July 17

A Key West lane in the 1930s.

1886 – Jefferson B. Browne was named Postmaster of Key West.

1925 – Dr. Jose Manuel Renedo of Key West married Nieves Maria Urquiaga in Havana. The bride was from one of Cuba’s oldest families, and Cuban President Gerard Machado served as a witness for the ceremony.

1935 – A study by Key West’s federal administrators showed many roofs throughout the city were in poor condition, and islanders were urged to make repairs before the rainy season went into full effect. 

1953 – Because of pressure from the Navy, the city of Key West had outlawed B-girls who allegedly “preyed” on young sailors. The notorious Mardi Gras Night Club at 92 Duval Street was a repeat violator of the ordinance.

1975 – Anthony Quinn and playwright Tennessee Williams met in Key West about the revival of Williams’ play “The Red Devil Battery Sign.”

1986 – The Monroe County Library Board presented Betty Bruce with a special award for her work in establishing the Local and State History Collection in the library. She worked in the library for 20 years before retiring in 1985.

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

Image: A Key West lane in the 1930s. From a collection of photographs taken or collected during the 1930s by the WPA workers in Key West. The Heritage House Collection, donated by the Campbell, Poirier and Pound families. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.