Flora and Fauna of the Florida Frontier
The photographs were not only the reflection of an aesthetic appreciation of the new land but were also used to study and document the tropical flora and fauna. Some of this work appeared in an 1886 article of the Evening Post which depicted "twenty-seven distinct species...all familiar kinds to the sojourner in the tropical waters...but wholly unfamiliar to others, as they are not represented in colder waters."
1876
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Young Cocoanut Grove Miami
1880-1890
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Biscayne Bay Mangroves and Banyan Trees
Images are set within the "new" tropical landscape. The Munroe collection includes many photographs of natural and pristine Florida scenery before its rapid urbanization.
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Kingfish - Sharpie designed by Ralph M. Munroe, summer 1883
Munroe designed the "Kingfish" - a 33 foot long sharpie- with "Biscayne Bay deeply rooted" in his affections. He was returning to cherished memories and a new life. In 1886, the boat was acquired by Frow for his fishing fleet and Munroe used the proceeds to purchase his first property.
1876
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Boys king fishing
1876
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Fowey Rock Lighthouse, Florida Landmark, erected in 1876
The lighthouse was named for the British warship H.M.S. Fowey, which was wrecked at that location in 1748. The lighthouse now stands within the boundaries of Biscayne National Park.
1880-1890
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Many Happy Returns of the Day, to Daddy (Page 3)
In this birthday letter, one of the Munroe children has affectionately captured the story of his father's love of boats and sailing.
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Many Happy Returns of the Day, to Daddy (Page 2)
In this birthday letter, one of the Munroe children has affectionately captured the story of his father's love of boats and sailing.
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Many Happy Returns of the Day, to Daddy (Page 1)
In this birthday letter, one of the Munroe children has affectionately captured the story of his father's love of boats and sailing.
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Boathouse Building and "Wrecking " Adventures
(Left to right: "John Holden," "Ned Hine," "Dick Carney," "Tommy Hine," and "R.M. Munroe.") Boats not wagons played a central role on the Florida frontier from Biscayne Bay to Key West where )wreckers) salvaged people and cargo of the coast. The social and economic activity of the community centered on the sea. Ralph M. Munroe, lover and designer of boats, thrived in such a setting: "He soon became a representative of the Merritt-Chapman wrecking company of New York, and his wrecking adventures are a long and fascinating story in itself." -Ralph M. Munroe Family Papers, Typescript.
1889
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