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HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN VOL. 4 NO. 4 APRIL 1977 REFERENCE LIBRARY PAGE 2 UPDATE/APRIL 1977

CONTENTS ANNUAL BENEFIT HELD OUR READERS 2 Annual Benefit Held AT THE KAMPONG WRITE at The Kampong Our Readers Write 3 The Woman’s Relief Association The HASF Annual Benefit propriately, grouped family My family arrived in Margaret Pace Burton was held on April 16 at The village. Fairchild chose this in September, 1920. My 4 Sociedad Cuba Kampong, the historic home name because several father transferred in his posi­ Wright Langley of Mrs. Edward Sweeney and buildings were present when tion as a Letter Carrier from 5 A Home For The Working Girl 1877 in 1874 the former estate of the late he purchased the estate and the Bridgeport, Conn. post 6 The Housekeepers’ Club of Dr. . other small buildings were office to the Miami Post Of­ This property was added later. fice. I was nine years old at the Gertrude M. Kent homesteaded in 1876 by J.W. After the hurricane in 1926, time. I visited the post office 8 Off the Beaten Path Ewan, the “Duke of Dade”, the original house was moved with my father as a small child Mary C. Napier 9 HASF Officers Selected who came to Miami in 1874 to back deeper into the lot and many times and stood in the 10 Early Charity Not So Sweet manage the property of the carefully repaired. The other work room pictured on the Thelma Peters Company. buildings were also carefully cover of the February issue of Seminole/Miccosukee Art Show Ewan owned the Ft. Dallas preserved; some transformed “Update” at approximately 11 I Remember the Red Cross When property prior to Julia Tuttle. into a study and lab and the time this picture was His two story house was a others maintained as guest taken. I later entered the temporary home to several cottages. The present house postal service in Miami in pioneers in­ is lovely and open with a stone 1929 leaving when drafted cluding Jack Peacock, Ralph archway into the court that into military service in COVER Munroe, who lived there frames the magnificent view February 1941. I found your briefly in 1881, and the Adam of well-manicured lawns, articles very interesting and Richards family. stately royal palms and commend you on the depth The Woman’s Relief Associa­ Captain and Mrs. Albion R. shimmering bay. and the manner in which you tion found the greatest need in Dr. Fairchild was widely obtained such authentic Miami was for a day nursery. C. Simmons purchased eight 1935. (Photo from the Woman’s acres of the bayfront land known among plant scientists background data by interview Relief Association Archives.) which is located at 4013 throughout the world. Seeds with those who took part in . Mrs. Simmons of strange plants came to him the postal service develop­ was Dr. Eleanor Galt Sim­ from all lands. He landscaped ment in the Miami area. Many mons, Coconut Groves’ The Kampong with a wide of them were my close per­ famous woman physician. variety of these seeds and sonal friends during my UPDATE The Simmons built a coral made it lush and verdant as it career as a postal clerk. I rock structure near the is today. He was responsible recently retired from the UPDATE, Bi-Monthly Pub­ bayshore, supposedly using for the organization of the postal service and returned lication of the Historical plans from the Encyclopedia Agriculture Department’s Of­ from twenty-four years of Association of Southern Bnfannica.Following a fire, fice of Plant Introduction in career service in Washington, Florida. the house was replaced by a Washington, D.C., and was in D.C. to make my home here 3280 South , frame one. Simmons charge of it from 1904 to his in central Florida. Building B, Miami, Florida developed a thriving guava jel­ retirement and move to 33129. Phone: 854-3289. ly business on the estate. Coconut Grove in 1928. He Harold R. Ervin “The Jelly Factory” as it came introduced so many varieties Maitland, Florida to be known, was a long of tropical plants to South UPDATE BOARD: building still situated near the Florida which today are com­ Barbara E. Skigen main gate. The Captain mon in this area because of Editor shipped his products north him. The Fairchild name is MRS. MARGARET GILPIN and even as far as London. In perpetuated now in Fairchild Patsy West Margaret Beard Gilpin, a addition, his guava wine was Tropical Garden. Staff Artist long-time friend and benefac­ highly prized by local David Fairchild made The tor of The Historical Associa­ Rebecca Smith residents. Kampong the heart of his tion of Southern Florida died Robert C. Stafford The Kampong underwent family. It was a place of peace recently at her home in West Contributors considerable change when it amid the hustle and bustle Chester, Pennsylvania. was purchased by Dr. and that lies just outside its walls. Randy F. Nimnicht Her late husband, Vincent Dr. Thelma Peters Mrs. Fairchild. (Mrs. Fairchild The Kampong is truly a Gilpin was the author of The Dr. Charlton Tebeau was the daughter of Alex­ tribute to the climate, the Good Little Ship and co­ Editorial Consultants ander Graham Bell) plants, the people and all The K am pon g is a other things that helped bring authored The Commodore’s Samuel J. Boldrick Story with Ralph M. Munroe. Chairperson Japanese word for a group of David Fairchild and all of us to Publications Committee dwellings, or more ap­ Florida. UPDATE/APRIL 1977 PAGE 3

THE WOMAN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION by Margaret Pace Burton

