April 13
- Florida Keys History Center
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
1892 – The Key West Library Association was organized in the Masonic Temple located over the First National Bank on Simonton Street. Judge James W. Locke was president, Mary A. Taylor, secretary, and J. Fogarty, treasurer. The Association had a public library of 1,200 volumes and a free reading room supported by dues and fees of members and patrons. Mrs. William Delacy was the Librarian.
1898 – Water was being brought to Key West from Tampa to meet the increased demand by a military build-up prompted by the loss of the Battleship Maine in Havana Harbor.
1926 – World-renowned Danish violinist Axel Skovgaard, accompanied by his equally talented wife Alice McClung on piano, performed a selection of classics by “old masters” at Monroe County High School on White Street in Key West. “The technique of their playing was perfect,” wrote a reporter.
1946 – Black-market trucks from Miami were selling beer and butter in Key West – both scarce commodities on the island – at prices higher than allowed by the Office of Price Administration. Residents were encouraged to report any such unauthorized profiteers to local authorities.
1960 – In reaction to publication of a pro-Castro letter the Key West City Commission voted to remove the Cuban flag from City Hall and have all city employees take a loyalty oath.
1967 – Cecil Bain was chosen as jury foreman in a civil trial in Circuit Court, the first African American to serve as jury foreman in Monroe County.
1971 – The charter members of the Key West Tree Commission were named by the city commission. The members were Peggy Mills, Marie Pinder, Merili McCoy and Katie Salsbury.
2006 – The Monroe County School Board unveiled a long-term plan to move administration headquarters to the Glynn Archer Elementary School, sell waterfront property on Trumbo Road, and convert Poinciana, Sigsbee, Horace O’Bryant, and Gerald Adams to K-8 schools.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The Masonic Temple building at 315 Simonton St., Key West, ca. 1890. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
