Holsum history

The First City Clerk, Sylva Martin Sylva (Graenicher) Martin joined her parents in South Miami in 1917 at the age of 21.

Completes extensive remodeling of Thomasville bakery, which has been in continuous operation since 1919.

Major industries such as the Tokheim Pump Company, International Harvester, Inca Manufacturing (Phelps Dodge), Rea Magnet Wire, the Capehart Phonograph Company, and Magnavox opened in the 1920s.

A record-breaking storm that ravaged much of the region’s new construction and contributed to the bust of the City of Miami’s unprecedented growth (about $60 million dollars in building projects in 1925).

On June 25, 1927, W. A. Forster was sworn in as South Miami’s first Mayor, and the City began its eight decade journey.

Only weeks after the collapse of the stock market in October of 1929, ground was broken for the construction of the Lincoln Bank Tower in downtown Fort Wayne.

Baking and Making Dough in South Miami In 1934, the Fuchs Baking Company moved north from Homestead to South Miami in order to be closer to distribution markets.

1941: Mayor Frederick Grass (standing right) swearing in the council. (L-R) City Clerk Sylva Martin, Harley Vanderboegh, T. J. Faust, Joseph Gladden, W. W. Brown, John Boshwick.

Growth to the North in the 1950'sMajor changes in the city began to occur in the 1950s with the appearance of small shopping centers such as Quimby Village, Rudisill Center, and South Anthony Plaza.

Since 1952, National Baking Company has achieved many significant milestones.

The movement away from a mayor-centric form of government resulted in the voter-approved referendum to change the charter to a city manager form of government, enacted in 1953.

He was deeply involved with the City of South Miami and one of the charter members of the South Miami Chamber of Commerce, serving as its president for a number of years until 1954, when he died as a result of an airboat accident.

The biggest jump came in 1955 with the opening of Southgate Shopping Center, just off Pettit Avenue.

In 1994, Gary “Butch” Hendrickson, son of Karl, took over leadership of the company.

In 1998, Julio Robaina was elected as the first Hispanic mayor.

In August 2015, the National Baking Company Foundation was established.