In Miami’s early days a ed nurse who covered the city goal. The new home opened During the years between group of civic-minded men on foot or bicycle and went February 25, 1918. Later Dr. 1918 and 1923 the Associa­ and women formed the Relief from Ojus to Homestead. In Jones sold the Association tion had placed nineteen Society and about 1908 es­ 1911, the first Christmas and adjoining house and this children in homes for there tablished a small hospital, the baskets were filled and the Association turned into a was no adoption agency in Friendly Hospital, in a one- delivered to the needy homes. twelve-bed maternity home Miami and the Association story frame building on Miss Saidee Kolb, then living which was bedly needed in took on this service also. Biscayne Boulevard at on Fifth Street, kept clothing the community until Jackson Civic organizations and Northeast Eighth Street. The to be distributed by the nurse. Memorial Hospital establish­ merchants began to discuss a project got off to a fumbling Miss Kolb later served as ed a maternity ward. In the Community Chest in 1924 as start and was soon sur­ president for many years and two and a half years the a means of raising funds to rendered to the City of Miami assist those in need. The and became the City Association agreed to Hospital. The women of the become a member. As the Relief Society withdrew from Community Chest led to the it and in 1911 organized the United Fund and then to the Woman’s Relief Association United Way the Nursery with 260 members. Their con­ worked closely with each stitution and by-laws were agency. drawn up with the help of Mrs. Helen M. Spitzer, Judge Henry F. Atkinson. widow of William H. Spitzer, Their purpose was to help one of the founders of the women of the community. First National Bank of Miami, Mrs. John Sewell was the willed a part of her estate to first president. Also serving the Woman’s Relief Associa­ with Mrs. Sewell on the Board tion. This was placed in trust of Directors were: Mrs. P.T. Miss Saidee Kolb (left), and Mrs. Johnson Pace served terms as with the interest to be used by president of the Woman’s Relief Association. Miss Kolb was a founding Skaggs, Mrs. Frank Pepper, the Association for its pro­ member. Pace Park, a City of Miami park along the bayfront north of Mrs. Charles , Mrs. the Omni Complex honors Mrs. Pace. (Photos from HASF Collection jects. Frank B. Shutts and Mrs. and Margaret Pace Burton.) In 1941 Mrs. Charles Sul- Isador Cohen. Women from zner, a long-time resident of was then elected president Association ran the maternity the various Protestant Miami, purchased the Z.T. emeritus. home, they cared for 238 Churches were appointed Merritt home in the 100 block As Miami grew, the original maternity cases, at the same chairmen as well as Mrs. Gus of N.E. Forty-First Street for City Hospital gave way to a time maintaining the day Muller of the Catholic Church the use of the Association. new one which later became nursery next door, all with no and Mrs. Cohen representing The Merritt family had come Jackson Memorial Hospital aid from either the City or the the Synagogue. but the new hospital had no County. Mr. James Deering to Miami from Kentucky In 1921 the Woman’s Relief maternity ward at first nor did became interested in their about 1891 and Mr. Z.T. Association was incorporated Merritt had been superinten­ the City hire a city nurse so work and donated $1,000 by Judge H. Pierre Branning. the Woman’s Relief Associa­ toward it. Dr. P.T. Skaggs dent of Dade County schools Requesting the charter were tion continued to provide a and Dr. James M. Jackson and later clerk of the circuit the following prominent court. The Merritt house, a very important service for gave of their time and skill women: Mrs. E.C. Romfh, women and children by whenever needed. large two-story frame built of Mrs. R.C. Perky, Mrs. J.B. Dade County pine, was set in providing a traveling nurse. When the Association Reilly, Mrs. John Sewell, Mrs. three acres. The Association In 1917, Dr. E.M. Jones, gave up running the maternity G. A. Mills, Mrs. Julius Smith, converted this old landmark who was interested in home, the building was used Mrs. J. Roy Tracy, Mrs. E.A. home, built in 1910, into a new providing better care for for a year or so by the Salva­ Waddell and Mrs. W.B. Hin­ day nursery. children, offered the Associa­ tion Army. Then the ladies of ton. tion a house at 27 N.W. 11th the Association took the After fifteen years in this As the leading charity Street for a clinic and day building back and used it to location the Association was organization in Dade Coun­ nursery if the ladies would expand their day nursery. By able to build on the same land ty, the W om an’s Relief maintain it. They began a this time it became apparent a splended fire proof stone Association employed a train- campaign to raise money to that a day nursery was the building designed solely to renovate and equip the house greatest need and the women house a nursery. This project Mrs. Burton, a long-time Miami resident, is the daughter as a nursery and in a few decided to concentrate all was under the direction of of Mrs. Johnson Pace. months succeeded in their their efforts in this direction. Continued on page 9 PAGE 4 UPDATE/APRIL 1977

SOCIEDAD CUBA By Wright Langley Juan Borges Jr. knocked its members and to aid reecreational privileges. If a and pay the benefits to 28 on the screen door and softly charitable institutions.” person did not want to par­ members who were too ill to called out, “Cuba.” Despite the movement of ticipate in the club and its work,” he continues. A woman answered and cigar factories to Tampa and welfare program, he could However, since World War handed him $1.15. Borges decline of Key West’s in­ take out a non-voting, II the club has been slowly dy­ gave her a receipt for the dustry, Sociedad Cuba at­ recreational membership at ing. Blue Cross-Blue Shield weekly dues of Sociedad tracted new members and $1.50 a month. on the Navy station, paid sick Cuba—commonly called the within three years opened a Unlike the San Carlos In­ leave and other “company” Cuban Club in Key West. clubhouse at 1108 Duval stitute which from its incep­ benefits could not be match­ tion was active politically, the ed by the club and gradually Sociedad Cuba insisted on the membership and club “no politics”in the club. benefits dropped. The club prospered because it provided members Today Borges collects $3 a “CUBA” — with a variety of benefits for month from the 28 members, C8NTR0 D8 INSTRUCCION Y RECRRO their dues. but the only “benefit” is $300 to the member’s beneficiary. Recibi del socio Sr. “We would pay the mid­ la canddad de wife $15 to deliver a baby,” Sitting on the porch of his present® Borges remembers. home just across Duval Doctors were on a retainer Street from the club, Borges EL BECRCTARID ORLANDO CARABALLO to provide free medica care watches as carpenters begin a

