Week in History: January 12 - 18

Events that occurred during the week of January 12th through the 18th in South Florida's history.

OTD: January 12, 1874 - Miami Beach Pioneer Carl Fisher was Born

Portrait of Carl Fisher on Miami Beach. Courtesy of Florida State Archives.

On January 12, 1874, Miami Beach pioneer Carl Fisher was born in Greensburg, Indiana. Fisher amassed a fortune after the sale of Presto-Lite, a company he founded with James Allison, to Union Carbide. He parlayed his fortune developing Miami Beach after moving to South Florida in 1910.

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OTD: January 13, 1922 - Remembering Miami Pioneer Mary Brickell

Photo of Mary and Maude Brickell in 1922 on top of a postcard of Brickell Point. Courtesy of HistoryMiami Museum.

On January 13, 1922, Mary Brickell died, leaving a great legacy for all of Miami, but particularly the area just south of the Miami River.

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OTD: January 13, 1974 - Miami Dolphins win Super Bowl VIII

Larry Csonka running behind the Miami Dolphin offensive line during Super Bowl VIII. Courtesy of Ghosts of the Orange Bowl Facebook page.

On January 13, 1974, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-7 in Super Bowl VIII at Houston's Rice Stadium. Fullback Larry Csonka rushed for 145 yards and 2 touchdowns to earn MVP honors. Quarterback Bob Griese attempted only 7 passes the entire game, completing 6 of them for 73 yards. The victory marked the last Super Bowl championship in Dolphin franchise history.

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OTD: January 14, 1908 - Remembering Miami Pioneer William Brickell

Brickell family in the early 1900s. William Brickell is seated on the porch surrounded by his sons and guests. Courtesy of Florida State Archives.

On January 14, 1908, Miami founding pioneer William B. Brickell died at the age of 84. Brickell arrived to the south banks of the Miami River on January 10, 1871, where he and several others erected a trading post and a family residence. Mary Brickell and their children would join William later that year.

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OTD: January 14, 1973 - Miami Dolphins win Super Bowl VII

Don Shula getting hoisted at the end of Super Bowl VII. Courtesy of the Associated Press.

On January 14, 1973, the Miami Dolphins capped off a perfect season by defeating the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. Jake Scott was named the Super Bowl MVP.

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OTD: January 15, 1900 - Yellow Fever Quarantine Lifted

Twelfth Street, later renamed to Flagler Street, in 1900.

On January 15, 1900, Miami's yellow fever quarantine was officially lifted.

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OTD: January 15, 1916 - William Ogden Sells Ye Wee Tappie Tavern

Postcard of the Ye Wee Tappie Tavern. Courtesy of Casey M. Piket.

On January 15, 1916, William Ogden, the proprietor of one of the first taverns in downtown Miami, located at 20 West Flagler Street, sold the Ye Wee Tappie Tavern. It became the Majestic Hotel and shortly thereafter was annexed by the Roberts Hotel. What was unique about the deed of this transaction is that Ogden required a commemorative plaque to be displayed outside the former location of the tavern indefinitely.

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OTD: January 16, 1952 - Remembering Miami Pioneer Ed Romfh

The Banker’s Commission in 1921. Ed Romfh is standing in the center of the photograph. Courtesy of Florida State Archives.

On January 16, 1952, Miami Pioneer Edward Romfh passed away at the age of 71 in his home at 3149 Brickell Avenue in Miami, Florida. Romfh was a pioneer banker who was one of the founders of the First National Bank of Miami, and served on Miami’s first City Commission after the municipality re-chartered in 1921. The commission was known as the banker’s commission because all five commissioners were associated with local banks in some capacity.

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OTD: January 17, 1897 - Royal Palm Hotel’s Grand Opening

Back walkway of the Royal Palm Hotel in 1897. Courtesy of Library of Congress.

On Sunday evening, January 17, 1897, Henry Flagler's Royal Palm Hotel held its grand opening that featured a gourmet dinner and a concert by the Royal Palm Orchestra.