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The collection consists of materials depicting the role of Mary Brickell as one of the "founding mothers" of the city of Miami, Florida. Documents detail her work as a landowner and real estate developer. The materials balance the personal and professional lives of Mary Brickell and her descendants. The collection demonstrates the growth and shaping of Miami, from the founding documents establishing the city of Miami to modern day developments in the Brickell area. The collection also documents the work of local Miami historian Carmen Petsoules and her efforts to revive public awareness of Mary Brickell and have her officially recognized as one of the founders of the city of Miami. The collection includes appraisal reports, architectural plans, bills, estate records, leases, maps, newspaper clippings, personal papers, photographs, property records, research materials, scrapbooks, silverware, tax records, warranty deeds, and wills.

The collection reflects Mr. Sutphin's admiration for Frank Lloyd Wright, whom he met on a number of occassions while at university. He, along with friends and colleagues, made a point to travel to Wright-designed works throughout the United States, where he took high quality color photographs which will soon be added to our digital collections. He also collected articles from trade publications related to Mr. Wright's work.