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Don Boyd | all galleries >> Memories of Old Hialeah, Old Miami and Old South Florida Photo Galleries - largest non-Facebook collection on the internet >> MIAMI SPRINGS and VIRGINIA GARDENS Historical Photos Gallery - All Years - click on image to view > 1968 - NW 36 Street north of Pan Am's hangars, and the Kings Inn in Miami Springs
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1968

1968 - NW 36 Street north of Pan Am's hangars, and the Kings Inn in Miami Springs

Miami Springs, Florida


The Kings Inn was managed by Art Bruns at the time, and the owners also had properties across the street along the golf course, such as "My Apartment", "King Arthur's Court" and others. The Kings Inn is now a Comfort Inn.


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Guest 13-Jan-2018 19:45
Just "lucked" in to some good old memories!! My mother "Helen" was the hostess in the main dining room (in the house?) for years. She and Art were great friends.. I considered him a friend as well. Pretty sure I can picture Mr. Gardiner too. One of my mother's favorite things was that she got to meet most of the astronauts... along with a who's who of the 50's - 60's. When I turned 21 I joined the Carriage Club :-) Those were interesting and fun days! I left Miami Springs in 1962 for Florida's Horse Country and rarely went back. Did get together with some old friends a few years ago and have a great (and large) reunion. It actually hurt to go by the old "Villas" and see the devastation... everything gone and trashy. But have heard that the original house has been rebuilt. Would love to see it!
Liz Bond 29-Mar-2017 16:39
Doesn't anyone remember Shag Daye, who was a food broker (Daye and Drake). He was the President of the Board of Governors of the Carriage Club. Sadly Shag was killed in a plane crash, along with several other food brokers. Leo Adeeb was also on the Board of Governors. My son attended his South Miami High School reunion at the Playhouse and my husband and I sneaked over from the Carriage Club to spy on the festivities. I wish someone would write a book on the history of the Villas.
Diana Robey 29-Aug-2016 15:00
My dad, Andrew Coccia, was a close friend of Art Bruns from their Port Chester NY days. As a young family, we visited several times and stayed in the Villas. We even stayed at Art's house a few times and had a great time with his kids. Karen, do you remember my dad? Your mom and dad came to my dad's funeral in 1979, which I was grateful for. We had such wonderful times there! I remember eating at King Arthur's Court like it was yesterday.

Diana Robey
Guest 12-Feb-2016 19:20
Rick M. I brought my wife on a business trip from Connecticut and the company used Kings Inn for its employees. She was fascinated by the Gay Divorcee Bar, King Arthurs Court for dinner, and the Carriage House afterward. Upon arrival we had cocktails (and chili) in the Tasca Lounge with strolling violins playing her favorites. What an intro to Florida! She will never forget that wonderful experience. That was 1968. Now retired on Hutchinson Island and lovin' it. Thanks for making it what it was.
Tom B 05-Feb-2016 22:24
Jim T. ... re. your post 09-Nov-2011.

PLEASE LOOK ME UP. I was an airport shuttle bus/van driver in my early 20s during the mid 70s at Kings Inn. OMG... Have many fond memories with Eddie Day at Hialeah Park following the horses before he passed away a few years later, some memorable stories re. the Dolphins staying there the night before home games, and my getting to know the local ladies of the evening. The stewardess (as they were called in those days) trainees' staying at the Villas was a huge bonus... especially considering the women had to be good looking to get hired back then!!! What fun.
GUEST 05-Aug-2015 20:25
I WAS AN EMPLOYEE HERE AFTER IT CHANGED TO THE VISCOUNT HOTEL DURING THE MID TO LATE
80'S.

HOPE ALL THOSE GREAT DEDICATED EMPLOYEES ARE STILL THERE AND WORKING.
THEY SHOULD POST COMMENTS HERE AS THEY REALLY HAD GREAT STORIES.

