Seen in the case besides many personal letters, was one of his Marlin rods. His boat Pilar was docked at the downtown Navy pier and later moved to Cuba where it remains. A sistership is on display at the Bass Pro Shop in Islamarada, FL.

One of the most interesting stories I have run across came out of my visit to the Monroe County Library in Key West during my 2006 there.

Agnes was the first true love in Ernest's life. They met in an Italian hospital after Ernest was wounded while an ambulance driver for the Italian Army. His injuries were severe and doctors removed 250 pieces of shrapnel from his legs. Agnes was his nurse. They fell in love, but Agnes turned him away in a letter while he was recuperating in Oak Park, IL.

I made contact with Anne Layton Rice - Library Administrator for an appointment with Mr. Tom Hambright - Library Historian. In a phone call with Ms. Rice she told me a story that involved Agnes von Kurowsky. It seems she showed up in the late 1950's and became the custodian of the Hemingway archives at the museum. At the time the Hemingway’s were living in Idaho and Ernest was undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic. And while Ernest never knew Agnes was in Key West she did make a call to inquire about his health.

After his death, Agnes continued her work in Key West for several years. How ironic life is.