Haunted Cedar Key - Part Three

The Island Hotel

The old Island Hotel

Located on the corner of 2nd and "B" Street is the elegant Island Hotel, grand dame of a bygone era. Built in 1859 as a general store, by John Parsons, it has changed owners and faces many times over the ensuing years. Constructed of tabby, and supported by gargantuan oak beams, it has valiantly withstood both the ravages of storms and the passing of time. The building itself has changed little over the years, with the exception of the bar and murals that were added around 1945. It's intriguing history is filled with stories of guests who were famous, infamous and even beyond belief.

In 1914 the building was sold to a man named Simon Feinberg, who turned it into the "Bay Hotel". Feinberg hired a man named Markham to manage the hotel, but soon became displeased with him when it was reported that he was running an illegal still out of the attic. They met over dinner to discuss the problem, with Markham professing his innocence. Feinberg retired for the night, and was found dead in his bed come morning. The consensus was that he had died of food poisoning. His restless spirit is said to walk the halls at night, popping up suddenly and startling guests.

Another guest who checked in but has never been able to leave, is that of a Southern Army private who stands guard at the end of the hall on the second floor at sunrise. He is visible for only a second or two, standing at attention in full confederate uniform.

Guests who have stayed in rooms 27 and 28 sometimes report encountering a very friendly spirit. It seems to be that of a young woman, who sits on the bed and kisses them on the cheek. Legend has it that she was a "lady of the evening" who was murdered in the hotel. Evidently she harbors no ill feelings about her life at the hotel.

There is an old trapdoor that leads to a dark basement beneath the hotel, supposedly haunted by the ghost of a child. Old tales say it is that of a small black boy about nine years of age, who was hired towards the end of the Civil War to do errands around the hotel. The owner thought he saw him pilfering one day, and chased him. The quick-footed lad ducked down the stairs, and disappeared before the owner could even make it to the door. Disappeared was right, for he was never seen alive again! About a year later, when workmen were cleaning out an old cistern in the basement, they discovered the skeleton of a child in the bottom of it. The young lad hides in the recesses still, and peeks out once in awhile to see who is about.

The one ghost no one is really surprised about is that of former owner Bessie Gibbs. She and her husband lived in, and operated the hotel, for over twenty-five years. The couple were devoted to each other, and the hotel they loved. It seems that she is also the most active ghost, and occasionally cantankerous. She has locked guests out of their rooms, slams doors and sometimes rearranges the furniture. She seems to have maintained a proprietary interest in "her" hotel. One of her favorite spots to sit and relax was on the second floor porch swing, and her ghost is often spotted sitting there still.

Some time ago a séance was held at the hotel, in an attempt to contact Miss Bessie, and it was discovered that at least thirteen spirits reside in the safety of the hotel's walls. In addition to the ghosts noted above, who seem to be the most active, there have been sightings of several Indians, an old fisherman, and an unidentified tall, thin man. The Fox Network even included the hotel in their series on haunted Inns in 1999.

Today the hotel is operated as an elegant inn that offers the charm of old Florida, and an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. No ringing phone, or blaring television, will disturb the quiet of your tranquil room. You can take a moment to relax on the second floor porch, and even sit in Bessie's swing. The first floor dining room offers an extensive menu of gourmet fair for your dining pleasure. Or stop in the infamous Neptune Lounge for a tale or two, and a long, cold drink. No matter how you spend your time at the Island Hotel, you'll find that you have to agree with the "spirited" guests, it's a lovely place to be.

(Editor's note: In a city as old and colorful as Cedar Key, legends often blend their way into factual history. Sometimes it's impossible to separate them from each other. We have simply offered these ghostly tales as told, and leave it up to each of you to decide just how much of them you believe. If you have a tale of haunted Cedar Key, and would like to share it, please email them to Maureen at rmlandress@juno.com)

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