June 12

The USCG Thetis WPC 115 during World War II.

1888 – An unknown culprit poisoned the drinking water barrel used by the family of Gideon Sawyer of Key West. The entire family was quite ill, and only prompt medical attention spared two members from death. The entire city was shocked and upset by the horrible act.

1940 – The Booster Club of Tavernier successfully petitioned the Monroe County Commission for county fire protection for their community. Commissioners agreed to provide pumps and “trailer-type engines” for both Tavernier and Marathon.

1942 – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Thetis sank the German submarine U-157 22 miles south of the Marquesas Keys by dropping seven depth charges around it. The kill was confirmed when clothing and other debris from the sub floated to the surface. The U-157 was the only U-Boat sunk in South Florida during World War II.

1943 – The United States submarine R-12 was underway conducting training off Key West when the forward battery compartment began to flood, and the sub sank in about 15 seconds. The submarine took 42 officers and men to a watery grave.

1959 – A rumor that Key Westers were unable to secure employment because Cuban aliens were taking the jobs was debunked by the U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration Inspectors, who said there were 10 Cuban refugees in Key West, and only one of them had applied for work.

1982 – The cornerstone was laid for the new Marathon Library.

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

Image: The USCG Thetis WPC 115 during World War II. Photo from the Naval Institute. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.