People

Chamberlain Apartments next to McAllister Hotel in 1918

Chamberlain Apartments on Flagler Street

Nestled between the McAllister Hotel and the Elks Club at 313 East Flagler Street stood the Chamberlain Apartments from 1916 until 1925. The apartment building was constructed by one of Miami’s pioneer photographers, John Chamberlain, who knew that Miami would…


Miami City Commission in 1921. Ed Romfh in the middle.

Remembering Miami Pioneer Ed Romfh

Those who took a chance on the fledgling city of Miami in the late 1890s understood that the municipality offered boundless opportunity but required versatility. From prior to incorporation until the start of the Twentieth Century, pioneers came to Miami…


Villa Augusta Postcard

Villa Augusta – Royal Palm Cottage

One of the earliest residential quarters in Miami was a cluster of cottages built by Henry Flagler in 1896 to house Florida East Coast Railway employees during the construction of the city. An earlier article entitled “Flagler’s Royal Palm Cottages…


Inside of Majestic Saloon in 1904

Majestic Saloon in Downtown Miami

When Julia Tuttle and the Brickells granted land to Henry Flagler in 1895 in exchange for him extending his railroad to, and building a world-class hotel along, the banks of the Miami River, they made a specific request. The stipulation…


Rendering of Romfh Residence

Bay View on Twenty Fifth Road

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said that “the only constant is change”. When it comes to real estate in Miami, this expression can be extended to “the only constant is change with up zoning”. This is particularly true of property…