July 12
- Monroe County Public Library
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
1919 – The Key West Branch of the Afro-American Independent Insurance Co. held a luncheon reception for ministers of the city at Newman Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was richly decorated with flowers and potted plants, and “the entire affair was one of the greatest events of the season.”
1923 – The American Legion, Athletic Club, and Naval Station all signaled their intention to form a new baseball league at Key West.
1945 – A plaque of polished brass was presented to William Curry Sons by the Florida State Chamber of Commerce recognizing the company for more than 100 years of business.
1961 – The largest group of Cuban refugees to arrive at Key West since Fidel Castro took power landed at the Coast Guard Docks. The 43 men, four women, and six children made the journey in two 45-foot fishing schooners.
1966 – Ground was broken on Stock Island to begin construction on the seawater conversion plant. The plant designed by Westinghouse would produce 2.62 million gallons of fresh water per day from sea water.
1985 – The Florida Marine Fisheries Commission wrapped up three days of public hearings in Key West to address issues facing the spiny lobster industry. Two major problems were identified: “Too many traps,” and the use of “shorts” (undersized lobster) as bait in traps.
1995 – The Monroe County Public Library branch on Big Pine Key opened.
2010 – Researchers from the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and the Diving With a Purpose program, aided by volunteers, were mapping a shipwreck off Key Largo believed to be the Cuban pirate slave ship Guerrero, sunk in 1827.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Newman Methodist Church, 410 Truman Ave., ca. 1965; built ca. 1910. Tract 11, Sqr 3, Pt Lot 3, Sub 3. Photo taken by the Monroe County Property Appraiser's office. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