Receipt made out to Borges’ son for $3 to cover monthly dues of Cuba.” Club now only pays a $300 death “benefit.” O ut of the $1.15 he Street. Members had collected, 60 cents was the purchased the vacant Soria husband’s personal dues Cigar Factory and alongside while 25 cents for the wife and the elongated frame factory 15 cents each for their two built a twin structure. The dis­ children covered them for tinctive twin-scalloped facade hospital and medical care. It disguiises the two peaks of was the club’s own the separate structures hospitalization plan and the behind. Sociedad Cuba ac­ personal dues provided the tually started out about 1900 husband the extra benefit of as a social club located two $1.50 a day while sick or in­ blocks away at 1317 Duval jured. Street in what is now the Casa Juan Borges, Jr. in front of Sociedad Cuba — Cuban Club in Key Borges pedalled his bicycle Blanca apartment house. West. For nearly 48 years he has collected dues of the club organized around the Cuban cigar Now 80 years old, Borges primarily by cigar workers to provide a medical welfare system and rollers’ community from recalls with a twinkle in his recreation. (All photos courtesy of Wright Langley.) Saturday unti Tuesday after­ eyes the gala dances held up­ and drug stores paid a con­ massive restoration of the noon collecting the dues of a stairs in the club and along tract price to give medicines building. Concrete blocks club which once had over Duval Street. without charge to the enclosing the front porch 1,000 members. Today there “We would rope off the members. have been knocked out, the are only 28 members, the club block and dance in the wrap around porch room building has been sold and the street...the Cuban military In the 20s and 30s when the renewed and inside the walls organization is dissolving. band would often come over club was most active, he was and fbors refinished. Incorporated October 29, to play for us,” he recalls. one of four collectors who like 1917, the club was chartered Downstairs the club had a debit insurance men had their The new owners plan to “for social, charitable, reading room, domino tables, own route and customers. convert the building into of­ benevolent and educational pool tables, a radio and His commission on collecting fice space and tear down two purposes; and for the ad­ shower facilities for those dues was 10 per cent. newer concrete structures vancement of the interests of working out in the boxing beside the club for parking. ring. Mr. Langley is a newspaperman “There was one time when Henry C. Trent, one of the and co-author of Yesterday’s Key Borges says many people all the collectors except me owners, expects to spend West. joined the club only for the had the flu . . . I had to do it all some $150,000 on the project. UPDATE/APRIL 1977 PAGE 5 A HOME FOR THE WORKING GIRL

The Young Women’s Christian Association which was organized in Miami in 1919 leased, then purchased, the Park Hotel on S.E. First Avenue, its head­ quarters until 1955. The Y.W.C.A. supplied simply- furnished, conveniently- located rooms at low prices, r~ k $2 to $5 a week, for young Cover of booklet announcing working women, most of the opening of Sociedad Cuba’s them clerks or secretaries, Fund-raising rally in tent on grounds of the Y.W.C.A. March, 1921. clubhouse in October 1920. New whose weekly salary was Standing at the head table is . To her left is her father, owners will restore building and seldom over $15. The “Y.W .” William Jennings Bryan, chairman of the rally. (HASF photo from convert it into professional office Matlack Collection) space. was home for these girls, supplying wholesome recrea­ that otherwise might have thousands of pigeons. Trent, who runs a Detroit tion, hobby classes, and the closed for the slow summer The Y.W.C.A. had the sup­ health spa, bar and golf proper amount of chaper- season, usually at Miami port of the Miami churches course, is very much aware of onage to satisfy parents back Beach bift sometimes at a and of many prominent Miami the historical importance of home. To add to its income rambling frame hotel on the residents. In 1921 William the building to the communi­ the Y.W.C.A. leased out ocean at Boynton. Jennings Bryan headed a ty- space on its first floor for a The original garden of the fund-raising campaign and in “It was the look of the popular and inexpensive cafe­ Fort Dallas Park Hotel, which a period of five days raised building—the uniqueness teria, Grandma’s Kitchen, filled the southwest corner of $46,673 to pay on the that attracted me,” he says, where many of the “Y.W .” the intersection of S.E. First mortgage for the building. looking back over a year of girls ate. Street and First Avenue, Though today the Y.W.C.A. negotiating the purchase of became an outdoor basket­ in its impressive building on the club and adjacent The Y.W.C.A. also had ball court for the Y.W. the is having buildings for $100,000. programs for high school girls recreational program where financial difficulties the pur­ Boeges likes what Trent who were formed into clubs girls in prim white middies and pose of the Y.W.C.A. con­ and his partner Jerry Morgan with various names including black bloomers scrambled for tinues, that of serving the are doing to bring back— to Pep Club, B Square Club, and the ball while playing “girls’ needs of women. T.P. restore the clubhouse as it the Girl Reserves. In summer rules”. Under the pressure once looked. the Y.W. sponsored of the Boom the basketball 1877 It’s both a happy and sad recreational camps at the court gave way to an addition feeling because it’s a rebirth of beach for both the high to the Y.W.C.A. building. To­ IN the building, but death of the school clubs and the working day the entire building is gone 1874 club. women. These “camps” were and its site is a parking lot and The Key Wes t Citizen in an “ Y ou might say the held in a modest-priced hotel a hangout for Miami’s Earl Adam’s column, “Do Sociedad Cuba has no You Know?” reported the reason...no purpose., .mostof following: the members are old like me,” “Back in the years 1874 and Borges observes. 1875 there were 13 Once the club legally dis­ benevolent societies organiz­ solves and debts paid, the ed here with a total proceeds from the $100,000 membership of 1,887. Such sale will be divided among the societies and orders were one living members— the club’s of the city’s marked features final benefit. in those years. “Most of the organizations have long since passed out of existence. They had such names as:‘Rising Star’, ‘The United Order of True The Fort Dallas Park Hotel on S. E. First Avenue was converted to Reformers’, and the ‘Baron the Y.W.C.A. about 1920. (HASF — from an old postcard) Commandery’.” PAGE 6 UPDATE/APRIL 1977

