Week in History: July 1 - 8
Week in History: July 1 - 8
Events that occurred during the week of July 1st through the 8th in South Florida's history.
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OTD: July 2, 1906 - Formation of Combs Funeral Home
On July 2, 1906, Walter Combs purchased the "undertaking parlor" from W.F. Miller which led to the formation of Combs Funeral Home. The business was started by Edwin Nelson in 1896 and was not only the first funeral business in Miami, but the first undertaking service of its kind in Dade County.
OTD: July 2, 1928 - Remember Joseph P. Greaves
On July 2, 1928, Joseph P. Greaves, the prominent manager of the Royal Palm Hotel for more than 22 years, died suddenly at his home in Brooklyn, New York. Greaves was the face of the Royal Palm Hotel during his years as general manager and had established friendships with many of the prominent visitors to the hotel during his tenure. The loss of Greaves was one of several reasons the Florida East Coast company decided to shutter the Royal Palm Hotel for good prior to the winter season of 1928.
Featured Photograph - Dade County Furniture Company
OTD: July 4, 1975 - Bicentennial Park Dedicated
On July 4, 1976, Bicentennial Park was dedicated. The creation and dedication of the park was one of Miami's signature projects during the country's bicentennial celebration in 1976. The park was later renamed to honor Miami's first Hispanic mayor, Maurice Ferre, in January of 2019.
OTD: July 5, 1907 - Fort Dallas Bank Closed
On July 5, 1907, the Fort Dallas Bank was closed by a special national bank examiner made temporary receiver, Joseph K McDonald, due to inadequate cash reserves. This event led to a series of events that were referred to as the 'Panic of 1907'. The insolvency of the Fort Dallas Bank was partially caused by the cost overruns, and subsequent extension of credit by the bank for the construction of the Halcyon Hall Hotel on Twelfth (later renamed Flagler), Street.