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Asa Tift constructed the fountain, and it’s in the form of an ironclad ship. Hemingway would sometimes joke that he chose the location of the house because of its proximity to the lighthouse. On drunken evenings returning from his favorite bar, Sloppy Joe’s, he’d never get lost making his way home. Mr. SBC and I visited the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum on a cruise stop in Key West, and it was only a 20-minute walk from the pier. If you’re planning to also visit the famous Southernmost Point Buoy, it’s right down the road.
The Writing Experience
While you can explore the home on your own, we recommend that you go on one of the guided tours. One of the things you may first notice is the remarkable resemblance of some of the staff members to the writer. Through my visit to the Hemingway House Museum, I not only learned about the man behind the words but also gained a newfound appreciation for his contributions to the literary world. It’s an experience that every literature enthusiast should have, as it brings us closer to the brilliance of Hemingway’s writing and the profound impact he continues to have on readers around the globe. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Key West, the Hemingway House is a must-visit attraction for literature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
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HerStory: Ernest Hemingway: An American classic with a strong Florida connection - New Pelican Newspaper
HerStory: Ernest Hemingway: An American classic with a strong Florida connection.
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About 50 cats lived on the property while Hemingway lived there, and the same number is maintained at the museum today. Whether or not you believe the Hemingway cats will give you good luck, the cats themselves are certainly lucky. They have the run of the property, and you’ll often find them napping in unexpected places in and around the house. The cats don’t seem to mind their human visitors and enjoy pets and scratches from their adoring fans.
InCountry: Key West, Hemingway’s Haven - Georgetowner
InCountry: Key West, Hemingway’s Haven.
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The Famous Hemingway Pool
In the 1930s, sea captain Stanley Dexter gave Ernest Hemingway a white six-toed cat named Snow White. Currently, the Hemingway House and property is home to between 40 and 50 polydactyl cats, some of which are descendant from the original white cat. Ernest Hemingway was gifted a white six-toed cat named Snow White in the 1930s by a ship’s captain.
It offers a rare glimpse into the life and works of one of America’s literary legends and provides a deeper understanding of the historical and architectural significance of this remarkable landmark. Key West, the picturesque island located at the southernmost point of the United States, served as a captivating muse for legendary American writer Ernest Hemingway. Nestled within this tropical paradise is the iconic Hemingway House, where the renowned author resided during his time in Key West.
The Ernest Hemingway House also serves as a tribute to the author’s immense influence in the literary world. The house has been preserved with much of its original furniture and artwork, giving visitors an idea of what life may have been like for Hemingway during his time there. It is a reminder of the many works he wrote while living in Key West, including To Have and Have Not, which was largely set in Key West.
The two-story house was built in 1851 of native limestone in a Spanish colonial style by noted marine salvager Asa Tift. Pfeiffer’s wealthy uncle bought the then-derelict house as a wedding present for her and Hemingway in 1931, and the couple had the entire interior restored. The second story of the coach house in the back was made into a writing studio for Hemingway. The swimming pool, built in 1938 as a present from Pfeiffer to her husband, was the first residential swimming pool built in Key West. The coach house became a pool house, and Hemingway had walls built around the grounds. He also installed a catwalk that allowed him to walk from the bedroom to his studio in the pool house.
Touring the Hemingway House Key West
Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Did the cats actually bring him the wrong kind of luck, or did they share some of their nine lives with him? You can access the studio only via a set of steep stairs, and a gate blocks the doorway, but it’s worth climbing up to view this peaceful sanctuary if you can.
The writing studio is a modest yet impactful room, adorned with personal artifacts and mementos that offer insight into Hemingway’s writing rituals. A simple wooden desk, typewriter, and bookshelves filled with classics set the stage for the literary magic that took place here. The natural light streaming through the windows creates an ambiance conducive to creativity, providing a glimpse into the environment where Hemingway crafted his timeless prose.
The lush grounds, the preserved living quarters, and the intimate access to Hemingway’s personal artifacts all combine to celebrate the author’s enduring influence on literature and American culture. Nestled in the heart of Key West, Florida, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum stands as a tribute to the literary giant’s profound legacy. The home, now a museum, provides visitors a window into Hemingway’s life and writings, the very walls echoing with the history of his storied career. It’s an iconic piece of literary history that offers visitors the chance to learn about one of America’s greatest writers – and the cats that made him smile. From exploring the grounds to learning more about his wives, there is something for everyone at this unique Florida attraction. Many of the unique furnishings are European antiques collected during their stay on the continent.
Pauline, outraged by the unsightly bathroom fixture prominently displayed in the garden, glued tiles around its edge and added an antique urn to create a fountain. Each new relationship seemed to lead to a change of location, explaining why Hemingway left Key West after less than a decade despite having several productive years there. JL stopped us for a bit at what she called the “Wall of Wives” to talk about Hemingway’s four marriages.
Childhood trips to the remote woods of Michigan inspired his fascination with nature and a lifelong quest for adventure, including his passion for hunting and fishing. Interested in writing from an early age, he began his career as a journalist, working as a reporter in the Midwest. When poor eyesight kept him from enlisting during World War I, Hemingway volunteered as a Red Cross ambulance driver and was severely wounded in Italy at age 18, leading to a long convalescence. The writing studio at the Hemingway House is not only a physical space but also represents a sanctuary of creativity.
In a separate building on the grounds, the ground floor was a guest house while the top floor was converted into his space to write (which he did every morning). You’ll be guaranteed to learn at least one thing you didn’t know about the author and his family. Be assured the cats have regular vet checkups and procedures and are well-taken care of. Today it is owned by Mike Morawski, who has run the museum since the 1990s, with his children working there as well. His great aunt, Bernice, bought the house from the Hemingway estate and turned the Ernest Hemingway house into a museum in the 1960s.
The Hemingway Home & Museum is home to approximately 50 polydactyl, or six-toed, cats, which are descendants of Hemingway’s original cat, Snow White. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West is a national historic landmark where one can explore the life and work of the famous author. This section guides you through tours, operating hours, ticket details, shopping options, and events including weddings. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum located at 907 Whitehead Street allows visitors to explore Hemingway’s residence from 1931 to 1939. This home-turned-museum displays Hemingway’s personal belongings and the environment where he wrote several notable works. The Ernest Hemingway House, located in Key West, Florida, is a National Historic Landmark and museum dedicated to the life and works of famed American author and Nobel Prize-winning novelist Ernest Hemingway.
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