Week in History: December 8 - 14
Events that occurred during the week of December 8th through the 14th in South Florida's history.
OTD: December 8, 1912 - New FEC Railroad Station Opened in Downtown Miami
On December 8, 1912, the new flagship Florida East Coast Railway Station opened on NW First Avenue, between Flagler Street and NW First Street in downtown Miami.
OTD: December 8, 1920 - Miami Beach’s First Electric Trolley System Went into Service
On December 8, 1920, Miami Beach's first electric trolley system went into service, connecting Miami Beach to Miami and providing local service which included 13 stops within Miami Beach.
OTD: December 8, 1921 - Roberts Hotel Opened on Flagler Street
On December 8, 1921, the Roberts Hotel opened up at 28 West Flagler Street. The hotel took over the former location of Ye Wee Tappie Tavern. Read more by clicking on the button below.
OTD: December 9, 1871 - Mary Brickell and Children Arrive at Brickell Point
On December 9, 1871, Mary Brickell and their six children arrived in South Florida to join Bill Brickell to their adopted new home at a wilderness outpost that would later be known as Brickell Point. The family operated a trading post on their property at the mouth of the Miami River and later were instrumental in the founding of the city of Miami. Listen to part one of a two-part podcast episode on the Brickell family by clicking on the button below.
OTD: December 10, 1992 - NHL Awarded Panthers Hockey Club to South Florida
On December 10, 1992, the NHL awarded the South Florida ownership group, headed by Wayne Huizinga, an expansion franchise that became the Florida Panthers. The Panthers played their first several years in Miami Stadium in downtown Miami, but moved into their own facility in Sunrise, Florida, for the 2001 - 02 season.
OTD: December 11, 1972 - Don Shula Appeared on Cover of Time Magazine
On December 11, 1972, Don Shula appeared on the cover of Time Magazine as he led his Miami Dolphins toward an undefeated season.
OTD: December 12, 1959 - Julia Tuttle Causeway was Dedicated
On Saturday, December 12, 1959, the Julia Tuttle Causeway was dedicated. The causeway spanned two and a half miles and has two bridges up high enough so they wouldn't have to be opened for passing boats. The construction project took two years to complete at a cost of $14 million.
OTD: December 13, 1920 - Miami Beach Electric Company Began Service
On December 13, 1920, the Miami Beach Electric Company turned on their big electric turbine for the first time. Within a week, the company would furnish light and power to Miami Beach. This was the first incarnation of electricity provided by a Miami Beach company.
OTD: December 14, 1926 - Miami Woman’s Club Dedicated New Clubhouse
On December 14, 1926, the Woman's Club and Flagler Memorial Library on 1737 NE Bayshore Drive in Miami was dedicated. The building still stands today and hosts two restaurants, Klaw and Casa Dona, in addition to the Miami Woman’s Club.