THE HOUSEKEEPERS’ CLUB OF COCONUT GROVE By Gertrude M. Kent

Have you visited the little Florida Light, treasurer. The forashowofhands?Oh,no, it outstanding cooks of the white Sunday School built in other founders were the wife was by secret ballot— black Club.The entertainment that 1887, that is on the grounds of of the owner of Peacock Inn, and white beans were dis­ night (admission 25 cents and Plymouth Congregational Mrs. Charles Peacock, her tributed and when counted children — half price!) was a Church? If so, you will know daughter-in-law, Mrs. Charles woe unto the unfortunate Broom Drill performed by the that in 1889, it was rented as a John Peacock and Mrs. Ben­ soul that was unlucky enough Pine Needles Club. This was a public school and to add to its jamin Newbold. to get black beans! group of nine costumed historical importance, The They decided to meet The first annual Tea took young girls that Mr. and Mrs. Housekeepers’ Club was every Thursday. Dues were place on June 4 from 5 to 7 Kirk Munroe had trained to started in this building on fixed at ten cents a quarter. o’clock. There were 23 do a military drill with February 19, 1891. The object of the Club was: present— each member being brooms. What was it like back in After the Fair, the Club was that era? Let me quote from able to turn over to the new an article about the Club that Sunday School Fund the sum appeared in Harper’s Bazaar of $86.70. That August, Mrs. on April 16, 1892: “Away Charles Peacock called for a down on the east coast of special meeting. The signifi­ Florida, three hundred miles cant motto chosen for this south of St. Augustine, is the day was: “Do noble things, pretty little settlement of not dream them all day”. Coconut Grove. It is situated What noble things were they on the banks of Biscayne Bay, doing? The minutes state: one of the loveliest sheets of “The Housekeepers met water for winter cruising and on this day instead of the 18th for the purpose of providing fishing that it is possible to The original clubhouse for the Housekeepers’ Club was built in conceive of for those who are 1897. The dirt road in front led through hammock to South Bayshore dinner and tea for 18 men who not afraid to go beyond the Drive. The land was donated by Commodore Ralph Munroe and Henry came to work on the new daily mails and telegraph Flagler gave one hundred dollars toward the building fund. (Photo church land”. Com. Ralph wires; for at present there are courtesy of The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove.) Munroe gave the land. no railroads or steamboats; “First to bring together the allowed to invite her husband So now, in its second year not even a wagon road con­ mothers and housekeepers of only, except Miss Flora who of existence, the Club had necting us with the outside our little settlement and by was allowed to invite the achieved its goal of building a world. Sail boats only; but spending two hours a week in bachelors of the Bay on ab­ larger Sunday School for the plenty of those and good ones companionship to learn to sent members’ tickets (five community. From now on it too which is very necessary, know each other better and came including Com. Ralph would be called Union Chapel as the nearest market or thereby help each other and Munroe, Capt. Richard (open to all denominations). It source of supply is Key West, Second, to add to the new Carney and Count James took two more years of the a hundred and fifty miles to Sunday School Building Nugent). It was the social members’ hard work to pay the south.” Fund.” event of the season in spite of off the debt. The originator of the Club To accomplish the latter the fact that all were crowded In 1897, the Housekeepers was the school teacher, Miss they decided to make small into the little Sunday School built their own club house at a Flora McFarlane. When she articles of clothing that could room which also included a cost of $800.00. Com. fully realized the loneliness of be sold. It was also voted that heavily ladened tea table dec­ Munroe also donated this the pioneer women, she sent some member should read orated with field ferns and land and Henry M. Flagler out a general invitation for the aloud household articles at wild flowers. gave a check for $100.00. mothers to meet after school each meeting while others Besides donations of money to form a club. Six responded. were busy with needle and The following winter the the members vied with each Miss Flora was chosen presi­ thread. first Fair was held on March other to help. Mrs. Alfred dent with Mrs. Kirk Munroe, It was also voted that some 12, 1892, in Kirk Munroe’s Peacock made an autograph­ secretary and Mrs. Joseph motto should be chosen each boathouse. The doors were ed quilt while Miss Flora Frow, whose husband was a week, something that would opened with great ceremony donated five acres of the land former keeper of the Cape help us in our daily life and re­ by Miss Flora at exactly 2 she had homesteaded. The Gertrude M. Kent, author of mind us of each other. The o ’clock. There were five Club sold chances on the “The Coconut Grove School first one was ‘Lend A Hand.” tables of articles that could be acreage which was won by in Pioneer Days 1887-1894”, is How do you think they bought including one that F.S. Morse. He gallantly turn­ a former Club member and decided to vote on new held the mouth watering dis­ ed the deed back to the Club longtime Grove resident. members? By simply asking play of food prepared by the for resale. But the civic mind­ UPDATE/APRIL 1977 PAGE 7

