Venetian Casino : Coral Gables

Coral Gables, FL, 1924. General wear.. A booklet advertising the Venetian Casino, now known as the Venetian Pool. The swimming pool islocated in Coral Gables, FL in what was originally an abandoned coral rock quarry, and it uses naturally according artesian wells to continually fill it with water. It currently stands as the only pool on the National Register of Historic Places and the largest fresh water pool in America. Founded by George Merrick as part of his planned community of Coral Gables, it is designed by architect Phineas Paist and artist Denman Fink who created it in the Mediterranean Revival style, hence it being named for Venice, Italy. The (truncated) pool opened in 1924 and contains 'natural' features such as grottos and waterfalls. Multiple times over its history, the last being in 2001, the pool has been drained and used by the Miami Symphony due to its natural acoustic elements. The booklet, in very flowery terms, discusses the building and design process of the pool, often referring to the pool with such terms as 'watery beauty' and 'honeyed charm'. It ends with "all the hundreds of details, whose perfection perhaps not many out of the crowds who frequent the Casino will consider, work together into a total of rare charm, rare perfection. It is a completeness in which one can steep oneself gratefully. For in this way we shall soon be ridding the country of the old stigma that there is no good art in America." Additionally, the booklet features twelve (12) black and white photomechanical reproductions of photographs and illustrations of the pool and all its nooks and crannies. The front cover has a linocut print of the pool. The pool is still open today to swimmers though it has gone under some renovations over the years, including a large additional island (originally used to dock gondolas, which are no longer in use) and a diving platform which was later torn down. Printed: Courier Journal Job Printing Company, Louisville KY. 16 pgs. Illustrated tan covers. Stapled binding. OCLC 2 (Aug. 2020, there are more but only two entries specially mention the printer or have the correct page count. One of the entries has been misdated to 1920, which is not possible since the pool opened in 1924). Measures 10" x 8 (Inventory #: 28001472)