Well, Zane Grey was an avid fisherman, and the Florida Keys were where he most wanted to go fishing, specifically waters of Long Key, Duck Key, and Grassy Key. He first visited the Middle Keys in 1910 to stay at the posh Long Key Fishing Club built by none other than Henry Flagler, our Railroad man.
This "camp", a luxurious fishing resort which attracted famous and wealthy sportsmen, was located on the Oceanside of Long Key and included thirty some small cottages, a post office and a railroad station, a store and a large several-story wooden hotel or lodge. The accommodations and service were of the highest quality. A tunnel constructed under the roadbed connected the camp with the docks on the bay side. The Club was frequented by politicians Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt, and such wealthy notables as Andrew Mellon and William Hearst.
The Zane Grey Creek flows into the Long Key Bight (the little inlet, cove, or harbor in this picture.)
Grey considered permit to be a delicious dinner catch, and unlike today's fishermen thought bonefish, despite the many bones that gives this fish its popular name, to be a succulent gourmet treat of firm white meat. Other treats which Grey feasted upon at the Long Key Fishing Camp were stone crab, grouper chowder, conch chowder, conch fritters, fresh broiled king mackerel and shrimp. For dessert he enjoyed mango pie, Key Lime pie, and coconut pudding.
Zane Grey's success as a writer lasted more than 30 years. When he died some 27 million copies of his novels and books had been sold. More than five decades later that figure was in excess of 50 million. During his lifetime only the Bible surpassed his books in total sales. Among many of Hollywood's famous actors and actresses who starred in these movies based on Zane's books were John Wayne, Randolph Scott, George Montgomery, Roy Rogers, Barbara Stanwyck, Buster Crabbe, and Tom Mix.
The Long Key Viaduct became the logo for the Florida East Coast Railroad.
3 comments:
Really interesting. It looks like this project keeps you busy researching as well as walking. *hugs*
Actually this last posting was one of the quickest since my folks go to the keys every winter for 2-3 weeks and they stay at the same place just off the end of the Long Key Viaduct bridge on Conch Key and I stay with them for a week when I'm lucky enough to get away.
I've walked this bridge from end to end at least 2 dozen times!
Its almost 4 miles from starting point to turn around at the other end point... or just right for the day's walk :-)
Im with Alice...that was really interesting. I cant wait to see where else you walk takes us. :)
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