HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal - Gepsie M. Metellus-postcard and booklet of Little Haiti FinalWelcome To
Little Haiti
Sponsored by Miami -Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs
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"LITTLE HAITI IN PICTURES"
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5000 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 110 • Miami
Ph: 305-573-4871
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Real Miami Tours
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on 05/26/2016, City Clerk
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ubmitted into the public
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111 � Overtown
5d Icfrn(Lurch
"Overtown"
by Carole Ann Taylor and Ed Ponder
Black men who stood for incorporation of the City of Miami built this community across the railroad tracks
1896. Known then as "Colored Town. Overtown grew and developed into a vibrant community anchored by
churches and retail and entertainment establishments. Over the years, Overtown lost its magic to desegregation
and urban renewal and many buildings fell into disrepair. Today, public and private partnerships are wonting
together in the development of an "in -town" residential community with affordable housing adjacent to
Downtown. The Black Archives of South Florida provided the research to place six Overtown buildings on the
National Register of Historic Places. The veneer churches are Overtown s anchors
D. A. Dorsey House
Lyric Theater
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St. Agnes Episcopal Church
Booker T. Washington High School
D. A. Dorsey House
250 NW ?th Street
This modest Frame Vernacular residence was home to one
of Miami's mast prominent black businessmen and
philanthropists Dana A. Dorsey helped organize South
Florida's first black bank and amassed a real estate empire
while developing Overtown, the center of Miami's historic
African -American community. The Black Archives.
History and Research Foundation of South Florida. Inc
reconstructed this building in 19Y5. The house was fisted in
the National Register of Histonc Places in 1989.
819 NW 2nd Avenue
The Lyric Theater was a focal point of social life in
Overtown. the center of Miami's historic African -
American community. When the theater opened. it was an
important stop on the black vaudeville circuit. known
affectionately as the "Chaim' Circuit" In the 1Y30s and
1940s. the theater was a major component of NW 2nd
Avenue's "Little Broadway" entertainment district and
contributed to Overtown's reputation as the "Harlem of
the South." The budding has been recently restored and
serves as a performing arts center The Lync Theater was
listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Submitted into the public
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eri 05/26/2016, City Clerk
St. Agnes Episcopal Church
1750 NW 3rd AverlliF
Constructed to house one of Miami's oldest African -
American congregations. this church building reflects a
mix of architectural styles. including Neo-Classical and
Mission style elements The interior ornamentation is
particularly noteworthy and includes an ornately carved
marble altar from the congregation's original church and
detailed ceiling Although the budding foundation was laid
in 1923. a variety of setbacks delayed its construction. and
the first service in the new sanctuary of St. Agnes'
Episcopal Church was held in 1930. St. Agnes' Episcopal
Church has served the religious and humanitarian needs of
Miami's African -American community for many years. and
it remains Live Overtown area,
Booker T. Washington High School
1200 NW 6th Avenue
The original masonry building opened in 1927 and was the
First public school in South Florida to provide recognized
12th Grade education for Black children, It was integrated
in 1966 and became a middle school. The original building
was torn down and a new school. designed by Robert
Bradford Browne. constructed preserving the original
entrance. in 2001. Booker T Washington once again
became a senior high school.
Overtown
I
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Little
Havana
Caed 6.
" iBienvenidos! Welcome to Little Havana" by Leslie Pantm
Close to Downtown Miami, Little Havana. Formerly known as Riverside/Shenandoah, became home to Cuban refugees
in the 1960s. As Miami expanded, the neighborhood's original Anglo and Jewish residents moved to the suburbs.
making affordable housing close to work sites available for the Cubans who created a complete infrastructure. Today,
history repeats itself as Cuban Americans live in every neighborhood in South Florida and other immigrants From
throughout Latin America have moved into Little Havana and added to its flavor. Cigar factories, with their unique
aroma, dot the area with skilled workers making the handmade premium "puros." Supermarkets. Fruit stand and
bodegas (neighborhood markets) offer products from all over the Hispanic world. Flower shops mix with botanicas
to offer Afro-Cuban Santeria religious items. OF course there is iMusica! (notice we sue two exclamation points in
Spanish) with stores and restaurants blaring the sounds of Cuban music from the oldie-goldies to Gloria Estefan.
