Don’s Rambles: The Historic Pepper House
An adventure in which a former mayor continues to seek the “soul” of his hometown
This wandering correspondent begins the New Year with an apology to readers. Last month, I suggested my next stroll would be a visit to the holiday village located across the street from City Hall. I did tour the annual winter wonderland, and before next Christmas you’ll get a preview glimpse of the Gables’ version of Santa’s workshop at the North Pole (sans snow) in the December edition. Stay tuned!
To properly celebrate the “kick-off ” of 2024, I am instead rambling to central Gables for a visit (hopefully, to include a splash of “bubbly”) with our neighbors, Bill Bonn and Ruben Ceballos, in their historic residence — once the home of Claude and Mildred Pepper. Yes, throughout the last half of the 20th century our community was home to one of the most powerful politicians in the nation: a U.S. senator who was the principal congressional ally of President Franklin Roosevelt in creating and sustaining the Depression-era New Deal recovery programs. Later, he was the long-time chair of the House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee. During Claude’s years of public service, he was recognized as a champion for the elderly and the poor.
Despite their official obligations in and around the nation’s capital, during their Gables years Claude and Mildred were enthusiastic participants in social activities with their fellow members of the Coral Gables Country Club. The senator sponsored an annual tournament for the men’s golf association, affectionately known as the “10th Holers.”
Upon moving south from Boston in 2001, Bill and Ruben bought the “Pepper House” on Alhambra Circle fully intending to restore the beautiful 1926 Mediterranean Revival residence to its original glory.
[I am proud to note that my now departed spouse, Jeannett, was involved in this real estate transaction and, as was her custom, had diligently searched for buyers who were committed to “doing the right thing” with the property.]
As the restoration progressed, plans were expanded to include an adjacent house, to create a mini estate (including formal gardens and a koi pond) which ultimately enhanced and complemented the property and the surrounding historic neighborhood. Bill and Ruben also decided to honor the Peppers’ legacy by recreating Claude’s office, utilizing original furnishings (including his very own desk) and various mementoes of his incredible political career and private life. I can proudly report that one of the mementoes on display is my first-place golf trophy (an engraved pewter beer mug) which I captured in 1985.
Besides their restoration project, Bill and Ruben became valued contributors to charitable organizations throughout the South Florida community, recognized as philanthropic “rocks” of our City Beautiful. Bill became chairperson of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, eventually recognized with the “Legacy Award.” Additionally, they are proud owners of 42 classic automobiles in which they enjoy leisurely drives (speed is not an option in these vintage vehicles) through our tree-ladened streets.
What they enjoy most about their stately home is its closeness to Miracle Mile, enabling them to “ramble” to downtown shops and restaurants as well as to the museum, the Art Cinema, and Actors’ Playhouse. The restoration itself has been a loving commitment to the history of the Gables and one of its famous residents, as well as to the lives of Claude, Mildred, Bill, and Ruben — demonstrations of the “goodness” of this city’s soul.
This column appears monthly by Don Slesnick, who served as mayor of Coral Gables from 2001 to 2011. If you wish to reach him with suggestions on where he should next meander in search of the city’s soul, email donslesnick@scllp.com. Read more of his travels within the City Beautiful here.