Correspondence Between E.J. Wyckoff and Governor Farris Bryant Regarding Cuban Refugees, 1961

Refugees

Cuban Americans

Refugees--Government policy

Refugees--Services for

Refugees--Housing

This correspondence begins with a letter from Fort Lauderdale real estate broker E.J. Wyckoff to Governor Farris Braynt recommending that Opa-Locka Air Force Base be used as space for housing Cuban refugees. Bryant's reply indicates that Opa-Locka is under federal control and that Wyckoff should direct his suggestion to federal authorities.

Wyckoff, Elmer J.

Bryant, Farris (Cecil Farris), 1914-2002

State Archives of Florida, Series S756

1961-01

letters (correspondence)

eng-US

Text

s756_b044_f08_26

Postwar Florida (1945-1968)

Miami (Fla.)

Miami-Dade County (Fla.)

/fmp/governor-records/thumbnails/s756_b044_f08_26.jpg

s756_b044_f08_26_01

s756_b044_f08_26_02

Florida--Governor (1961-1965 : Bryant)

E.J. Wyckoff REG. REAL ESTATE BROKER 1325 N.E. 31st ST. FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. Jan. 3, 1961. Hon. Farris Bryant, Tallahassee, Fla. My dear Gov., I am writing to you at this time, with a problem which I have already written Sen. Smathers twice. That is relative to the Cubn problem, which is now spilling over into this area. My idea was that since the Gov. had assigned a million dollars for relief, why not open Opa Locka base, which is not in use, for the refugees. There they could conduct their own schools, have their own hospital, as well as housing and it would call for but little supervision and would relieve a lot of congestion all around. There should be a very careful screening of the refugees. In this way there could be a saving of money on the project. If you feel it worth considering, I hope you can push it to a successful conclusion, as I feel I will never be able to do. Sincerely yours, E.J. Wyckoff

January 9, 1961 Mr. E.J. Wyckoff Re. Real Estate Broker 1235 N.E. 31st Street Fort Lauderdale, Florida Dear Mr. Wyckoff: Thank you for your letter in which you express your suggestion for the use of the Opa Locka Air Field as a housing for Cuban refugees of the Miami area. This property is under the control of the United States Government and not within jurisdiction of the Office of the Governor of Florida. I would suggest that you take up your suggestion with the present representative for Refugee Affairs in the Miami area. Thank you for your interest in your government, and with all best wishes, I am Sincerely yours, Governor FB/mmg