The Custom House: Key West Landmark



Custom House Today

      Custom House is one of the most prominent buildings as you arrive in Key West harbor by boat.     This incredible red building jumps out at you as you arrive in the area of it from anywhere.     Built in 1891, Custom House is Florida's best example of Romanesque Revival Architecture and is thought to be one of the top 5 most significant buildings in the state.     This building was built by the U.S. Treasury Department to house the Federal Courts, U.S. Customs, Lighthouse Service, and the Post Office.     Thomas Edison was said to have worked here during the era when Key West was Florida's most populous and important seaport.     The Custom House has been the cite of many notable historic events, the most important of which was the inquiry into the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor.   

Custom House during the operational days

     This history of Custom House somewhat follows the history of the economics of Key West.     Built in the era when Key West was the richest per capita city in the United states and declared surplus in the 1930's when the city of Key West was in bankruptcy.     The building after being used by the U.S. Navy as the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico operations headquarters was abandon for nearly twenty years.      In 1993 the State of Florida purchased the building for use as a museum of art and history.




The abandoned Boarded up building

      Today the Building has been restored to it's previous splendor.     The restoration took 9 years at a cost of more than 9 million dollars, but the big red brick building has been brought back to her formal glory.       The building today is administered by the Key West Art and Historical Society, and is being used to house the Key West Museum of Art and History.     Following the path taken by Key West this grand old building has seen the likes of wreckers, pirates, politicians and now artists and the history of Key West to become one of Florida's most important historical buildings.    This is another of the don't miss stops when in Key West.     ;o)

Finally Seeing the Light in Key West

     The schedule has been really hectic for the past month or so, and I'm feeling the energy leaving my body and sleep in the chair instead of getting things done.     So today, I got myself up and started wandering in Old Town Key West looking for something new to write about.       As I left the Southernmost Point and headed down Whitehead Street I saw the spire of the Key West Lighthouse in the distance and  like a beam in the night it gave me an idea.     

     I've told visitor's a thousand times to stop by the lighthouse when you visit Hemingway's House it is right across the street.     Here I've been writing about Hemingway and other historic Key est sites and I've forgotten the lighthouse.



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      The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1847 to aid the ships that navigated the dangerous reef off of Key West.      Key West residents were getting very rich from the salvage business that booming prior to the installation of the lighthouse.     The original light house was 46 feet tall and had 15 oil lamps and a 15 inch reflector, but it was raised to 86 feet tall in 1894.      The lighthouse was built at it's current location after the original lighthouse was destroyed  by the hurricane of 1846.     Today this is the 15th oldest surviving lighthouse in America.    

     Barbara Mabrity took over as the lighthouse Keeper after her husband died in 1832.     She tended the lamps for 32 years until at age 82 she was fired for making statements against the Union, which controlled the Key West and the Key West Lighthouse during the Civil War.     In 1846 a hurricane destroyed the light station, killing 6 of her children after the family sought shelter in the tower.     The original keeper dwelling was torn down and replaced with the present building.

     The Key West Lighthouse was deactivated in 1969, and turned over to Monroe County.     In 1972 the lighthouse was turned over to the Key West Art and Historical Society, who has added safety features and restored the tower and the turned the Keepers Quarters into a museum.     In 1998 the entire site was nominated for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places as a National Landmark.     This gives the Key West Lighthouse the same status as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. 

     The Key West Lighthouse is open to the public daily and is so worth the walk up the 88 step spiral staircase to look out at the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.     The story of Barbara Mabrity and her family and the effect that the lighthouse had on the Key West economy of the day makes this a very special place that shouldn't be overlooked when in Key West.     ;o)

Dry Dock for a Day

Today is another out and about day taking pictures and searching for new Rumstylin' ideas to keep this blog going.     ;o)

Sunday Sights

Sundays are such a calming day, I have different images of Sundays that make me feel good.




What makes your Sundays ?












