Inspired by George Merrick’s 1920 poem “My Sweetheart Bird,” the Coral Gables Merrick House welcomed representatives from 22 civic organizations for an appreciation breakfast on the veranda July 7th. Demonstrating the type of hospitality that would make Althea Merrick proud, House governing board members and docents lined the walkway with pink flamingos, decked the refreshment tables with avian-themed decor, and gifted guests with a copy of the poem and a watercolor created for the event.
The gathering was designed to recognize and honor members of the many organizations and City departments who have supported the Merrick House since it opened as a museum in 1978. Mayor Lago and Historical Resources & Cultural Arts Director Warren Adams remarked upon the importance of honoring the legacy not only of the Merrick family but of all who worked to build our City Beautiful. Each emphasized the notion that every person who cleared the land, drafted a plan, or laid a stone contributed to the realization of George Merrick’s vision. Since that time, Merrick House Sweetheart Bird organizations have “planted, curated, donated, restored, repaired, decorated and celebrated here so that the story continues to be told,” stated Governing Board Chair Joanne Meagher.
The Merrick House is once again open for weekend tours, and plans are in full swing for a multi-venue event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Coral Gables land auction. Doc Dammers Day will begin at the Coral Gables Museum on Sunday, October 24, at 4:00 pm. Trolleys will take guests to the Venetian Pool and the Merrick House for 20s-style fare and flare. Watch for ticket sales on Eventbrite.
Coral Gables Merrick House Sweetheart Birds
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Coral Gables Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Coral Gables Crime Watch, Coral Gables Community Foundation, Coral Gables Garden Club, Coral Gables Jaycees Auxiliary, Coral Gables Merrick Lions Club, Coral Gables Museum, Coral Gables Music Club, Coral Gables Rotary Club, Coral Gables Women’s Club, Dade Heritage Trust, Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables, Junior League of Miami, Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade, Scout Troop 7, The Barnacle Society, The Villagers, Tropical Audubon Society, City of Coral Gables Historic Resources & Cultural Arts, City of Coral Gables Landscaping Services, City of Coral Gables Sustainability Advisory Board
Coral Gables Merrick House is located at 907 Coral Way. Tours are available weekends at 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm.
www.coralgables.com/coral-gables-merrick-house
The sleeznicks are always mooching
Just a note that the Merrick House is open weekends, not weekdays.