Gone But Not Forgotten In Miami (Kendall, Homestead: to buy, live in, store)

[danzbassman]

I've been gone from Miami a long time but its weird to think of the Orange Bowl as being no more. I went to a lot of Dolphins football games there and even was on a float in the Orange Bowl parade once. I remember parking on lawns in the surrounding neighborhood for $10 and then having to wait after the game until the guy the home owner parked behind you showed up to move his car.

[MiamiEric]

I lived off 136 st and US1 and still own a home there. I use to frquent Kendall skating rink off 136 st also Goony golf was across the street where now is a shoppince center and pet smart. Zayres was where Home depot is now. When briar bay center came along there was Panty pride grocery store and My Pharmacy. Anyone remember a grocery store called Grand Union.. Behind the serpatarium was a place I think was called sunniland not associated with sunnyland park across the street. US1 had a train run along the side of the street where it would stop at linsey lumber to pick up supplies.There was a store called Richardsons, Jackson Byrons which became JByrons. Oh by the way my first job at 15 was at Taco Viva on sunset drive. Funny thing is what they served in their tacos was not meat but was called beef taco ( fake meat) lol. I use to watch them make it from some powder solution. Sunnyland movie Theater which had coupons in the paper for disounted entrance for movies. Dadeland movie theater across from dadeland where compusa is now. When Jaws came out they had a large tank outside with a shark in it and the line was all the way to kendall drive for entrance.CLubs Beat club on bird road live performances by Run DMS Ultimate MCS, the real roxanne and many more> Break dancing there also. Castle Park on friday and saturday nights break dancing and music, Randolphs, madi grass, sneakers, club 1235, 5th streets, randolphs, Madi gras, bass station.Drive in movie theater near where publix is now US1 and before you get to 152 st. Flippers game centers near US1 124th and on 136 st. Crafts store off 124 st and US1 a small convinient store which died when the owner passed. Utotem stores with the totem pole in front where you could return your bottle for 10 cents. Sunnyland summer camp where each camp would compete against each other in different activities such as baseball ect. Bowl O Mat bowling off US1 near 136 st now is a walgreens. ahh if I remember more i'll post. I use to ride my bmx bike when they were first building the falls and Large hills of dirt was there.

Eric
If anyone remember me I was very popular at Kendall skating rink in my younger years lol . kicked butt in races and shuffling

[jcblanco22]

Originally Posted by MiamiEric

I lived off 136 st and US1 and still own a home there. I use to frquent Kendall skating rink off 136 st also Goony golf was across the street where now is a shoppince center and pet smart. Zayres was where Home depot is now. When briar bay center came along there was Panty pride grocery store and My Pharmacy. Anyone remember a grocery store called Grand Union.. Behind the serpatarium was a place I think was called sunniland not associated with sunnyland park across the street. US1 had a train run along the side of the street where it would stop at linsey lumber to pick up supplies.There was a store called Richardsons, Jackson Byrons which became JByrons. Oh by the way my first job at 15 was at Taco Viva on sunset drive. Funny thing is what they served in their tacos was not meat but was called beef taco ( fake meat) lol. I use to watch them make it from some powder solution. Sunnyland movie Theater which had coupons in the paper for disounted entrance for movies. Dadeland movie theater across from dadeland where compusa is now. When Jaws came out they had a large tank outside with a shark in it and the line was all the way to kendall drive for entrance.CLubs Beat club on bird road live performances by Run DMS Ultimate MCS, the real roxanne and many more> Break dancing there also. Castle Park on friday and saturday nights break dancing and music, Randolphs, madi grass, sneakers, club 1235, 5th streets, randolphs, Madi gras, bass station.Drive in movie theater near where publix is now US1 and before you get to 152 st. Flippers game centers near US1 124th and on 136 st. Crafts store off 124 st and US1 a small convinient store which died when the owner passed. Utotem stores with the totem pole in front where you could return your bottle for 10 cents. Sunnyland summer camp where each camp would compete against each other in different activities such as baseball ect. Bowl O Mat bowling off US1 near 136 st now is a walgreens. ahh if I remember more i'll post. I use to ride my bmx bike when they were first building the falls and Large hills of dirt was there.

Eric
If anyone remember me I was very popular at Kendall skating rink in my younger years lol . kicked butt in races and shuffling

There's nothing like childhood, and one in Miami in the 60s and 70s was particularly awesome, in my opinion. Great memories Eric. What can you tell us about the opening of the Falls in 1982, I noticed you left that out completely yet grew up right next to it!