ed Housekeepers decided to read “that the Federation en­ her husband in his fight to es­ money the Club staged spec­ give the acreage to the Miami dorse the proposal to make a pouse the plight of the tacular pageants in the lux­ Road Fund. (The work on the Federal Forest Reservation of Seminole Indians. urious estates that lined the new road to Miami had begun Paradise Key in the Once when she and Flora ridge overlooking the Bay. So on Sept. 4,1896). H.C. Budge Everglades in order to were driving down on an in­ many wealthy people lived representing the Miami Road preserve the unique stand of spection trip to Royal Palm there that it was dubbed Fund also decided to raffle off Royal Palms, this being the State Park they were chagrin­ “Millionaires’ Row”. The the land. He sold 100 chances only spot in the ed to see the beauty of the wealthy, the famous, and ar­ at a dollar each — the land where these palms are grow­ landscape marred by signs tists all rubbed elbows with was worth $25.00 an acre. ing naturally”. posted abng the way. They the bcal folks at the Club af­ The outcome of this unhesitatingly tore them fairs. No history of the proposal was that in 1915, the down. Their logic was “These On June 14, 1923, The Housekeepers’ Club would State of Florida deeded to the people didn’t have permission Housekeepers’ Club spon­ be complete without relating Florida Federation Women’s to put up these signs so we sored the first troop of the an incident that involved Clubs 960 acres of land which don’t have to have permission Girl Scouts of America in Capt. Dick Carney whose Dade County under the practical jokes were legion. leadership of Mildred Emer­ The Club gave a dance which son Crawford. Troop I called attracted almost every family themselves The Alligators. even as far away as Lemon City. But let Com. Ralph The phenominal growth at Munroe tell it — “Of course this time was due to a fan­ the babies had to come along, tastic real estate boom and being put to sleep in a room when it collapsed everything devoted to them for the even­ came to a halt. The final bbw ing. In the midst of the was the record hurricane that festivities Dick slipped off to struck in September 1926 the ‘nursery’ and finding, as followed by another in Oc­ he hoped, the caretaker ab­ tober. sorbed in watching the dance Mrs. S.J. Kent, a faithful proceeded to exchange most The Housekeepers’ Club presented spectacular pageants in a member for 51 years, was of the infants, putting them number of waterfront estates to raise money for the new clubhouse. president when this happen­ not only in each other’s Neptune and the Mermaids were the featured stars of this early 1920s production. (Photo courtesy of The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove.) ed. Her report stated: ‘The places, but in each other’s Clubhouse was unroofed with clothes as well. Eventually the included Paradise Key. To to tear them down”. resultant water damage to mothers danced themselves this was added another 960 Also in 1916, the everything including the out, gathering up the acres — the gift of Mrs. Henry Clubhouse was sold. World piano. The Memorial Shelter slumbering youngsters and M. Flagler. Thus was Royal War I prevented any building. which had been built on the sailed away home, where Palm State Park created and The Housekeepers met again site of the old Peacock Wharf most of them arrived about in maintained by the Clubs until in Unbn Chapel or in homes where Miss Flora landed in time for the next day’s work. 1947, when it was deeded by to work for the Red Cross and 1886 was swept away. The Daylight brought scenes of the Federation to the plan entertainment for the waters of the Bay came within consternation and wrath, all Everglades Natbnal park. sailors stationed at Dinner two feet of the Club steps”. over the Bay, that are better In 1916, the Dade County Key. Federation of Women’s In 1920, the present imagined than described. The hurricanes were Kirk Munroe was there, and Clubs was organized. Mrs. Clubhouse was built under followed by bank failures and told the story to Owen Kirk Munroe, a founder of the leadership of Mrs. Effie the 1929 Stock Market Crash Wister, who soon afterward The Housekeepers’ Club, Lawrence. In spite of the fact which completely ended the that 96 loads of rock were incorporated it in a novel The had the honor of being tourist trade. We were donated as well as other Virginian thus giving it an in­ elected the first president already in a depression before ternational circulation.” because of her leadership material and labor the total it became natbnwide. So it through the years in conser- cost was $15,000. Enthusiasm was 1942 before the Club was In 1905, the tenth Annual vatbn. She had led a con­ for the new Clubhouse was able to pay off the debt in­ Meeting of the Florida tinuous crusade against the not dampened by the huge curred by the hurricane Federation of Women’s senseless slaughter of egrets debt of $13,742.23 which dur­ damage. The honor of burn­ to furnish white plumes for ing that first winter was reduc­ Clubs was held in Miami. One ing the mortgage was given of the most interesting items women’s hats. She had no ed to $9,500. A record to Mrs. Florence P. Hayden compunction about of business was the introduc­ number of 84 members joined who had loyally served the tion of a motion by the first snatching the plumes from the Club. Once again the Club since 1897. It was her Mrs. John Gifford of The any stylishly attired club Club was the hub of the social Housekeepers’ Club which visitor. She also had pined life in the Goove. To raise Continued on page 12 EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK REFERENCE LIBRARY PAGE 8 UPDATE/APRIL 1977

