Art McKee

I went to Florida in 1975, and stopped on the island of Plantation Key to visit Art's Museum of Sunken Treasure. To my vast disappointment, it was closed. I was heartbroken. Art was my hero, and I couldn't meet him.

As my gaze traveled around the museum, I noticed a house next door that obviously belonged to the site.

I went over and knocked on the door. To my delight, Art answered the door. When I explained that I had come from Wisconsin to see him, he went back in the house and got his keys. "Follow me", he said, and I did.

He opened up the museum and gave me a personal tour. He explained that he had been sued by someone for falling, and so had to close the museum.

I was like a kid in a candy store. Art answered my every question, although I'm sure he had done that thousands of times.

Finally, he autographed my 1964 copy of "The Treasure Divers Guide".

He would take no money.

When I got back to Wisconsin, I sent him 5 pounds of the best cheddar cheese I could find.

Salute to Art, died in 1979, but not forgotten!