This is my kind of Sunday Morning just cruising in my mind.

A Different Adventure for a Rumstyler

Yours truly running through the dirt.

Oh the city life

     Throughout my years I've traveled on many many types of vehicles, but and adventure I had last December in Mexico was a bit over the top.     I watched a mailman the other day bringing the mail on a Segway, you know those two-wheeled  electric scooters.     These are thought of a s a city runabout to get between buildings in the bit cities.    Boy was I in for a surprise when I got on one to run off-road in the Mexican jungles.      This version of the street runner has oversize off-road tires and a few other heavy duty items that bring the Segway alive on the dirt.

The little woman also enjoyed the ride

     We went up and down hills, through puddles, gravel, and you just would not believe how well these little scooters handle the rough terrain.     You can run up to about 20 plus miles per hour and with some practice you can negotiate the dirt corners at a pretty good clip.     Often the Segways will get into a bit of a drift as you take them through the corners at speed, but are really controllable.     I guess that I didn't expect much from the street runners in an off-road environment, but had a real eye opening by the toughness and versatility of the little scooters.     They were really fun to drive and with a little bit of practice really run to ride.



And Tommy, what can I say, he's runnin' hard

      If you are ever in the Cancun area this adventure park that has the Zip Lines as well as the Segway off road adventure is a great way to spend a half a day.    Oh you will be ready for a stop at the bar for a nice cold rum afterward, and a nap shortly after the bar.      I promise you that on my next visit to Mexico in 2012  I'll be back on the Segways, and the Zip Lines, but that is another story.     ;o)

Key West Sunset Celebration

     In Key West's Mallory Square there is a daily celebration at sunset.    This little festival is a mecca for street performers, artists, food vendors, psychics, and arts and crafts exhibitors.     If you haven't attended this one of a kind celebration you should the next time you come to Key West.



Dominique and his Hous Cats



      There are literally fifteen to twenty acts in the square every evening that will entertain you for tips and applause.    Many of the acts have been featured on television shows nationally.     There are escape artists, wire walkers, trained cats and dogs, sword swallower's, and many many more to entertain you.     One of the longest and most famous of the acts is the cat show of  Dominique and his Flying House Cats.      Oscar, Cossette, Sharky, Sara, Chopin, George and Mandarine, make up the troupe that perform daily at the Westin Pier next to Mallory Square each evening.     Dominique's house cats are one of the best house cat shows on earth and perform for your generous tips each day.

     In addition to the performers, there are arts and crafts exhibitions and great food carts that dot the square from about an hour before sunset and for a half hour afterward.     You can visit psychics, mimes, magicians, and many other performers ans you wander through Mallory Square awaiting mother nature's finale to the show when the sun drops in a most spectacular manor into the Gulf of Mexico.     Oh and if you miss it today there will be a repeat performance tomorrow and every evening afterward.      Never put off til tomorrow what you can experience today.    Sunset will still be there, but you might not, so don't miss the Sunset Celebration what ever it takes to see it.     ;o)

The Rum Bar is Growing Again.

     The Rum bar is in the middle of an expansion from 212 rums up to 230.     We are currently searching for new rums to complete the expansion.     It is easy to just stick some "Numbers Rums" on the shelf, but the challenge is to fine new distinctive rums that people will enjoy.     One of the things that we are the most proud of at the Rum Bar is the quality of the rums that we currently have on the shelves.     With brands like Abuelo, El Dorado, Plantation, Ron Zacapa, Ron Matusalem, Cockspur, Diplomatico, and many many more, you have the selection to suite your palate. 

     I'm looking forward to the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival beginning on April 25th as a place to sample and locate the exceptional rums I'll need to fill the new shelf at the Rum Bar.     This is the place to learn about the rums, how to get them at your home, and which ones you really like.     Remember that rum is a plate drink and what your friends like may not be what fits your palate.     If you can do like I am and get to the Festival and discover some new rums for yourself.  

