December 28
- Florida Keys History Center
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
1855 – The U.S. Coast Survey schooner Agassiz was in Key West to begin survey work in the Keys over the winter. The Agassiz had run aground on the north coast of Cuba before its arrival, though, and needed to be hauled out for repairs before starting its mission.
1925 – The new La Concha Hotel in Key West was opened to the public, with a grand opening celebration set for January 22, 1926.
1926 – Thomas S. Caro resigned as Key West police judge, and Mayor Leslie Curry appointed Raymond Lord to succeed him.
1940 – The Cuban-American fraternal order Orden de Caballeros de Martí began a three-day state convention at the Key West chapter’s lodge at 919 Elizabeth Street.
1955 – President Dwight Eisenhower arrived in Key West to begin a restful winter vacation. Thousands of people lined the motorcade route to welcome the President who had come to the island to recuperate from a heart trouble.
1962 – The new Key West City Hall on Simonton Street was dedicated. The main speaker was State Senator Elmer Friday of Fort Myers.
2000 – With at least a doubling of normal traffic, roads and streets throughout the Florida Keys were crowded: Traffic was backed up for miles on the 18 Mile Stretch, Islamorada was touch-and-go, and the “triangle” entrance to Key West was at a near standstill.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The Dr. Felix Varela Lodge & Apartments, 919 Elizabeth St., ca. 1965. Tract 5, Sqr 2, Pt Lots 1-3. Photo taken by the Monroe County Property Appraiser's office. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