HELLO TO THEM ALL.
Don Boyd29-Jul-2015 02:48
Jerry, I seem to recall a newspaper article about that McDonald's on 36th Street doing the Valentine's Day special service. When that McDonald's opened the interior was in an airport motif, with simulated approach lights on poles that rose above the booths/tables, aircraft paintings or photos on the walls, and other airport stuff. It was a big hit with the aviation employees and geeks. My first wife and I had lunch there immediately after our amicable divorce at the downtown courthouse was finalized in 1981. The McD's interior airport motif disappeared sometime after that. Thanks for commenting on this page.

Don
.
Jerry Nicholas 28-Jul-2015 13:28
Beginning in January, 1977 I began a four month consulting contract with Eastern Airlines Engine Service Center. I stayed in this hotel, and often in the Villas. (When staying in the Villas one had to share the room with huge palmetto bugs). This past week I was in Miami and I went looking for my "home away from home". The Villas are gone, replaced by a non descript hotel. The tall building, shown here as the Kings In, is still there but no one inside knew any history. I remember the pool where the flight attendants in training would hang out. Good times. The one memory I would like to share is about the McDonald's a block away. On Valentines Day, 1977, this McDonald's offered table service with waiters, white table cloths, red roses. Same food, of course, but such a unique concept. Does anyone remember.
Morning Mouth of Miami 14-Jul-2015 07:45
My Apartment above the steak house, wow. The stories, the stories...I DJ'd there in the 70s. The early days of Miami discotec, samba, mambo, and merengue. When PanAm pilots and stews held the dance floor and surrounding couches. I moved on to the morning shows at radio stations around town and in other cities, but I always shared my memories from My Apartment as there was nothing like it then, or since.
VIVIAN 14-Jun-2015 15:35
I WORKED AT CARRIAGE CLUB FOR A SHORT WHILE IN THE 60'S. THEY MADE FETTUCCINI ALFREDOAT THE TABLE, EVERYONE LOVED IT. I HAVE LOST THAT RECIPE, I THINK IT HAD WORCHESTERSHIE SAUCE IN IT. IF ANYONE HAS THAT RECIPE, I SURE WOULD LOVE TO MAKE IT FOR MY GRAND CHILDREN
Guest 19-Mar-2015 19:28
HOW ARE ALL THOSE GREAT EMPLOYEES DOING TODAY?
Guest 19-Mar-2015 19:23
WORKED HERE IN THE MID 80'S AND HEARD ABOUT THE MEMORIES
CREATED AT THIS HOTEL PROPERTY.

MANY OF THE EMPLOYEES HAD WORKED THERE FOR MANY YEARS,
VERY UNUSUAL AT THE TIME, AND THEY WERE ALL VERY DEDICATED.
Keith Wade 02-Mar-2015 18:31
I remember many of these names from my childhood... my father, Jack Wade, built the Kings Inn and the Queens Inn as Mo Fiengold's (Momar Construction) superintendent. He also spent decade working for Art Bruns (who I met as a small child). My father passed away last month and I stumbled on this site. I can be reached at keith@ceobikers.com
Guest 03-Nov-2014 14:57
tina
stayed at miami springs villas in nov 74. king arthur's court was on the grounds and this is where i had my meals. the address on my receipt is 500 deer run, miami springs, fl, hope this will help robert.
Don Boyd19-Jul-2014 04:50
Peppi, thank you for posting here. I posted your inquiry on the MiamiSprings Memories Facebook group and several responses all said on Deer Run in the 500 block, opposite the pond at the Glenn Curtiss Mansion which has been totally restored and is open to parties, weddings, receptions, etc. I just sent you an e-mail with all the responses and additional information.

