The
history index to the left has links to history
information about Duck Key.
Additional
links are provided of a non-historic nature - one of
which takes the viewer to the Main Index for the Duck Key
Community
History
of Duck Key
The
introduction to this Duck Key website explains that its
purpose is to serve as a sightseer's guide, and as a
resource to visitors and residents of the island
community.
This
particular section of the Duck Key community website
presents the history of Duck Key insofar as it can be
determined by available records. By presenting known
facts and some speculation, and revealing historic
details and curiousities the reader may be unfamilar
with, it is hoped the reader will not only gain a general
sense of the island's history, but a greater appreciation
of Duck Key .
Much
of the information centers around a man named Bryan W.
Newkirk, the first developer of Duck Key. Newkirk knew
exactly what he wanted. He envisioned an island resort
community which would become the "Mecca of the America".
An island which would be shared between a luxury resort
and a secluded residential community.
Duck
Key was an uninhabited island prior to the 1950s. In
earlier years there was a salt mining operation in the
lowlands area. When Newkirk bought Duck Key it was " a
jumble of swamp and mangrove tree." He paid $47,000 for
the island and proceeded to spend millions developing it.
In the process 2.5 billion of yards of fill was pumped
onto the site, 4 miles of canal constructed and the
smaller residential islands within the island Duck Key
created.
In
1952 a wooden bridge connected Duck Key to the mainland,
and the major dredging and filling began.
This
old black and white aerial photo shows the island
during the time of canal construction. This aerial
photo shows the white coral mined from the canals as
the project is under way in 1953. Canals are visible;
white areas represent places with fill and some dark
areas indicate original vegetation. The Marina
breakwater has not been built nor has the Indies Inn,
the Administration Building or any island homes. There
are no houses visible at this time. Photo contributed
by Duck Key resident, Arlo Shay
A
postcard image of the Indies Inn from the 1960s is
pictured above. The Golf Course is visible and the
Indies Inn prior to expansion. The Hawk's Cay Marina
was located to the left of the resort in the Yacht
Basin also known as "Lake Lucille". Later a protected
breakwater would be extended passed the resort and a
new Marina constructed closer to the Duck Key Drive
causeway entrance. Click on the image for a larger
view.
MORE
OLD POSTCARD IMAGES
Another
postcard image below from the 1960s shows the
Indies Inn Garden located behind the
Administration Building.
This
postcard from the 60s shows Miss Duck Key II cruising
down the canal.
Another
image of an Indies Inn postcard with old and new
roads visible on Yacht Club. Click on this image
for a larger view and look for the signs "Indies"
and "Inn" above and below the red roof. The letter
"I" before the two n's is partially
obscoured.
Below
is an 1960s image of a postcard of Indies Inn taken
at sunset. The Marina and dolphin pool have not
been built.
Another
aerial postcard photo from the same period shopwing
Duck Key with Conch Key in the distance. The Indies
Inn and golf course are visible. In the V-shaped area
is the Administration Building and to the right is
employee housing.
Recent
Aerial Photo with reflection of Hawk's Cay Marina
breakwater and salt water lagoon on plane's wing.
Another
aerial photo of Hawk's Cay with white roofs of
Vacation Villas adjacent to boat basin, canal
and marina docks.
For
other photos of Duck Key go to additional
images.
Information
links with details about Newkirk legacy are provided in
the index to the left. Links to information from earlier
periods of history to the present are also provided.
You'll find information about Indian inhabitants in the
Keys, Spanish exploration and influences, early settlers,
salt pond harvesting, Spanish treasure found, Zane Grey
and the Long Key Fishing Club, Hurricane Donna, and
President Truman's stay on Duck Key.
THIS
PAGE CREATED BY DUCK KEY ONLINE
COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL
http://www.duckkeyonline.com site
map
email@duckkeyonline.com
Duck
Key Online
386 East Seaview Drive
Duck Key, Florida 33050
305-289-1872
