Opinion: Both Planners And Poets, George Merrick And Richard Blanco Meet On Founder’s Day 

The Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables commemorated the second annual “Founder’s Day” in recognition of George Merrick and his legacy.

The event honored Merrick’s love of poetry with selected readings from his 1920 book “Songs of the Wind on a Southern Shore, and other Poems of Florida.” Poetry readings were presented by poet laureate Richard Blanco to an attentive and appreciative audience. Mr Blanco also read from his own works which included “Perfect City Code” and “The Gulf Motel. The “Motel” poem drew deep emotional connections and a sense of nostalgia for time and place. 

Blanco, who was named Miami-Dade’s first poet laureate in April by County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, also had the privilege to be the Inaugural Poet at President Obama’s 2013 swearing-in ceremony where he read his poem “One Today.”  During the Founder’s presentation, Blanco revealed an interesting discovery– he and Merrick not only shared a love of poetry but also an affinity for planning cities. Blanco served as city planner for a South Florida municipality for many years before dedicating full time to his poetry.

The poetry ceremony was at the 1920s home of HPACG board member Brett Gillis. The home is lovingly named “Villa Alma” an Old Spanish masterpiece designed by acclaimed architect George Fink, who was knighted by the King of Spain. 

An elegant morning tea service catered by Sara Sharpe included assorted tea sandwiches, spinach spiral crepes, scones with jam and clotted cream, and fresh berries with Sabayon Sauce. Refreshments included chilled bubbly, raspberry iced tea, and Perrier sparkling water.

The private event, chaired by Association President Karelia Martinez Carbonell, garnered an intimate number of guests that included donors and friends of the organization.  Dignitaries present included Mayor Vince Lago and former Mayor Dorothy Thomson. Mayor Lago added a welcoming touch to the gathering. His passionate remarks and testimony on historic preservation were heartfelt but also lighthearted. . 

Among many others attending were Joanne Meagher, Chair of the Merrick House, Jane Maranos,  Vice Chair of the Landmarks Advisory Board, Daniel Ciraldo, Executive Director Miami Design Preservation League, Rafi Maldonado-Lopez, Principal Managing Director, Sanctuary of the Arts, Warren Adams, Coral Gables Director Historical Resources, Robert Burr, President Great Gables Guide, Jeanette Pressman and Alejandro Nunez, Vicki Cerda, Ray Corral, Amanda Rose.

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No longer just any other day, “June 3rd Founder’s Day” is official. 

The date is no longer “just any other day…” in Coral Gables. A Resolution unanimously approved by the full Commission in May officially recognizes Merrick’s birthday anniversary each year.

G.-9. 22-3968

A Resolution of the City Commission recognizing June 3rd as “Founder’s Day in Coral Gables” in honor of Coral Gables Founder George E. Merrick.

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Building a city did not define him, poetry did.  The ceremony celebrated Merrick’s legacy and his love of words. 

George Edgar Merrick wore many hats, but one of his favorites was that of a poet.

On June 3, 1925 [Merrick’s 39th Birthday], during a newspaper interview, Merrick was asked what he wanted to do after he accomplished his “monumental city,” and he responded, “After that I may be able to sit down and do what I have always wanted to do–write.”