1669-33 Social, Society,& Local News 1946-1993 Interview with Sally Hopkins Woodruff, Dec. 2, 1993
Miami Beach wasn't in too good shape when we got it. Had great
charm. don' t ask me for dates.
Remember dad talking about Fisher. Fisher owned Sperry bonds. Dad
away from home too much. I am a daddy' s girl. (didn't like mother? )
First brought down to beach when 6 years old ( 1924?? ) to house on
Bay Road. One year spent entire 1st grade here; had tutor. Attended
Washington Seminary; one year at Finch.
Was 18-years-old when married.
Why marry in Miami Beach? Father insisted on it. He was a citizen of
Florida. Married Dec. 12 , 1935. Stayed a few days and went back to
Atlanta. Dad didn't like that Ludwig was working at Rich' s. Went to
see R.S. Reynolds, got job. Went to school in NYC with Reynolds
Mentals. Met Max Hoffman. Formed Ludman Corporation. Dad owned
Shoreland Arcade, gave them that. Selling Reynolds Metals products;
ceiling insulation, etc. Did well, branched out.
House 621 W 44 St. thenb 41 st had one filling station, one
grocery.
Got pregnant. 5170 Bay Road? (Check that out)
Built house, still standing. Dad gave $1, 500 to buy furniture.
Robert Weed designed house.
Joined clubs. Bath Club. Dad took Bernard Baruch to lunch there.
Told he couldn' t do that. Quit. Joined Surf Club, I stayed Bath
Club; more young people. Was going to dances, having fun; didn't
notice the restrictions.
Ludwig wanted to live in Coral Gables, I wanted to live in Beach.
Day was same as everyone else ' s. Brought up in business life. In
1937 , father died, brother was executor; not great biz man.
Suggested a family trust. Started Gables Trust, then became Security
Trust. I was put on board. I was lucky to have a maid, a 16-y-o.
Did lot of tea dances, etc, but still had kids to raise.
Alfred Barton wore great big ring. Everyone knew he was gay.
Bob Ludwig was determined to get into the war. Got into Marines. I
became a camp follower; moved to Alexandria, Va. , Missed most of war
in Miami Beach. Would not rent my house; some saw it as unpatriotic.
Ludwig went to Guadalcanal; I went back to Atlanta. Luidwig came
back wounded; I went to California to join him.
House sat vacant during war years. 5577 LaGorce. I wouldn't rent it
because I wanted to come home. After war, Beach began getting
crowded. I disliked it but can' t do a damned thing about it.
Like to be out with people. Still on board of Northern Trust. Been
on and off more boards.
Pb
Dad owned San Sebastian. I changed clothes to get married there.
ART DECO : I saw them, but they didn' t impress me. Nice place for
old people to sit on porch.