MAY 2021
AMSTERDAM'S CURRY MANSION NEWSLETTER!
GET READY FOR A SUMMER THAT WILL SIZZLE!

May has been massive: festivals, live music, boating and WIND! You wouldn't believe the crazy winds we've had over the last week: gusts so strong even the dog doesn't want to go for a morning walk! Regardless, we've enjoyed low humidity and are looking forward to summer!

June is PRIDE month and town will be bright with rainbows from the 2nd - 6th. Returning July 1 - 5 is the Key Lime Festival, celebrating all things Key Lime! An event not to be missed is the Key Lime Pie Drop from the Lighthouse - pies are dropped from atop the 73' tower and the pie to hit the target with the least damage wins! It wouldn't be 4th of July weekend without some fireworKs and the best place to see them is from the water - if you're in town, be sure to go on a sunset sail and firework viewing party with Danger Charters, Classic Harbor Lines or Fury, they all have terrific trips - our front desk staff can help!

The BIG event that we're all excited for is the return of lobster season, which kicks off with the 24th Annual Key West Lobster Fest, August 12 - 15! From rooftop lobster boils, to pub crawl, street fairs and a free concert just around the corner from us, this event has it all - and we've got rooms available for you! Come stay with us to celebrate the seasonal return of our favorite crustacean and enjoy Lobsterfest with the best!
FROM PHIL'S DESK:
May, Glorious May!
What a delight this month has been! In like a lion and out like a party animal - that's our May in a nutshell!

As many of you know, Key West has been very busy all year - we're lucky our island paradise doesn't require a passport and folks from all over the country have come to see us and escape the cold. Changes to CDC guidelines have allowed things to get closer to normal, which means town is bursting with live music! Both the Mile Zero and Songwriters Festivals were sell out crowds. Our friends saw Key West favorites The Swayzees as Freddy & The Mercuries at the KW Theater and can't stop talking about this amazing Queen tribute - we're hoping they'll have a repeat performance the next time you're in town!

I want to thank everyone who contributed to Wesley House's Conch Republic Foster Children's fundraiser events - we're honored that so many of our guests donated; it feels good to know you think of Key West even when you're not here and, like us, want to help make it an even better place for everyone. Proceeds from the sale of Lil' Rus still go to the fund, so if you're not ready to give up snuggling with Rusty, you can bring home a replica for just $25, - CLICK HERE to email our front desk and order a little guy for your own litter!

Read the column on the left to find out why town is about to burst at the seams - this summer is gonna sizzle!

Sending my best from Key West,
Our #1 Key West native's spot to share her tales and extensive knowledge of the Southernmost City's history!

An "Aunt Sally" is credited as the inventor of the Key Lime Pie, and most accounts agree that she was connected to the Curry Mansion. It was always assumed that she was in the employ as a cook to Florida’s first millionaire, William Curry.

Local author David L. Sloan initiated a genealogical search for Aunt Sally beginning with 1856, the year that Gail Borden received his patent for sweetened condensed milk – one of the three ingredients necessary to make the iconic dessert. Sloan’s research spanned the 70 years up to the time of the first known reference of the pie which appeared in a 1930s WPA promotional piece advertising “World Famous Key Lime Pie.”

After scouring censuses for a woman named Sally connected to the family, Sloan learned that "Sally" was a nickname for Sarah, and the rest, as they say, is history. Living right next door was none other than Sarah Jane Lowe, wife of William Curry’s eldest son Charles Curry, and aunt to fourteen of the Curry grandchildren.

We may never know for sure who originally fashioned the popular pie, but we believe that Aunt Sally’s identity has finally been revealed.

Have you seen the CBS Sunday Morning video featuring Sheila, David & the Key Lime Pie? CLICK HERE TO VIEW!
David Sloan perfects a piece of Key Lime Pie!

Photo credit: Rob O'Neal
There's no one more popular on property than Rusty the Cat, but did you know he's got a body double? That's right - Curry Mansion is now home to Lil' Rus, the adorable, pocket sized replica of our coolest cat! Just like his namesake, Lil' Rus enjoys live music, making strangers into friends, sneaking into guest rooms and never missing a happy hour! Now he can be all yours for $25 delivered, with proceeds going to Wesley House's Conch Republic Foster Children's Fund. And if you're nervous about how he'll fit in with the cats you have at home, take it from Seth & Katherine, Rus will be a member of the family in no time - check out how well he fit in with Lil' Bub and Grumpy Cat! CLICK HERE to bring your own Lil' Rus home today!

Left Photo: Seth & Katherine added another kitten to their litter - Lil' Rus is enjoying the good life in Annapolis with Lil' Bub and Grumpy Cat!
JUST FOR FUN POLL: The Key West culinary treat that makes my mouth water is...
FISH! Mahi, grouper, yellowtail - you name it, I eat it all!
Margaritas are food, right?
Stone crab with a thick and tangy mustard sauce!
Key Lime Pie - did you really have to ask??!?!