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Porte Cochere entrance to the Carib
Designed by Architect Norman
Giller, the Carib Motel was built in 1952 taking its place along “Motel Row” at 18975 Collins Avenue.
(Motel Row included approximately 60 motels and hotels that lined Collins
Avenue from 159 to 195 streets.) In its advertising the Carib enticed
readers to “no formality…just relax,” thus creating
a full vacation atmosphere for its guests.
According to an early reservation form from this modest motel, during
April 20th to July 1st and September 7th to December 18th, a room cost
between $5.00 and $9.00. The rate from July 1st to September 7th was
$6.00 to $10.00 dollars; all rates applied to occupancy for either one
or two persons.
Along with other motels on Motel Row, in 1959 the Carib offered cars
to rent: for $4.00 per day a guest could drive a Chevrolet Sedan (including
power steering and automatic shift); for just $6.00 a guest could drive
a sporty convertible Impala. The price per day plus $.10 per mile included
gas, oil, insurance and daily maintenance.
 Mrs.
Emily Korb and daughter Lori at the Carib pool in 1952
In a 1950’s
brochure, the Carib advertised having: air conditioning, free parking,
swimming pool,
300 feet of private beach, water shows, card
room, coffee shop, dancing, movies, bar-b-q rack, shuffleboards, pin
pong, planned entertainment, tropical gardens, card rooms, cocktail
lounge, coffee
shops and efficiency apartments.
Guests being entertained with the sounds of Rock and Roll at the pool.
The Carib Motel went condo and in 2005 became known as the Seashore Condominium.
If you have stories and pictures to share about the history of the Sunny
Isles Beach area, please contact City Hall at 305-947-0606.
In 1952…
- Dwight D. Eisenhower “I like Ike” was
elected 34th President of the U.S.
- African-American novelist Ralph Ellison publishes The Invisible
Man.
- The 1952 Summer Olympic Games were held in Helsinki, Finland.
- The film “Singing in the Rain” was released starring
Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse, and Donald O C’onnor, and Debbie
Reynolds
- Population of the US 151,684,000
- Artist, Jasper Johns works on Flag paintings.
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In 1952...
- House: $16,800
- Average income: $3,515
- Ford car: $1526-$2384
- Milk: $.96
- Gas: $.20
- Loaf of bread: $.14
- Postage stamp: $.03
- 1 lb pkg of M&M’s candies: $.59
- Ladies Corduroy Jackets: $4.99
- Cotton knit blouses: $1.98
- Westinghouse Open-Handle steam iron: $19.95
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Compiled
by David Udoff and Marlene Calero
If you
have stories and pictures to share about the history of the Sunny
Isles Beach area, call City Hall at 305-947-0606
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