Why do they call it?



Preface


The theme for this blog—like the theme for the book that follows, “AN UNUSUAL HISTORY OF MIAMI,”-- sprang from magazine articles in 1984 and 1985 in the "Miami Realtor", the monthly publication of the Miami Board of Realtors. The series’ was named: “Miami Signposts: Why Do They Call It?”.

Each article explains the name and history of a street or causeway, a park, an island, a shopping center, building or institution or a person or event in Greater Miami. One article explains the name “Miami” another, “Dade County.” All explanations contain all information the reader needs.

Originally, I wrote these articles to help Cuban refugees understand strange (to them) names in their new homeland. There were 21 articles that were equally popular with historians and history buffs-- as well as others, just curious about the name of a street where he (or she) lived, a favorite recreation spot or some- thing of special interest to the family.

At-the-time- Miami Mayor Robert King High asked for copies of “Why Do They Call It Dinner Key?” The Miami Board of Realtors printed thousands of additional copies which I deliver to the receptionist at City Hall’s Information Desk to help her answer questions from tourists, locals and others.

A number of the original articles were republished for the same reasons by realty boards of Miami Beach, Hialeah and Kendall, by "Up Date", the magazine of the Historical Association of Southern Florida and "Preservation Today", the magazine of "Dade Heritage Trust". At the same time—and also in response to the articles--I got invitations to speak to Dade County public school classes, talking with the children about articles I had written. I also appeared on local Miami TV.

Recently, I realized I had been successful for four reasons: first, there still exists an unsatisfied curiosity about Miami history. Also I chose to select interesting subjects. Each subject was also portrayed accurately and from start to finish, each article was fast reading.

Some time ago, I decided I could expect similar experiences by posting these and similar articles on my blog I have named “MIAMI SIGNPOSTS." I posted seven photo copies of original articles to get things started--Tigertail Avenue, LeJeune Road, Freedom Tower, Merri Christmas Park, Crandon Park, Miami and Tamiami Trail. And I followed up with a new article explaining the Julia Tuttle Causeway.

Equally important-- and from now on-- I will be posting on my blog at least one article each month—sometimes more. A few may be re-writes or up-dates—but many will be “brand new”! . So I urge you to mark your calendar.

And I cordially invite you to join us!

Sincerely,

WELLBORN PHILLIPS, JR.

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Monday, March 3, 2014

I apologize for my absence in posting, but I recently moved to North Carolina.  Now that I am settling in (with a new laptop) I am beginning to work again on this interesting series, but this time it will be about North Carolina.  My first post will be coming this March.  Please follow along on my new blog here!

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