Books and magazines from the classics to Popular Mechanics are available in Spanish area bookstores.
The last Friday of each month brings Viernes Culturales/ Cultural Fridays that offer art, music and street performers
on Calle Ocho (between SW 14th and 17th Avenues). To enjoy Little Havana you do not need to speak Spanish or
English, you just need a good pair of shoes.
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CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
MDCC
WATER WAY'S RESCUE.
ART, EXHIBIT
ANTONIO UGART
Calvary Baptist Church
Tower Theater
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Home of Miami's First Mayor
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Calvary Baptist Church
226 SW I7th Avenue
Calvary Baptist Church organized in 1922 and the present
sanctuary was built in 1925. In 1959, when the first Cuban
refugees arrived. Calvary became of the Miami's first
churches to offer services in Spanish. In 1967, the
congregation switched to the Spanish language making it
the first of Little Havana's historic churches to do so.
Tower Theater
1508 SW 8th Street
This historic theater, built in 192b, and transformed into
an Art Deco gem by architect Robert Law Weed in 1'131 for
the Wometco Theater chain, was a popular neighborhood
theater with its Saturday morning matinee and special
events. The theater's shiny steel spire greeted the Cuban
refugees when they first landed on the streets of Little
Havana in 1959. In early 1960, the theater was the First in
Miami to add Spanish sub -titles. Now owned and
beautifully restored by the City of Miami. Miami -Dade
College operates the theater and provides dance and
theater performances. as well as film and art exhibitions,
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Home of Miami's First Mayor
1411 SW llth Street
Mayor John Bernard Reilly and his wife built this stately
home in 1927 Reilly died a year later but his wife lived in
the house until her death in 1935. In 1954, Sts. Peter and
Paul Russian Orthodox Church purchased the home for
S24,000 and converted it into a church. A statue of the
Virgin Mary that Marie Reilly. a devout Catholic, put over
the front door remains today — a symbol of enduring faith.
Coral Way Elementary
1950 SW 13th Avenue
In 1936. during the Great Depression. the Public Works
Administration (PWA) built this beautiful school with its
expansive central courtyard. Artists working in the PWA
art program created the exquisite tile work on the front of
the building and the fountain in the courtyard. In 1962,
this award -winning school became the first bilingual school
in modern times to offer studies half -day in English and
half -day in Spanish,
Little Havana
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on 05/26/2016, City Clerk
Little
Haiti
"The Magic of Little Haiti" by Gepsie M Metellus
The Haitian community of South Florida is a socio-economically and culturally vibrant community that has
enriched Miami-Dade's multiethnic character. Little Haiti. walled in by 1-?5 and the Florida East Coast Railways.
spans from 54th to filth Streets. 1t has a viable business district along NE 2nd Avenue. which is of great social
and cultural significance to the Haitian Diaspora because it is only geographical area in the history of Haitian
immigration primarily inhabited by Haitians. It bustles with Haitian owned and operated businesses. where the
aroma of Creole cooking, multi -hued artwork. the rhythm of Haitian compass. and the expressive tone of- Haitian
Creole greet residents and visitors alike. The name of a cultural icon graces a major thoroughfare in the heart of
Little Haiti; NE 2nd Avenue is known as "Avenue Felix Morisseau Leroy" and it leads directly to Toussant
L'ouverture Elementary School. Over a relatively short period of time. Haitians have changed the character of the
neighborhood and have revitalized the area that was once known as the pre -Miami community of Lemon City. One
of the distinguishing characteristics is the highly colorful and distinctive Caribbean signage along the business
corridors. Miami's Little Haiti has earned a national and international reputation.
