The following is the story of the pioneer years and struggle of the original Temple Beth El as written by Estelle Lincola Paden, Historian of Temple Beth El from 1950 through 1979. Estelle passed away on February 18, 1998. The following is in the original form as written by Estelle in 1977 and has not been edited.

Temple Beth El, Its Beginning and the Pioneer Years.

The early history of Temple Beth El of Fort Pierce?

In 1948 there were about seventeen known Jewish families in Fort Pierce in addition to the Blocks (Marian and Arthur) in Vero Beach and three known Jewish families in Stuart (the Auerbachs, the Kanarecks, and Judge and Mrs. A. 0. Kanner)?

The first Jewish family came to Fort Pierce in 1912. They were Sara and Isadore Holtsberg, who were later joined by their son Fred. The Holtsberg's opened a grocery store on Second Street. Son Fred delivered groceries as far south as Jensen . . . by row boat. Fred Holtsberg married Harriet (Hattie) Wild of Indiana, and they were blessed by the addition of Harold Holtsberg who became the official Shofar blower of Temple Beth El.

Fred Holtsberg served as Mayor of Fort. Pierce for two successful administrations. He also served as one of the early presidents of Temple Beth El.

The next Jewish family who came to Fort Pierce also made an indelible print on the Jewish life and times of the community from 1926 to the present. They were Ida and Ralph Rubin. Ralph Rubin became an established merchant, was involved in many community projects, and served as one of the early presidents of the Chamber of Commerce. The Rubin store is still located on North Second Street and is known as "One of Florida's Better Stores." Ralph Rubin became one of the most loved and respected merchants in town. The original Rubin store was not as large or as attractive as the present one; but it was indeed one of the most popular and well known stores in Fort Pierce, particularly since Second Street was the popular area in Fort Pierce at that time.