[Kathleen1971]

Originally Posted by MiamiEric

I lived off 136 st and US1 and still own a home there. I use to frquent Kendall skating rink off 136 st also Goony golf was across the street where now is a shoppince center and pet smart. Zayres was where Home depot is now. When briar bay center came along there was Panty pride grocery store and My Pharmacy. Anyone remember a grocery store called Grand Union.. Behind the serpatarium was a place I think was called sunniland not associated with sunnyland park across the street. US1 had a train run along the side of the street where it would stop at linsey lumber to pick up supplies.There was a store called Richardsons, Jackson Byrons which became JByrons. Oh by the way my first job at 15 was at Taco Viva on sunset drive. Funny thing is what they served in their tacos was not meat but was called beef taco ( fake meat) lol. I use to watch them make it from some powder solution. Sunnyland movie Theater which had coupons in the paper for disounted entrance for movies. Dadeland movie theater across from dadeland where compusa is now. When Jaws came out they had a large tank outside with a shark in it and the line was all the way to kendall drive for entrance.CLubs Beat club on bird road live performances by Run DMS Ultimate MCS, the real roxanne and many more> Break dancing there also. Castle Park on friday and saturday nights break dancing and music, Randolphs, madi grass, sneakers, club 1235, 5th streets, randolphs, Madi gras, bass station.Drive in movie theater near where publix is now US1 and before you get to 152 st. Flippers game centers near US1 124th and on 136 st. Crafts store off 124 st and US1 a small convinient store which died when the owner passed. Utotem stores with the totem pole in front where you could return your bottle for 10 cents. Sunnyland summer camp where each camp would compete against each other in different activities such as baseball ect. Bowl O Mat bowling off US1 near 136 st now is a walgreens. ahh if I remember more i'll post. I use to ride my bmx bike when they were first building the falls and Large hills of dirt was there.

Eric
If anyone remember me I was very popular at Kendall skating rink in my younger years lol . kicked butt in races and shuffling

Gosh Eric, I remember just about everything you have mentioned. You are making me homesick lol. And I totally remember Grand Union. That's where my parents used to grocery shop.

I also used to skate at the Kendall rink but Sunshine Skateway in Homestead was more of my domain lol.

And now you have Roxanne Roxanne stuck in my head.

[jbravo]

What I miss is going to Matheson Hammock in the Gables, getting in for free (no toll) and it being empty. Yeah, just me and maybe a couple of other people.
Anybody remember that far back?
Oh, and the mango stands on 57th (mangos big as a small coconut! For real! Never saw it again.)
Finally, I miss the politically incorrect times when you could go see an X rated movie on Coral Way next to Sears and it was the thing to do. Mostly couples at the midnight show.
Yeah, I miss the youth that is lost, but there was something else lost.
_

[MiamiEric]

The falls was nothing but bushes before. When I was younger I use to fish in the canal right behing the Falls. There a passage way that goes up under US1 and you could fish under the bridge and would come out right next to Wendy's. The Falls came along right when Kendall skating rink closed. Since teenagers had nothing to do they started "hanging out" at the falls near the seating area just outside the mall near the field east of the movie theater. Hanging out and with nothing was the downfall of some teens. Many became drug addicts ( we use to call them burn outs).The falls shopping center had a larger area of water along the walkway of the shops with large coy fish and coins in the water. The movie theater and bloomingdales was main attraction. Haagen Daz store was next to the movie theater and there was another snak bar called orange bowl ( I think thats the name ). There was also a sporting goods store in the mall near the snack bar. The movie theater was run by the owner I think his name was Mr Belamonte and Nevill was the manager. Surpisingly I saw Nevill working in KMart in the 2000 but then disappeared. They use to let me and some friends in free thats why I know them so well . Also in the 80's at the burger king next to the Falls was a hangout for the fad red neck trucks ( trucks with those large wheels) and confederate flags. Also after Palmetto and Killian football games this Burger King was a hangout. I use to ride my bike to Matheson Hammocks through that bike along the mangrove ( sure did stink). I remember that dirty sand pool ( floating turds often seen in that pool) that was fed by the ocean through a gate. There was a snack bar next to the sand pool. There was a rode that split before getting to the pool and ocean area . There was a area where I use to fish there which was along a bridge. I caught many fish there small yellowtail, grunts, snapper ect. Also when tide was low near matheson hammock beach I remember I could walk forever on sand where there were patches of deep water. Only thing I hated were those sand gnats and tried to leave before they came out. Those sand gnats bites hurt more than mosquitoes and they bite everywhere. I use to be able to just ride my bike east to the ocean. I remember one place was next to some homes where there were large rocks near the ocean and tons of hermit crabs. I use to collect them and make them pets lol. Can't ride your bike there anymore since now they are all gated communities.
Ohh remember when dadeland mall had those tall statues you could climb on in the middle of the walk way. I remember when dadeland had a fabric store near where the entrance to the food court is now. Also burdines had a boy scout department I think it was on the 2nd floor and the toy department of burdines was on the third floor. many stores had those circular racks with clothes which you could hide between when young.
I remeber when sears and a movie theater was the only thing at cutler ridge mall area.

I remmber the 5 and 10 cent store in sunniland shopping center where my parents would buy my elementary school supplies . The toys such as little army men, sling shots and school supplies like duotangs note books individual pencils. There was a mechanical horse ride and a large balloon dispencing machine outside the entrance of the store.

What I remember about Zayres was it was a large store where you could try on shoes yourself that were stored in boxes. Cashier registers were in the front of the store and in front of the registers were a place where you could buy iron on prints and tattoo sticker. also had a snack bar where you could get popcorn and hotdogs.

