EDITOR'S NOTE: After filling this space every week since Nov. 10, 1995, this is Joe Pais' last column. He has accepted a job as Statewide Supervisor of Museum Services with the State Division of Historical Resources in Tallahassee.
It was real easy to like City Commissioner Richard Heyman. He really enjoyed meeting people and made you feel right at home. Thus, as a newcomer to town, I often dropped by for a chat with Richard. One afternoon I made a suggestion that made him burst into laughter. If the city would pay me a courtesy salary and let me reside at the then-vacant Custom House I would take total responsibility for restoring the wreck of a building. After all, I prompted, there were a number of vagrants and pigeons enjoying a carefree living there already and they were doing nothing in return for this architectural treasure. The idea put a twinkle to his eye but he wanted to restore the Old City Hall first.
Richard did call and ask me to serve the city. Back in 1985, he wanted me to concentrate on creating affordable housing in decrepit and vacant buildings. He directed me to learn all about "revitalization programs" through the DCA. Forget about the fancy Custom House and learn about upgrading our infrastructure was his order.
Two years later I received a call from local artist Jack Baron. He told a fantastic story of embezzlement at the Key West Art & Historical Society (KWAHS). He asked if I would consider taking over the books to restore some credibility to the group's finances.
That call began an 11-year association (thanks, Jack) with the KWAHS. Within one year, feisty director Susan Olsen and I were planning a million-dollar project to restore the Lighthouse Tower and Keeper's Quarters. this one effort rejuvenated the Society and raised revenue five-fold.
It also showed that a non-profit organization, with enthusiastic members, could work hand-in-hand with governmental agencies to accomplish some very big projects. Within one year plans were laid to historically restore the unique Citadel at the East Martello Museum— and, we began work on securing $1.3 million to buy the old Custom House. The lamp of historic preservation was burning bright in Key West.
This writer will be starting a new job in Tallahassee on January 5. It is with great humility that I look back at all the opportunities that Key West has given to me. I thank you all from the depths of my heart.
Many who shared the dream of preserving Key West art, history and culture remain behind and I hope that they truly enjoy the work they have nurtured. People like Tim Greene, Joe Bryan, Jr., the Dogwood Foundation family members, Frank Bumpus, Lou Petrocelli, Al Rubenstein, Becky Bever, Judge Richard Fowler, Janet Hayes, Wilhelmina Harvey and Al McCarthy— these people made dreaming possible.
But, there are many others who became involved with our dreams. It is impossible to mention all the folks at the TDC, all those who befriended us from the news media, the patriots at NAS Key West & Coast Guard, Women's Club, the Navy League, and Zonta. Friends like Nick Gee, Ed Spehar, Robert Elliott, Vera Schiff, Herb Schimmel, Ed Swift, Emily Lowe, Ted Strader, Wendy Tucker and the Spottswood Family.
Looking at the lines above, I realize how silly it would be to try to thank all the people who have opened up their lives and allowed me to share my vision of historic preservation. That is why my final thanks go to the editor of this newspaper, and others, that have allowed me to speak out strongly to many people about the historic preservation of this special little island.
We should not be afraid to speak out to preserve our community. It is a noble, and, I am afraid, a necessary responsibility of a free people. It always will be so as long as people dream.