The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1954-06-14
ulius Stone Buys Vacation Home In Cuba
2OO-Yeor-OM
House Is In n
Quaint old City
BY jim COBB

~ jim @Obb
Attorney Julius Stone, man
responsible in large measure for
hey Vests place on the nations
tourist maps, has reported the dis
eovery Of new vacation para
dlse-in Cuba.
Stone revealed recently that he
mas purchased a charming home,
more than 200 years old, in the
city Of Trinidad on Cuba's south
ern coast, a city possessing a great
degree of unspoiled beauty along
with a rich historical background.
Trinidad is also city that has
been, heretofore, undiscovered by
tourists. Stone, with characteristic
vision, is very enthusiastic about
the possibilities of the quaint old
city as a tourist center.
Man OF Vision
And he is man who demon
strated his vision when he came
to Key West as a Federal Relief
Administrator when the city was
laundering around in the depres-
sion of 1885. It was he who con-
ceived the idea of inaugurating a
WPA art program here and utiliz-
ing Key Vests inherent charm in
promoting it as a tourist center.
He was responsible, in large mea-
sure, for putting the city back on
its economic feet.
Mr.. Stone did such a good Job of
selling the advantages of Key West
that he elected to remain here and
practice law.
But as the face of Key West be-
gan to change rapidly, Stone, dur
ing extensive travel throughout the
interior of Cuba found a city very
much like Key West in the 3O's-
Trinidad.
Mountain Country
It lies, nestled in a 1000 foot
mountain range about 200 miles
from Havana, halfway between the
cities of Santa Clara and Cienfue-
COS in the storied province of Las
Villas. The economy of the town,
which lies in community with a
population of about $4,000 persons,
is based on the raising of cattle
and tropical fruits.
A quiet provincial community,
Trinidad has everything to make
1t attractive to tourists, including
magnificent examples of Spanish
colonial architecture, a beautiful
15-mile beach and verdant coun-
tryside. Some Interesting caverns
have been discovered in the area.
which promise to serve as first
rate tourist attractions.
Rich Historically
Trinidad's rich history dates
back to the time when it was
Cuba's first capitol. It was raided
by Columbus in his search for gold
and served as the jumping off
point for fernando Cortes, best
known of the Spanish Conquista-
dores, when he left for the con-
quest of Mexico in the 18th GEN.
fury.
trinidad reminds me in many
ways of Key West when I first saw
it." Stone commented. at is an
old town, remote from any large
population center and self-support-
ing economically"
Isolated Country
Stone points out that in the case
OF Key West, the ocean is the bar
rier which separates it from the
rest OF the world-in Trinidad, it
Is the huge mountain range which
isolates the city.
Stone was also attracted to Trini-
dad by its characteristic architec-
ture. "As in Key West of the sos,
prices are very low in Trinidad
and beautiful old homes can be
bought very cheaply and renovated
SO they can be profitably rented or
Sold" Stone said.
The Stones are the first Ameri-
cans to own property in Trinidad,
but they can foresee the day when
the city may have a substantial
American colony.
The home they bought, lies on a
quaint, winding street.
Rsnovafions Planned
The exterior lines of the home
are simple, and the interior, with
r. 2he floors, massive arch
ways and huge windows make it
On outstanding example of early
~ 4rcA.ecture. The living
and dining rooms are separated by
the traditional arch. There are
Jour bedrooms, an attached kitch-
% and large outdoor patio.
although the home is in perfect
condition, the Stones plan to re-
msdel it extensively-but to pre-
serve its antique features and
Spanish influence. Installation of a
modern bath and kitchen is plan
ned.
Jose Castelanos y Ponce, prom
inent Havana architect is planning
the renovations while decoration
viii be supervised by Paul Krue-
Ger, of the Havana Art Galleries,
Cuba'S leading decorator. Gle has
done considerable work in Key
West.)
A..