[Kathleen1971]

Originally Posted by MiamiEric

Ohh remember when dadeland mall had those tall statues you could climb on in the middle of the walk way. I remember when dadeland had a fabric store near where the entrance to the food court is now. Also burdines had a boy scout department I think it was on the 2nd floor and the toy department of burdines was on the third floor. many stores had those circular racks with clothes which you could hide between when young.
I remeber when sears and a movie theater was the only thing at cutler ridge mall area.

I used to love those tall statues at Dadeland. Didn't the Burdines use to have a diner? I seem to remember always having grilled cheese sandwiches there when my mom would take me shopping with her.

I also remember when the Cutler Ridge mall only had a Sears and movie theater. My mom would take me all the time to get the hot cashews they had inside Sears at a little stand. I think they also had a Pantry Pride in the plaza as well. What used to crack me up as a little kid with Sears is that they went eons with the S missing so all you would see lit up at night was ears.

I left Miami about ten years ago and hadn't been to the Falls in longer than that. Do they still have that awesome Mexican restaraunt El Torito's there? That place was awesome. The Falls was as well. Used to love those funky qraphics on the screen before the movie started and going next door to the ice cream parlor afterwards for bubble gum ice cream. Gosh do I miss the Miami that I grew up in in the 70's & 80's. Good times.

[jcblanco22]

Originally Posted by Kathleen1971

I used to love those tall statues at Dadeland. Didn't the Burdines use to have a diner? I seem to remember always having grilled cheese sandwiches there when my mom would take me shopping with her.

I also remember when the Cutler Ridge mall only had a Sears and movie theater. My mom would take me all the time to get the hot cashews they had inside Sears at a little stand. I think they also had a Pantry Pride in the plaza as well. What used to crack me up as a little kid with Sears is that they went eons with the S missing so all you would see lit up at night was ears.

I left Miami about ten years ago and hadn't been to the Falls in longer than that. Do they still have that awesome Mexican restaraunt El Torito's there? That place was awesome. The Falls was as well. Used to love those funky qraphics on the screen before the movie started and going next door to the ice cream parlor afterwards for bubble gum ice cream. Gosh do I miss the Miami that I grew up in in the 70's & 80's. Good times.

Kathleen, that was great stuff! Addressing a couple of the things you said, regarding the diner at Burdines in Dadeland, there was a full restaurant called the Suncoast Lounge in the highest floor in Jordan Marsh, which Burdines eventually took over in '91. Not sure if you're remembering that, or if you're thinking of a diner in the actual original Burdines space in the middle of the mall.

Regarding El Torito in the Falls, that was excellent but it was replaced long ago, I believe the space it was in is now Los Ranchos, either that or the P.F. Chang's that's there, one of the two.

Finally, those graphics before the movies started at the Falls were indeed classic, that was the "oily water" effect that only they seemed to have.

[Kathleen1971]

Originally Posted by jcblanco22

Kathleen, that was great stuff! Addressing a couple of the things you said, regarding the diner at Burdines in Dadeland, there was a full restaurant called the Suncoast Lounge in the highest floor in Jordan Marsh, which Burdines eventually took over in '91. Not sure if you're remembering that, or if you're thinking of a diner in the actual original Burdines space in the middle of the mall.

Regarding El Torito in the Falls, that was excellent but it was replaced long ago, I believe the space it was in is now Los Ranchos, either that or the P.F. Chang's that's there, one of the two.

Finally, those graphics before the movies started at the Falls were indeed classic, that was the "oily water" effect that only they seemed to have.

Thanks for the info JCBlanco! Shame about El Torito's. That was where I wanted to go every year for my birthday. Great food and the people who worked there were always incredibly nice. I moved from the South Miami area to North Miami around 1993 so it's been a while since I was at The Falls.

Maybe that diner was in Jordan Marsh. I only remember eating there in the early to mid '70's as a little kid so maybe that's why I had it confused. I am pretty sure it wasn't there past 1980 or 1981. Too bad as it was a cute place.

Like I said, this thread has made me so homesick for those days in Miami. I am in Tampa now and we don't even have a Tony Roma's which was another fave. Anyone have a time machine I can borrow?


ETA- I saw the mention of Matheson Hammocks and the "floating turds". Too funny. We went there every weekend and my dad would say that they were dead jellyfish and not poo so I would stop freaking out. I was thrilled when he would finally let me go out on the sanddunes and leave that dirty pool. Only bad thing about the dunes were all the damn stingrays. I swear those things would stalk me lol. The snackbar though was awesome for a little kid. I lived off their corndogs and Snicker bars.

[plantlover]

I have lived in the Kendall - Homestead area since 1973. I remember the restaurant in Burdines. It was sort of a "tea room" type place. Jordan Marsh also had a restaurant, I think on the third floor. I ate there many, many times. They had a great salad bar and blueberry muffins to die for! I still miss Jordan Marsh! I remember the Green Thumb nursery on U.S. 1 just north of Kendall Drive. There was a Dairy Queen near there also. I once saw Bob Griese buying ice cream there. Anyone remember the Serpentarium with their really scary shows/demonstrations?