Harvey Oyer Visits Flagler Museum

Local historian and author Harvey Oyer III was at the Flagler Museum Saturday to sign copies of his new book, “Charlie and the Tycoon,” the fifth in his series of children’s books, “The Adventures of Charlie Pierce.”

The book is set in 1893 Palm Beach as Henry Flagler is building the Hotel Royal Poinciana.

The Flagler event also featured activities for children and families, including crafts and a sea grape jelly demonstration.

Charlie Pierce, who was Oyer’s great-uncle and one of the famous Barefoot mailmen, grew up on the untamed frontier of Florida’s southeast coast.

In the series, he and his family help define Florida’s history as they battle hurricanes and other pioneer challenges, and hunt for Spanish treasure.

Harvey Oyer chats with Hailey West, 9, of Port St. Lucie during Oyer’s “Charlie and the Tycoon” book launch and signing Saturday at the Flagler Museum. Activities included crafts, a sea-grape jelly cooking demonstration and Gilded Age games. Robert Avossa and Ric and Dorothy Bradshaw also read chapters of the book to visitors.

PHOTO: MEGHAN MCCARTHY