South Florida really does have rich history. It’s just that few really know it. The Deering brothers were early Miami settlers who brought with them a level of sophistication and culture. It was James Deering, who resided at Vizcaya (Museum & Gardens) and Charles Deering who lived at Deering Estate. Even though Vizcaya is better known, Deering Estate certainly is no less important.
That was the feeling of Deering Foundation Board Member Becky Roper Matkov when she embarked on a way to raise awareness for Deering Estate. The result is an award-winning 26-minute documentary film called On This Land, The Charles Deering Estate, of which she is the writer.
Deep research took Matkov to Spain and insightful interviews with historians, archeologists and Deering descendants uncover the land’s history of botany as well as a rich Native American history on the site going back 10,000 years.
Did you know Deering successfully lobbied and moved Old Cutler Road? Or that it was Finley Matheson (of Matheson’s Hammock) in 1984 who bought the land and turned it into a State park in 1985 after understanding its cultural significance. You’ll learn so much more by watching the film.
“It’s incredibly gratifying to see something we all worked so hard have an impact so strong that it moved some people to tears,” explained Becky Roper Matkov, who chaired the volunteer film committee of six members of the 100 Ladies of Deering. “Our vision of educating the public has surpassed its goal. We believe the film will help us further fuel efforts to move the Deering Estate closer to true museum status.”
The Deering Estate Foundation’s award-winning film will be featured at a Lunch and Learn held at the Coral Gables Art Cinema on August 28th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Junior League of Miami, the Coral Gables Museum and the Deering Estate Foundation. A panel discussion will include historian Arva Moore Parks and archaeologist Bob Carr, who appear in the film.
Cost is $25 for members of the sponsoring organizations and $35 for the general public and includes a buffet lunch provided by Catering by Les. Reservations may be made by contacting the Coral Gables Chamber at 305-446-1657 or coralgableschamber.org
People who want only to see the film can also go directly to Deering Estate. The film is shown (for free) on a continuous 30-minute loop on the 2nd floor of the Richmond Cottage.
The Human Side of Real Estate
Real estate value can be created by location, quality of build and other relatively obvious factors. However, the often overlooked, but quite possibly most important factor, can be staff.
Take Spencer Morrison, for example. He has been the doorman and face of Grove Towers for 28 years! The Jamaican-born man is always smiling, ever-helpful and knowledgeable. “I love what I do… and I get paid to do it,” exclaims Morrison.
If you want to know real estate, I submit that Spencer Morrison is real estate personified, providing VALUE to every owner in Grove Towers.
Real Estate Update
As of August 10th, the Pinecrest market is rebounding. Homes listed over $1M are at 11.8 months of inventory! A healthy $1M+ market has 6-9 months of supply. We had been well over 16 months of inventory for about a year.
If you’re ready to move, let me assist you with local expertise, realistic expectations and guidance to get you to wherever ‘next’ is.
It’s easy to get started at miamihal.com/myvalue.
Hal Feldman (MiamiHal) is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. You can contact him with your story ideas or real estate questions at www.MiamiHal.com, Hal@MiamiHal.com or www.facebook.com/MiamiHal.
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