Week in History: December 1 - 7
Events that occurred during the week of December 1st through the 7th in South Florida's history.
OTD: December 1, 1938 - Remembering Miami Pioneer John Sewell
On December 1, 1938, the City of Miami lost one of its most notable founders. John Sewell was the foreman of the FEC Railway when it was extended to Miami. Considered one of the early Miami pioneers, Sewell was also mayor of Miami from 1903 to 1907. His home, Halissee Hall, still stands near Jackson Hospital in Miami. Read more about Sewell and his famous residence by clicking on the button below.
Winner of November Paid Subscriber Promotion
Congratulations to Miami History subscriber Joseph Kellog for winning the November Paid Subscriber Promotion. Enjoy the game and bring home a victory for the Miami Heat!
OTD: December 2, 1919 - Dorsey Sells Island to Carl Fisher
On December 2, 1919, Dana A. Dorsey sold his ownership interest in an unnamed island near Miami Beach to the Alton Beach Realty Company, which was owned by Carl Fisher, for $40,000. The island was later named Fisher Island.
OTD: December 4, 1929 - Burdines Opens Biscayne Boulevard Store
On December 4, 1929, just a month and a half after the stock market crash, Burdines opened their second Miami store on the north end of an art deco building located on Biscayne Boulevard, between 13th and 14th streets. The Adrienne Arsht Center now resides on this property.
OTD: December 4, 1920 - Joe’s Stone Crab Opens
On December 4, 1920, Joe Weiss opened his own restaurant that he called Joe’s Restaurant. He was formerly the chef at the Sunshine Inn, but left that position because of a change in ownership of the restaurant. Joe’s Diner was later renamed to Joe’s Stone Crab.
OTD: December 4, 1920 - Miami Beach Post Office Opens
On December 4, 1920, Miami Beach's first post office was opened.
OTD: December 4, 1954 - First Burger King Franchise in Miami Opens
On December 4, 1954, James McLamore and David Edgarton opened the first Burger King franchise in Miami at 3090 NW 36th Street. The original name of the restaurant was Insta Burger King. The two men bought the parent operation in 1959 after the original owners ran into financial difficulties.
OTD: December 6, 1947 - Everglades National Park Dedicated
On December 6 in 1947, President Harry S Truman went to Everglades City, Florida, to dedicate Everglades National Park.
OTD: December 7, 1903 - Mail Service Began in Miami
On December 7, 1903, following the implementation of numbering all residences and business addresses, mail collection and delivery began in the seven year old City of Miami.
OTD: December 7, 1941 - Pearl Harbor Attack
On December 7, 1941, Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii at 1:48pm EST. This act led to a declaration of war by congress and formally entered the United States in WWII.