OFF THE BEATEIM PATH: Travel in South Florida by Mary c. Napier

pound block packed in straw in the early 1900s, says or sawdust. His first motor­ “George Merrick was such a cycle did not have any lights, speed demon he used to drive and the first tractors were forty miles an hour. My powered by steam. Oiled mother made me and my sis­ roads came to the Redland ter get off the road and hide in area about 1915-16. the bushes whenever we Mrs. Thompson’s father, heard his car coming.” Mr. Gossman, owned the first One resourceful car owner automobile in the area a Metz was the late W. T. Price, who that had to be hand-cranked. came to Coconut Grove in People sometimes got broker 1913. At that time one train a arms hand-cranking cars. day ran between Miami and Another south Dade pio­ the Grove and any one going neer, Mrs. Blanche Symmes into Miami shopping had two Sailors in Miami during World Was I paid a quarter for round-trip Ford, says her father, Capt. choices — he could spend the fare from Miami to Coconut Grove. (Photo from HASF Collection) F. W. Symmes, also had a car night in Miami and take the PART TWO but never learned to drive it. train next day, or he could The railroad provided in the store at Anderson Cor­ “He attemped it but nbever carry his bicycle on the train other unofficial transporta­ ner in 1912. He said that in could get over pushing down and ride it home. Price con­ tion. The late Sahlin, who those days if you wanted to go on the brake and yelling ceived the idea of running a later became a world-recog- anywhere in south Dade you ‘Whoa’, thinking he was rein­ bus over the route. In his ear­ nized artist with paintings in either walked or rode a bi­ ing in Billy and Betty, the po­ lier days he had been a black­ the Smithsonian, in his young cycle, and the walking was nies who used to pull the fam­ smith, so he welded two buck- days in 1906 worked on a con­ rough. “You’d buy a pair of ily buggy.” board wagon seats onto a struction gang building the shoes, wear them four weeks But one of the neighbors Model T chassis and covered railroad between Homestead and have to have them re­ had a truck and a group it with an awning like the sur­ and Jewfish Creek “fastening soled, wear them four weeks would get together and have rey with the fringe on top. A ropes around the trees to pull more and then throw them him drive them into Miami on picture of the bus is at the His­ the dredges abng”. He re­ away. The rocks just ate them a shopping expedition. torical Museum — also in Mr. called with a chuckle how up.” Blanche has a delightful Price’s office at the Coconut Grove Bank, where he has “four fellows used to get on a His wife, Mildred Goss- photograph of all the ladies been chairman of the board of railroad handcar — the kind man Thompson, born in the dressed in their Sunday best, directors. you pumped up and down — Redland district in 1901, says big hats and all, sitting stiffly in on Saturday night and come that Dr. Tower, the first two rows of straight chairs in There was one other way to into Homestead to get drunk physician in the area, used to the flatbed truck. get from Miami to Coconut on hair tonic.” He said Flag­ ride a bicycle to make Other people had cars, too Grove — a ferry which ran ler, a strict tee-totaler, would house calls. — cincluding George once a day. There was also a not allow any liquor to be sold About the same time in the Merrick. Mrs. J. D. Sibert, ferry from the foot of Flagler south of Homestead while the Allapatta area Mrs. Metz re­ who came to Miami as a baby Street to Miami Beach. railroad was being built. Food called a grocery store that for the construction gangs sent a man around on a bi­ had to be brought on flatcars cycle to take orders for later to the rail head and then ben delivery with a horse and carried on foot perhaps two wagon. And to go from Alla­ miles more over very muddy patta to church in Miami by ground. Sahlin said that in horse and wagon took all day order to get workers for the for the round trip. construction gangs Flagler Thompson says the had distributed handbills on customers at the store at An­ the Bowery and other places derson Corner also walked or where bums hung out in New rode bicycles. A very few York reading “Come to Flori­ came with horse and wagon. da where it never shows.” He remembers, too, having to Thompson, who used to drive a horse and wagon into Dressed in their Sunday best, South Dade residents prepare for a work for the old Drake Lum­ Princeton once a week to get trip to Miami. They sat on chairs in a flatbed truck for the ride. (Photo ber Company, in 1912 clerked ice for the store — a 200- from HASF Collection) UPDATE/APRIL 1977 PAGE 9

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Gkrttfirat? of Might WITH (Eurttsa Florida Amattnn (£amjj HIALEAH. FLORIDA

STUNT SERIES Loop the Loop Taii Spin Falling Leaf lmmerman Turn

Certificates such as this were presented to those daring In 1941, the Association purchased this frame home in northeast passengers who would risk life and limb for a ride in an airplane. (Photo Miami and converted it into a day nursery. The home was built in 1910 courtesy of Mrs. George D. Ford.) by Dade County School Superintendent Z. T. Merritt. Mrs. Merritt’s daughter was school teacher Ada Merritt. (Photo courtesy of the author) All the old timers like to tell that a favorite form of amuse­ how was paved ment used to be to go to the Continued from page 3 with wooden blocks that pop­ airport and watch people tak­ Mrs. Johnson H. Pace, who one of the finest nurseries in ped up in hard rains. As the ing plane rides at $5 for five served as President for nine­ the South. In addition to the blocks got wet and started to minutes. First time passen­ teen years. Mrs. Charles E. other women who pioneered swell, because of concrete gers frequently got so airsick Enterline, now President, was in its efforts, Mrs. William curbs they could not expand that as soon as the plane land­ the Building Chairman. The Gramling, Mrs. Glen Frissell, sideways so they went up. If ed they would make a dash facilities and furnishings at Mrs. T.V. Moore, Mrs. J.H. the rain was a real gully- for the restroom — some­ 150 N.E. 42nd Street are St. John, Mrs. R.S. Kolb and washer the blocks might even times not making it in time. geared to meet the needs of Mrs. A.H. Adams were active wash down into the bay Margery Stoneman children from the ages of two in its program. These years where someone would re­ Douglas arrived in Miami on a through kindergarten. The also reflect the lives of the trieve them in a rowboat and very hot day in September ample grounds surrounding many families fortunate they would be driven back 1915 wearing a blue serge the building provide excellent enough to be a part of the dai­ into placer with a sledge­ dress because that was what tree-shaded play areas for the ly routine of the Nursery. For hammer until the next hard a gentlewoman travelling out 110 children. A fine staff years the Miami Junior rain. of New York was supposed to provides an environment W om an’s Club provided About the time the novelty wear on the train. She also re­ designed to stimulate social, financial assistance to the of the first automobiles was members taking a jitney for 5

