History of the Brazilian Court Hotel

Brazilian Court Apts. located on the corner of Brazil- ian Avenue and Hibiscus Street. It still consisted of only the north courtyard. Palm Beach Daily News , December 21, 1934: The Venita Hotel on Cocoanut Row is now open for the season, and the Bra- zialian Court Hotel on Brazilian Ave- nue has been open since November 16, with more than twice as many guests as this time last year.

There were three changes that Bishop insisted on making at the BC. One was to replace the aging roof. Two was to renovate the complete interior. And three was to take the kitchenettes out of the rooms. These were quite expensive alterations and when Mulford questioned Bishop about it Bishop replied, "a hotel can't make money when its clientele are trying to save money by cooking in their rooms." Bishop advised Mulford that the entire image of the hotel had to change. "It is now known as the place where wealthy Palm Beachers keep their love nests." Mulford saw his points and told Bishop, "You are right!" Bishop had the kitchenettes removed and sold all 116 of them in a courtyard garage sale according to histo- rian James Ponce. One of the first guests was Marjorie Merriweather Post of the Postum Cereal family. Her winter home in Palm Beach, Mar - A - Lago, would take weeks each season to clean and prepare for her arrival, so for many years she would stay at the BC until it was ready. Her extravagant home nicknamed "the jewel of Palm Beach, was purchased by Donald Trump in 1985 and became President Trump's retreat in 2017. Palm Beach Town Council, EQUALIZATION MEETING. March 16,1933; The Board of Equaliza- tion met in adjourned session at 4 P.M. Wednesday P.M. Mar. 22nd. President Owens and Councilmen D'Esterre, Christenson and Reese were present. also Town Manager L. Trevette Lockwood, Tax Assessor Joseph BDrman, Astst Tax Assessor and Edith Walker Town Clerk. The following complaints of assessments were heard: Mr. Elliott F. Bishop, Bra- zilian Court Hotel, asked comparison with other ho- tels values. By 1933 the society pages were regularly posting notices naming some of the prominent guests at the BC. 1933

1935

A postcard date 1935 shows an aerial photo of the BC with only the northern courtyard existing.

1936

Palm Beach Daily News , February 15, 1936: Brazilian Court—The Brazilian Court is the favored resort hotel of hundreds of socially prominent visitors who spend their winters in Palm Beach. The large colony of New Yorkers who are passing the season at the hotel was increased yesterday by the arrival of Mrs. Gertrude B. Leaming, Mrs, Etel G. Kidd and Mrs. M. W. Da Ball, of Mayfair House, New York, who have come to join Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert H. Thierkield, who arrived at the hotel ear- lier in the season. On February 20, 1936 Vincent Mulford, head of the Mulford Realty Corporation and Maurice Fatio ar- chitect appeared before the Palm Beach Town Coun- cil. They requested to have the zoning changed to allow the construction of a second courtyard extend- ing to Australian Avenue. The new addition would have an entrance for motorists to help eliminate parking problems. Members of the council referred the matter to the zoning commission. The first renovations were undertaken by Maurice Fatio, a well - known society architect, and William Treanor. They designed and introduced the Australi- an Avenue entrance. The Brazilian Avenue entrance remained as the hotel check - in, and the Australian Avenue entrance for dining arrivals. Manager Elliott F. Bishop was instrumental in the redesign which added 18 rooms, a new kitchen, a large dining room, bar, employee rooms and rooms for support func-

1934

Eastern Long Island Almanac and Guidebook, 1934: The Hampton Inn - Distinctive Accommodations, Elliott F. Bishop, Prop. - Beach Lane - Phone 1700.

A 1934 map of the Town of Palm Beach shows the

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