December 2024's First Friday Art Walk was truly one for the history books! The Baldwin Store opened its doors—a rare and special occasion. Throughout the evening, over 100 guests stepped into this beautifully restored piece of Melrose history, marveling at the expansive and perfectly curated general store collection. As visitors wandered through the store, they were transported back in time, imagining what life must have been like in the Baldwin Store over a century ago.
Adding to the evening’s charm was the collection Melrose at the Millennium, by Daniel Long, painted in 1999. The paintings sparked nostalgic conversations among guests, with many reminiscing about the many changes of buildings around town, for example, the old colors of Fryers before its exterior update, and sharing memories of Melrose’s rich history, like the lively Grape Festival. Others recalled how some of Melrose’s longstanding businesses had once operated in different buildings. Long’s work beautifully captured the evolving essence of our beloved town.
Guests also had the opportunity to purchase the book Melrose, Florida: An Illustrated History—a thoughtful gift for any Melrosian or history enthusiast—and renew their membership with Historic Melrose, Inc. for the upcoming year. Copies are available during art walk in the Daurer History Museum or at Melrose Ace Hardware ($12, cash only). Your support helps us fulfill our mission of preserving and rehabilitating area structures of historical and architectural significance as well as promoting historical and cultural aspects of the lake region.
By renewing your membership, you’re supporting an array of programs, including member outings, maintaining the cherished Daurer History Museum, hosting events like the Bellamy Road Show, and enjoying inspiring annual meetings with riveting speakers. It’s a way to ensure these treasured moments continue to enrich our community. If you have not yet renewed, we've made it super easy for you. Click the button below to renew your membership or become a new member! We can't do this without you!
If you missed the Baldwin Store last night, don’t worry! The next opportunity to step inside this historical gem will be during the 2025 Christmas Tour of Homes. Until then, we invite you to stay connected with Historic Melrose, Inc. and join us in celebrating the past while building a vibrant future for our mossy old town. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening so memorable. Together, we keep Melrose history alive!
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