Don
.
Peppi Greco 17-Jul-2014 00:13
Could anyone tell me if they knew where jockey BILL HARTACK used to live?? It is my understanding that home was right across the street from the Kings Inn ......but I'm not sure that his house is still standing? Any help?
Fred Winkler 06-Jul-2014 17:19
Hi freddie winkler would like to update my email address:
Catcayisland@gmail.com
The old address for kings inn 500 deer run miami springs Florida 33036
Robert 07-Jun-2014 15:57
I am guessing the old King Arthur's Court restaurant is gone. Do anyone have the old address?
Guest 20-Aug-2013 19:16
I am going down memory lane with the '72 Dolphins being at the White House. I worked for Trust Houses Forte Caribbean Hotels back in the '70's our offices were in the two story building accross from The Executive Club, we were on the second floor and Bruce Devlin's office was on the first floor. Art Bruns was in and out of our office all the time, I was a very impressunable 20something, very shy, but Art was in the Papers or on TV all the time, to say I worked at the Villas ans knew Art was a feather in my cap.
I loved lunch at the Breakfast Club, best Cheeseburger EVER! I bought my first new car while there a Red Toyota, always parked on the far side of the lot where there was shade. On Dolphins home game evenings I'd stand by my car and wait for them to cross the parking lot on way to the game, after the second time I got the nerve to wave to them, surprise they waved back, finally I was brave enough to wave and say good luck, they'd wave, smile and say thanks. My Dad was so impressed, I still have his white hankie from Eastern Airlines. Working at the Villas is a wonderful memory.
Fred Winkler 12-Sep-2012 04:50
Fred Winkler

I see a posting from Jim T. I use to work at The Villas in the late 60's and then again in 70's
If there's anyone out there that wants to chat about the good old times please write me at:
Catcayisland@yahoo.com
Deborah 21-Apr-2012 13:20
I worked with Phyllis and Connie in reservations back in the early 70s, such fun reading all the comments about the old gang, those were good times.
Margaret 24-Jan-2012 19:22
I worked at the Inn in 1981 I was a front desk cashier. I stumbled upon this site when I googled to see if the Inn was still opened. I remember when I had to work back to back night morning shifts we got to stay over. I would have one of the bellmen turn the water on about 45min. before I got off work so the 300gal. tub would be full. I was 19 what a time.
Don Boyd19-Jan-2012 07:02
Guest of 1/19/12: yes, on the north side of the next street on the other side of the Kings Inn on the golf course side.

Don
Guest 19-Jan-2012 01:00
Was " My Apartment" in Miami Springs about a block off 36 Street ?
George Diaz 11-Jan-2012 16:40
I knew Karen and Jay and played every day with them. I remember the kindness the Brun s showed my brother Alex, and me. We roamed the beautifull property, and Jay would drive Po his model T all the time. And Pierre
Don Boyd18-Dec-2011 07:51
Steve: sorry for the delay but what a great tribute to Artie Bruns! Thank you for telling us of your experiences at the hotel!

Jim T: thank you for posting your memories and all of those names of folks that you worked with.

Michelle, thank you for posting your memories and the fact that your dad was GM from the mid 70's through the 80's.

