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Miami, Florida

Souvenir Folder of Miami, Florida: The Magic City.

1926

Miami! "The Jewel on the finger that Florida dips daintily down into the blue waters of the Gulf Stream!" The Magic City of the South, rising bright and shining from the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay-the lure of the sportsman; the solace of the health seeker; the goal of the homebuilder- the most progressive city in these United States!

Situated in the sub-tropical zone, Miami possesses the advantages of a Climate tempered to a delightful June-day evenness by the trade winds, with all of the splendid brilliancy of coloring and the wealth of plant life found in the tropics. It is 366 miles south of Jacksonville on the Florida East Coast Railway, better known as the Flagler System. It is the terminus Of the Dixie Highway, over which thousands of motorists travel south every year, and of the inland water way through which the stately yachts glide leisurely down the coast until they come to harborage at Miami where they settle on the bay like a flock of great white birds. Steamer lines run from here to Havana, Nassau and Jacksonville. The Tamiami Trail leads west, soon to connect with the Gulf Coast, while in the near future the projected Key West Highway will be a reality.

When the 1920 census was taken, Miami was found to have led the country in its growth-440.7 per cent, and its present population is about 47,000 with more than twice that many during the winter season. The colored people are segregated and have their own stores, places of amusement and schools.

Connected with Miami by a giant causeway more than three miles long, is Miami Beach, fast becoming the winter playground for the nation. Here is sun-bathing every day in the year. Wonderful golf courses stretch out their greens invitingly, tennis courts attract lovers of that game, while that aristocrat of sports, polo, is one of the big winter attractions. On the water there is opportunity for speed boat racing, culminating in the annual regatta, or aquaplaning, while seaplanes soar overhead. The Nautilus Hotel is the newest landmark on Miami Beach. The resort is dotted with striking and beautiful homes of many men and women of national prominence.

Miami itself also offers plenty of recreation. There is a new Country Club with an excellent golf course, the city maintains tennis courts, while in every direction stretch hard-surfaced, oiled highways leading through orange and grapefruit groves, to some charming bit of native wildwood, or out to the Everglades where the long submerged lands are being reclaimed and are producing crops of sugar cane, forage or vegetables.

The city has many excellent hotels. The oldest, the Royal Palm, was built by the railroad company in 1886. In the Royal Palm Park, adjoining the hotel grounds and facing the bay, every afternoon and evening during the winter season, are held free open-air concerts by Pryor's band, and here on Sunday mornings, William Jennings Bryan teaches one of the largest Sunday school classes in existence, composed principally of tourists. Mr. Bryan has become a citizen of Miami, and his home, Villa Serena, is one of the show places.

Probably the most magnificent home in the entire south is that of James Deering, Villa Viscaya, overlooking Biscayne Bay, where priceless art treasures from all over the world, are gathered.

To Henry M. Flagler, Miami owes its being as a modern city. To his vision is due the opening of Southern Florida to the outside world, only a few years ago. Miami's principal business street is named for him, but the first big monument to him has been just completed on a little island in the bay. It rises high into the air, a white shaft embellished by symbolic figures. It was erected by Carl G. Fisher of Miami Beach.

Needless to say, Miami possesses all of the public utilities and comforts essential to modern life. Its schools are considered the best in the state, and its churches are beautiful and dignified.

Absence of manufacturing plants assures sparkling, clean air every day of the year, and the average number of sunshiny days during the year is about 360 according to the United States Weather Bureau. During 1920 there were only fours days during which the sun did not shine.

In addition to its attractions from the standpoint of climate or recreation, Miami is recognized as a good business town and a place for a safe and profitable investment. Its development has really just begun.

Source:
Excerpt from "Souvenir Folder of Miami, Florida. The Magic City." Published by J.N. Chamberlain, Miami, Fla. Postmarked February 15, 1926.

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