August 26

The West Martello Tower before the 1955 tenancy of the Key West Garden Club.

1863 – One hundred sixty-five masons and laborers had recently arrived at Key West to work on the East and West Martello Towers, though some of the force was dispatched to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas for work there.

1940 – A film about tuberculosis called “Clouds in the Sky” was showing at various Key West movie theaters to help bring awareness about the disease. The screenings were part of an effort by Monroe County Health Officer Dr. J.B. Parramore to engage citizens in eradicating tuberculosis in the Keys.

1953 – The Key West Citizen had been at every meeting of the City Commission for 34 years: When workmen removed a leather cover on the table used by Commissioners, they found an issue of The Key West Citizen from November 24, 1919.

1972 – A condominium project named Harbor Cay West was planned for North Roosevelt. The project was to have 520 units in building from 5 to 11 floors with the top floors to be developed with penthouse apartments. The units were to sell from $17,990 to $448,500.

1975 – A “mini war” erupted at the Dry Tortugas between rival lobster fishing boats. The captain of the vessel Robin Hood claimed the Maggie Mar and an unidentified vessel had been cutting his trap buoys and fired shots at him. The captain of the Maggie Mar countered that Robin Hood had rammed the unidentified boat and sunk it. The Coast Guard sent a cutter to the area to investigate.

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

Image: The West Martello Tower before the 1955 tenancy of the Key West Garden Club. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.