Coral Gables

Coral Gables used to look like that? See for yourself with these photos from decades ago

By Miami Herald Archives

In many ways, Coral Gables looks pretty much the same as it did 50 years ago.

The fancy shops along Miracle Mile. The stone street signs. The homes.

In other ways, it’s a completely different City Beautiful, with new restaurants and downtown buildings.

Let’s take a step back in time before all the additions and look at some old photos from the Miami Herald Archives:

STREET SCENES

Traffic on South Dixie Highway in Coral Gables in 1958.
Traffic on South Dixie Highway in Coral Gables in 1958. Bob East Miami Herald File


Coral Gables canal bridge at Ludlam Road in 1970.
Coral Gables canal bridge at Ludlam Road in 1970. Miami Herald File
Morning rush hour on Coral Way in Coral Gables in 1987.
Morning rush hour on Coral Way in Coral Gables in 1987. Miami Herald File

OLD BUILDINGS

The multi-purpose Coliseum in Coral Gables, which at one time had a bowling alley.
The multi-purpose Coliseum in Coral Gables, which at one time had a bowling alley. Miami Herald File
The Junior Chamber International building, which opened in 1969.
The Junior Chamber International building, which opened in 1969. Miami Herald File
The post office at 132 Giralda Ave. in Coral Gables in 1956.
The post office at 132 Giralda Ave. in Coral Gables in 1956. Miami Herald File
Construction of The Colonade mixed-use complex in Coral Gables in 1987.
Construction of The Colonade mixed-use complex in Coral Gables in 1987. Mary Lou Foy Miami Herald File

MIRACLE MILE

Miracle Theater.
Miracle Theater. Miami Herald File


Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile in the 1950s.
Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile in the 1950s. Bill Sanders Miami Herald


Coral Gables Miracle Mile.
Coral Gables Miracle Mile. Bob East Miami Herald File
Miracle Mile in 1978.
Miracle Mile in 1978. Miami Herald File

HIGH SCHOOL

The parking lot at Coral Gables High School in 1958.
The parking lot at Coral Gables High School in 1958. Miami Herald File

BILTMORE

The Goodyear blimp Puritan leaves the Biltmore in Coral Gables in 1964 after picking up people who were paying golf there.
The Goodyear blimp Puritan leaves the Biltmore in Coral Gables in 1964 after picking up people who were paying golf there. Miami Herald File

PEOPLE

Thelma Nauman, a switchboard operator at Coral Gables City Hall in 1955, shows off a new and more comfortable headpiece.
Thelma Nauman, a switchboard operator at Coral Gables City Hall in 1955, shows off a new and more comfortable headpiece. Miami Herald File


PARADES

Coral Gables Jaycees march in the Welcome Santa Parade in 1971.
Coral Gables Jaycees march in the Welcome Santa Parade in 1971. Bill Sanders Miami Herald File
A float representing communities along Florida’s Treasure Coast cruises past the judge’s stand in the Jr. Orange Bowl Parade in Coral Gables in 1961.
A float representing communities along Florida’s Treasure Coast cruises past the judge’s stand in the Jr. Orange Bowl Parade in Coral Gables in 1961. Miami Herald File

This story was originally published April 3, 2024 at 9:50 AM.

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