Coral Gables founder George Edgar Merrick and American feminist and civil rights activist Roxcy Bolton share a birthday 40 years apart. Merrick was born June 3, 1886 and Bolton was born June 3, 1926. This year marks Bolton’s Centennial Anniversary.
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Merrick was born less than 15 years before the turn of the century. He grew into the “modern man” of the 20th Century — an entrepreneur and visionary, a millionaire who gave away most of his fortune before he lost the rest of it, a civic leader, and a poet.
He was active in Coral Gables for less than a decade from 1920 to 1928 and in that time built a new city — the City Beautiful. In 1927, King Alfonso XIII of Spain decorated Merrick with the honorary title of “Real Orden de Isabel la Católica.” A few years later, at a public conference, Merrick made reference to his being “knighted” as one of his proudest moments. The “Orden de Isabel” medal was displayed at the Founder’s Ceremony along with several other artifacts.
Bolton was an American feminist and civil rights activist hailed as Florida’s pioneer feminist. She founded Florida’s NOW chapter, Women in Distress, and the nation’s first Rape Treatment Center. Bolton championed the Equal Rights Amendment, persuaded President Richard Nixon to proclaim Women’s Equality Day, and campaigned to include men’s names for hurricanes, influencing NOAA policy.
Her advocacy tackled equal pay, anti-rape laws, maternity leave, and more. In fact, Bolton was an original influencer. In Coral Gables, legend has it that candidates seeking city elections coveted her endorsement and would make their way to her home for the honor. A Bolton endorsement was valued as a stamp of approval — and she was not shy to remind the candidate. In 2017, shortly before her passing, Bolton was presented with a “Key to the City” by the Coral Gables Commission. The “Key” was displayed at the ceremony.
Rita Tennyson for catered and hosted the party at Birdie Bistro, formerly known as “Burger Bob’s,” Bolton’s favorite eating and meeting spot.
Among those attending the celebration were Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, Dorothy Thomson, Don Slesnick, James Cason, Bill Kerdyk, Chief Hudak, Vincent Damien and many others. Damien was a founding board member of HPACG when it was established in 1991 and a great friend of Bolton. Thomson was the first and (to date) only woman mayor in Coral Gables. She and Bolton worked together at Southern Bell in the 1950s as young women just starting their careers.
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Bonnie Bolton, Roxcy’s daughter, was in attendance and shared some personal anecdotes about growing up with her remarkable mother. Damian and Chief Hudak also shared stories about their friendship with Roxcy.
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