Don
Michelle 17-Dec-2011 15:40
My name's Michelle and I'm Ray Cremata's daughter. My dad was the GM at the Villas from the mid 70s to mid 80s but he was employed there for more than 20 years. He would have a million stories to add here, but my memories are of dinners at King Arthur's Court with a shirley temple and the violins playing The Beatles "Michelle", Japanese Steakhouse birthday parties, bruch at The Groves and the beautiful flamingos.
Jim T 09-Nov-2011 21:30
Worked there back in the early 70's at front desk during afternoons/evenings while attending FIU,& home for the summer from U of Fla. ,with Art , Harry, Bill Heim, Fred Winkler, Owen Moore(the great philosopher), Eddie Day, Mario, Manny, Mona-hotel cashier, Evelyn-night maid, Ray Cremata, Phyllis McDonald, Connie, Paul Rousey, Richard Fagan, Ron, Pat and my brother Geoff. What a fun group.Later worked directly with Art as his personal asst, often playing pinochle with him, running his personal errands & just making sure things were going ok aound the property. It was a blast helping and learning from him. It was great being young back then with the EAL, NAL and Delta flight attendant school and layovers. Plus Bud Maytag-head of NAL- had a suite/condo on the top floor and he would let me get some Coors beer before it was bring sold east of thr Mississippi. And the Doplins stayed there the night before home games. We fed them the night before and the following morning. One of my fav customers who stayed with us for months at a time was Tony Hooks who let me use his brand new Caddy or Lincoln each time he came down from Massachusetts.
Don 06-Oct-2011 01:01
I am looking for any info having to do with the golf tournaments that took place at the Miami Springs Golf Club in the 50s and 60s....
There were a bunch of baseball players at the tournaments. Does anyone know where this info might be available. I've searched google and the only thing I find is a pdf from Miami Springs CG. Thanks in advance...
Guest 01-Sep-2011 03:38
Wow very cool My dad has told me hours of stories of Miami spring and kings inn. He is John rhodes of the Rhodes Brothers. Seems he was telling the truth from what I'm reading. Spent my first 10 years there 64-74 and return on occassions. My uncle Ed is there at eddies riverside grill. My father lives in Charlotte, nc by me and operates a restaurant on lake Norman. As every here can attest lifetime memories and life long friends. thank you for sharing .
Larry 27-Aug-2011 23:18
OMG I just found this. I stayed here regurlary in the70's until it gor really bad. "My Apartment" was my favorite and th "Japanese Steak House" was a close second. My first honeymoon night was spent at Miami Springs Villas in 1969.
Nikki St. Amant 15-Jan-2011 00:34
I don't know where else to go, but my husband has a box of records passed down to him by his mom. In that box is a near mint-condition record called " A Knight in King Arthur's Court" produced by Max Brown and The Singing Violins. From reading the information on the back, it appears the record was produced for patrons of the restaurant to remember their frivolous nights at King Arthur's Court. This record has no value for our family, but it may for either Art Bruns' family or Max Brown's. If anyone knows how I can get in touch with anyone associated with either family, please let me know. It would be really cool to see this record fall into the hands of someone who would really appreciate it. nikanjoe@msn.com or 985-645-3652.

Nikki St. Amant
New Orleans, LA
Steve Sherrill 27-Nov-2010 18:17
Wow....

I met Artie Bruns in July 1971 upon arrival at the Kings Inn when was VP of Sales & Marketing for InterIsland Resort of Hawaii. The Fountainbleau in Miami Beach was hosting the annual ASAE conference. At the time LA Dodger pitcher, Don Drysdale was a consultant for us promoting celebrity golf at our Surf Resorts. Don knew Artie and suggested staying with him. Artie generously “comped” me in the King Inn Penthouse.

I remember the suite and its panoramic view of the Miami airport runway with planes landing every few minutes….also the mosaic double bathtub, which took 90-minutes to fill and the stall shower with its dozen showerheads.

Room service arrived with a one inch thick Prime Rib dinner! Artie cruised the grounds in a golf cart garnered from the adjoining golf course. Breakfast was served in an English style cottage with out of this world sausage. Artie gave me the recipe which I still use. Miami Springs Villas and the King’s Inn became Mecca for international airline personnel. Throngs of regulars packed King Arthur’s Court nightly with on going music and frivolity throughout the night. I recall that Artie had an affilitaton with Lord Forte of Trust House Forte.

Artie’s daughter, Karen, should be so proud to know that her dad was a true hotelier in the best tradition of Inn keeping .

Steve Sherrill
Pasadena California
Don Boyd20-Sep-2009 04:13
If anyone remembers "Chuck" Charlie Kuenzel the great bartender please add your memories here. Thanks.

Don
Guest 19-Sep-2009 22:04
Bartender "Chuck" Charlie Kuenzel. Greatest bartender and all around great guy..Worked in "La Tasca" (and all the Villas bars) I met him at the "Captains Tavern." We worked lunch together. He taught me how to be a cocktail waitress (didn't even know how to carry a tray!) We married in 1977. He passed away in 2001. Mickey Kuenzel
Don Boyd24-Aug-2009 15:13
Thea, the Rhodes Brothers did a performance locally within the past year or so at an ethnic club in the southwest section of Miami. Other folks have posted information about them somewhere on the site and I seem to recall it being said that one or two of them live upstate now.