     Throughout my travels I keep finding new and wonderful rums that I bring home to the boat, but because they are not available through one of our distributors, we can't sell them at the bar.     Thus, we keep working with out distributors to search their inventories to help us fill the shelves with great new rums.     I wish this was easy like finding rums abroad and just bring them home from the "Duty-Free Shops", but it just doesn't work that way.     It seems that the State and Federal governments want their cut so they have to be gotten through the distributors.      Anyway, I'll keep you abreast of my progress and let you know when I reach the goal of 230 rums on the shelf at the Rum Bar.

     By the way this is the 75th Anniversary of the relegalizing of beer,  April 7, 1933.     I think all rumstylers should raise your beer mug and say yeah!!!!!!!!!       ;o)

Rumstylin at Snipes Point.

     Snipes Point is a beautiful sandbar located about 15 miles from Key West on the gulf side.      This remote beach and sandbar is one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere.     At low tide, there is a sandbar big enough to have a football game, or one very large party, which is usually the case on most Sundays.     Boats anchor off the sandbar and music is playing and footballs and Frisbees are flying, and an occasional rum is consumed.    

     Yesterday I took a few friends from the Charlotte area of North Carolina out on a party barge to Snipes for a little bit of fun in the sun.     We were not disappointed, the weather was great all morning and a better part of the afternoon.      We did have to scramble to get back ahead of a thunderstorm, but were safe back in the harbor before the rain, thunder, lightning, and wind arrived.     All a part of boating in the keys during the spring and summer.     Undaunted by the rain, we got to frolic on the beach, tan on the pontoon deck, and yea all  but me got to have a little "Bahama Bob" rum punch.     By the way they had a few beers and some food also.     Our famous fisherman caught 3 fish while in transit from the harbor to Snipes, and all was good for the day.     The wind shift indicating a front passing was the warning that we needed to start back to the harbor, but it was probably more of a blessing than a bad omen.    Most had been exposed to about as much sun as their bodies could take without being burnt to a crisp.

     So without further ado, we hauled up the anchor and got underway for home.      With the fishing line in tow, off we went back to the Hurricane Hole Marina and safety from the approaching storm.     Only 1 fish and a sponge were caught on the the return, but a really fun day happened for all.     Calm seas, beautiful sunshine and a few puffy clouds, it just doesn't get any better.     Upon arrival at the docks with the black sky above, we quickly unloaded the boat and moved under cover to continue the party and where I could have a rum cocktail for me as well.     Not cool to be drinking when you have 11 people on your boat.     All rules are overboard once you make the harbor and the boat is secured.     We including yours truly had a great time during the storm and a nice dinner after the storm.     Thanks to some good friends and a reliable boat from Sunset Watersports.     Thanks to all.     ;o)

On the Water Day

Today is Bahama Bob's Big Rumstylin Adventure on the Water

You'll get the whole story over the next few days.     Film to boot.

Minimal Regatta Time is Approaching



Sushi taking the lead

      May 29-30 Schooner Wharf hosts the 20th Annual Minimal Regatta.     This is the boat race of the year, matching boats made from 2 2x4's,1 4x8 sheet of 1/4" plywood, a pound of fasteners, and a roll of duct tape against each other is the funniest and most serious races of the year.     The boats range from the sleek racing kayaks to the absurd.     There are 2 classes, kayak and open class, and a champion is crowned in both classes.



Semi Finals of the Kayak Race

      People work for weeks preparing the flotilla for the event, and it shows on race day.     This is the time of year when the "engineers" are starting the sketches, usually on napkins or place mats, but drawings just the same.     The good news is that the event is open to creativity and only limited by the materials and the class.     Many of the teams are rum powered, and the event is powered by Captain Morgan if this is any indication of the rumstyleability of the entire event from now til race day.

     If you haven't made plans yet for Memorial day weekend, this is a great way to get out in the sun and have a lot of rumstylin' fun.      Whether you are going to be a spectator or a participant, it is an afternoon of frolic and sunshine in the tropical sun in Key West.         

