December 13

The Key West Christmas Tree in the center of the intersection of Duval and Fleming streets, 1960.

1847 – Philip J. Fontaine was elected Mayor of Key West. He also served as mayor from 1840 to 1841 and 1842 to 1844.

1925 – Prominent New York actor Ralph W. Chambers was in Key West to arrange for a series of plays to be staged on the island in the upcoming winter season. The first would be a Christmas afternoon performance of “Smilin’ Through” at the San Carlos theater.

1935 – Key Westers Anne and Eugene Otto published a new musical work titled “Of Time and the River.” The work, with music composed by Anne and lyrics written by Gene, was considered a rare example of husband and wife working successfully as musical partners.

1955 – Monroe County Commissioner Harry Harris noted that many residents were using the beach at Indian Key Fill, which had only a few benches for public comfort. He proposed that picnic facilities and a bath house be built there and that plans for the improvements be drawn up in short order. The motion passed unanimously.

1960 – The Key West City Christmas tree was planted atop a heavy concrete column in the middle of the intersection of Duval and Fleming streets. Many residents were concerned that it was only a matter of time before someone crashed into it.

1985 – The Key West City Planning Department predicted 25 percent population growth and a 38 percent increase in commercial and residential units on the island by 1995.

1989 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reopened the public comment period on a proposal to list the Lower Keys marsh rabbit as an endangered species.

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

Image: The Key West Christmas Tree in the center of the intersection of Duval Street and Fleming Streets, 1960. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.