1960 – Betty Bruce proposed that a collection of pictures, maps, and books telling of the history of old Key West would be a worthy addition to the Monroe County Public Library, and she encouraged local persons to donate such materials “so that a real Key West historical corner could be established.”

1863 – In a ceremony at Clinton Place in Key West, the local citizenry presented a $750 gold sword to Colonel Tilghman H. Good, Commander of the 47th Pennsylvania Regiment. Col. Good had rescinded an order that would have banished to Charleston nearly 600 Key Westers suspected of being Confederate sympathizers.

1919 – The Key West Branch of the Afro-American Independent Insurance Co. held a luncheon reception for ministers of the city at Newman Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was richly decorated with flowers and potted plants, and “the entire affair was one of the greatest events of the season.” 

1930 – It was reported that 100 sharks, averaging 7 feet each, were being caught daily near Big Pine Key by boats working for the Hydenoil Company. “Not a particle of the shark is thrown away” was said of Hydenoil’s processing system, which focused on shark leather and liver oil.

A summary of Summer Reading 2025 programs and events at Big Pine Library!

1961 – ABC Television aired an episode of the series “Expedition” featuring Marathon and the Middle Keys, with a focus on the area’s recovery from Hurricane Donna.

1963 – Entomologists were zeroing in a species of whitefly recently found on Stock Island as the spreader of a lethal yellowing virus that was destroying coconut palms. Since its first appearance in Key West in 1954, the disease had killed 80% of Lower Keys coconut trees.

1959 – A simulated nuclear bomb drop was the central feature of Civil Defense exercises in Key West.

1993 – Key West resident and Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Hersey died at age 78.

1986 – The last “Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet” took place, with Father Tony Mullane performing the service.

1947 – President Harry Truman’s arrival in Key West was a windfall for many residents.

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Thank you to all of our patrons who participated in Winter Reading! We had a ton of fun and you all really read a lot! Together you read...

1975 – Key West-based air Sunshine announced that despite rising fuel costs, they would not raise fares.

1946 – The U.S. Navy announced that a submarine squadron consisting of one tender and 10 submarines would be based in Key West.

1983 – Fire destroyed the Fountains Restaurant in the landmark Cuban Club building on Duval at the corner of Amelia Street.

The diary of a young business clerk visiting Key West in 1843 offers never-before-seen details about life in the Lower Keys at that time.