Opa-locka was born from literature and storytelling, so it’s only appropriate we recommend a curated selection of books about the history of the city, its people, and other academic ideas.
The reading list below is organized by their importance/connection to the founding of the city, starting with the Arabian Nights. As the list goes further, you’ll learn more about the era of the 1920s, and also have a selection of academic articles to dive into
One Thousand and One Nights (The Arabian Nights)
The famous Middle Eastern folklore novel that inspired it all. Specifically, the 1907 edition that came with beautiful illustrations from the French-British artist Edmund Dulac.
written by Frank S. Fitzgerald Bush, January 1, 1976
This anecdotal account of Opa-locka’s founding days serves as the most complete telling of how the vision of the city came to be, all from the words of Frank Fitzgerald Bush, son of Frank Bush, an electrical engineer and who wired all of Opa-locka’s buildings, owned two properties as a founding resident, and was a cousin of founder Glenn Curtiss. Available on Amazon here and at Opa-locka’s public library.
A Dream of Araby
written by Anne Daems, January 1, 1976
A unique publication that compiles historic and contemporary photographs, original architectural drawings and construction manuals, as well as other scholarly articles and passages from previous works that help to detail the history of Opa-locka. Available on Amazon here.
Opatishawockalocka
The Curtiss-Bright Cities: Hialeah, Miami Springs & Opa Locka
written by Seth Bramson, July 3, 2008
Framing the business partnership of aviator Glenn Curtiss with rancher James Bright, this book details the genesis behind the three cities developed on land which they co-owned: Hialeah, Country Club Estates (Miami Springs), and Opa-locka. Available on Amazon here.
written by Deryl G. Hunt, Ph. D., January 1, 1995
The most complete history of Opa-locka’s founding residents, specifically detailing the demographic shifts and contributions of the Black and Latino communities in the city decade-by-decade. Available at the Miami-Dade County Library Opa-locka Branch.
Opa-locka: The Good City
Glenn Curtiss: Pioneer of Aviation
written by C. R. Roseberry, September 1, 1991
This is the complete story of Glenn Hammond Curtiss, his early days as an inventor in Hammondsport, New York, then becoming a famed aviator, then becoming a developer in South Florida. Available on Amazon here.
written by Sir Ebenezer Howard, 1898
The idea of creating a perfectly designed, sustainable, and economically sound city was presented by urban planner Ebenezer Howard. This approach was taken to develop Opa-locka by the city’s planner, Clinton Mackenzie. Available on Amazon here.
Garden Cities of To-Morrow
written by Gregg M. Turner, April 27, 2015
Florida was all the rave in the coldest parts of the country during the 1920s, specifically the northwest United States, as many who sought warmer conditions for health reasons or otherwise set their sights on the palm trees and crisp beaches of the Sunshine State. Available on Amazon here.
The Florida Land Boom of the 1920s
From Wilderness to Metropolis
Metro Dade Community and Economic Development, 1982
A culmination of the work from a 1977 historic survey of structures in Miami-Dade County from the years 1825-1940. Available on Amazon here.