When it comes to the history of Redland (not the Redland and not Redlands) George Grunwell is the senior local chronicler of everything Redland. He will be the Bea Peskoe Lunchtime Lecture series speaker on Jan. 9, noon, at the Redland Fruit and Spice Park, located at the corner of Redland Road (SW 187th Avenue) and Coconut Palm (248th Street).
The lecture is open free to the public. The Mango Café at the park will serve a lunch at 11:30 a.m. for $10 by reservation only at 305-230-9185 made before 2 p.m. on Jan. 6.
The history of Redland is interesting and important to understanding Redland of today. Grunwell has spent all of his life here except for the first six months in Key West and 1943-46 when he served in the U.S. Navy.
A licensed architect and Homestead’s first non-political appointee postmaster (1972-80), Grunwell has spent a lot of time paying attention to detail. The special purpose maps he has drawn for this presentation will themselves be an important addition to local history.
Those attending will learn of the first two homesteaders, the first woman homesteader and who the other six single women homesteaders were. Contrary to what we remember of the rush of homesteaders into new territories out West, here the inflow was much less harried and more orderly. The planned community of Aladdin City also will be highlighted. Photos from Grunwell’s personal collection will add to the appreciation for life in early Redland. Grunwell will take questions at the end of his presentation.
Ample free parking is available at the Fruit and Spice Park.
The Bea Peskoe Lunchtime Lecture Series is presented by the Homestead Center for the Arts in honor of the late Homestead activist for justice, education and the arts and is presented free to the public with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners.
