"Icon of a Moment" Panel & Lecture

Wednesday, 2/10/2010

7:00 - 9:00 pm
$10
Richmond Cottage

Icon of a Moment: A Convergence of History, Land and Character

The historical discussion will be led by the Deering Estate's own Literary Artists-in-Residence, Deena Blazejack and Cherie Clark, Independent Researcher from Chicago, Jennifer Faust, and Education and Interpretive Staff members, Jessical Cabral and Ernie Lent. They will talk about the discovery of the juxtapositions of technology and culture depicted through Charles Deering - an icon of a moment in our nation's history.

The panelists will share historical information and insights into the forces which affected, and the figures who shaped, the place that would become known as the Deering Estate at Cutler in the period from 1896 to 1922, chief among these Charles Deering himself. An icon is an image, figure or representation. In this presentation, the icon is that historical “moment” extending from 1896 – the year Flagler’s railroad reached the north shore of the Miami River and the year the city was incorporated – to 1922, when Charles Deering’s Stone House was completed as his primary place of residence. 1896 marks the end of the pioneer period in this coastal area. 1922 marks the beginning of Deering’s residence here, and the beginning of what will be preserved as the Estate.

The panel will talk about the following:
1. Miami’s general history from 1896 -1922 (population, economy, major historical events and forces, changes, major players.
2. The Hunting Grounds and Cutler: the pioneer period (population, economy, major historical events and forces, changes, major players.
3. Charles Deering: a general biography to 1922.
4. Charles Deering’s Chicago years: the industrialist; family ties; anti-trust suits; social activities and standing.
5. Charles Deering’s many facets: a summing up of influences and interests: the naval experience, art, ornithology, botany, genealogy, climatology, conservation, etc.