Life in Early Eden Isles
History is more than just a series of dates and important events.
In order to really understand what a certain time and place were like,
you'd have to know about the daily life there. The difference between Eden
Isles today and 20 years ago isn't really that big -- living here has been
a "status symbol" from the very beginning. However, a difference
does exist.
Even though it was "civilized," early Eden Isles still had
some signs of the wilderness it had been. The land and water stretched
almost uninterrupted towards the horizon, giving a feeling of vastness
and isolation. Ducks, snakes, nutrias, and plenty of fish lived in the
canals, and alligators could sometimes be seen in the water. The weather
wasn't always favorable. With few houses or trees to stop them, terrible
winds blew and rains often became raging storms.
Once there were enough people for members, organizations started
forming. The most obvious one is the Eden Isles Homeowners' Association,
which was created around 1974. It originally had a president, vice
president, secretary, and treasurer. Security, GREENFORCE, and the other
Association committees were created later on.
The Garden Club was formed in 1978. Its main job was taking care of the
entrance to Eden Isles (there was only one back then because there was
no interstate access). It also awarded six Yards of the Month each year,
four for front yards and two for backs.
In its first year, the Garden Club started the Krewe of the Bilge and
its annual boat parade. These parades were just like other Mardi Gras
parades, complete with original Krewe of the Bilge doubloons. Five
boats, including one from New Orleans, participated in the first parade,
but it more than tripled in size to 18 boats by the second year. As for
the Krewe itself, it became a social club after a while and held parties
during the year.
The original plan for Eden Isles included space for two schools and
churches, three playgrounds, and 15 parks, all on the landlocked neutral
grounds between streets. The areas near the interstate were set aside
for stores and multiple family homes. The only parts of the original
plans that were actually built are the interstate exit and a clubhouse
at the end of Pebble Beach Drive. The latter, while it stood, was once a
favorite meeting place for Eden Isles residents.
With all the attractions in Eden Isles, most residents had plenty of
guests. Friends and family came not only to visit but also to enjoy the
watery surroundings and boat, fish, or swim. Whatever life might had
been in early Eden Isles, it certainly wasn't dull!
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