History and Highlights of Melbourne Village
As of today, the town of Melbourne Village is the smallest incorporated municipality in the county, boasting a population of around 650. In the past, however, the land that is now housing was originally used for cattle raising. From the city of Dayton, Ohio came Virginia Wood, Elizabeth Nutting, and Margaret Hutchinson with a goal in mind: to establish a lifestyle that was simple and near nature, completely from scratch. Their idea was an "intentional community", a way to fight back the hardships of the Great Depression. These founders were heavily influenced by the teachings and concepts of Ralph Borsodi, who resided in Melbourne Village from 1950 to 1960.
Many of the residents of Melbourne Village cleared the land, built their own homes, and ran small home businesses to support their families. Not everyone could manage to build their own homes, however. In the aftermath of World War II a lack of materials for civilian use making it near impossible. Many residents wound up purchasing and relocating surplus military barracks from nearby bases, two of which still remain today. A community store was also established there, run completely on the honor system.
The town was incorporated in 1957 in worry that the town would be annexed by Melbourne in the incorporation of West Melbourne.
Attractions
The Original Melbourne Village Hall
Located on Hall Road in Melbourne Village, the Original Melbourne Village Hall is a historic building and a great place to stop by. The building was built in 1941 during World War II to serve as a military barracks. After the war, the building was declared surplus and was sold to the American Homesteading Foundation in Melbourne Village in 1948.
Click the photo to search all Florida Space Coast Properties / The Real Estate Firm of Florida, Inc.
Reach out to us anytime to learn more about the Space Coast. We look forward to meeting you!
The Real Estate Firm of Florida, Inc.
321-591-7777 / movebrevard@gmail.com / movebrevard.com