According to J Wills Burke's book Streets of Key West the Catholic portion of the city cemetery was added in 1861...
...and just over the fence lies a little stub of a lane called by the same name:
Catholic Lane has but a few houses off Angela Street which runs alongside the cemetery fence,in a one way direction out of town, towards White Street:
The view from the lane is one of fencing and the most peaceful of neighbors, the dead. And coincidentally, scooters:
The lane itself is typical of the Old Town half block dead ends that litter Key West. Most passersby probably only ever catch a glimpse of the lane as there is a stop sign on Angela Street across the entrance, which has to be annoying to residents with sensitive ears, as the cars stop noisily and start up again in succession at that same spot. My wife says I am overly sensitive to noise so I am probably exaggerating the effect for normal people. The rest of the lane is delightfully peaceful:
In addition to the cute Conch cottages there was a surprising amount and diversity of off street parking:
Not forgetting snowbirds parking their bicycles:
And the ever present indoor-outdoor porch lifestyle of the sub tropics:
The lane itself dead ends into a white picket fence and a bunch of bougainvillea:
Off to one side a giant tree overpowers the houses underneath:
While on the other side of the lane was a charming wooden cottage:
With a mailbox that looked equally charming if less useful:
And in the front yard a plant I don't see much of in Key West, a geranium, which in Italy where I grew up was said to be off-putting to snakes:
The lane itself dead ends into a white picket fence and a bunch of bougainvillea:Off to one side a giant tree overpowers the houses underneath:While on the other side of the lane was a charming wooden cottage:With a mailbox that looked equally charming if less useful:And in the front yard a plant I don't see much of in Key West, a geranium, which in Italy where I grew up was said to be off-putting to snakes:
6 comments:
Dear Conch:
I am listening to Gregorian chants as I am reading this post on Catholic Lane and the overal effect is perfectly etherial. I find it no coincidence that one of the most peacful and picturesque pockets of Key West reflects the touches of the Papacy.
I also like how you managed to squeeze your bike into three and possibly four pictures.
However, I must report some distress over remarks you made in a previous post, which I believe were unintentional in their effect, but which made me feel like an editorial whore. These were your comments that you no longer write for money nor self promote. I rather got the impression that you regard those who do as literary prostitutes.
So what if I am?
Do you know how hard it is for me to squeeze into my literary hot pants and whistle at passing newspapers to make a meager and barely honest living?
I am forced to write for money as I am useless for doing anything else. In fact, there are some who feel I am useless at writing too. But these people are usually humorless douchebags. (I added that in unikely case any who read my remarks here are of that persuasion.)
My feelings are hurt. I thought twice about calling this to your attention, as I know how deeply the condition of my feelings will trouble you. I am now going to mix a rum and coke, and write a piece on the infinite superiority of the BMW K75 over other more contemporary bikes. One in particular.
Fondest regards,
Jack
Twisted Roads
I wrote that comment (with you in mind) meaning that now I can please myself. You do anyway. Your posts always make the unstated comparison between the Bonneville and the Water Buffalo and strangely the k75 always comes out ahead. If I caused you pain I will buy you alcohol when you come to visit, but I won't go to the Scrub Club with you. I'm sure they will recognize a fellow worker, and I would be forced to recognize the truth about you that I have hidden from myself (collapses sobbing).
Dear Sir;
There isn't enough alcohol in the world to restore my soul to its pristine state prior to your comment. But don't let that stop you from trying.
Calling a K75 a water buffalo is pure inspiration. It's so pure and original that it almost defies revenge.
Always a pleasure,
Jack
Twisted Roads
Dear Jack from Twisted Roads....I enjoy your writing immensely...
What a pleasant surprise stumbling upon this "page" and charming photos. I lived in the "Charming wooden cottage on the other side of the lane" for 10 years or so. I purchased the home from "Willie" in the late 80's for $175,000, very much charmed by the overgrown foliage and the air of mystery from the lane outside. It's even more charming and to my knowledge still very old Key West inside, and exactly as I left it. The property extends 100' feet back and there was one of those old 2-story "towers" in the back, used as a writing spot for a previous owner. Because it was "there," I was able to enlarge it and remodel it into another charming, though smaller guest cottage with a bedroom at the top of the tower, including a "romeo and juliet" balcony and sun deck. Downstairs, an open-air shower, bathroom, living room and kitchen. A small but gassy yard separates the two homes, lush foliage and a natural stone waterfall that flows into a lagoon-like pool, all surrounded by tall. wooden fencing with trellis details on top. My French neighbors just behind me on Grinnell (paces away from 5 Brothers) bought my piece of paradise and opened part of the fencing and created a wonderful piece of property with several kitchens (they loved to cook) as well as the pool and a choice of accommodations for guests. Though it was difficult leaving something I had created and enjoyed, I was happy my wooden cottage was so very much appreciated by my neighbors (who had lived through the construction of the little cottage and pool)...and apparently by you. I look forward to seeing more from you! All the best...
Rented house at end of Catholic Lane in 1972 while stationed at Nas Key WEST from older couple. Great memories
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