Originally published in the third print issue of Islandia Journal, here's Eric King's story of Gladiator, a crocodile who was raised by manatees at the historic Arch Creek.
I’m sure developers were hoping that Anderson’s Corner would meet the same fate. Unfortunately, the previous owner reinforced the whole building with massive steel girders.
I recall Lewis Vandercar coming down from his home near Tampa to work on the fallen Arch, which he reconstructed. That area was a popular Lover's Lane in the 1960's, and the hardwood hammock was magnificent. I had met Vandercar at his home off Biscayne Boulevard, near Sears, back in 1965. I visited his yard with my girlfriend, who he promptly asked if she would pose nude so that he could paint her portrait. She declined. His yard was filled with terrific concrete statues of very weird creature and people.
Thanks! Vandercar the Warlock was some kind of trip. I visited with him several times in the mid 60's, and he invited us to a party once, but my girlfriend was a bit creeped out by him, so we didn't go. His house was really very cool. There was also a Mr. Davis, who had a old wooden house right on the bay, in the low 20's I think. He called it The Miami Art Museum, and charged a couple of bucks to go through the place, with a lot of paintings on the walls. We would back a lunch, and sit out in his yard right on the bay. Very cool times.
Thanks for sharing, Islandia. Glad you made the note about the Dupuis building being torn down this year.
Thanks for letting us share your story. Demolition by neglect seems more and more common in Miami -- dark stuff!
I’m sure developers were hoping that Anderson’s Corner would meet the same fate. Unfortunately, the previous owner reinforced the whole building with massive steel girders.
I recall Lewis Vandercar coming down from his home near Tampa to work on the fallen Arch, which he reconstructed. That area was a popular Lover's Lane in the 1960's, and the hardwood hammock was magnificent. I had met Vandercar at his home off Biscayne Boulevard, near Sears, back in 1965. I visited his yard with my girlfriend, who he promptly asked if she would pose nude so that he could paint her portrait. She declined. His yard was filled with terrific concrete statues of very weird creature and people.
I’ve been told some stories and myths about the “Lover’s Lane” near Arch Creek. Your story about Vandercar sounds spot on. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you!
Ian, have really appreciated your anecdotes on our historical posts. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks! Vandercar the Warlock was some kind of trip. I visited with him several times in the mid 60's, and he invited us to a party once, but my girlfriend was a bit creeped out by him, so we didn't go. His house was really very cool. There was also a Mr. Davis, who had a old wooden house right on the bay, in the low 20's I think. He called it The Miami Art Museum, and charged a couple of bucks to go through the place, with a lot of paintings on the walls. We would back a lunch, and sit out in his yard right on the bay. Very cool times.