The Latest from Your Friends at Curry Mansion in Key West

AUGUST 2021

AMSTERDAM'S CURRY MANSION NEWSLETTER!

SEPTEMBER 11 MARKS A BIG BIRTHDAY FOR WILLIAM CURRY!

You know the story of how Edith & Al Amsterdam docked in Key West and saw a "for sale" sign on the white mansion on Caroline Street and rehabbed it to become the Curry Mansion we know and love (if not, you can CLICK HERE to read), but the fella for whom it was named has quite a story of his own.

Born on September 11, 1821 on Green Turtle Cay, William Curry came to Key West to seek his fortune when he was 16. He married Euphemia Lowe and led a shipping construction company, supported by investment from his father in law. William was successful enough to become a shrewd investor in the stock market, and commissioned gold table service by Tiffany & Co. for $100,000, equal to over $2 million by today's standards! Curry was Florida's first self made millionaire and the wealthiest man in the state by the time of his death in 1896; his was the largest funeral in Key West history.

To commemorate William Curry's 200th birthday, we're hosting a very special happy hour on September 11 - if you're in town, please join us for music by Larry Baeder. CLICK HERE to check out Larry performing up the Keys a few months back - it's a song in honor of our buddy, Ken (read more about that in "Meet Curry Mansion" section below)

Celebrate William Curry's 200th birthday at our happy hour on September 11

FROM PHIL'S DESK:

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER!

Other than "International Dog Day" on August 26, there really isn't much that's doggish about this summer. Yes, it's hot; yes, it rains (just enough to water the flowers); yes, it brings guests who are ready to get in a last minute vacay before the kids go back to school - I don't see anything wrong with that!

We've had a lot of to celebrate this summer: Patsy's birthday, Catie's engagement, return of the Heming-way Peñas, a windy and wild Lobsterfest, all sorts of good stuff! September used to be a quiet month - not any longer! Look over to the left and read all about what we've got planned for William Curry's big birthday!

As always, we hope you all are healthy, safe and anxiously and planning your return visit to see us at Curry Mansion! Give a call or CLICK TO CHECK AVAILABILITY, we're happy to help get you here!

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!

The James Sisters Are Remembered at Curry Mansion Inn!

Once upon a time it was the home of Josephine and Gwendolyn James – known to most in Key West as simply the James Sisters. The house that is now part of the Curry Mansion Inn was home to the sisters for five decades.

Their previous residence had been in the 400 block of Whitehead Street, but with the advent of the Second World War, many residents were forced to move when the government expanded the U.S. Naval Base and confiscating their family homes.

Both of the sisters were graduates of Florida State University – one became a Key West school teacher and the other worked in Civil Service on the Navy base, neither ever married.

512 Caroline Street became part of the Curry Mansion in 1995, adding eight rooms to historic inn. It is still fondly referred to as the James House in honor of the two sisters that called it home for a half century.

Josephine and Gwendolyn James resided at 512 Caroline Street for over fifty years.

HIstoric photo of James House, a beloved addition to Curry Mansion's guest offering since 1995.

CONGRATULATIONS,

CATIE & DAN!

We love an engagement and nothing's better than when it's a member of the family!

Our niece, Catie, and Dan were engaged on a visit down here earlier in the month - we couldn't be happier they'd choose our beautiful city to make such a magical memory!

Wishing you years of joy, health and happiness together - mazel tov!

Ken and Michael Groover, 2019 Hemingway Lookalike Winner (and Paula Deen's husband)

Everyone's from somewhere else (except Sheila) and everyone loves seeing someone from their neck of the woods while staying with us - that's why our guests go crazy for Ken! As our resident midwesterner, Ken gets lots of attention from folks familiar with !-55, 65 and 75!

Originally from Michigan, Ken spent much of his career in Chicago. He left the Windy City for the Southernmost City a few years back. Ken has jumped in to Key West life with both feet, enjoying time on the water, our countless festivals and costumes - so many costumes! As our main man at the front desk, Ken is the guy to speak with for all your activities while in town - stop by to say hi and have him schedule you for sunset cruises, sandbar daytrips and museum visits. You won't go wrong with Ken's advice on what's best in Key West, and if you want to chat about the Blackhawks in the off season, you've for sure found a friend in Ken!