August 11

Pier House Motel, 1 Duval St., 1969.

1907 – Key Westers David Bain, Bernard Chacon, Frank  Cropper, Harold Ferguson, James Gabriel, Alfred Gibson, Lee Wilkinson, and Casco Williams formed the popular Victory Orchestra and Dance Band. In 1957, surviving members Bain, Gabriel, and Williams reunited for a 50^th anniversary performance. 

1934 – Governor Dave Sholtz arrived for his annual inspection of the Florida National Guard, which was in camp for two weeks of training at Fort Taylor.

1941 – Mom’s Tea Room near Fort Taylor was raided, and three women were arrested for prostitution.

1960 – The census count showed Key West had a population of 28,634, an increase of 2,201 over the 1950 number. Sigsbee Park was not included in the count because the 1950 census map was used to delineate Key West, and it had been drawn before Sigsbee existed. 

1961 – The Christian Anti-Communist Group of Key West sent a telegram to President Kennedy protesting his lack of action against the hijacking of U.S. airplanes to Cuba.

1968 – The Pier House Motel at Duval-On-the-Gulf opened for business. The 50-room motel was developed by Key Wester David Wolkowsky.

1974 – Renowned interior designer Angelo Donghia bought the Peacon House at 712 Eaton Street from Dr. and Mrs. Moldawer. Donghia was the owner of Vice Veers fabric house and Burge-Donghia Interiors.

1979 – Workers re-digging a well at 902 Whitehead Street found gold estimated to be worth about $1,000. The gold was believed to have come from melted coins.

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

Image: Pier House Motel, 1 Duval St., 1969. Sqr 2, Lot 3, Pt Lots 2 & 4. Photo by Monroe County Property Appraiser's office. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.