Jeptha Vining Harris built this home in 1897 for $250,000. At the time, it was the southernmost house in the continental United States. Harris' wife was the daughter of William Curry, one of the first millionaires in Florida. Harris and his wife were early investors in Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad and would often entertain Flagler in their home. The home was the first in Key West with electricity, thanks to Mrs. Harris' friendship with Thomas Edison.
In the 1940s, the home was converted into a nightclub which was frequented by the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Gore Vidal, Truman Capote, Tallulah Bankhead, Gloria Swanson, Louis Armstrong, and Charles Lindbergh.
In 1949, it was converted back into a private residence which has hosted King Carlos of Spain, and U.S. Presidents Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter..
The home currently exists as a bed and breakfast.
Homes - Historic
Links: en.wikipedia.org
By: jdubble07
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