Week in History: February 08 - 14
Events that occurred during the week of February 8th through the 14th in South Florida's history.
OTD: February 8, 1880 - Miami Pioneer Edward Romfh was Born
On February 8, 1880, Miami Pioneer and founder of the First National Bank, Edward C. Romfh, was born in Camden, Arkansas.
OTD: February 8, 1942 - Remembering Miami Pioneer John W. Watson
Remembering Miami pioneer, John W. Watson, on the anniversary of his passing on Sunday, February 8, 1942, at the age of 83. Watson was a three-time Mayor of Miami (1912 - 1915 and again from 1917 - 1919), and served in the Florida Legislature for more than 40-years during which he was an advocate for sportsman laws for which he was given the title of "father of game laws in Florida." John was born on October 31, 1858, in New Bern, North Carolina. He was the father of long-time city attorney, John W. Watson Junior. Watson Island was named for John W. Watson to commemorate his service to the City of Miami.
OTD: February 9, 1959 - First National Bank’s Grand Opening at 100 Biscayne Boulevard
On Monday, February 9, 1959, the First National Bank celebrated the grand opening of their new 19-story headquarters at 100 Biscayne Boulevard. This was the bank’s third building in downtown Miami since its founding in 1902. The first building was replaced in the mid-1920s and the second structure still stands as the First Flagler Condominiums on the corner of Flagler Street and NE First Avenue.
OTD: February 11, 1928 - Remembering Miami Beach Pioneer John Collins
On February 11, 1928, Miami Beach pioneer John Collins died at the age of 90. Collins Avenue and Collins Canal were named in his honor.
OTD: February 12, 1896 - Isidor Cohen Opens First Store in Miami
On February 12, 1896, Isidor Cohen, opened Miami's first store on the south side of the Miami River. Cohen's clothing store was considered the first store following the agreement between Flagler, Julia Tuttle and the Brickells to create a city along the banks of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River.
OTD: February 12, 1896 - First Baptist Church Dedicated New Building
On February 12, 1928, First Baptist Church was dedicated and held the first service at their new church at 500 NE First Avenue in downtown Miami.
OTD: February 13, 1926 - Roney Plaza Hotel Grand Opening
On Sunday, February 13, 1926, the Roney Plaza Hotel at 2301 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, celebrated is formal grand opening.
OTD: February 13, 1926 - Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre
On February 14, 1929, the Saint Valentine’s Day massacre occurred in Chicago. The victims were members and associates of a rival gang of Al Capone who was in Miami during this incident. Although he was linked to the massacre, Capone was never directly charged with any crimes connected with this event.
Brickell Avenue Neighborhood Book
Get your signed copy of the Brickell Avenue Neighborhood Book by ordering online on the Miami History Blog website. The book shares a pictorial history of the Brickell neighborhood from 1870 through the 1980s. Read more about the contents of this book and purchase your copy by clicking on the ‘Learn More’ button below. Scroll to the bottom of the page to purchase your signed copy online.