Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Speakeasy
Key West Art & Historical Society
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 5, 2023
1. The Speakeasy Marker
The home was purchased by infamous Prohibition Era rum-runner Raul Vasquez in 1920. During a rum-running trip to Cuba, instead of his usual cargo, Raul brought home the elaborately carved balcony balustrade. The rum and wine bottle balcony fretwork was actually a clever advertisement for The Florence Club, Raul's speakeasy located behind the house. When Raul was away, an honor system was in place. According to Raul, "no one ever stole a single bottle."
Circa 1889
Key West Historic Marker
Free Audio Walking Tour
Call: 3055070300
Sponsor: The Speakeasy
Erected by The Speakeasy. (Marker Number 19.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 24° 32.98′ N, 81° 47.887′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of Duval Street and Amelia Street, on the left when traveling east on Duval Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1115 Duval St, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: La Te Da (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cuban Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Eduardo Gato Cigar Factory (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); E.H. Gato Cigar Factory (about
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Speakeasy Inn. (Submitted on May 7, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Key West Art & Historical Society. (Submitted on May 7, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 5, 2023
2. The Speakeasy Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 240 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
