Walking around downtown last night, I got a great shot of the beautiful and historic Freeman Curry House. Located at 724 Eaton Street, this impressive residence brings one back to a slower time, truly island time!
Shipbuilder Samuel Filer originally built the house in 1865. The home is primarily built of Dade County heart pine which is resistant to termites and sub-tropical weather. That probably speaks to why the house is still in such great shape over 150 years later.
In 1920, the Filer family sold the house to Monroe County Commissioner T. Jenkins Curry and his wife, Louise. The Currys soon renovated the house. Initially, they moved the entire structure forty feet back. They also added a new kitchen and bathroom with running water! Electric lights were installed throughout the house at this time too. And, perhaps to serve as a discussion point at one of their many parties, they had Cuban-American artist, Joaquin Barroso, paint the walls of the double parlor with landscapes.
Unfortunately, the Curry’s divorced in the early 1930s. After Jenkins moved out, Louise turned their home into a rooming house which she ran with her daughters. She became a successful businesswoman and was also well known for her cooking.
Eventually, the home was handed down to their daughter, Mary Eloise and her husband, William A. Freeman, a third generation Conch. William served on the Key West City Council and was instrumental in the city buying City Electric, eventually bringing standardized electric service to the island. The home is still in the Curry Freeman family today.
More About Key West
See what is happening on the island during your visit by checking out our Key West Events Calendar. And, for other things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.
And, before making your reservations for dinner while in Key West check out our restaurant reviews! Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!!
