The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1937-03-15

M"efe me Atlantic Ocean
msets the Gulf Of Mexico, there
, ne Island Of Key West, Fla,
famed for is delightful climate,
and . strategic point in the Civil
War. where many troops we're as.
semb.ed 10 await further orders;
swing = very military atmosphere
e Tie place Is well rs to provide
much social activity. which was
Ereasly enjoyed BY the citizens Of
Key West.
Not only did the Army play a
prominent part in the social life,
but the Navy was a keen rival IN
m4ux wayA The warsh.ps lying
~ The barber AZ anchor, for many
days q . time. gave the officers
and crew q chance for rest and
recreation, q which they availed
themselves by giving a dance on
beard ship. 20 which the ladies
and all friends ON shore were
guests.
Not being old enough to particle
pate IN il, I took my part from
a piazza which commanded the
view Of the harbor. and the war
chip where | saw the people dane
Ing q the music Of the ships
hand. The guests reached their
destination in small boats, sent by
officers. 10 take them to the war
ships. making a novel entertain
ment much enjoyed by. all.
Among the guests there appear
ed = little Rebel flag attached 70
the sash 81 one OF the ladies, who
upon arriving home. found the
flag missing. No explanation was
sought. Is wisdom was the better
part Of valoF. in that case. as well
as Ia many others.
Many sad scenes occurred to
mar the perfect harmony of the
times there. by the parting of sol
der friends. ordered away into
battle. perhaps never to return,
but al were loud in their praise
Of the warm welcome, and hos
pifality Of Key West, and the ac-
commodations provided for them
At Fort Taylor. which stood like a
sentinel, guarding the entrance
- the harbor. patrolled at night
b. guard. which was plainly seen
en- the ramparts. BY the bright
nsoonlight for which Key West
was noted. The beautiful. bright
moonlight often was clear enough
80 one could read out of doors.
OF the climate much can be
said in its favor, as a lovely
breeze from the ocean often tenn
pcfed the heat Of the tropical sun,
making an ideal place of resort
for tourists. as well as a perman-
ent home, and my only regret is
that fate dscreed that my home
should be elsewhere, other than
the home Of my childhood menu
cries. my own Key West. But
Key West win ever suggest the
ideal home spot, for those who
know Of its many attractions, and
the very accessible approach to it
BY the several steamship lines,
which furnish the best of accom-
modations and meals, and being
in direct communication with Ha-
vana By daily short trips, makes
an additional advantage, for so
many avail themselves to reach
Havana without a long ocean trip.
In my early days in Key West,
an exceptional feature, was the
arrival Of a ship bringing many
slaves to the South, who were left
there temporarily, until quarters
were arranged for them some
where else, to be sold into slavery.
They were quGrtered in nothing
more or less Of a pen, until they
were taken away to other parts
Of thu South.
Al that early time, many YES
sells we're wrecked in its vicinity.
The citizens would then eagerly
purchase from the wreckers, any
goods that were desirable and un-
damaged. OF course it was very
exciting time for q little girl to
see these events.
General Winfield Scott and
Commodore Ericsson were enter
tanned there durini: the War. My
father, being a custom house Off
Ger, made frequent visits to the
ships coming into the harbor, and
] frequently went with him, and
was well treated, as they seldom
had a little girl make her appear
anee on board ship, where | re-