Flagler’s Centennial Celebration Planning Underway

A bridge over a body of water - Pigeon Key
The island of Pigeon Key served as a camp for workers who built Flagler's Railroad

Volunteers needed for a host of activities

The island of Pigeon Key served as a camp for workers who built Flagler's Railroad

Next year, residents and visitors across Monroe County will look back at what was once dubbed Flagler’s Folly and celebrate the island lifestyle the railroad tycoon once envisioned.

Throughout January 2012, a host of activities will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the completion of Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, and the planning is already well underway for what is certain to bring visitors from across the globe.

A host of activities will take place on the tiny island off Marathon that once served as a work camp for men constructing the railroad.

On Saturday, Jan.14, 2012, Pigeon Key will be the site of numerous historical reenactment activities with lots of games for children of all ages. Volunteers are still needed to help plan and facilitate this event. If interested, please, call Riet at (305) 289-1887 or email rietttt@aol.com.

Antique car collectors and period piece enthusiasts are invited to display their prized possessions in an antique car show also slated for Saturday, January 14. For participation information please, call Chris Pankow at (305) 743-5387.

Collectors of antique trains and train hobbyists from around the world are invited to participate in an on-going train exhibit that will celebrate the visionary’s work. To get involved or for more information, please call at Riet (305) 289-1887 or email rietttt@aol.com.

The Marathon Community Theater will host Paul Jellinek’s historical reenactment, “Discovering Henry Flagler” on Sunday, January 22, 2012, with a matinee performances at 3 pm and an encore performance at 8 pm. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling (305) 743-0994. The same program will be offered in the Marathon High School auditorium for 4th through 8th grade students on Monday, January 23.

Crane Point Hammock Museum is proud to host a Historical Family Picnic with entertainment on Sunday, January 15. For information, please call Jon Henderson (305) 743-3900 or email john@cranepoint.net.

All artists interested in designing the poster to celebrate the Flagler Centennial are asked to pick up an application at Marathon Community Theatre box office between 10 am and 2 pm Monday through Friday from now until the entry deadline on Thursday, August 4, 2011. For more information please, call Ginger at (305) 304-7842 or email ARFkeys@aol.com.

Leading up to the event days, other centennial activities are forth coming such as the Flagler Fishing Tournament on Nov. 26 – 27, 2011. The captain’s meeting is slated for Nov. 25. For information please, call Carolyn Anthony at (305) 684-9820 or email cpanthony02@yahoo.com.

Monthly historical bicycle tours across the Old Seven Mile Bridge complete with a walking tour of Pigeon Key will kick off again in November with dates to be announced. For information, please call Riet (305) 289-1887.

Join in the fun for this historical and entertaining series of events in the Middle Keys. The community is invited to take an active part in the celebration of our unique history, especially the construction of the Overseas Railroad, also known as the 8th Wonder of the World.