Week in History: June 09 - 16
Events that occurred during the week of June 09 through June 16 in South Florida's history.
OTD: June 10, 1858 - Fort Dallas Abandoned by U.S. Army
On June 10, 1858, Fort Dallas, once located at the mouth of the Miami River, is abandoned by the US army. The Fort Dallas officer's quarters was stationed about where the downtown Miami Hyatt is located today.
OTD: June 10, 1902 - First National Bank of Miami Chartered
On June 10, 1902, the First National Bank was chartered. The institution was founded by Edward C. Romfh along with several investors who were early Miami pioneers.
OTD: June 11, 1924 - Groundbreaking for Miami Daily News Tower
On the morning of June 11, 1924, workman began clearing pine trees that covered the lot at NE Sixth Street and North Bay Shore Drive in downtown Miami to make room for what would become the Miami News Tower. It was completed in the summer of 1925. This building is known today as Freedom Tower.
OTD: June 11, 1971 - Versailles Restaurant Opened
On June 11, 1971, Versailles Restaurant opened for business on SW 8th Street in Miami by Felipe Valls, who was a Cuban refugee from Santiago, Cuba. The establishment has developed a loyal patronage with South Floridians and tourists seeking Cuban cuisine.
OTD: June 12, 1913 - Collins Bridge Opened
On June 12, 1913, the Collins Bridge opened, marking a pivotal moment in the development of South Florida. Stretching 2.5 miles across Biscayne Bay, it was considered the longest wooden bridge in the world and provided the first direct connection between Miami and the barrier island that would soon become Miami Beach.
The bridge was the vision of farmer and developer John S. Collins, who sought a reliable link to his agricultural holdings on the barrier island. When construction costs exceeded the Collins family’s financial resources, entrepreneur Carl G. Fisher stepped in with the capital needed to complete the project.
In exchange, Fisher received valuable land holdings that would become the foundation of his ambitious plans to transform Miami Beach into “America’s Winter Playground.”
OTD: June 14, 1917 - Groundbreaking for Johnson Apartments
On June 14, 1917, the ground breaking for the Johnson Apartments took place. The Miami Metropolis reported that the Johnson Hotel Apartments would become the largest apartment building in Miami upon its completion. The complex officially opened on December 28th of the same year.
OTD: June 14, 1930 - Al Capone Arrested in Miami for Perjury
On June 14, 1930, Dade County Circuit Court Judge Paul Barns granted Vincent Giblin's dismissal motion on the "padlock" suit against Al Capone. The motion ruled that the state had not proven that Capone's Palm Island mansion represented a "nuisance" to the community. On the same day, Capone was charged with perjury by Dade County Solicitor George E. McCaskill for statements made during a law suit hearing that Capone filed for harassment and false imprisonment against several Miami officials.
OTD: June 14, 1993 - Florida Panthers Unveil Uniform
On June 14, 1993, the Florida Panthers unveil their uniforms for their inaugural season of 1993 - 94.
OTD: June 15, 1895 - Coconut Grove Library Formed
On June 15, 1895, the Coconut Grove Library was formed as the "Pine Needle Club". It was not until 1901 when Kirk Munroe constructed a building on land donated by Ralph Munroe that the library had an official home. The facility officially opened on March 6, 1901.
OTD: June 30, 1930 - Remembering Coconut Grove Pioneer Kirk Munroe
Remembering prominent Coconut Grove pioneer, Kirk Munroe, who passed away on June 16, 1930. Munroe was a world renowned writer of adventure novels for boys and one of the founding members of the Bay Biscayne Yacht Club which was established in 1887. He and his wife, Mary Barr Munroe, who was also a writer and early South Florida environmentalist, moved to The Grove in 1886 and lived at a property they called the ‘Scrububs’ off of Main Highway. The couple formed the Coconut Grove Library, which was referred to as the Pine Needle Club when it began in 1895. The Kirk Munroe Tennis Club in Coconut Grove is named for him. He was 79 years-old when he passed.
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 button below. Scroll to the bottom of the page to purchase your signed copy online.
I wonder what the trees are in the photo with the sign announcing December construction of Miami Daily News...Slash Pine? Cypress? Some do look like pine, others do not.