EARLY KEY WEST SPEAKEASIES

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Brad Bertelli is curator of the Keys History and Discovery Center. He wrote an interesting article re prohibition and Key West speakeasies in the Key West Weekly 9/27/18.

It was 1928. Prohibition was upon the U.S. Bootleggers were running booze in from larger boats sitting beyond U.S. territorial limits. Some of the illicit alcohol passed through Key West on its way to other parts of the country. Some remained in Key West.

A new type drinking establishment arose. The speakeasy.

Key West had 2 speakeasies early on. Club Florence and the Blind Pig.

Club Florence was located at 1117 Duval St. Today, the Speakeasy Inn. Owner Raul Vasquez named the place Florence because a number of his customers had wives named Florence.

The Blind Pig operated at 428 Greene St. Today, the infamous Captain Tony’s.

The structure was built in 1851. Over the years, served as an ice house and city morgue, wireless telegraph station, cigar factory, and bordello.

The building was owned by Isaac Wolkowsky. David Wolkowsky’s father.

Issac rented the building to Joe Russell during Prohibition for $3 a week. When Prohibition ended, Russell changed the name to Sloppy Joe’s. He would later move the bar to its present location.

Dueling Bartenders first last night. The wonderful Terri Smith guest performer. Joining regulars Tom Luna and Rick Dery. A good crowd. Donna, Andrea and Joe, John and Fiona, the wonderful Liz, Josefina, and Mary among others.

Stopped at Sandy’s Cafe on the way home for a bite. My usual. Cuban cheese toast with tomato and a diet coke. Love the meal! Think it is the cost. $4.39. Can’t beat it.

Shades of Tom Cruise and Ancient Japan last week in Key West. Samurai!

A homeless man threatened 2 different persons early friday morning. With a samurai sword. Ended up being arrested.

I am excited. Tonight, I watch Ally play volley ball for the first time. She is on the Montessori team.

Afterwards, I have to hurry home. My podcast at 9. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Interesting. An eye opener on occasion. Join me for a half hour. Listen to me rant and rave. Guaranteed you will not be disappointed. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

On this day in 1950, Tennessee Williams purchased what was to be his home for some 30 yeas on Duncan St. Only $13,000 back then.

The home remains lovely. Present owners keep it in tip top shape.

Lisa and family live 1 1/2 blocks down the street on Duncan.

One of the most thriving and happiest Key West businesses is on Union just below White. Dairy Queen. On this day in 1951, the Zoning Board approved a zoning change so the Dairy Queen could be built.

For over 60 years, Dairy Queen has successfully operated in the same place. Primarily patronized by locals. School kids and families. Many the time Lisa, Robert, Ally and I would stop and enjoy. Sometimes Louis alone with the grandkids. Small tables outside to sit on. One of the few Key West businesses with more than adequate parking.

We wait for the FBI report. Now expanded. Going to be interesting.

I suspect another governmental investigation is ongoing at the same time. One by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Composed of Federal Judges. Oversees the operation of Federal Courts.

The Judicial Conference at the moment would be operating in secrecy. It has the power to recommend impeachment among other things for criminal malfeasance. It can initiate its investigation on its own based merely on media reports.

Does Kavanaugh qualify for such an investigation? I think so. However, I am not a member of the Judicial Conference.

Got to give the Devil his do. I refer to Trump.

NAFTA was replaced by USMCA yesterday. A better trade agreement.

Trump delivered.

Enjoy your day!

PIED PIPER OF DAYTONA

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The Pied Piper of Daytona has owned property in Key West for 10 years. NASCAR racing star and champion team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. Referred to as the Pied Piper of Daytona because of his successes at the Daytona International Speedway.

I do not know the man. Have never met him. Would like to. Did not know he had been in Key West off and on for 10 years. He must walk quietly when not racing.

I became aware of his Key West presence in an article in this morning’s Key West Citizen. Earnhardt is remodeling a home at 704 Eaton St. He required HARC approval. Appeared and presented his application personally. The board unanimously approved the application.

Spent yesterday afternoon fine tuning last night’s podcast.

I dislike commenting about Trump so much. However, he is the news! My show was devoted to Trump, except for the opening topic.

I talked about today’s milk cows. Referred to as Dairy Queens by milk farmers. I mentioned the subject a couple of days ago in this blog.

I opened with cows because I realized the balance of the show would be devoted to Trump.

Mondays and tuesdays are devoted to preparing for tuesday night’s podcast. Today is wednesday. I always feel free when I wake wednesdays. I am free. Two days of work behind me. Nothing heavy on the agenda through sunday.

Three US Navy vessels have been named in honor of Key West. The third and last a submarine. The vessel was christened in 1985.

The Key West has visited its name sake on three occasions. 1987, 1992 and 1994. One week each time. A celebration each time.

The Key West was transferred to the Pacific Fleet in 1996. Since that time, there have been no further visits. Distance the problem. The vessel’s home port is presently Guam.

The submarine bears an emblem. A conch shell. What else!

The wind in Key West normally comes from the north and northwest. Several times a year from the south. A wind from the south indicates a coming thunderstorm. Guaranteed one will occur.

The wind is from the south this morning. The palm trees bending northward. Sunny outside, however. Nary a cloud in the sky. Checked the weather report. Thunderstorms later in the day.

Never fails!

Enjoy your day!