In 2015 we warned you that the new Miami Springs pool was going to be much smaller than the grand olympic sized pool we had for over 50 years. We also informed you that much of the money was going into creating more buildings. In other words, more building space. Less pool space. Now you can see the construction of the new pool with your own eyes. Total construction cost: $5 MILLION.
Curtiss Bright Administration Building – (Photo courtesy Miami Springs Historical Society and Museum.)
On the night of August 23, 1926, 97 years ago today 75 registered voters met at the Curtiss Bright Administration Building(see photo) and voted unanimously to incorporate the Town Of Country Club Estates. The name was changed to Miami Springs in 1930. The following is a list of things that happened on that historic night:
Glenn H. Curtiss said there would be no salaried positions except those of town clerk and marshal.
Mr. Curtiss also said the H. R. Howell Company Inc., developers of the suburb would favor incorporation at this time if the committee could approve the suggested officers.
One of the urgent reasons for incorporation he said was the installation of storm sewers and that the H. R. Howell Company would pay for the sewers and charge them back to the town at cost at a later date.
Francis Miller was elected mayor and a council of five members was chosen as follows: J. A. Michael, J. R. Renshaw, Maj. B. L. Smith, James Kennedy and W.L. Leaycfaft . Mayor Miller was a well-known Miami attorney being a member of the firm of Snedigar and Miller.
Mr. Renshaw was general sales manager of the Opa-Locka Company and W. L. Leaycraft was secretary and treasurer oF the same company. James W. Kennedy was an executive of the circulation department of The Miami Herald and Maj. B .L. Smith was a contractor and builder in Country Club Estates.
The nominations were placed in the field by Dr. A. W. Ziebold chief medical examiner for Dade County.
H. A. Swasey was nominated town clerk and R. H. Hall, marshal.
It was explained that due to the fact that the development of Country Club Estates was about 85 per cent completed and the balance of the improvements were being installed by the developer the consideration of bond issues for public Improvements was not necessary at the time.
The boundaries of the town roughly included Country Club Estates, Cinema Park( now the area surrounding the library on Westward Drive) and the golf course.
During the 2019-2020 demolition of the Circle Theater it was discovered that an adjoining office was actually part of the original Curtiss Bright Administration Building. Blocks from that historic building are now on display in the Miami Springs Historical Society Museum on East Drive and Satellite Museum in the Senior Center.
From the Palmetto, exit at NW 36th Street and head East on NW 36th Street. Continue East on NW 36th Street and make a left hand turn (North) on East Drive. Continue North until you reach 501 East Drive.
From I-95, take I-95 to State Road 112 Westbound. Exit State Road 112 at NW 36th Street. Continue west on NW 36th Street until you reach East Drive. Make a right hand turn at East Drive (North). Continue North on East Drive until you reach 501 East Drive.
From Hialeah, take Okeechobee Road until you reach East 4th Avenue. Turn south on East 4th Avenue and cross the bridge into Miami Springs. Take the center lane and continue south onto East Drive. You’ll see Stafford Park on your left hand side and then the entrance to the Museum Parking lot at 501 East Drive.
Map to the Miami Springs Historical Society
Miami Springs Historical Museum Hours
The Museum is open each Saturday (except Christmas & New Years) from 12 Noon to 4 pm.
