Country Club Section in Coral Gables in Miami-Dade County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
U of M Opened Here
Photographed By Marsha A. Matson, June 28, 2014
1. U of M Opened Here Marker
Erected 1969 by The Historical Association of Southern Florida.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1881.
Location. 25° 44.433′ N, 80° 15.902′ W. Marker is in Coral Gables, Florida, in Miami-Dade County. It is in the Country Club Section. Marker is at the intersection of University Drive and Camilo Avenue, on the right when traveling south on University Drive. Marker is located in a parking lot of the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 405 University Drive, Miami FL 33134, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Historic 1926 White Way Lights (within shouting distance of this marker); Coral Gables Rapid Transit (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Edgar Merrick (approx.
this page online
Regarding U of M Opened Here. The historic marker is located at the site of the Anastasia building, the first university building, now demolished. The Anastasia Building served as the home for administrative offices and classrooms of the University of Miami through the late 1960's. After the devastating hurricane of 1926 passed over South Florida, University officials knew that they would never be able to finish the Merrick Building and open on time. They then set their sites on the Anastasia Building, which was originally planned as a hotel but construction had been halted for lack of funds. The University leased the building and quickly installed room dividers to make the building function as a school. The building thus became known as the "Cardboard College."
Photographed By Marsha A. Matson, June 28, 2014
2. U of M Opened Here Marker
University of Miami Legacy photo, Richter Library, 1935
3. Aerial View of North Campus
Due to financial set-backs, construction of the Merrick building was halted in mid-1926. To open on time, the founders turned to a partially completed hotel, the Anastasia (foreground) and in 1939 to its sister building across LeJeune Road, the San Sebastian (upper center). The University operated from these buildings until the Memorial classroom building was completed in 1946.
University of Miami Legacy photo, Richter Library, 1942
4. Anastasia Building - first University of Miami building
Pictured is a view of the Anastasia Building after the addition of the coffin tower, the uppermost cap of the rounded section of the building. This rotunda was first used by the RAF cadets for classes in air navigation. A camera mounted in the ceiling directed images onto the floor. The cadets, seated a floor above, watched the simulated flights over European targets. The Drama Department took over the area in 1946 for a ring theater. To form the theater, a parachute was hung from the ceiling and seats were added around the stage. The concept of a theater in the round was transferred to the new campus when the Ring Theater was built in 1951.
Photographed By Marsha A. Matson, June 28, 2014
5. Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center
The Youth Center now stands where the University of Miami began in 1926.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2014, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. This page has been viewed 672 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 29, 2014, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