Don
Thea Dugan 23-Aug-2009 21:47
Remember it well!! I had friends that worked at "My Apartment"---remember the Rhodes Brothers Act that started in a lounge on Lejeune Rd? Has any one heard whatever happened to them. The last I saw them and worked for them was at the Omni club in 1976.
Thelma
Carol Pearson 27-Apr-2009 15:34
I don't know if Karen Bruns will remember this but I went to your birthday party at the Villas when we were in maybe 3rd grade. It was so much fun.... We went swimming and I don't remember which restaurant the party was in, I just know it was a lot of fun! Thanks for the memory
Chuck LaBow 09-Apr-2009 20:44
I was was one of at least five of the "non-famous guests" to stay at Art Brun's Villas. I was one of the five pilots with the Goodyear Blimp MAYFLOWER, and at the end of our summer tour or if we were only in Miami for a short period of time between cross country assignments, the five of us would stay at the Villas. Great place with great dining!
Chuck LaBow 09-Apr-2009 20:39
RE: The Polar Palace. On the north side of 36th street. Johnny & Mack Auto Painting was in the rear and west of the Polar Palace.
Bruns family member 06-Mar-2009 21:19
Bruns family, I'd like credit to go to the Gardener's for the financial backing to Art and believing in his abilities to create out of nothing but the original Glenn Curtiss Estate. I do know that every idea for every restaurant and evrry building that made it unique and a success for for many, many years came solely from his mind and imagination. My Apartment, Japanese Steakhouse, Carriage Club,Captain's Tavern his onsite butchers -bakerey- Chair company etc... He was always there promoting it with his heart, mind & sole. Anyone that was ever at the villas knows that. HE attracted the celeb's form JFK, Hemingway, Mickey Mantel, astronauts,musicians, movie stars,Joe Demagio, Howard Hughs, to many to recall . I remember many newspaper articals and when we traveled to Europe to be romanced into the sale of the villas to Trust House Forte.I do know at least he must of over the years owned some part of it . So other than the money invested by the Garderner family all the rest that made it other than a piece of land that made the sale a multi million dollar deal profitabe to him & Mr . Gardener was a result of him. So lets give some credit were credit is Due.
Don Boyd06-Mar-2009 04:28
Thank you for writing in, Karen. Your dad was very prominent in this town and he accomplished a lot at the Kings Inn/Miami Springs Villas. His restaurants served excellent food and I never had a mediocre meal in any of them.

Don
Karen Bruns 06-Mar-2009 03:20
My dad was Art Bruns . I have such great memories of growing up in and around my dad's Miami Springs Villas. {roaming around the place, the employee's, & the famous guests and the not so famous friends as well}. There has never been a collection of restaurant's etc..to compare it to.
Greg Ludlow 30-Dec-2008 22:27
I was amazed to run across this site. My Uncle was Harry Ludlow, I spent a lot of time at The Villa's from childhood through college. I graduated from The Universty of TN in 1976, Spring break more thatn a couple of times was spent hanging out at the pool meeting the stewardess students. Also learned how to swim in that same pool when I was a child.
Thanks for the Memories
Greg Ludlow
Mel Johnson 31-Oct-2008 06:34
I remember the Stewardess school well, as a young guy back then could not hope for any more romantic oppurtunities than was presented by that school. We used to go hang out by the pool after the girls had finished classes and line up dates for that night. All went well until the new pool guy got a little jealous and started charging us five bucks each to hang out by the pool. I paid a couple times but was very unhappy about being ripped off and stopped going there for a while. Lots of memories there, tho.
Don Boyd02-Jul-2008 15:32
Great memories, Joan T.! A lot of folks have forgotten about all the celebrities who used to hang out down here making life even more interesting for the locals.

