As we reflect this year on the passing of longtime Emerald member Marge Hartnett, we should also remember her husband Fred B. Hartnett. Today's St. Patrick's Day Festival is being held at Fred B. Hartnett/ Ponce Circle Park. This article will discuss the background of Fred B. Hartnett, the history of the land that this park is situated on and relationship with George Merrick, the founder of Coral Gables.
Background: Mayor Fred B. Hartnett
Mr. Hartnett arrived to Miami in 1925 from New York. He was born in 1901. A year before Fred was born the population of Miami, according to the US. Census of 1900, was 1,681 people. It is to hard to imagine just how far Miami and Coral Gables have grown in the past century. 1925 is also the year George Merrick founded the city of Coral Gables.
Fred started as the city's Director of Finance and later in 1931 helped the City Beautiful restructure its tax rolls. Fred eventually went on his own working in real estate, insurance and banking. He set up his offices on West Flagler St. and then The Plaza
Building on Ponce Circle overlooking the Park.
In 1955, Mr. Hartnett was elected Mayor of Coral Gables after many years serving on the City Commission. He served a two year term. In a Coral Gables Times article dated January 27, 1974, Fred describes Coral Gables, "The city is different and it is because of these rules that people move here. We felt and still feel that it is important to keep the city an orderly and beautiful one."
He was also a founding member of the Church of the Little Flower in 1926.
Fred spent several decades as a member of the Emerald Society. Historian and Emerald Past President Dan Fitzgerald remembers Mr. Hartnett, "Fred was friendly, self-effacing and active at the socials. He is also remembered as the Marshall of the last Emerald Society Parade." Dan was asked by Marge Hartnett to sing "Danny Boy" at Fred's funeral.
Crafts Section
The land upon which the Fred B. Hartnett/ Ponce Circle Park sits had a different plan 90 years ago. In 1924, George Merrick proposed a Crafts Section to be built in the developing Coral Gables. This section of Coral Gables was to be created in the spirit of the Roycroft Shops of East Aurora, New York, the artisan village of Hammersmith, England and the Biltmore Industries of Asheville, North Carolina.
Mr. Merrick's visionary plan for the Crafts Section of Coral Gables was to center around the beautiful architecture of the city and the craftsmen/artisans that supported this architecture. The focus of these crafts was to not only to benefit Coral Gables but also the rest of the country. A hub of craftsman and artisan innovation to share nationally, if not beyond.
The crafts were to range from fine printing, engraving, book binding, antique and period furniture, interior decoration, photography, garden pottery, tiles for roofs and interiors, brass and copper smithing, glassware, art goods, sporting goods, rug weaving, Indian goods, etc...
In the heart and center of the Crafts Section was to be erected a remarkable Exposition Building. Master Craftsmen were to be found and prepared at all times to design for patrons. The Exposition Building was to be the Center of Craft Plaza and surrounded on all sides by the artistic shops in which the crafts were to be developed.
The Craft Section was also to house all of the artisans employed in the various industries. Charming homes were to be built just as distinctive in architecture as their shops.
Conclusion
George Merrick's visionary, artistic plan for the Crafts Section in Coral Gables did not become a reality. The Hurricane of 1926, the Stock Market Crash of 1929, a decade long Great Depression and World War II all were obstacles to this dream. To this day, much of the land to the east of the Park is undeveloped.
In 1995, a tremendous honor was bestowed upon the Hartnett family. On April 30, 1995 the park was dedicated "The Fred B. Hartnett/ Ponce Circle Park". This coincided with the 70th anniversary of the founding of Coral Gables and Fred's arrival to the city.
The plaque in the Park states in the last line, "This dedication of Ponce Circle Park to Fred B. Hartnett acknowledges his pioneering leadership." The Sunday dedication ceremony was led by Reverend Sean O'Sullivan from the Church of the Little Flower and many other dignitaries while The Pledge of the Allegiance was recited by his wife, Marge Hartnett.
- Richard C. Welch, Jr.