EARLY CHARITY NOT SO SWEET by Thelma Peters

South Florida was slow inside with white cloth. Public Sometimes the plight of a was always poorly arranged starting and so were its in­ records show that the county destitute person was an­ and inefficient to operate. In stitutions. In 1885 Dade allowed 60 cents for the wood nounced in the newspaper. 1918 the City built the new County which included all of to make a pauper’s coffin. For example, on March 29, City Hospital on twenty acres today’s Palm Beach and In the early part of this cen­ 1907, the Daily Miami of public land northwest of Broward Counties, and more tury the county established a Metropolis in its Colored downtown Miami which had besides, had a population of “ poor farm” on county Column reported: “Mr. H. been used as a public dump. only 333 according to the property near Ojus where Hatcher of South Miami is ill City Hospital in 1924 became state census. Even twenty there was already a convict and the attention of the public Jackson Memorial Hospital. years later the state census camp for convicts who work­ is solicited. Your asistance is At first the City Hospital recorded only 12,089 people ed on the roads or were leas­ needed.” People helped peo­ had no maternity ward. living in Dade County, scarce­ ed out to farmers for 50 cents ple, directly, personally, in the Babies were born at home, ly enough to fill the end zones a day. The poor farm was a way pioneers in new com­ often with a midwife rather of the Orange Bowl. Yet ramshackle frame house run munities have always had to than a doctor in attendance. among this sparse and by a Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins do. One of Miami’s oldest scattered people were the who did the cooking, washing charitable organizations, the A group of civic-minded poor, sick and elderly who and nursing for about a dozen Woman’s Relief Association Miamians, including the were often desperate for help. people too old or in­ founded an early maternity Reverend Father Friend, in capacitated to work. Dr. John hospital. The story of this im­ In the last decades of the 1908 founded the Friendly G. DuPuis who served as doc­ portant charitable organiza­ nineteenth century the coun­ Hospital and housed it in a tor for the poor farm describ­ tion is told elsewhere in this ty sheriff had the responsibili­ small frame building located ed it briefly in his book on ear­ UPDATE by Margaret Pace ty of caring for such unfor­ at what is today Northeast ly medicine in Dade Count. Burton, long a member of the tunates - to find homes for Eighth Street and Biscayne He said when it appeared a Woman’s Relief Association. orphans, to arrange for care Boulevard. It was soon taken person was about to die a of indigent ill in an area where over and run by the City. Dr. Thelma Peters is the grave was dug near by so as to author of the recently published there was no hospital and not Though the original building be ready when the time came. history, Lemon City Pioneer­ always a doctor, and to bury sprouted a few additions it The county commission ing on Bay, 1850-1925. the “paupers” . Direct minutes of March 1907, men­ assistance to a “pauper” was tion an appeal from a black SEMIIMOLE/MICCOSUKEE ART SHOW nevermore than a few dollars. youth reported to be in the County Commissioners were final stages of consumption Steve Tiger, Josephine M. documentary in February en­ never big spenders on an an­ and the commissioners asked North and Mary Gay Osceola titled “The New Indians”. nual budget that did not even Dr. W.S. Gramling to ex­ were the three top winners in A Seminole artist from reach $3,000 until 1889 and amine him. When the doctor the Harvest 1976 Semin- Hollywood, Florida, then included the schools. found he was too sick to be ole/Miccosukee Art Show. Josephine M. North exhibited Sheriff William Mettair dur­ moved to the poor farm the Son of Miccosukee Tribal pen and ink sketches depic­ ing the 1880s was called on to commissioners voted to allow Chairman, Buffalo Tiger, ting native Indian Life. Many bury an elderly woman who the youth $6 a month, nothing Steve Tiger is perhaps best of her sketches were had come to South Florida more. At this time there was known for his musical com­ reproduced in series of with a gangrenous leg in a final no hospital in Miami except positions “Space Age Indian” notecards. Her work was effort to save her life. She died one run exclusively for the Steve Tiger the artist, awarded second place at the without funds and with no employees of the Florida East expresses himself through HASF Seminole/Miccosukee known relatives. Mettair Coast Railway. Sometimes surrealistic works of fantastic Art Show. buried her in the pinewoods the very ill were taken to Key color, bold designs reflecting In 1960, Mary Gay Os­ of Lemon City. Many years West by boat, or to St. his Miccosukee traditions, ceola, third place winner, was later when the land was ready Augustine by train, and sensitive pen and pencil the first Seminole Indian to be for development and the cof­ sometimes on a cot placed in drawings of his native people. recognized as a professional fin had to be disinterred for the mail car. His talents realized by the artsit. Her major works in­ removal to the Miami City While public assistance for Tribe, he was commissioned clude mural paintings in the Cemetery Mettair identified unfortunates was minimal at to complete a series of major Miccosukee Restaurant, the corpse by the silver best in the early days, private works for a proposed tribal , and the quarters he had placed on the and volunteer help came from museum. Today, his works Seminole Arts and Crafts eyes. Coffins often were churches, civic clubs, labor may be viewed at the Mic­ building, Seminole Reserva­ crude affairs hastily nailed unions (which were just cosukee Village Museum on tion, Hollywood, Florida. Ms. together and only sometimes beginning in Dade County), the Tamiami Trail. Steve was Osceola exhibited watercolor covered on the outside with and the mutual aid societies featured on television in the sketches at the Harvest Art black cloth and lined on the sometimes called lodges. National Geographic Show. UPDATE/APRIL 1977 PAGE 11

