American MOTELS, a hybrid word combining motor and hotel, were developed for people just like my Mother. She was cash poor but adventure rich. It wasn’t just driving from point A to point B with her at the wheel. She was seldom in a hurry. […]
Author: Old Coconut Grove Houses
Opechee & Taluga
Exotica 1925 One of the unique houses in Coconut Grove was home to a celebrated artist and his family. The 2 story house was built in 1925, has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, with over 3,200 square feet situated in an ample woodsy corner of Opechee […]
THE SUNSHINE FRUITS COMPANY INN
In 1909 the original house was a wood frame structure with a shingle roof. In 1915, it was acquired by the Sunshine Fruits Company. Sunshine had been founded 5 years prior to manage existing fruit groves for absentee owners who had purchased them as an […]
THE BATTLE OF COCONUT GROVE
Grove Development Curb Sought File this under “Some things never change”. A Miami Herald article (April 5, 1977), published 42 years ago could have been written last month. The scenario of urban planning gone amok is familiar. Grovites concerned about over development, point to Yacht […]
SCENE OF DARING COCONUT GROVE ROBBERY
Hooded Gunmen Get $31,000 in Cash & Jewels. So read the Miami Herald caption to this photo. Published on the first page of the local section on Monday, November 23, 1964. The robbery occurred while Mom & Dad were out, around midnight. Three gunmen tied […]
SOMETIMES YOU WANT TO GO. WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME.
La Casita Tea Room, (1940 circa) located at 3540 Main Highway was such a place in Coconut Grove. Owned by Grace & Bob Ously for many years. Back then, some folks still called the town My-Ah-Mah and the iced tea was always sweeten, so no […]
TWINS OF A DIFFERENT COLOR
1939 shotgun houses on Thomas Avenue, on the historic Frow section of Coconut Grove are looking so pretty. A decade ago, less so. We should laud the neighbors, owners and investors who value Coconut Grove’s architectural heritage and choose to stay, rehab and invest in our […]
INDEPENDENT COCONUT GROVE – July 20,1925
Summer of 1925 – the peak of the real estate Boom in South Florida. Miami has had unprecedented success selling “tropical paradise” and is running out of land. Coral Gables sold $6 million worth of lots in a single day. Miami Shores, Miami Beach & […]