“Grunts, Grace And Glamour”

“Grunts, Grace And Glamour”

Like the tides that surround it, through two centuries faith and fortune have ebbed and flowed in Key West.  Each change left its mark on our houses and the land around us.  The February Old Island Restoration Foundation House Tour traces the stream from hard-bitten seaport and military base to favored vacation and retirement destination.

411 Simonton Street & “Old Stone Church” – faith runs surprisingly deep on the rock, considering that grog shop owners threatened early preachers with bodily harm.  In 1877, the Methodists began encasing their 1847 wooden church in native stone.  They added a stately Victorian parsonage in 1892.   Both structures exhibit the influence of William Reid Kerr, who is credited with bringing Gothic style to this island.  The church gained a thoroughly modern interior in 1963; the residence was spared demolition at that time.  The parsonage still flaunts its gingerbread after undergoing more than one renovation and a succession of pastors’ families.

321 Peacon Lane –After the 1846 hurricane nearly wiped Key West of the map, Bahamian émigrés built homesteads on what was called “Gruntbone Alley”, just uphill from fishmonger stalls along the Caroline Street shoreline.  Generations later, one old Bahamian cottage has been creatively deconstructed and renovated by its architect/owner.  Its slate roof is a rarity, and an open air two-level wing exposes its wooden skeleton.

1030 Fleming Street – Constructing Flagler’s railway brought prosperity to the Key.  C. 1910, an imposing residence with a wrap-around porch replaced a conch cottage and corner grocery store.   Years of decline became very apparent until 2012 when structural repairs and a finely-crafted renovation restored its gracefulness.

1507 Grinnell Street – Development near Flagler’s luxury resort began in the 1920’s, but stalled until after WWII.  Mid-century, Floy Thompson, friend of local artiste & literati, presided over her estate home constructed in a mode inspired by nearby  Casa Marina Hotel.  Major renovations since have only served to strengthen its solid grandeur.  The expansive grounds offer a delightful garden stroll before viewing the interior suites.

64 Front Street – Our town began in the 1820’s near the old port and naval station in this corner of the Key.  In succession, small cottages, livery stables, offices and military installations occupied this lot.  Now part of the “gated” Truman Annex neighborhood, this 1989 version of a traditional estate home displays marks of current-day good fortune.  But, mainly, it is a delightful tropical home for a family who clearly hold a deep love of history.

The tour sites may be visited in any order during the two-day open hours.

The tour is scheduled for Friday & Saturday, February 12 & 13, from 10am to 4pm.  Tickets are $30 in advance; $35 on tour days.  For credit card purchase, buy tickets online at www.oirf.org or call 305-294-9501.  Tickets are also available for purchase by check or cash at:  Capital Bank, (Old Town & North Roosevelt Branches in Key West; MM30.4, Big Pine; 2348 Overseas Highway, Marathon); Royal Furniture (3326 N. Roosevelt Blvd.), and the Oldest House (322 Duval Street).  During tour hours, tickets are sold at the featured houses – cash or check, please.

In addition, ticketholders are invited to attend Gardenfest 2016 at the historic Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden on Collage Road and may enter a special prize drawing.  Details of the Fest and directions can be found at www.kwbgs.org.