1 · POSITION
Ocean Reef Club grew from a fishing camp at the northern end of Key Largo into a private residential and recreational community. Its history names Morris and Alice Baker among the founders. The combination of homes, guest accommodation, boating, dining and shared facilities makes it an example of hospitality organised around continuing membership and family return. [1, 2]
2 · FROM CAMP TO DESTINATION
The club's chronology records Morris Baker's acquisition of the small Dispatch Creek Fishing Camp in 1945. By 1948 the property included an inn, small waterside lodging units called yachtels, a coffee shop, a lounge and rental boats. Accommodation and the practical needs of arriving by water therefore developed together, before the later breadth of club facilities. [1]
3 · A COMMUNITY BECOMES OWNER
Members purchased the club in 1993. The transaction changed their relationship with the institution: an established destination became something its equity membership collectively owned. The club's historical account treats this as a defining transition, separate from the Bakers' original development and from the contributions of intervening owners and managers. [1]
4 · SEVERAL WAYS TO ARRIVE
The present club combines a marina and private airport with accommodation, restaurants, golf and a cultural centre. Arrival by land, sea or air is supported by a substantial community infrastructure. Its public membership guidance also explains sponsorship of guests, showing that the experience is organised through relationships with members rather than unrestricted access to a conventional resort. [2, 3]
5 · ⚑ CANDOUR
⚑ The principal historical account is the club's own commemorative narrative. Its founding recognition includes several people and later contributors; the whole present institution should not be attributed solely to the Bakers. Published accommodation does not imply open public admission: membership category, sponsorship and applicable club arrangements govern access, and those conditions should be checked separately for any actual visit. [1–3]
People anchored here
LHL-P-700 · Morris and Alice Baker (pair)
Sources & Further Reading
Sources checked 24 September 2026.