Two Grovites featured at HistoryMiami exhibit

Glenn Terry and Allen Cohen (AC)

HistoryMiami celebrated the Grand Opening of “Avenues Of Expression: Street Traditions In Miami” on Friday. There was plenty to see and enjoy, including music, tall bikes, dancing, historical artifacts and art. But to many the main reason for attending was to share the evening with Glenn Terry and Allen Cohen.

 Everyone wanted to thank them for the years of enjoyment they have provided Coconut Grove. Glenn was one of the original founders of The King Mango Strut back in 1981 and AC (Allen Cohen) was the first to establish a Food Truck in Kennedy Park in 1978 with AC Icees.

Needless to say, Coconut Grove would not be Coconut Grove without them. The King Mango Strut provides a much needed end of the year festive event to poke fun at our current events and ourselves. The Original A.C.’s Icees has served thousands of Grovites and visitors over the years. 

Some folks like to mix and match the flavors. But you can always spot the locals, because they prefer the traditional lemon Icee with a wedge of fresh lemon on top. A.C. is a Big Fan of Basketball and enjoys sharing sports stories with like minded fans of the sport. He recalls the enjoyable sports conversation he has had with MDC Commissioner Xavier Suarez. He tells the story about how young Francis (now Miami Mayor) used to come with his Dad for an Icee and A.C. would sit him in the seat behind the wheel, so he could pretend to be driving. This wonderful exhibition also includes a Mercury Space Capsule, Cuban Raft, South Beach Photos of A Jewish Community 1974-1990 and much more. 

Glenn Terry and Mr. Mangohead.

Through artifacts, video interviews, interactive displays and recreated environments, the exhibition inspires visitors to get street smart and discover the world around them!

Over 500 people attended the launch party. It kicked off with cocktails by Tito's Handmade Vodka, “Miami Style” bites and entertainment from DJ Le Spam as 30 tall bikes circled the event. The tall bikes are one of the many features of the actual exhibit showcasing slices of character seen on the streets of Miami.

Following a welcome from Jorge Zamanillo, Executive Director of HistoryMiami Museum, a 20 person Junkanoo band flooded the plaza, energizing the crowd and playing their instruments as hundreds of onlookers snapped photos, streamed live on Facebook and Instagram and danced to the Bahamian beats before being lead into the exhibition!

The exhibition runs through January 13, 2019. Click on the Facebook album below to see pictures from the exhibition and the opening party! 

The museum is at 101 West Flagler Street, Miami FL 331130