Getting together again after lock-down.
Food, fun, fine weather, friends, and Fords – at least two Model A’s – made up the journey of the Progressive Lunch from Tropical Park through the beautiful streets and past the historic villages in Coral Gables on the way to the home of Cheryl and Jay Mullininx on Saturday, November 13. Following the trail laid out by Ira Shapiro, the members of the club saw the Florida Pioneer Village, the Italian Village, Chinese Village, the French Country Village, the French City Village, and the Dutch South African Village, all examples of early 20th Century architecture that reflected the influence of those styles on American residences, all dreamed up by George Merrick, the founder of Coral Gables. In addition, the club learned new routes through the back roads and relearned how to negotiate the newest vestige of international design: the traffic circle. Upon arrival at the destination in Palmetto Bay, Cheryl and Jay welcomed us to their spacious home and backyard and a fine luncheon of roasted chicken, beef tenderloin, baked potatoes, salad, and a dessert selection that boggled the mind, not to mention the sugar quotient.
Thank you to Ira Shapiro for providing us with the guide to the homes – and the pre-lunch appetizers – and to Cheryl and Jay for their hospitality. The thanks of the club was shown by presenting them with a certificate of appreciation and the gift of a spa day for both of them: a relaxing time well-earned.
By Philip Williams
Photos by Jean Hawa and Bob Squier