This article is part of "The Patrick AFB Online Relocation Package".
The Village of Melbourne was officially created in 1888, although it was know as "Melbourne" eight years earlier, when the area needed to establish a post office. The first postmaster, Cornthwaite John Hector, spent most of his life in Melbourne, Australia and it appears that the name finally was decided by the drawing of straws.
Until 1893, when the railroad arrived, most of the commerce in the area was done by boat, but after the arrival of the railroad, many businesses moved away from the lagoon and closer to the train depot. The town changed dramatically in 1919 when a fire destroyed a large portion of the town and in 1969 the towns of Melbourne and Eau Gallie,to the north, consolidated to become one "Melbourne". Beautification and redevelopment of the downtown area began in 1980.
Historic Downtown Melbourne:
Today, Historic Downtown Melbourne and its tree lined streets is a unique array of specialty shops, restaurants, theaters, and art and antique galleries. It's a great place to spend a day dining and shopping - real and window. On the second Friday of every month, the downtown area has "Friday Fest" a Family Street Party from 6 to 10pm. There are arts and craft vendors, live music, and great food as well as beer and wine.
Downtown Melbourne is also home to the Henegar Center For the Arts. A community theater whose centerpiece is a 493 seat theater designed by a Tony Award winning set designer.
It's a fun place to spend an afternoon and evening. You can check out all the shops and restaurants by visiting the Melbourne Main Street Website.
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