Would you consider doing a historic walking tour of the city (maybe of the 86 buildings mentioned on the Podcast)? I went there a few years ago (pre-COVID) with a friend. I was very excited to learn about Moorish architecture in Miami and had to see it to believe it. Sadly, the place was very neglected. City Hall was in ruins, and the city was plagued with corruption and fraud, so there didn't seem to be any hopes of seeing City Hall restored as there were no funds. My friend was too scared to stay around much longer and said we were getting looks, but I would love to go back and take photos, learn about all the historic buildings, and see the changes since my last visit, which seem to include City Hall being repaired. I remember reading years ago that when the city was newly established, that they had an Arabic-themed parade with people dressed like Aladdin and camels walking down the streets, I even saw the photos, though I cannot remember where!
Hi, Natalie. The gentleman we mentioned in the podcast, Alex Van Mecl, has put together an historic trail highlighting the city's history and does a walking tour of Opa-locka. I would certainly be willing to collaborate with Alex on a private tour. Reach out to me at casey@sfwebnet.com and we can plan something. BTW, I have copies of a lot of those photos you mentioned in your comment.
Would you consider doing a historic walking tour of the city (maybe of the 86 buildings mentioned on the Podcast)? I went there a few years ago (pre-COVID) with a friend. I was very excited to learn about Moorish architecture in Miami and had to see it to believe it. Sadly, the place was very neglected. City Hall was in ruins, and the city was plagued with corruption and fraud, so there didn't seem to be any hopes of seeing City Hall restored as there were no funds. My friend was too scared to stay around much longer and said we were getting looks, but I would love to go back and take photos, learn about all the historic buildings, and see the changes since my last visit, which seem to include City Hall being repaired. I remember reading years ago that when the city was newly established, that they had an Arabic-themed parade with people dressed like Aladdin and camels walking down the streets, I even saw the photos, though I cannot remember where!
Hi, Natalie. The gentleman we mentioned in the podcast, Alex Van Mecl, has put together an historic trail highlighting the city's history and does a walking tour of Opa-locka. I would certainly be willing to collaborate with Alex on a private tour. Reach out to me at casey@sfwebnet.com and we can plan something. BTW, I have copies of a lot of those photos you mentioned in your comment.
Thanks, Casey. I just sent you an email. Now that I think about it more, perhaps I saw those photos at the Curtiss Mansion.
I have a bunch of photos of the parades in Opa-locka that I will post soon.
Happy 100th Birthday!