     The event give out awards for the fastest sinking boat the most creative, best costumes, sportsmanship, and many other reasons yet announced.       Don't be left out for this years event and get your plans made for the boat and crew or just to be there.     ;o)  



Billy Beans three straight year winner of Kayak Class



Today is for the Birds

Grounded or soaring it is still for the birds today. 

 

 

 They make everything just wonderful by their presence.

Today is just about the Birds.     ;o)

Flight History: Key West

     Aviation in Key West began in 1913 when a biwinged seaplane was flown by Augustin Parla flew from here to Muriel, Cuba.    This is only the beginning of a very colorful history aviation has carved here in Key West.     In 1917 the U.S. Navy dredged a seaplane base at Trumbo that also was used for dirigibles during World War I.     In 1918 a twin engined U.S. Navy Seaplane flew to Cuba from Trumbo.

     On November 1, 1920, Aeromarine West Indies Airways flew it's first scheduled international passenger and airmail service in the United States.   This service was flown daily from Key West to Havana, a 60 minute flight using Aeromarine Plane and Motor Company converted U.S. Navy F5L's for civilian passenger service.        Aeromarine also flew to Miami and Bimini during their first flaying season.     Before Aeromarine West Indies Airways ceased operations in early 1924 they had carried over 30,000 passengers and more than 300,000 pounds of freight.     The loss of the "Columbus" on a flight was the only fatal accident  in just over three years of operation.    Many of the airline procedures used today were instituted by Aeromarine West Indies Airways in their early years.    They also were the first to offer in-flight-movies, baggage tags, and the first airline ticket office.

     On January 6, 1928 Key West was the beginning of still another airline.     Pan American  chartered a Fairchild FC2 floatplane to make it's first mail flight to Havana.     Pan American moved to Miami in 1934, but reinstituted Key West service after the 1935 hurricane that ended Flaggler's train service to Key West.   

Meacham Field, the primary runway for Key West, initially pressed into service by the Army after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.    In the later parts of World War II, the Navy  took over Meacham as an adjunct to Trumbo Seaplane Base.     It was the main Naval Air Station for fixed wing and Dirigible operations.     After the War the control was turned back to the city of Key West and eventually renamed Key West Municipal Airport.     In 1953 the City turned control of the airport to Monroe County to allow for CAA grants and the renaming to Key West International Airport.

     Today we have modern jet airline service in Key West that owes it's existence to the foresight of a few forward looking people that saw aviation had a transportation future here in Key West.      As a former aircraft owner who has flown in and out or Key West International many times I can really appreciate the bravery and the skills of those who pioneer the service to and from Key West.     Remember it is only a 2 x 5 mile island in the middle of the ocean, and no GPS, just a compass and a chart to guide you here.     Thanks to all of them, because today we come and go on a very regular basis thanks to them.     ;o)
  

The Miami Rum Renaissance is Fast Approaching

The month has arrived and we are only a few weeks away from the start of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival for 2011.     This is going to be a very exciting and educational week this year.     There are Rum Producers there with booths to introduce you to their finest rums, VIP parties, Seminars, Rum Judging and much much more.     I'm looking forward to meet all of you there at the festival, I'll be around at the booths, and at the VIP Parties as well.     If you haven't got your tickets yet, you can get them on line at the Miami Rum Renaissance website: http://rumrenaissance.com/Tickets.html .    

     I'm looking forward to this year's event and hoping that you are going to be there also.     There is a schedule of events on the website for your convenience at http://rumrenaissance.com/Schedule.html.     Pick the events that you want to attend get your tickets and lets get to know more about our favorite sugar cane spirits and have a little fun at the same time.     All other information including lodging is available at the website as well.
         Let's all get out and be there April 25 through May 1, 2011.                                                 http://rumrenaissance.com/index.html     ;o)