On a stormy Tuesday afternoon in June, a distinguished gathering of Gables movers, shakers, and members of the HPACG society convened at the elegant Coral Gables mansion owned by June and Allen Morris to observe the Fifth Annual Founder’s Day celebration. This event honors George Merrick, the visionary who transformed a pioneering South Florida village into one of America’s most celebrated garden cities. The celebration also coincides with the city’s Centennial, marking 100 years since its incorporation in 1925.
The event, sponsored by the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables, served as a platform not only to commemorate Merrick’s birth anniversary but also to emphasize the city’s own century-long history. The theme of this year’s Founder’s Day highlighted the deep cultural ties between Coral Gables and Spain, reflecting Merrick’s admiration for Spanish architecture and heritage. Merrick famously envisioned a city where “Castles in Spain” could be realized in Florida, encapsulating the city’s architectural aesthetic rooted in Spanish design.
From its inception, Coral Gables maintained a strong bond with Spain, a relationship reinforced through notable honors. In 1927, King Alfonso XIII awarded Merrick the honorary title of “Real Orden de Isabel la Católica,” recognizing his contributions to cultural and civic development. This connection persists today, exemplified by recent honors such as King Felipe VI conferring a prestigious Spanish civil order upon The Honorable Raul Valdes-Fauli. Deputy Consul General Gabriel Cremades highlighted this enduring relationship at the 2021 inaugural ceremony, emphasizing how few cities and individuals can boast similar distinctions.
Adding to the Spanish theme, the ceremony featured a memorable musical performance by renowned Spanish tenor Aurelio Gutierrez, who delivered a stirring rendition of the Spanish anthem “Granada,” setting a powerful tone for the celebration. The event’s hosts included Karelia Martinez Carbonell, President of HPACG, who introduced Mayor Vince Lago. The mayor expressed his gratitude for residents’ ongoing love for Coral Gables and their commitment to preserving its historic heritage.
The ceremony was further enriched by the presence of three former mayors—The Honorable Raul Valdes-Fauli, James Cason, and Dorothy Thomson—each sharing their experiences and congratulating the city on its milestone. Their words underscored the city’s rich history and the importance of maintaining its cultural identity.
Overall, the celebration offered a heartfelt tribute to Coral Gables’ storied past and its enduring Spanish influence. It was a testament to the city’s development from a visionary project into a beloved American locale, celebrating its heritage and looking forward to a future built upon these historic foundations.
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