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Caribbean Martietplace
Grace tinned ILulmi Methodist (hurrh
Miami Litman Middle Sdr0004 Tow -alarm t'mercnn a Fhoo1
Caribbean Marketplace
Miami Edson Middle School
Grace United Haitian Methodist Church
Toussaint Louverture Elementary School
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on 05/26/2016, City Clerk
Caribbean Marketplace
5?25-27 NE 2nd Avenue
A modern replica of Hatti's famous won market. the
building is an architectural marvel designed by tamed
architect Charles Pawley. Plans are currently underway to
restore the splendor of this popular tourist destination and
cultural attraction
Miami Edison Middle School
NW 2nd Avenue and 62nd Street
A beautifully restored award -winning 1928 Prairie -style
school designed by H.H. Mundy. which was Formerly Miami
Edison Senior High. is now home to a largely Haitian
student body. It is the ancestor of the 1Y15 Lemon City
Agricultural High School. the second high school in Miami -
Dade County. The ornate auditorium interior. designed by
Pfeiffer and Robertson in IY31. is one of the finest high
style Art Deco interior spaces in Greater Miami. Richard
Heisenbattle was the restoration architect_
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on 05/26/2016, City Clerk
Grace United Haitian Methodist Church
6501 N Miami Avenue
Grace United Methodist Church, formerly known as Lemon
City Methodist. was organized in 18Y3 and is the oldest
church in continuous service in Miami -Dade County. The
present sanctuary. built in 1Y5i'. is the church's third
building. The second, built in 1Y05. still stands at 6311 NW
2nd Avenue. Both Grace Methodist and the Bethany
Baptist Mission. that occupies the former Grace Methodist
church building on 2nd Avenue. serve the Haitian
community with services in Creole.
Toussaint L'ouverture Elementary School
120 NE 59th Street
In I5/56, Bernand Zyscovich designed this unique award -
winning school that captures the quality and character of
Haitian and Caribbean architecture. It honors Toussaint
L'ouverture, the legendary Haitian leader who helped lead
the nation toward independence from France in 1804.
Little Haiti
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on 05/26/2016, City Clerk
Submitted into the public
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on 05/26/2016, City Clerk
Coconut
Grove
"Village by the Bay" by Arva Moore Parks
IF you think of Coconut Grove as only a trendy shopping and entertainment area you are missing its claim to fame
as Miami's oldest community. Long before there was a City of Miami, hardy. sea -loving people built a small
village in the tropical wilderness. lts first settlers came from the Bahamas and were soon joined by a worldly
group of individualists — sailors, intellectuals, naturalists, millionaires and artists — who gave the Grove its
enduring identity and live -and -let live lifestyle. Although now part of the City of Miami and threatened with
overdevelopment. its history endures in its numerous historic sites, tree -choked highways, rambling lanes and
weathered stone walls. if you can join a pair of perceptive eyes with a rare type of historic tunnel vision, you
can still get a glimpse of what Coconut Grove offered its pioneers more than a hundred years ago and discover
what sets it apart from the rest of Miami.
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Submitted into the public
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on 05/26/2016, City Clerk
Plymouth Congregational Church
El Jardin / Carrollton School for Girls
Plymouth Congregational Church
3429 Devon Road
The congregation was Founded in 1847 by some of
Coconut Grove's most prominent residents. The rough-
hewn walls and towers of Plymouth Congregational Church
are the work of a single master stonemason. Spanish -born
Felix Rebom. Twin bell towers and a central curvilinear
gable distinguish this Mission style building. which is
constructed of native oolitic limestone. Plymouth
Congregational Church was listed in the National Register
of Historic Places in 1474.
El Jardin / Carrollton School for Girls
3747 Main Highway
Overlooking Biscayne Bay. El Jardin is the earliest known,
full-fledged Mediterranean Revival budding in Miami. This
impressive house was originally built as a winter home for
John Bindley, president of the Pittsburgh Steel Company,
and today serves as a private school. Designed by Richard
Kiehnel of the prominent architectural Firm of Kiehnel and
Elliott, the building is noted for its rich detail and
outstanding craftsmanship. El Jardin was listed in the
National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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Coconut Grove Playhouse
3500 Main Highway — www.cgplayhouse.com
When Miami entrepreneurs Irving J. Thomas and Fin L.
