Marjorie Stoneman Douglas house landmarked

With all the construction around Coconut Grove, it's nice to see a part of the past is being preserved. The National Park Service will designate Marjorie Stoneman Douglas’ cottage in Coconut Grove,  as a national historic landmark it was announced Wednesday.

Above is a photo of Mrs. Douglas in front of the house in the late 1920s. (Photo courtesy Wikipedia).

The announcement came during President Obama's visit to Everglades National Park for Earth Day. His focus was on climate change and rising seas. Marjorie Stoneman Douglas is best known for conservation efforts and her book, "River of Grass."

The George Hyde house was built between 1924-1926. The house is located at 3744 Stewart Avenue. It is currently managed by the Land Trust of Dade County. Mrs. Douglas lived in the house from 1926 until her death in 1998 at age 108. She left the house to the State of Florida, but the state did nothing to protect the house. It just sat there. A single caretaker has lived in the house for about seven years. One reason may be because the neighbors don't want it turned into a tourist destination with people always visiting the property.