This pool was originally a quarry from which limestone was taken for the construction of early Coral Gables homes. In 1924, Denman Fink, artist-architect and uncle of Coral Gables founder George Merrick, transformed it into a unique pool resembling a natural lagoon in a Venetian setting. His design included bridges, towers, a casino and lush landscaping.

In the 1920s, the pool was used to promote Coral Gables and to highlight the city's distinctive architecture. William Jennings Bryan lectured here on the merits of living in Coral Gables. Jan Garber, Paul Whiteman, and their orchestras played for social functions. Annette Kellerman and Jackie Ott, "the aqua tot," were among the famous visiting swimmers. The pool was drained in 1926 for a performance in the basin by the Miami Grand Opera Company.

George Merrick's Coral Gables Corporation sold Venetian Pool to the City of Coral Gables in 1927.

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Show me all markers in:  Coral Gables, FL  |  Miami-Dade County  |  33134  |  Florida  |  United States of America

Coral Gables Merrick House
Site of Packing House of Coral Gables Plantation
Coral Gables Congregational Church
Biltmore Hotel
Troop 7 Log Cabin
The Coral Gables Golf and Country Club
George E. Merrick
George Edgar Merrick Historical
Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park
Coral Gables Miracle Mile

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