The following story was written by Randy Lathrop, who is a diver, photographer, and author residing in Cocoa, Florida. In an effort to find a suitable image to go along with his story, my trusty colleague, Lenore, found this picture on eBay and has an interesting story herself.
Here it is:
During my search for information on the Pieces of Eight Club, I came across a listing on eBay for a 1935 Press Photo from Miami, Florida, of Nancy Johnstone at the Pieces of Eight Club. The image, sold by historicimages-store, looked to be a real gem — an original black and white photo from 1935 — for only $24.99! It seemed only right (or by fate) that I snag it to add to the archives of the Society. The charm of this image is the hand-painted details that have been added to give it life. In the days before Photoshop (or computers, in general), real magic happened — by hand — in the studios of talented artists who could see the whole image before it was complete. I can’t emphasize enough how magical this image is in hand, and how the imagination runs wild with sounds of laughter and the bustle of everyone enjoying a good time at the club. Below are some up-close images of the hand-painted details for your appreciation:
Now you know about the picture, here’s the rest of the story … (by Randy Lathrop) …
Mayor E. G. Sewell of Miami became an honorary life member of the Pieces of Eight club yesterday, receiving the title of “Lord High Bully Buccaneer.” The scroll of membership was presented to him by Capt. Don Dickerman, who led a band of 56 pirates and six of their wives to the courthouse steps for the occasion.
The scroll contained greetings to the mayor, outlining the club’s aims and inviting him to join. It stated, “You are spending your life in carrying out one of the most important purposes of the charter of this club: the purpose of standing together in the complete faith of our brethren that ‘life is for living,’ that ‘anything is possible,’ and that ‘happiness and prosperity are ours for the taking.'” Captain Dickerman emphasized the mayor’s contributions, particularly in developing venues like the Pirates’ Den, which help enhance the city of Miami.
In accepting the honorary membership, Mayor Sewell remarked, “Your pirates and pirate women are a fine-looking crew, worthy of gracing the Pirates’ Den properly. I greatly appreciate the honor of being a member.”
The Pieces of Eight club, headed by Captain Dickerman—an authority on pirate lore and a treasure hunter of Cocos Island, Cuba, and Cape Cod—exclusively includes members who are genuinely interested in pirate lore and treasure. Members come from all walks of life and devote significant time to the pursuit of pirate gold and the historical and mythical romances of the Spanish Main.
Among the club members are notable individuals, including Robert R. Taylor Jr., county solicitor-elect, who has spent a fortune hunting for buried treasures in the Florida Keys; Clifford Cole, whose estate encompasses the old pirate ship hideaway in Coconut Grove; S. C. F. Smith of Ojus, a direct descendant of two Spanish pirates—Bartolomeo el Tigre and Ricardo el Rojo—who has his own family treasures; and William K. Vanderbilt, an explorer of old pirate islands and lesser-known pirate haunts.
Other notable members include Captain Thompson of the Vanderbilt yacht, who discovered the mysterious cutlass marking the famous treasure of Cocos Island; William Beebe, a scientist-explorer and pirate enthusiast familiar with pirate haunts from Bermuda to Jamaica, Porto Bello, Panama, and the Galapagos Islands; Dr. Jay Pearson of the University of Miami, recognized for his innovative use of diving helmets; Captain Williamson, a diver and undersea photographer; and Capt. Frank Upton of Fort Pierce.
Writers and researchers of pirate lore—such as Charles B. Driscoll, George Allen England, and David True—are also part of the club, along with A. Hyatt Verrill, who has authored books on pirates and lost treasures and is among the few to have retrieved real doubloons and pieces of eight from an old sunken Spanish galleon.
Captain Dickerman’s crew attempted to inform Mayor Louis F. Snedigar of Miami Beach yesterday about his own election as an honorary member, but they were unable to locate him. They hope to see the mayor today, Captain Dickerman noted.
The club, according to Captain Dickerman, is “an organization of brethren of the coast with high spirits, promoting good fellowship among buccaneers; to perpetuate the fond memories, exploits, adventures, and jolly episodes concerning our proud and worthy forefathers; and to further enhance our knowledge of the colorful history and delightful legends surrounding these most picturesque figures in world history.” For the complete enjoyment of the experiences and adventures available in this joyful world, and for the conquest and discovery of various treasures known to exist in some well-defined regions on land and sea, we believe that all these treasures and pleasures, both large and small, are our rightful loot and property. This belief is based on the fact that these treasures were abandoned by our brave and illustrious forefathers, who met untimely deaths while pursuing wealth and happiness—enjoyments they were cruelly deprived of by certain overly dutiful individuals operating under the banners of law and order. In contrast, our noble forefathers, in all types of weather, sailed proudly under our one glorious and honest emblem: the Good Old Skull and Bones.
Just so you know, we are in the year 1935, a time when illustrious figures gather within the embrace of this club. Among them are Captain Williamson, a man of the sea with tales etched in his weathered skin, Captain Thompson, whose authoritative presence commands respect, and A. Hyatt Verrill, a penman of adventure and intrigue. The 1930s and 40s were a vibrant era, filled with clubs and societies that flourished in every corner, particularly those shimmering with the allure of piracy—groups that hosted elegant balls adorned with opulent decorations and exhilarating treasure hunts that sparked the imagination. In this spirited age, a modest sum of money could unlock the door to membership, inviting one into a world of camaraderie and thrill.
