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Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Open Mic event in North Miami

• Upcoming Miami Marlins home game

• A deep-dive into the life of Edward Leedskalnin

• And more….

Quote of the Week

“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.”

– John Wooden

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In Miami, which historic building is known for its architectural significance as a luxury hotel from the 1920s and now serves as a public university's administration building?

A) The Biltmore Hotel

B) The Freedom Tower

C) The Miami Beach City Hall

D) The Coral Gables Colonnade

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The neighborhood renowned for its rich cultural history and annual festivals is B) Little Havana.

New

💼 Business

The Florida International Medical Expo recently showcased cutting-edge technologies at the Miami Beach Convention Center, attracting global attention. (link)

A Miami health company is undergoing significant changes post-bankruptcy, affecting local healthcare services. (link)

🏒 Sports

Miami Marlins' Jazz Chisholm Jr. continues to make headlines with his standout performances, including a recent game-winning home run. (link)

Caleb Martin, Kevin Love, and Thomas Bryant have opted out of their contracts to enter free agency, impacting the Miami Heat's roster decisions. (link)

🏦 Finance

Miami's luxury housing market sees a boost with a record $668 million loan for a 1,000-foot tower project, reflecting strong demand in the area. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Miami Marlins vs. Baltimore Orioles
loanDepot park, Miami
July 24 | (More info)

🧘 Classic Mat Pilates Class
Margaret Pace Park, Miami
July 24 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Jazz at MOCA: Nicole Henry
Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami
July 25 | (More info)

🎤 Open Mic ~ Music ~ Poetry ~ Hip Hop ~ Jazz
North Miami
July 24 | (More info)

Family

🎨 Family Fun Day at The Bass
The Bass, Miami Beach
July 23, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “A city in the clouds, with buildings suspended in the air over Miami” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Miami Historical Events

Overtown Music Scene (1940s-1960s) - A hub for African-American music and culture.

During the 1940s to the 1960s, the Overtown neighborhood in Miami emerged as a vibrant hub for African-American music and culture, earning the moniker of Harlem of the South. This era saw Overtown bustling with nightclubs, theaters, and bars that hosted some of the most prominent African-American entertainers of the time, including Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, and Ella Fitzgerald. These venues not only provided a platform for musical performances but also served as a gathering place for the African-American community, offering a space for socialization, celebration, and cultural expression during a period marked by segregation and racial discrimination.

Overtown's music scene was integral to Miami's cultural landscape, contributing significantly to the city's rich musical heritage. The Lyric Theater, one of the most famous venues in Overtown, became a landmark of African-American entertainment, showcasing the talents of musicians, comedians, and performers who would later become legends. Beyond entertainment, these cultural spaces played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and resilience among African Americans in Miami. They were places where the racial barriers of the outside world could momentarily be forgotten, and the focus was on the joy and communal experience of music and dance.

However, the construction of Interstate 95 in the late 1960s cut through the heart of Overtown, leading to the displacement of residents and the decline of the neighborhood's vibrant music scene. Despite these changes, the legacy of Overtown's musical golden age continues to influence Miami's cultural identity. Efforts to preserve and celebrate the history of this era, including the restoration of the Lyric Theater and the organization of music festivals, reflect the ongoing importance of Overtown's contribution to the city's musical and cultural heritage. The story of Overtown's music scene is a testament to the power of community, culture, and music to transcend societal boundaries and leave a lasting impact on a city's identity.

Famous People From Miami

Edward Leedskalnin (1887–1951)

Edward Leedskalnin was born in 1887 in Latvia, then part of the Russian Empire. Growing up in a farming family, he received a basic education but was largely self-taught, developing a keen interest in physics and engineering. This foundation set the stage for his later work and the creation of one of the most enigmatic structures in the United States.

Emigration to America (1912-1920)

Leedskalnin emigrated to the United States in 1912, initially moving to Canada before settling in the U.S. His early years in America were marked by various jobs, during which he continued to educate himself in mechanics and the natural sciences, further nurturing his unique blend of knowledge and skills.

The Inspiration for Coral Castle (1920-1923)

The inspiration for Coral Castle came after a broken engagement to Agnes Scuffs, whom Leedskalnin referred to as his Sweet Sixteen. Heartbroken, Leedskalnin decided to create a monument to his lost love, beginning what would become a lifelong project and his legacy.

Beginning of Coral Castle Construction (1923-1936)

Leedskalnin began constructing Coral Castle in 1923 in Florida City. Working alone and mostly at night, he quarried and sculpted over 1,100 tons of oolite limestone, using hand tools. His methods of construction, particularly how he managed to move and carve such massive stones single-handedly, remain a subject of speculation and wonder.

Relocation and Continued Work (1936-1951)

In 1936, Leedskalnin moved his entire structure to its final location in Homestead, Florida, reportedly to escape development near the original site. He continued to expand and refine Coral Castle until his death in 1951, adding numerous features and sculptures, all of which he crafted single-handedly from coral rock.

The Mystery of Coral Castle’s Construction (Throughout His Life)

The construction of Coral Castle remains shrouded in mystery. Leedskalnin claimed to have discovered the secrets of the ancient Egyptian pyramid builders, using techniques involving magnetism and unique perceptions of weight and leverage, though he never divulged the specifics of these methods.

Public Opening of Coral Castle (1940s)

In the 1940s, Leedskalnin opened Coral Castle to the public, charging admission to visitors curious about his creation. He conducted tours himself, explaining various features of the castle and its significance, yet he remained secretive about his construction techniques.

Edward Leedskalnin’s Writings (Throughout His Life)

Leedskalnin authored several pamphlets on topics ranging from magnetic current to domestic and moral advice. His writings provide insight into his unique perspectives on science, philosophy, and life, though they also contribute to the mystique surrounding him and his work.

Legacy and Impact on Miami (1951 and Beyond)

Edward Leedskalnin passed away in 1951, leaving behind Coral Castle as a testament to his ingenuity, perseverance, and unrequited love. Coral Castle has since become a popular tourist attraction and a subject of intrigue and speculation, adding a unique chapter to Miami’s cultural and historical landscape.

Connection to Miami (1923-1951)

Leedskalnin’s connection to Miami is immortalized through Coral Castle, a landmark that attracts visitors from around the world. His life’s work contributes to the mystique and allure of the Miami area, representing an enduring mystery of engineering and a monument to lost love.

Key Achievements:

• Single-handedly constructed Coral Castle, an architectural marvel, from over 1,100 tons of oolite limestone.

• Created one of the most intriguing structures in the United States, which remains a subject of speculation and admiration.

• - Contributed to Miami’s cultural and historical landscape, leaving behind a legacy of mystery and ingenuity.

Edward Leedskalnin's life and work are a remarkable blend of mystery, ingenuity, and romance. Through the construction of Coral Castle, he not only demonstrated an extraordinary understanding of stone-working and physics but also left behind a monument to enduring love. Coral Castle remains a testament to Leedskalnin's unique talents and a significant part of Miami's cultural heritage, inviting fascination and wonder from all who visit.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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