A history of Hidden River could not be written without knowing all about Frank Smith. Frank developed South Gate, Oyster Bay and more, but, he doesn’t like to be called a developer - for good reason - he has done so much more. Among other things, Frank loved heavy equipment and he lived to solve problems. Minute Maid came to him with a problem of digging irrigation ditches over thousands of acres in the early 50's. He designed and patented a ditch digger which filled the requirements of Minute Maid (and, subsequently, became a much used piece of equipment throughout Florida). Frank Smith then sold his patent to Caterpillar.
Frank Smith in 1966
Frank was a very active man and this led to his Doctor, family friend Robert Pitts, telling him he would be the youngest guy in the cemetery if he didn’t slow down. He prescribed finding something relaxing. So, in June, 1957, Frank contracted with the Carlton family and Attorney John Early to buy their adjoining properties which, together, totaled 1,000 acres - most of which is now Hidden River. He paid $150 an acre.
Frank intended to relax by raising cattle on this property and, since a major part of this acreage was waterlogged, he contacted Soil Conservation. Soil Conservation decided to put this property into their conservation program by constructing the dike, by-pass canals and the drainage system throughout what is now Hidden River.
His first attempt at raising cattle didn’t work out too well. He was trying to breed a perfect strain of cattle and they appeared mottled, "green" and "purple". Frank went to the University of Florida and agreed to a 7 year program with them in conjunction with the University of Bogota in Columbia to perfect a genetic strain of cattle that would be immune to various diseases. He artificially bred 600 cows to one perfect bull. This bull deserves recognition in this account - his name was "Zero", he weighed 2450 pounds at his death at 25 and is buried near the Hidden River Meeting House.
During this period, the first buildings were constructed in Hidden River: The Quonset building on lot 53 (Squires) was used for storing hay and the block building next to it was used for repairing equipment and next to that was the bunkhouse. Across from those buildings, on lot 66 (Schober), he built his office. Next door, lot 95A (Herlihy/Swartz), became a ranch house.
Over time, the thousand acres was reduced to 780.9 acres - by the Myakka State Park taking a portion and a deal with the Crowley Museum to use a portion.
In 1966 Hidden River was plotted and lots were sold.
Original entrance to HR
There were two runways (made of soil cement). The east/west runway was as it is now. The north/south runway was where Hidden River Lane is now. The County decided that if they were to allow a "fly-in" community, one runway would be enough - so the north/south runway was eliminated. In 1967 the roads and runway were asphalted. The next house built was what they then called the "swimming hole" house - on lot 7 (Neat/Doumis).
Frank Smith still visits his longtime friend, and Hidden River resident, Sydney Hauser. Frank and Sydney are both quiet, private people but there is always a smile and a wave whenever you see them.
Hidden River was incorporated in 1971, sponsored by Curtis (Hawk) Eskew, Richard Kremm and Louise Hergenrother. They no longer live in Hidden River but Louise and Hawk now live in Sarasota.
Hidden River grew slowly but steadily over the years with few growing pains and few incidents of note. Hidden River actually had it’s own Fire engine (from war surplus) for many years. For a while the community published a small booklet called "River Ripples" - a fun publication with rumors and facts.
River Ripples
Original Hidden River Meeting House
The original meeting house served Hidden River well for 25 years, but, in 1991 became unusable. Between termites and leaking roof, it was deemed unsafe. For a year, the Board of Directors met at various residents’ homes - then, for three years the meetings were held at Ray Walters’ studio. Finally, in 1994, Eric Ortloff presented a plan to rebuild the old Meeting house and increase it’s size. Hidden River did not have an excess of funds because of the constant road repairs, and only allocated $1200 towards the new meeting house. Therefore, $23,800 was contributed by residents and much material was donated by Hidden River Business owners (Eric Ortloff-Quality Construction, Henry Hinman - Forest Products, Harold Fett - HF Plumbing, John Bischock - Bischock Tile). Workdays were scheduled every Saturday for the next 53 weeks. Twelve residents attended almost every workday while other residents helped whenever they could.
