The Havana Special Revealed

In February of 1930, a group of Key West residents was "hired" by the Florida East Coast Railway to serve as models for publicity photos taken aboard The Havana Special. Fifth from the left in this shot of the lounge car is Kingman Curry, head of the Railway's baggage department. Unfortunately, Mr. Curry's is the only face that can be matched to a name, the other identifications have been lost in the intervening years. These ersatz models include Rosie Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Kirtland, Minnie Porter Harris, N. C. Hall, Ilee Williams, Miss Warren and Zuela Russell ­ all Key Westers.

The car's interior gives us a glimpse of First Class accommodations of the era - a writing desk with its attendant wicker chair, the lighting sconces, the intricate millwork and wallpaper, even ceiling fans for comfort in those pre-air-conditioned days. The mode of dress (and even the ashtrays) takes us right back to the Jazz Age.

Next: Homeland Security, circa 1912