Don
Joan T., NAL Class of 56 02-Jul-2008 14:16
What fun! I was a stew with NAl from '56 to '58. Loved King Arthur's Court. We gals sat poolside where we met jockeyWillie Hartack, (who lived across the street) drummer Gene Krupa (who dove into the pool to fetch an entertainer's top: "I'll save you!") I think it was all a set up. But funny. Kai Winding played trombone and Art Bruns brought him by the kitchen to watch us stews (NAL and EAL) dying Easter eggs for the children's Egg Hunt the next day. Many famous people came through the Villas, including whole baseball teams. Yogi, Mickey, Don etc. And fiery Billy Martin. My date, Jim, had words with Mickey over the changing of the tv station in that small dining room.
Made the paper. The Good Olde Days. Special.
Don Boyd27-Jan-2008 05:46
Edwin, and other guests who posted: thank you for setting the record straight on the ownership and for your memories of the people there and how nice it was in the hotel's finest days. Don
Edwin Rywalt 27-Jan-2008 04:57
In 1968 the Kings Inn was the newest addition of the Miami Springs Villas and Hotel complex. The Gardiners owned the Villas complex and Art Bruns managed it. Miami Springs Villas had a wonderful golf course, the Eastern Airlines Stewardess School, a main hotel and cottages. Bob Armstrong was the reservations manager and he worked the day shift at the front desk of the main hotel. He was a suave, eloquent gentleman with a great sense of humor and a warm personality. I was twenty-seven years old when I worked there as the night auditor/front desk manager. The Villas was a surprisingly elegant place surrounded by beautifully manicured grounds with flamingos roaming freely. Each year they had a golf tournament for the pro baseball players and we got to meet a number of baseball stars at that time. Famous golfers like Sam Snead would slso come there the play. The Mercury and Apollo astronauts also would come down there from Cocoa Beach for rest and relaxation. And then we'd get the 'horsey-set' when Hialeah was open. It was the 'In-Place' to go at the time- not too famous, but absolutely first class, and very discreet. The Kings Inn was across the street from one of the main runways of the airport, but it was so well constructed that you couldn't hear the noise from the jets in any of the rooms. The restaurants were wonderful and the food was always tops. Some of my fondest memories from my young adult years were at the Villas and I'm glad someone was able to preserve this in these pages. Thank you.
Guest 16-Dec-2007 21:00
Art Bruns DID NOT own the Miami Springs Villas, Percy Gardiner and his son George Gardiner from Canada did. At least in 1960 to 1965 they did! I worked in the Carriage Club Beauty Salon froom 1960 til 1964, and Art Bruns was the general Manager. The Doorman was "Coke", last name Coker and the Head Bartender in the Carriage Club was Al Day.
Guest 21-Oct-2007 18:03
BILL GARVEY. I WORKED SUMMERS AT THE VILLAS. PAINTING, GARDENING, ETC.
JIM BINGER, MARIO, PEDRO, EVELYN IN HOUSEKEEPING. HILDA, HEAD OF HOUSEKEEPING. ART BRUNS, HARRY LUDLOW. MY DAD WAS WITH EASTERN. EASTERN AIRLINES STEWARDESS SCHOOL
Lucky Cole 18-Sep-2007 22:04
My name is Lucky Cole, I parked cars at the Miami Springs Villas in the 1960's. I stared at the Play House, then later at the Carriage Club and Japanese Steakhouse. This was a great time for a young guy to be in Miami Springs. Over the past 40 or 50 years I have lost touch with most of my old friends there. If any of you are out there you can reach me at.
l_cole@earthlink.net
866-479-0427
www.naturesexoticbeauty.com
Joanne 16-Aug-2007 20:23
You're correct, Don. It was the Polar Palace. I'm glad you confirmed this for me because I was a little unsure of it being on NW36th. I also remember a club that was very close to the Polar Palace in the mid 70"s that was great for dancing.
Don Boyd13-Aug-2007 15:45
Joanne, it was the Polar Palace, at least that was the name during the last decade or so of its life. Thanks for remembering it. I've been meaning for months to add it to the commentary and your comment prompted me to add it now. Don
Joanne 13-Aug-2007 15:11
Does anyone else remember an ice skating rink also on NW 36th? If memory serves it was another 2 miles east of the Kings Inn.
Bob MHS Class "51" 17-Jun-2007 23:11
Ate many a time at the King Arthur Ct. at the Mami Springs Villas. Round Table had great prime rib dinner. It was so big had to take 1/2 home. Remember the huge bathtub where they served gin out of it. Miami Jaycees had their annual Greybeard neeting at the Villas. Went to many there