Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Bernie C. Papy

1902 - 1964

— Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden —

Bernie C. Papy Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023

1. Bernie C. Papy Marker

Inscription. Bernie Papy was born the 13th of 14 children in a family of modest means. He left school in the 6th grade to help support his family. In 1924, he entered the real estate business. Later with Victor Moffat and Charles Perez he bought Saunders Wholesale which dealt in groceries, sponges and sundries. About this time he fulfilled one of his childhood desires and built a large home for his mother. In 1934, Bernie C. Papy was elected to the state legislature and served 14 Consecutive terms during which time he became Monroe County's most powerful and influential politician. In 1941, Papy became the sole owner of Saunders Wholesale. He was also the distributor for Cities Service Gas and became a partner in the Key West Insurance Company with Howard Wilson. His business interests continued to grow when he became the distributor of Schlitz Beer. In 1955, at the peak of his political career, he founded the Key West State Bank, with Wilson as president. After 28 years in the legislature, he lost his seat to Charlie Ramos in 1962. In 1964, just before his death, he was re-elected to the post He worked to build the second Overseas

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Highway, formed the Aqueduct Authority Mosquito Control Board, oversaw the acquisition of the electric system by the city and the restoration of the Mallory Square. Bernie C Papy knew the first name of everyone on the island and usually could recall something to say about a person's family needs or problems. He was perhaps the most accomplished elected official in our history.
Donated in Loving Memory by
The Bernie C. Papy Family & the Norman Bell Wood Family

Erected by Donated in Loving Memory by The Bernie C. Papy Family & the Norman Bell Wood Family.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1955.

Location. 24° 33.585′ N, 81° 48.415′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It can be reached from the intersection of Wall Street and Tifts Street. The marker is located within the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Wall Street, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023

2. Bernie C. Papy Marker

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: Eduardo H. Gato (here, next to this marker); John Bartlum (here, next to this marker); William R. Kerr (here, next to this marker); Joe Pearlman (here, next to this marker); Henry Morrison Flagler (here, next to this marker); Dr. J.Y. Porter (here, next to this marker); William Curry (here, next to this marker); Charley P. Toppino (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Also see . . . The Key West Sculpture Garden – Where History Meets Art. (Submitted on May 17, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 642 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 17, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.