Key West Cemetery

Yesterday I went on a tour of the Key West cemetery with 5 other people including a preservationist from the city. The tour was pretty interesting for several reasons. The cemetery is located at the highest point on the island (16') known as Solares Hill. It was relocated from an area near Higgs Beach after the previous site of the graves was damaged during a hurricane. My interest in this subject area started after visiting the Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis, Tenn. at the suggestion of someone. The diverse group of folks buried there (both Union and Confederate soldiers, for example) was the attraction for me. Of course Key West has a vast group of characters in the cemetery. "Sloppy Joe" Russell, the famous barkeep and fishing guide to Hemingway is one. I was interested in seeing the grave marker for Pearl Roberts, a well-known hypochondriac, which reads, "I told you I was sick." There were several markers of Cubans including notable artists and revolutionaries. Two folks on the tour have traveled to cemeteries all over. They've been to London, Paris, New Orleans. They've seen the graves of Jim Morrison and many famous blues artists. The city guide provided information on the restoration efforts of many of the grave sites. It was a cool way to take in the history of Key West especially the idea that eccentrics have always been here.