Discovering Miami’s 2000 Year Old History From Vintage View Master Pictures

In this episode: Matheson Beach, Coral Cables and the Venetian Pool, Pier 5 and Downtown, Musa Isle and the legacy of native American-based tourism.

In the latest episode of View Master Travels, reel 165 takes us on a journey through the vibrant history of Miami City.

I embark on a quest to locate and compare six vintage View Master photos taken over 75 years ago, leading to surprising discoveries about Miami's past.

Contrary to expectations, Miami proves to hold hidden mysteries buried within its downtown buildings, shedding light on the rich history of native American people in the region.

The exploration begins with a visit to Matheson Hammock Beach, revealing a picturesque man-made atoll constructed during the Great Depression and now nestled within Matheson Hammock Park, the county's first public park.

Continuing the adventure, we explore The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, originally built as a grand Venetian swimming pool in 1924 by George Merrick, a visionary behind the development of Coral Gables.

Merrick's ambitious plans to transform his family's citrus farm into a meticulously planned city, complete with Mediterranean-style homes and landmarks like The Venetian Pool, reflect the rapid growth and innovation of Miami in the early 20th century. Despite encountering setbacks, including devastating hurricanes and financial struggles, Merrick's legacy endures through iconic structures like The Venetian Pool, serving as a testament to Miami's ever-evolving landscape.

The exploration delves deeper into Miami's evolving skyline and indigenous history, uncovering fascinating insights into the city's past.

From the transformation of Pier 5 into the bustling Port of Miami to the enduring symbol of freedom represented by the historic Freedom Tower, each location visited offers a glimpse into Miami's dynamic cultural tapestry.

The journey concludes with a poignant reflection on the disappearance of indigenous Seminole villages like Musa Isle, highlighting the complex history of native American tourism in Florida and the enduring legacy of those who once called the region home.

Through Vintage View Masters, viewers are encouraged to embrace curiosity, explore untold stories, and appreciate the diverse threads that weave together the rich tapestry of Miami's history.



All pictures are public domain or the property of the author - except as follows:

The picture of the “Miami Circle” structure is AI generated.

The modern day picture of Miami Circle is Creative Commons - credit to Ebyabe.

Picture of Watson Brake mounds was from HeartOfLouisiana.com

A Golden Wake video game developed by Grundislav Games

Thanks to http://floridamemory.com/ for most of the image and video resources.

Sound Effect Credits:

Summer Beach Sounds: https://freesound.org/s/580707/
Loch Ness at Borlum Bay: https://freesound.org/s/188701/
Restaurant Ambience: https://freesound.org/s/512367/
Outdoor Swimming Pool in Romania: https://freesound.org/s/238386/
Dive into a pool: https://freesound.org/s/529793/
Garden Sprinkler: https://freesound.org/s/675573/
Leaf Blower: https://freesound.org/s/649162/
Busy Fishing Pier: https://freesound.org/s/451392/
Pike Place Market: https://freesound.org/s/486347/
Traffic on Highway:https://freesound.org/s/453599/
Parking Lot and Taxi Station: https://freesound.org/s/406916/
City Street Ambiance: https://freesound.org/s/69865/
Autumn Park: https://freesound.org/s/488944/
Alligator Growls: https://freesound.org/s/527844/
Excited Crowd: https://freesound.org/s/420982/
Jungle Sounds: https://freesound.org/s/123087/
Suburbs: https://freesound.org/s/69447/