7088----Philadelphia Continental Hotel Key - JJ Powers suicide Memphis St. Louis

7088----PHILADELPHIA CONTINENTAL HOTEL KEY - JJ POWERS SUICIDE MEMPHIS ST. LOUIS Original key from room 136 at the legendary Continental Hotel in Philadelphia. This room was the scene of a suicide on February 12, 1880 when well known cotton oil businessman Joseph J. Powers (aka JJ Powers) of Memphis (and St. Louis) ended his life by gunshot. Confirmed by newspaper accounts with all the gruesome details. JJ Powers was a very well known businessman of Memphis, St. Louis, and Vicksburg MS. It appears wife Helen remained in St. Louis and took over the business and property. Estimating this key is most likely from the period 1890-1910. I suppose it is possible this key was kept as a macabre souvenir (as it will be now) or perhaps as police evidence? The key is all original and remains in VG condition. Materials and images used in research are for review only, and NOT included with the item for sale in this listing. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *