"They should have put out more chairs," Rosemary Jones said at the funeral home, which, by 6 pm yesterday, was standing room only. A fitting tribute to a passionate historian, a fine writer and a true Southern gentleman.

Stuart, and his widow Joan, sometimes graced the pages of my Travel section, writing not just about Florida but about long car trips, their minds as open as the road.

Addressing the large crowd of friends and family, Joan told of their drive to Jupiter, Florida, after they had decided to move from Maryland. It was getting late, the kids were tired and cranky, and Stuart, sitting at the wheel, asked, "Do you want to take the scenic route?"

"He took," she said smiling, "the scenic route in life's journey."