Karelia Martinez Carbonell
Martinez Carbonell is the president of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables
In the article An Impression of George E Merrick, Vernon Knowles, editor of the Miami Daily Tribune, observes, “I have never met one man whose’ bearing and obvious sincerity and character made quite so deep an impression upon me.” The feature appeared in print on June 3, 1925, concurrently with the announcement that the University of Miami had been founded by Coral Gables creator George Edgar Merrick. It was Merrick’s 39th birthday.
Ninety-plus years later, on June 3, 2021, and on the 135th anniversary of Merrick’s birth, the Board of Directors of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables invited city leaders and dignitaries to the inaugural “Founder’s Day Ceremony” honoring George Merrick—a man “adored as a human being” a man of “sincerity and character” a man who loved all things beautiful a man who imbued an entrepreneurial spirit unequal to this day. This honorific gesture was long overdue but the ceremony had perfect timing.
The date and ceremony marked three important milestones: the creation of “Founder’s Day” in Merrick’s honor; the establishment of the University of Miami by Merrick; and the commemoration of the 135th anniversary of Merrick’s birth.
Deputy Consul General Gabriel Cremades, representing the Spanish Consulate Miami office, was the guest of honor. Cremades gave testimony on the meritorious recognition bestowed on Merrick by the Spanish king in 1927 when King Alphonso XIII knighted Merrick with the honorary title of “Don of the Order of Isabel La Catolica.” The Order is a Spanish civil order in which membership is granted in recognition of services that benefit the country. Consul Cremades observed, “Not too many people can boast about that honor and it is a wonderful history that binds both Spain and Coral Gables.”
The program also included remarks from Miss Amanda Rose. Amanda is a courageous young leader, HPACG member, eloquent preservation advocate, and a first-year UM law student who took a stand to honor and preserve Merrick’s name. Amanda ended her speech by stating, “We need to continue to preserve this city’s history, its architecture, and George Merrick’s vision for this community.”
Mayor Vince Lago had the honor of concluding the ceremony with the reading and presentation of the Official Proclamation marking June 3rd “Founder’s Day.” He was joined by Commissioners Rhonda Anderson and Kirk Menendez. Attendees included: past mayors such as The Honorable Dorothy Thompson [first and only woman mayor of Coral Gables] and The Honorable Donald Slesnick; past commissioners; and current representatives of the city’s civic society. Also invited were members of HPACG’s George Giving Society [donors who support preservation of Merrick’s legacy through annual charitable contributions]. Many were in attendance to mark the historical occasion.
———————————————————————————————————————————–
Coral Gables founder George E. Merrick was born on June 3, 1886 less than 15 years before the turn of the century. He grew into the “modern man” of the 20th century—an entrepreneur and visionary; a millionaire who gave away most of his fortune before he lost the rest of it; a civic leader; and a poet. He was active in Coral Gables for less than a decade from 1920 to 1928 and in that time built a new city —the City Beautiful. His city will mark its centennial in 2025.
Celebrants, including members of the Coral Gables Garden Club, gathered to inaugurate June 3rd as “Founder’s Day,” at the foot of the George Merrick statue. The statue, a 12-foot high bronze sculpture by William Beckwith, was commissioned by the club in 2006. As Mayor Lago observed in his remarks, “I am proud to have been part of this new tradition in the City of Coral Gables.”
Champagne was de rigueur and rounded out the festivities!
The University of Miami seems to be mired in controversy since Frenk too over from Shalala.
The issues with the destruction of the ICCAS , the Law School fiasco and the Merrick demotion come to mind. Who knows what else in in store.
By the way , it’s time to reopen the Lowe.
Perhaps it’s confusing, but Robin Burr is a long standing member of the Woman’s Club, not a man. Kudos to all involved for standing up, literally, for George Merrick. Perhaps none of us is without our flaws, but we are constantly reminded of the wonderful and long lasting accomplishments of George Merrick just by living, working and visiting this city. His legacy is magnified by all the dedicated people of our community service groups who continue to contribute faithfully in so many ways to make the city a wonderful place.
Karelia Martinez Carbonell you missed my point, which was the many folks who appreciated George Merrick, and donated monies to the statutes project, in order to make it possible, were not invited, nor made aware of this event. The Garden Club was behind the project but there were many, many people who donated to it because they believed in Merrick and wanted to see the statute dedicated. It is a shame more people were not invited.
As a 2nd generation Miami Alum, I am ashamed of the position my school has taken on this subject. It is sad how a very small, yet very vocal and loud small groups often create controversy, and institutions cave in quickly.
Hats Off, to all who celebrate George Merrick, for the outstanding, humane and fair man he was, and Thumbs Down, to the leadership of the University of Miami, for turning their backs on the man responsible for UM creation.
With all due respect Mr Robin Burr, the article not only credits the Coral Gables Garden Club with the commission of the statue, it also mentions that members of the club participated. In fact, The Honorable Dorothy Thompson, who chaired the fundraising committee for the project, was present at the ceremony. However, let’s keep in mind that the ceremony was not about the statue it was about the man.
I agree this is a well deserved honor that was long overdue. However, it would have been nice to have invited all those who had contributed to the project to install the George Merrick statute back in the mid-2000s. The commission and installation of the statue of Merrick was an ambitious undertaking that the Coral Gables Garden Club completed thanks to Betsy Adams and I am sure all those who contributed would have like to have been present for this inaugural “Founder’s Day Ceremony” honoring George Merrick on his birthday.
What a great and well-deserved tribute to such a great man! This recognition is very timely indeed, given the shameful actions recently taken by UM to remove Merrick’s name from one of its buildings.