August 20

Fire at Siboney Guest House 705 Truman Avenue in August 1985.

1904 – The new St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Truman Avenue was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. W.J. Kenny, D.D., Bishop of St. Augustine. Solemn high mass was then celebrated the Reverend Father A.B. Friend, pastor of the church. Music for the event was provided by Ayala’s orchestra accompanied by the grand organ.

1906 – Captain S. J. Wolf was in command of Company I, 2nd Battalion of the Florida National Guard that met at the Armory at corner of White and Southard streets. The lieutenants were J.H. Curry and Louis Louis.

1916 – Key West criminal Court Judge W.H. Harris sentenced Burnell Syford, Rafael Alfonso, and Eduardo Alvarez to terms ranging from six months to one year in jail and fines of $250 for stealing chickens.

1934 – A census taken by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration showed that the population of Key West was 11,656.

1950 – Residents of Billygoat Alley petitioned the city to change the name to Hibiscus Lane. The request was approved by City Manager Dave King.

1954 – Two new cases of polio were reported in Key West, bringing the total for 1954 to 35 cases. The latest victim was a 34-year-old Navy wife who had the paralytic form of the disease. She was sent to Miami’s Variety Children’s Hospital for treatment.

1985 – An early morning fire destroyed the Siboney Inn at the corner of Truman Avenue and Elizabeth Street in Key West, as well as an adjacent residence at 919 Elizabeth. Three firefighters were overcome by smoke while battling the large blaze.

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

Image: Fire at Siboney Guest House 705 Truman Avenue in August 1985. From the Dale McDonald Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.