooking tools. He also earned money by selling fraternity pins. He even worked for the university during the summers. This helped him pay for his education.

After graduating in 1911, Waldo moved to Ohio. He worked in the rubber industry for a short time. Later, he became a traveling salesman for farm equipment. This job led him to meet Charles "Charlie" H McKee. Charles was helping to pay for the company.

Starting in Agriculture

In 1914, Waldo's job brought him to what is now Vero Beach, Florida. He was there to show how a farming machine worked. He ended up staying a few extra days. He liked the area so much that he bought 40 acres of land. Soon after, he bought two more 40-acre plots.

That same year, he started working for the Indian River Farms Company. This company was digging canals to drain wetlands. This created good land for farming. Waldo helped organize trips for people to see the area. During this time, Charles H McKee visited Vero Beach. He bought 1000 acres of land.

By 1917, Waldo was a successful citrus grower. He had planted 10,000 trees! In 1918, he married Elsebeth Martens. Waldo also started a company to care for citrus groves. He helped create the Indian River Citrus League. He even had a cattle ranch and a dairy farm. He also developed three new types of avocados.

That same year, Waldo and his partner Arthur G. McKee bought 80 acres of land. This land would later become the McKee Jungle Garden. They wanted to save the land from being built on. They also wanted to grow rare plants there.

Fun Places and Buildings

Waldo's first big project for visitors was the McKee Jungle Gardens. He started it with his business partner, Arthur G. McKee. They bought 80 acres of land to plant citrus trees. But they thought the land was too beautiful to plow.

The Gardens were open from 1931 to 1976. They attracted 100,000 visitors a year! People loved seeing the rare tropical plants. The Gardens also had monkeys and alligators. Waldo built unique structures like the Hall of Giants. He used cypress wood and old materials. He even used a huge mahogany board from an old fair for a table. The large iron gates came from a hotel that was torn down.

The Gardens closed in 1976. But 18 acres of the original land reopened in 2001. It is now called the McKee Botanical Garden. It is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places.

Waldo kept creating amazing buildings. These became famous local spots. You can still see his style at places like the Driftwood Inn and Restaurant. Also, the Ocean Grill and the Patio restaurant in Vero Beach. He used lots of wood, iron, and tiles. He also collected interesting items. Many pieces came from old mansions in Palm Beach.

One writer said that Waldo was a man who loved to create. He was not afraid to share his ideas. He was known for being a bit quirky. But he was also very clever.

Legacy and Honors

Waldo Sexton left a lasting mark on Vero Beach.

• Sexton Plaza in Vero Beach, Florida, is named after him.
• He was honored with "Waldo Sexton Day" in Vero Beach in 1958. This was for his great citizenship.
• His buildings received an "Ambiance Award" in 1992–1993. This included Waldo's Breezeway, Ocean Grill Restaurant, Patio Restaurant, and Turf Club.
• The Driftwood Inn was added to the National Registry of Historical Places in 1994.
• McKee Jungle Gardens was added to the National Registry of Historical Places in 1998.
• A play about his connection with poet Zora Neale Hurston was performed by students.