1976 – Key West City Commissioner and vice-mayor William Gamble died after suffering a heart attack at City Hall while preparing for a commission workshop meeting. Gamble was a Navy veteran and founder of William Gamble Jeweler at 600 Duval Street.

1955 – A mysterious, early morning fire destroyed the living quarters of Key Largo’s famed Caribbean Club, killing Emma Jo Selby of Miami.

1986 – The Old Island Restoration Commission approved the moving of a house at 411 Whitehead Street to 709 Thomas Street, so the parking lot of the La Concha Hotel could be expanded as part of the dormant hotel’s renovation before reopening.

1979 – Acclaimed playwright and Key West resident Tennessee Williams and his friend Datson Rader were assaulted on Duval Street. Both men were punched but neither needed medical attention. Williams said of the attackers, “Maybe they weren't punks at all, but instead New York drama critics.”

1914 – The U.S. Internal Revenue office was at 423 Front Street. The Deputy Collector was C.L. Knowles, and J.L. Johnson was the Stamp Deputy.

1939 – Construction of the cable schooner Western Union was progressing rapidly.