Glad you made it inside...
Looking at the lobby you can see it has three
elliptical arches supported by octagonal columns. There's a story
that has been passed down over the years that in one of those
columns there is a time capsule. We know that we could check to
see if it's true... but we'd rather keep the mystery alive. Which
column do you think it would be in?
On one side as you enter the main foyer is
the great seal of the United States and below it is the plaque
that designates Miami Senior High School as being listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. On the opposite wall is
the seal of the State of Florida and the Gold Star Honor Roll
-- the memorial to the Stingarees who gave their lives for their
country during World War II.
One neat thing about this foyer ---
although there have been many coats of white paint on the ceiling
(it peels each year and has to be repainted), you can see the
original painted fresco. The paint was actually applied while
the plaster was still wet as a border to this area. The ceiling
border is the original -- just as it was in 1928 when the students
first arrived.
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Enlargement of the border |
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In the foyer you will also find
the ticket window (which is still used today) and four lanterns
whose design was inspired by lanterns from an Italian palace. |
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Looking down at the floor, you can
see the terra-cotta tile that was used on all the hallways here
in Stingtown. It's not a standard size used today so in a few
areas, you'll see some smaller modern tile was used when repairs
were needed. Luckily, repairs have been few and far between and
the vast majority of the original tile remains.
We're so protective of Stingtown that
when movies are filmed here or any structures need to be attached
to the floor, all drilling into the floor must be done between
the tiles so that they are not damaged.
The lobby has three murals that are
of great historic significance. They were painted by Denman Fink
(chief designer of Coral Gables) as part of the Works Public Administration
following the Depression years. The murals represent (from left
to right): science and technology, history/civics and government,
and arts/sports.
Students in the pictures were in the
classes of 1934, '35, and '36.
They were here at Miami High walking in the halls.
The artist asked them to pose for a moment and they did.
Below the murals are four large trophy cases with trophies dating
back to 1919.
To see an enlargement of each mural, click
here.
When you're ready to go on with the
tour... click here.
