The tradition of selling peanuts in Miami's Bayfront park began in 1929 when a restaurant worker named Bill lost his job and became "Bill The Peanut Man" with a cart at the corner of Biscayne Blvd. and S.E. 2nd St. During the depression he sold his 1 pound bags of peanuts for a nickel when many people were buying the peanuts to feed themselves not the pigeons at the park. By 1938 there were at least 3 peanut vendors in the park. When peanut vendor John Emmet died in left his total possessions including his home and $2,000 to the Red Cross when he died.
In 1949 peanut vendor Mike Talnagi convinced the City of Miami to put a wishing well in the park to meet local welfare needs. It was estimated that the well would clear $25,000 a year to aid those less fortunate than Mike. In the 1950's Mike was joined by Tony Paddon and Charles Groder in selling peanuts at the park.
In 1961 and 1962 hundreds of pigeons died from what some said was Newcastle disease and other said was arsenic poising. The photo was taken in Bayfront Park in 1957. #miamispringshistoricalsociety #miamihistory #miamibayfrontpark
Source: Miami Springs Historical Society and Museum https://www.facebook.com/mspringshistory
His and hers hats! RPPC of a couple posed in a peacock chair against a painted backdrop. John Petroff, Elser Pier, Miami, FLA.
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