Those of us of a “certain” age can easily remember the Miami of days past- the glamorous Fontainebleau, the mahjong games, the large Jewish communities of transported New Yorkers. More recently Miami, especially South Beach, has been the center of a vibrant gay community and stylish nightlife. And then there’s Irene Williams, a transported New Englander who forged an eccentric and independent life for herself in Miami all the while becoming a stylish older Jewish female icon to legions of gay men. With an outsize personality and outrageous collection of hand-made hats and outfits, Irene became fast friends with Eric Smith, a gay man from New York who was determined not to let her life and story slip through the cracks. On the occasion of what would have been her 100th birthday, The Jewish Museum of Florida has staged an exhibition entitled “Irene Williams: Queen of Lincoln Road.” In a loving documentary recording, Smith previously made a video of the iconic Irene which you can watch Here. Irene’s is a story of yesterday with lessons of style and substance that still resonate today. Read more about her idiosyncratic life and style Here.