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Story
July 1, 1952
The Key West Citizen
Key West, Monroe County, Florida
What is this article about?
Cleveland writer Winsor French shares impressions of Key West's unique charm, earthy atmosphere, and potential for spoilage by growth, praising its climate and the Casa Marina hotel. Sent to The Citizen by Tony Mortimer.
Clipping
OCR Quality
96%
Excellent
Full Text
Cleveland Writer
Notes Impressions
Key West Visit
A column from a Cleveland paper, written by Winsor French and sent to The Citizen by Tony Mortimer, compliments the subtle charm of Key West at the same time that it tosses a smallish brickbat and a warning.
The article begins "This rocky shored, flat little city of 12,000 people, 108 honkytonk saloons whose juke boxes blare music into the streets seven days a week and the 12,000 intensely bored sailors who feed the coins into them, is like no place under the sun I have ever been. It has the tough, earthy atmosphere of all waterfront towns, but it also has a quality of mystery and a certain elusive charm that could be difficult to define."
He continues: "Most tourists come down for only a day or so at the most largely attracted, I should think, by the beautiful, incredibly dramatic motor road over the keys, built at the cost of fantastic millions on the hurricane wrecked trestles of the old Flagler Railway. Once here they wander aimlessly up and down Duval St., the undistinguished main drag, look in on the aquarium and a few bars and then go home, wondering why all the sound and fury.
"Stay a week or so though, and you will be apt to find yourself looking at property. Don't ask me why. Also you will be asked to pay Miami Beach prices, which seems madness. The only possible way Key West could grow would be upwards, meaning the complete demolition of its charm. and the end, But that is a bridge to be crossed in the future. Right now Key West remains pretty much unspoiled and if there have been any vast invasions of tourists taking place, I haven't been aware of them."
French also mentions that accommodations at that writing were few and that the Casa Marina was tops with the best beach in the area.
He adds: "The conservative guests are so far removed from the Miami Beach scene as anything you could imagine and the service is by far the most efficient I have found in Florida. Add to all this the best climate in the country and you have, in my opinion, a perfect setup."
Notes Impressions
Key West Visit
A column from a Cleveland paper, written by Winsor French and sent to The Citizen by Tony Mortimer, compliments the subtle charm of Key West at the same time that it tosses a smallish brickbat and a warning.
The article begins "This rocky shored, flat little city of 12,000 people, 108 honkytonk saloons whose juke boxes blare music into the streets seven days a week and the 12,000 intensely bored sailors who feed the coins into them, is like no place under the sun I have ever been. It has the tough, earthy atmosphere of all waterfront towns, but it also has a quality of mystery and a certain elusive charm that could be difficult to define."
He continues: "Most tourists come down for only a day or so at the most largely attracted, I should think, by the beautiful, incredibly dramatic motor road over the keys, built at the cost of fantastic millions on the hurricane wrecked trestles of the old Flagler Railway. Once here they wander aimlessly up and down Duval St., the undistinguished main drag, look in on the aquarium and a few bars and then go home, wondering why all the sound and fury.
"Stay a week or so though, and you will be apt to find yourself looking at property. Don't ask me why. Also you will be asked to pay Miami Beach prices, which seems madness. The only possible way Key West could grow would be upwards, meaning the complete demolition of its charm. and the end, But that is a bridge to be crossed in the future. Right now Key West remains pretty much unspoiled and if there have been any vast invasions of tourists taking place, I haven't been aware of them."
French also mentions that accommodations at that writing were few and that the Casa Marina was tops with the best beach in the area.
He adds: "The conservative guests are so far removed from the Miami Beach scene as anything you could imagine and the service is by far the most efficient I have found in Florida. Add to all this the best climate in the country and you have, in my opinion, a perfect setup."
What sub-type of article is it?
Journey
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Exploration
Social Manners
What keywords are associated?
Key West Impressions
Travel Narrative
Winsor French
Casa Marina
Tourist Charm
What entities or persons were involved?
Winsor French
Tony Mortimer
Where did it happen?
Key West
Story Details
Key Persons
Winsor French
Tony Mortimer
Location
Key West
Story Details
Winsor French describes Key West as a unique waterfront town with mystery and charm, attracting tourists via the scenic motor road but warning against overdevelopment that could spoil it. He praises the Casa Marina hotel and the area's climate.