Coral Gables

Images of America: Florida

by Seth H. Bramson

When Solomon Merrick moved his family from New England to a plot of land southwest of Miami in 1898, he had no idea that his son, George, would become the founder of one of America's most fabled cities. When the senior Merrick died in 1911, George, who was working in New York, returned to the Miami area, establishing a major citrus and produce farm on his family's land. Then he entered the booming Miami real estate market of the early 1920s, finally embarking on the building of a city. The story of Coral Gables is also the story of George Merrick, and the photographs in this volume evoke poignant memories of the

City Beautiful's storied past. Images in this book include views of early Coral Way and Miracle Mile, Ponce de Leon Boulevard, the Coliseum, beloved restaurants and clubs, the Venetian Pool, the Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables High School, the trolleys, the University of Miami, and some of the people who brought Coral Gables to life and helped make it a great city.

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2006

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a groundbreaking book on the pictorial history of the famed city of Coral Gables! Author Seth H. Bramson does an amazing job engaging the reader and piquing interest into the history of “The City Beautiful” built and developed by George E. Merrick. Coral Gables is an example of a city that withstood all sorts of hardship including the Great Depression and the Hurricane of November 1935, which ended the Coral Gables Trolley Transit system for good. The architecture and property values in this city stood up against the difficult circumstances of its time and came out victorious in its aftermath. Many of the views of Coral Gables’ early days are jaw-dropping! Nothing looks the same, with the exception of some important locations and landmarks such as The Biltmore Hotel, Venetian Pool, The Miracle Theater, Coral Gables City Hall, The George Merrick House and the Granada Entrance. The University of Miami was shown from its birth to the enormous campus it has become today.

One thing I did wish Bramson would have included in the book was at least an image of the Alhambra Water Tower, which resembles a lighthouse, built in 1924 and then discontinued in 1931. It was close to being demolished, but in 1958, citizens helped save the tower and had it restored. This is an important landmark that deserved a spot in this book.

Other than that, this book is a worthwhile keepsake. I’ve always loved the Gables and I hope to visit even more sites in the City Beautiful!