RE Log Fall 2016

A tale of two pieces of property, and one noble history Adapted from the works of Arva Moore Parks by Amy Shipley Recent photographs by Suzanne Kores Paul Ransom, it turns out, wasn’t the only turn-of-the century pioneer in South Florida who left a legacy rich in education, public service, environmental concern and community outreach. There was also the lovely couple next door. Kirk and Mary Barr Munroe, who could see what later be- came Ransom Everglades’ Upper School from their front porch, matched Ransom’s now legendary determi- nation to influence the students at the Adirondack-Florida School with an equally powerful commitment to the Coconut Grove com- munity at large. The Munroes opened their home, then known as “Scrububs,” to all of their neighbors – from the wealthy and prominent, to women, children, blacks, Bahamian immigrants and Seminoles – at a time such inclu- sion defied social norms. Even before Ransom led his earliest students into the Everglades and on sailing excursions on Biscayne Bay, Scrububs had become a center for progressive thinking, and a meeting place to discuss books, com- munity issues, wildlife protection and environmental preservation. The history-rich land, now known as La Brisa, was acquired this summer by Ransom Everglades School and will be gradually incorporated into the Upper School campus in the coming years. When the property became available for purchase, RE’s school directors and ad- ministrators acted decisively, having for years admired the lush tree can- opies, vast lawn, fresh-water spring, dense mangroves and waterfront access of the adjacent prop- erty. They believed the seven-acre expanse perfectly fit the blueprint for the next 100 years at Ransom Everglades. But the pur- chase didn’t merely enhance the school’s future. RE directors also found a perfect match when they peered into the past. The Munroe’s use of La Brisa reflects and even amplifies the school’s proud tradition of service-oriented leadership. “We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to buy this beautiful property,” Head of School Penny Townsend said on June 14, 2016. “The purchase will allow us to improve our facilities, add vital greens- pace and continue our long tradition of respecting, protecting and learning from the treasures of Old Florida and Miami’s precious coastal ecosystems.” The Munroes opened their homestead, then known as Scrububs, to all of their neighbors – from the wealthy and prominent, to women, children, blacks, Bahamian immigrants and Seminole Indians – at a time such inclusion defied social norms. to Ransom Everglades School FALL 2016 Ransom Everglades LOG 5