Venetian Pool (originally known as the Venetian Casino) was one of the first public pools in South Florida. It was created in 1924 by Coral Gables founder George Merrick, architect Phineas Paist, and artist Denman Fink, who wanted to turn the coral rock quarry into a Spanish-style community pool as part of the Grand Plan.
Opening day at Venetian Casinos began with a Floral Fashion Review, with flowers provided by Flagler Florist Shop and Burdine's Department Store, and a number of water-sports programs. Jan Garber's Victor Orchestra played their repertoire of popular music at 4 pm for the dansant that "seemed doubly attractive when heard over the pool with the musical sound of the waterfalls as an undertone." (Miami Herald, December 15, 1924). Visit dPanther to hear some of Jan Garber's music.
Entertainment on opening day included the exhibitions of Venetian Casino director Alexander Ott, who put together regular shows known as "Alexander Ott's Water Follies," starring himself and his son, Jackie Ott, "the Aqua-Tot" doing exhibitions showing diving and underwater skills. The day's entertainment was completed by Norris Kellam, known as "the Human Cork," who was tied to a chair and thrown off the diving tower into the pool.
Picture to the right: Beauty contestant Ruth Woodall, Mr. Nichols and Jackie Ott the "Aqua-Tot" at Venetian Pool, 1925. Photo courtesy of the Coral Gables Historical Resources Department.
In order to sustainably replenish its water nightly, Venetian Pool underwent a $2 million renovation in 1987. With the ground filtration system, the pool is able to recycle its water into the aquifer without diminishing its natural resources. Today, the pool welcomes more than 100,000 swimmers a year, and is considered to be an important landmark, according to the National Register of Historic Places.
Credits:
project created by Astrid Barrientos-Quintanilla