Week in History: January 19 - 24
Events that occurred during the week of January 19th through the 24th in South Florida's history.
OTD: January 19, 1949 - Stadium Renamed to Orange Bowl
On January 19, 1949, the Miami City Commission voted three to one to rename Roddy Burdine Stadium to Orange Bowl Stadium. Prior to the official renaming of the stadium, many had referred to the venue by its signature event, the Orange Bowl game played on New Year's Day each year since 1935. The only commissioner who dissented was Perrine Palmer Jr.
OTD: January 19, 1977 - Snowfall in Miami
January 19, 1977 represented a unique weather day in South Florida when it snowed. Although just a light dusting, it was a very rare occurrence.
OTD: January 20, 1906 - Halcyon Hall Hotel Opens
On January 20, 1906, the Halcyon Hall Hotel, located at the northwest corner of today's East Flagler Street and East Second Avenue, officially opened for business. The hotel was advertised as a fire-proof alternative to the FEC's Royal Palm Hotel when it finally opened its doors. It was built by Salem and Emily Graham who later constructed the Gralynn Hotel, which was also located in downtown Miami.
OTD: January 20, 2007 - Remembering Senator George Smathers
On January 20, 2007, George A. Smathers passed away. Smathers was a United States Senator for the State of Florida from 1950 through 1968. He was also a Miami High graduate as part of the Class of 1932.
OTD: January 22, 1849 - Founding Miami Pioneer Julia Tuttle was Born
On January 22, 1849, Julia Tuttle was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Tuttle, referred to as "The Mother of Miami", was one of the key founders of the City of Miami when she donated half of her land to Henry Flagler to help convince him to extend his railway, and construct a "fine hotel", along the banks of the Miami River. This enticement led to the incorporation of the Magic City on July 28, 1896.
OTD: January 22, 1897 - Hotel Miami Officially Opens
On January 22, 1897, Hotel Miami officially opened its doors on South Miami Avenue just north of the Miami River. Julia Tuttle was hoping that this would be Miami's first land based hostelry. However, due to delays, several other hotels opened prior to Hotel Miami's opening.
OTD: January 22, 1912 - Henry Flagler Arrived to Key West on the FEC Oversea Railroad
On January 22, 1912, Henry Flagler arrived in Key West on the FEC Oversea Railway. The Oversea Extension was the culmination of 8 years of work and connected the railway from Miami all the way to Key West.
OTD: January 22, 1941 - Mayflower Restaurant Grand Opening
On January 22, 1941, the Mayflower Restaurant held its grand opening for their location on the corner of Biscayne Boulevard and SE First Street in downtown Miami. The restaurant hired Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to cut the ribbon during the grand opening ceremonies.
OTD: January 23, 1921 - Christian Hospital was Dedicated
On January 23, 1921, the Christian Hospital was dedicated at 1218 NW First Place in Overtown. It was the first hospital for black community in Miami.
OTD: January 24, 1979 - Swire Properties Buys 2/3 of Claughton Island
On January 24, 1979, a joint venture between Cheezum and Swire Properties purchased 33.5 acres of Claughton Island for $17 million from Frates Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma. At the time, the Claughton family still owned one third share of the island after this transaction. Over the next couple of decades, the island was developed into Brickell Key on Claughton Island.
Brickell Avenue Neighborhood Book
Get your signed copy of the Brickell Avenue Neighborhood Book by ordering online on the Miami History Blog website. The book shares a pictorial history of the Brickell neighborhood from 1870 through the 1980s. Read more about the contents of this book and purchase your copy by clicking on the ‘Learn More’ button below. Scroll to the bottom of the page to purchase your signed copy online.
It's always fun to read about the coming of the railroad to Miami. I like, 2nd best, the Henry Flagler quote "The town will never be more than a fishing village for my hotel guests,".