Florida Keys Pioneers Volume -1

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By: John Viele

This volume offers well-researched, fascinating accounts of early Keys' life. Just 90 years ago, there were fewer than 300 Keys inhabitants, and they lived without electricity, running water, or telephones. The Keys pioneers were audacious and resourceful in the face of many hardships. Book Synopsis Today, on the Keys between Key West and the mainland, some 40,000 residents and thousands of visitors fish, swim, sail, and dive in the crystal clear waters off a tropical reef; relax in the sun and cooling trade wind breezes, and sleep in the air-conditioned comfort of their homes and hotel rooms. On these same islands, as short a time as 80 years ago, fewer than 300 inhabitants tried to eke out a living without the benefit of electricity, running water, radios, or telephones. Tormented by clouds of voracious mosquitoes and no-see-ums, broiled by the tropical sun, they lived in thatched-roof homes regularly flattened by hurricane winds. Weeks would go by before some passing sailboat brought them news of the outside world or their relatives. The stories of these hardy pioneers and their predecessors, as far back as the Native Americans who lived on the Keys at least 1,000 years ago, are told, many for the first time, in this book. As vividly portrayed as if they were characters in a novel, these true-life inhabitants of the Florida Keys will capture your admiration as you share in the dreams and realities of their daily lives. Includes Don Diego, a Spanish-speaking native who led in shipwreck plundering in the early 18th century; Jacob Housman, an unscrupulous wrecking captain who amassed a fortune and lost it when Indians burned his town to the ground; Dr. Perrine, a scientist who was killed by Indians; the African Americans who made charcoal for the stoves of Key West; and the indomitable Lily Bow, who eked out a living on remote Cudjoe Key. Next in series > > See all of the books in this series Review Quotes "Offers a different view of one of Florida's most unique regions." — Florida Historical Quarterly (about the series) Offers a different view of one of Florida s most unique regions. " Florida Historical Quarterly (about the series)" Offers a different view of one of Florida s most unique regions. Florida Historical Quarterly (about the series)" "Offers a different view of one of Florida's most unique regions." — Florida Historical Quarterly (about the series) About the Author John Viele is a retired naval officer and a former submarine commander now living on Cudjoe Key. A lifelong interest in history and a deep love for the Florida Keys led him to research and write Keys history stories for local newspapers and magazines. He is the author of the other two volumes in the Florida Keys series.