Pierce planned "The Grove," a luxurious movie theater for
the Paramount Enterprises chain, the building was
designed to resemble a Spanish Rococo palace. Reduced
to a second -run theater after World War 11, the budding
was shuttered in 1454 due to increasing competition from
television. Rechristened the Coconut Grove Playhouse, the
Facility reopened as a live theater in 1956. Operating as a
non-profit organization, it is now a nationally recognized
regional theater.
Admirals Row
Devon Road
In 1416, Plymouth Church sold off the southern part of its
land as "Plymouth Court" to finance the construction of
the new church building. Three retired admirals, Albert H.
Ross, C.J. Bousch and Robert M. Doyle purchased the lots
and built large homes, two of which still stand and are now
part of Plymouth Church.
Coconut Grove
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on 05/26/2016, City Clerk
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Submitted into the public
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Submitted into the public
record for item(s) RE.11
on 05/26/2016, City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) RE.11
on 05/26/2016, City Clerk
rban Tours Companies
Below is a list of companies and organizations that provide urban and inner-city tours highlighting many historical
neighborhoods in the City of Miami.
Historical Museum of Southern Florida
101 West Flagler Street
Miami. Florida 33130
305.375.1621
www.historical-museum.org
The Bladc Archives,
History and Research Foundation
of South Florida, inc.
Joseph Caleb Community Center
5400 N.W. 22nd Avenue. Building C. Suite 101
Miami. Florida 33142
305.636.23Y0
www.theblackarchives.org
Urban Tour Host
1234 S. Dixie Hwy., Suite 207
Coral Gables. Florida 33146
305.663.4455
www.miamiculturaltours.com
Miami Duck Tours
201 S. Biscayne Blvd. 28th Floor
Miami, Florida 33131
786.276.8300
www.ducktoursmiami.com
Dragonfly Expeditions
1£125 Ponce de Leon Boulevard., Suite 36Y
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
305.774401Y
www.dragonflyexpeditions.com
Magical History Tours
1833 Madison Street.. Suite 1
Hollywood, Florida 33020
Y54-445-7664
Tour Prince of Florida
P.O. Box 115Y6-15Y6
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33331?
754.632.4185
www.tourprince.com
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on 05/26/2016, City Clerk
Acknowledgements
The City of Miami Department of Economic Development would like to thank the following people for their
tremendous contribution to the fulfillment of this brochure:
Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields.
Black Archives. History and Research
Foundation of South Florida. lnc.
Minda Logan. CEO.
Black Archives. History and Research
Foundation of South Honda, Inc.
Dr. Paul George,
Miami Dade College
Gepsie M. Metellus,
Haitian Neighborhood Center
George Neary.
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Leslie Pantin, Jr.,
Pantin/JGR Public Relations
Madeleine Paredes.
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Ed Ponder.
South Honda Concierge Association
Dan Rios.
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Jorge Sarmiento.
Coconut Grove Playhouse
Nikenna Smart -Benjamin.
Program Administrator.
Tourist Development Council
Grants Program
Michael Spring. Director.
Miami -Dade County Department
of Cultural Affairs
Amy Streelman.
Janus Research
Carole Ann Taylor.
Little Havana To Go
With the support of the Miami -Dade County
Tourist Development Council, the Miami -Dade
County Department of Cultural Affairs, the
Cultural Affairs Council. the Miami -Dade County
Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.
A special thanks goes to Arva Moore Parks - Historian, Author. and Editor of Miami: A Sense of Place - For
generously sharing her knowledge. photographs. and content Featured in this brochure and the Greater Miami
Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) for their enormous contribution.
MIAMI=
COUNTY
cultural affairs
mmnn-r]ifde count),
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on 05/26/2016, City Clerk
Manuel A. Diaz
Mayor
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on 05 26 2016 City Clerk
Angel Gonzalez
Commissioner, District 1
Johnny L. Winton,
Commissioner. District 2
Joe M. Sanchez,
Commissioner, District 3
Tomas P. Regalado,
Commissioner. District 4
Jeffery L. Allen.
Commissioner. District 5
Joe Arriola
City Manager
I
City of Miami Department of Economic Development
444 5 W 2nd Avenue. ird Floor. Miami. Florida iilSO
Tel 505-416-14i5 Fax i05-416-2l%
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