April 1

411 William Street, built ca. 1889, in 1965.

1898 – The federal government installed a telegraph cable between Key West and the Dry Tortugas.

1950 – Attorney Julius Stone announced that the Kamen Corporation purchased all of Tract 29 in Key West for $30,000. The 24-acre tract, bounded by Atlantic Boulevard and Laird, George, and Leon streets, would yield 108 new building lots.

1951 – The skeleton of Lelanette Roberts was found on Saddlebunch Key. The 28-year-old Key West woman had been missing since August 7, 1949.

1954 – The state Hotel Commission gave notice to the Island City House at 411 William Street that their license had been revoked, and the building had to be vacated within one week. The structure was found to below acceptable standards in both safety and sanitation.

1975 – A 95 percent increase in malpractice insurance premiums prompted two staff surgeons to resign from Florida Keys Memorial Hospital, leaving only one general surgeon at the facility. The sudden departures left hospital administrators unsure if the emergency room could remain open.

1985 – The Federal Communications Commission assigned VHF TV channel 3 to Key West, making it the third commercial television channel available for broadcast from the island. Applications were being taken from broadcasters who wanted to use the frequency.

2010 – The Freedom Schooner Amistad, a replica of the 1839 Cuban slaving vessel, arrived in Key West from Havana. Because the schooner had to dock at the Coast Guard station, it was not available for public tours.

Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.

Image: 411 William Street, built ca. 1889, in 1965. Photo taken by the Monroe County Property Appraiser's office. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.