1947 Crandon Park on Key Biscayne opens

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Crandon Park on Key Biscayne - 1947 "A treasure trove for Key Biscayne"
1947 Crandon Park Opening

This article first appeared in the official program for the dedication of Crandon Park
November 9 - 11, 1947      There's no known record, complete with skull and cross bones, of buried treasure on romantic Key Biscayne, although pieces of eight or pirate doubloons may well be hidden beneath the golden sand, where cover girls and their bronzed escorts today absorb their vitamins from the sky. Regardless of the mystery (or lack ) of buried treasure here, there's pleasure trove to all on the 2,000,000 square feet of super bathing beach at exotic Crandon Park.
     The out-of-this-world setting of this palm splashed natural playground goes back to the days even before the era of corsairs. Buccaneers of the Spanish Main probably anchored their ships in Hurricane Harbor.
     Ponce de Leon, first tourist to discover that extra something South Florida offers vacationers, is believed to have stopped off here in 1513 after a brief stay ashore at the mouth of the St. John's River at Jacksonville. History shows that after exploring that area, he sailed southward, tarrying first at St. Augustine; then continuing down the coast to an island he named Santa Maria.
     South Florida authorities, after an extensive study at coast surveys along the Dade County shore, are inclined to believe the Santa Marta discovered by Ponce de Leon later was named Cayo Biscaino or Key Biscayne.
     Just 400 years ago, in 1547, Key Biscayne figured prominently when the Spanish explorer, Escalante de Fontenada, recorded the presence there of the Tequesta Indian tribe in the vicinity of present Miami.
     Fontenada was the lone survivor crew member of a Spanish galleon wrecked off Key Biscayne. Captured by the Tequesta Indians, part of the Calusa federation, Fontenada was allowed to roam at will within the territory ruled by the Tequesta tribe. Long a disciple of Ponce de Leon, he transverses the length and width of Key Biscayne and other South Florida keys in an attempt to emulate his predecessor's quest for health and everlasting youth.
     Black Caesar, notorious marauder, of the Florida Keys, operated in this vicinity. This doughty highwayman of the waves frequently hid his plunder ship back of wooded islands such as Key Biscayne to stalk unwary merchant men in route to Havana, Spain's Queen City of the Antilles.
     Perhaps some of his ill gained loot now molders near the southern half of the island?
     Another linking of Key Biscayne to the "Florida that was" is the old Cape Florida lighthouse. A landmark in the keys, the lofty hurricane defier was built in 1826. Unfriendly Indians set fire to the structure early in the 19th century. The tower, for many years erroneously called the "Old Spanish Light," was abandoned in 1878, but still stands, a monument to the past - a beacon now to 20th century counterparts of Ponce de Leon.
     And so, today, the suntanned white man once again moves into the hunting domain of the red skin in search of wholesome happiness, outdoor relaxation and the luxury of loafing beneath leafy palms on a tropic isle of complete contentment.
     Yes, Key Biscayne , site of Crandon Park, is truly an island filled with pleasure trove - a recreational treasure chest laden with rich prizes of nature for Dade County and their lucky visitors.

More on the beginnings of one of the top ten beaches in the world and the causeway that gets us there, click here>>>

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