I REMEMBER THE RED CROSS WHEN As told to Robert C. Stafford

A large upstairs room at trees. Some people said they (Indeed, this reporter learn­ Number of families of men the Dade County Red Cross could taste salt in the air, but I ed to knit and laboriously con- in service during the year: Chapter headquarters buzz­ think we were too far inland structed little squares, 117; medical attention ed with gentle voices and the from the ocean for that. presumably to be made into secured (number of cases): sound of sewing machines. There were lots of frogs in scarves for our boys “over 31; clothing furnished The volunteer production that pit but no ’gators, and we there”, as a schoolboy in (number of cases): 8; nurses ladies were in their Wednes­ were glad of that.” Windermere, Fla.) furnished: 5; relief in loans day session. There was much Mrs. Massey returned to With her husband, Arthur, (number of checks): 73; to talk about, because among her self-imposed task, one Mrs. Gibbons, a natuve of number of families to whom the ladies were 391 years of she has contributed to Red Northern Ireland, came to bans were made: 31; amount South Florida memories, and Cross the last 11 years. She is Greater Miami and joined the of money expended in relief in addition the National Red typical of the volunteers who Red Cross here in 1935. bans: $1,190.43. Cross conven tion, May 22-25, In 1918, in a two-month in the Fontainebleau Hotel period, 1912 servicemen were was fast approaching and served at the chapter they were making blue “pop canteens. over” aprons to be worn for Mrs. Winifred Radel that occasion. remembers knitting a sweater Mrs. Mary Massey, speak­ a week in World War II, un­ ing with a soft Georgian derstandably a period ofpeak drawl, said she had lived in activity for the American Red Greater Miami the last 53 Cross everywhere. “We years. Stopping her sewing knitted and rolled bandages machine with a quick hand on and cried when bad news the fly wheel, she went on: The Dade County Chapter of the Red Cross assisted in relief efforts came,” she said. “My husband,LeRoy, and I following Hurricane Donna, 1960. In a Miami warehouse volunteers are Mrs. Radel arrived in Miami lived at the Ives Dairy on Ives readying food for the storm victims. in 1922. “We lived on the cor­ Dairy Road. The road is still have served in so many roles “This production group ner where the Congress there but the dairy has gone. in the community and sup­ began as the White Temple Building now stands, N.E. Ives Dairy was the first cer­ ported the organization since Methodist Church sewing First Street and Second tified dairy in South Florida, its formal founding here club,” she said, a bit of brogue Avenue,” she continued. “I we were told. My husband March 12, 1917. still in her speech.” We helped attended St. Catherine’s drove a truck for them. It began as the Miami the Red Cross from time to School. It’s changed now. My “I’ll never forget the 1926 Chapter of the Red Cross time and then when we were father was George Secrist. hurricane. I guess nobody will Society and served the coun­ needed, we came into the He was a hotel man from In­ who lived through it. Mrs. Ives ties of Brevard, St. Lucie, organization in a body. The dianapolis. My husband, advised all of us to get out of Palm Beach, Broward, Dade White Temple Church was at Henry, was in the TV and our houses and get into a rock and Monroe. A month later it N.E. Second Avenue and radio business.” pit that was close by. We sat became the Southeastern Third Street. It later joined “We had good times. I there in water up to our waists Florida Chapter and remain­ Trinity Church and went out remember we crossed the from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. We ed that until it took its present of existence. bay by ferry and went swim­ were all scared but nobody designation as the Dade “We worked hard in World ming in the ocean in Miami lost his head. There were County Chapter just prior to War II making “Bundles for Beach. We changed cfothes eight little children with us 1924. Britain’ and later we folded in Smith’s Casino.” and I never heard a whimper World War I, of course, surgical dressings. We were She has strong memories out of them. was the first of the chapter’s given work space in one of the of the killer hurricane of 1926. “I remember seeing some major projects. big stores. I think it was ‘1 was just scared to death,” of the houses turning somer­ Red Cross production Richards.” Mrs. Gibbon’s first she said, shivering. ‘The wind saults and bursting into volunteers started sewing and Red Cross work here was in was awful. It whistled so loud I pieces. Our house was the knitting in that war, and they the Miami Springs office, she couldn’t hear myself think. only one not knocked off its are still doing it. Mrs. recalled. One of our windows blew pillars. You know all the Kathleen Gibbons, of Cooper out and Papa took a bedroom houses sat on blocks of wood City, current chairman of the T he Dade Chapter door off its hinges and nailed it off the grounds. Our roof production ladies, recalls assembled a report from its across the window to keep blew off, though. making and helping fill ditty October 20, 1918, directors’ out the wind and rain. We liv- “Ives Dairy Road was com­ bags in World War I, as a girl meeting to illustrate its World pletely blocked with fallen in New York War I activity: Continued on page 12 HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN FLORIDA NONPROFIT ORG. INCORPORATED U. S. POSTAGE 3280 SOUTH MIAMI AVENUE - BUILDING B PAID MIAMI, FLORIDA 33129 MIAMI, FLORIDA PERMIT No. 606

• FEB Everglades Natural History Assn. P* 0. Box 279 Homestead, Florida 33030

Continued from page 7 Continued from page 11 husband who was the ed then in a frame house at 43,000 without homes. The change. Another major pro­ originator of the Hayden N.W. First Street and Sixth Dade chapter, in one day, ject came with the Viet­ Mango. Avenue. We were very lucky. accepted 15,000 applicants namese refugees. Nobody was hurt.” for disaster relief. Nearer home were the 1965 There are four Coconut The chapter whas been in­ fire on the cruise ship Yar­ Grove churches that had There were the 1972 earth - volved in great disasters near mouth Castle, at sea off their beginnings in the Club: quake in Managua, and far throughout its history. Miami, and the Eastern Air­ The Christian Science Nicaraugua, and the 1974 One of the first was the tor­ lines crash in the Everglades Church in 1896, Plymouth hurricane in Honduras, and nado in April, 1925, which in December, 1972. Congregational Church in finally the 1976 earthquake in killed hundreds and left Today the Dade chapter, 1897, St. Stephens Episcopal Guatamala and other Central thousands homeless. with headquarters at 5020 Church in 1910 (paid 25 cents American areas. Chapter The 1926 hurricane has Biscayne Boulevard, has four a meeting for rent) and Bryan volunteers and staff worked been compared with the branches, 39 staff members Memorian Church in 1915. around the clock on those Chicago fire and the San and more than 3,000 tragedies. In this year of 1977 the Club Francisco earthquake in volunteers, offering services is 86 years old. To keep pace destruction. It had winds of In the 1960s the Cuban or programs in the fields of with the changing times the more than 150 miles an hour refugee program was a major military families and veterans, name was changed April 4, and its tidal surge of more effort and the Dade chapter disaster, nursing, health, safe­ 1957, to The Woman’s Club of than 11 feet left 811 dead, also played an active role in ty, youth, transportation, Coconut Grove. 6,381 injured and more than the Bay of Pigs prisoner ex­ hospitals and nursing homes.