Week in History: November 1 - 8
Events that occurred during the week of November 1st through the 8th in South Florida's history.
OTD: November 1, 1903 - John Sewell was Elected Mayor of Miami
On November 1, 1903, John Sewell was elected the third Mayor of Miami. He served in that office from 1903 - 1907. He left political office to focus his attention on his business affairs and to begin constructing his residence, Halissee Hall, which is now part of the Jackson Medical Complex in Miami.
Read more about John Sewell and his home by clicking on the Read More button below.
OTD: November 1, 1940 - Last Trolley Operated in Downtown Miami
On November 1, 1940, the last Trolley was operated in downtown Miami. The system that was ended in 1940, powered by overhead electric wires, began in 1922. However, there was a form of trolley service in Miami that dated to 1906.
OTD: November 2, 1874 - The Duke of Dade Arrives at Fort Dallas
On November 2, 1874, James William Ewan arrived at Fort Dallas. Fort Dallas was one of the references of the area around Biscayne Bay and the Miami River prior to the incorporation of Miami in 1896. Ewan was given the nickname of the "Duke of Dade" based on the relationships and reputation he forged during his time in Southeast Florida.
OTD: November 5, 1968 - Florida Ratifies New Constitution
On November 5, 1968, the State of Florida voted to ratify a new constitution which is the document that guides the structure of the Florida government and protects the individual liberties of its citizens today.
OTD: November 5, 1997 - Miami Beach’s First Post Office was Demolished
On November 5, 1997, Miami Beach's first post office was demolished. This took place shortly after the city's Historic Preservation Board recommended designation as a historic building and site, but before the City Commission could act on the recommendation.
OTD: November 6, 1929 - Remembering Miami Pioneer Freeman Burdine
Remembering Miami pioneer Freeman Burdine on the anniversary of his passing on November 6, 1929, who died of pneumonia while on vacation in Rome, Italy. Freeman was the brother of Roddy Burdine, as well as, a successful lawyer and resident of the Point View subdivision of Brickell. He was only 43 years old when he passed away.
Hear more about the Burdine family by listening to the Miami History podcast entitled “Burdines - The Florida Store”. Click on the Listen button below to hear this episode.
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.