Finally, on June 24, 1995 the new meeting house was dedicated with a meeting house party following.
H.R. senior citizen Anna Walters cuts ribbon while Ray and Eric Ortloff look on.
The new meeting house holds an "Open House"
In June of 1992 tragedy struck. In what was called the "100 year rain", over 25 inches of rain fell within a two day period - flooded many counties as well as Hidden River. The Hidden River dike held but the Myakka River rose to well above "flood stage" and came around the dike. More water entered the community from higher ground above Hidden River. Twelve of our homes had water intrusion. The advantage of living in a great community showed itself with an out-pouring of residents helping one another. Community togetherness had never been better. This storm finished off our already deteriorating roadways and runway. But this was turned into a blessing by allowing us to acquire a government (SBA) loan (4%) to repave our roadways and runway. We were also able to replace all of the metal culverts with permanent concrete culverts.
First, H.R. work parties replaced all of the culverts
Then the paving
With the new roads and runway, Hidden River showed a new and improved face and the remaining lots were quickly sold. Many new residents appeared and were greeted by a solid community with parties and community events. Twice a year Hidden River held "spot landing" contests with more than 25 planes competing - and all day parties afterward.
Jack & Julie Moore's T-28 at H.R. Spot Landing contest
Various residents began hosting annual parties. In 1986, Ray and Beryl Walters began hosting a yearly, community Christmas party - 2004 was their 19th yearly party.
George and Shirley Fowler began their yearly Halloween Party
That's Steve Salem with the red fingernails
George and Eilene Carter recently began the 4th of July parties - Vicky and Wayne Schober hosted the 2004 party.
In 1999, the ladies of the community formed a Woman’s Club which now hosts TGIF parties once a month as well as community breakfasts.
Various other community activities take place, such as motorcycle breakfasts -
And occassional fly-outs to brunches or other communities.
Hidden River’s Restrictive Covenants were originally drawn up by Messrs. Butler and Webber. These Covenants served us well, with few changes, for 33 years. But, with new residents come new ideas and opinions. In 1999 these restrictions were amended in several significant ways:
The means of computing yearly assessments was changed from a "per acre" charge to an equal amount for each "homesite". Furthermore, a homesite now was defined as any lot or group of adjoining lots owned by the same person or persons. Meaning that anyone owning more than one adjoining lot, would now only pay one assessment - and - would now only have one vote. Another change was removing from the restrictions the wording, "All buildings on a parcel are to be similar in design - - - ", allowing for buildings and hangars to be made of less expensive metal instead of material used in the residence. A typical example of the old restrictions would be the house and hangar on lot 38 (Carters).
Another change in 1999 was the terms and procedure of electing the Hidden River Board of Directors as outlined in the By-Laws. Previously, each of the nine board members was elected for a three year term with three members being replaced each year. The new By-Law calls for all 9 members to be elected to a one year term.
A history of Hidden River must also mention one of our most prominent residents; Dr. Rudolf Hergenrother. Rudolf did so very much for our airport community over the years. He designed, built and installed our VASI system as well as a unique wind indicator. He also designed and installed (in his Skyhawk) an electronic altitude indicator. Yes, he was an inventor - with 38 patents. He invented the infra red image amplifier that is still used today for night viewing as well as perfecting Farnsworth's TV camera tube into the the system still used today. Rudolf also invented the microwave tube - the heart of all radar systems. Our Spot Landing trophy is called the "Rudolf Hergenrother" trophy - now you know the rest of the story!
Rudolf Hergenrother on his 85th birthday
(Rudolf died November 5, 1995 at the age of 92)
In 2000, this website first appeared and may be accessed at www.hiddenriver.org or www.hiddenriverairport.com
Hidden River's family of deer
Frank Smith passed away of a stroke while on his houseboat in Venice March 12, 2010.
