June 17

Hydenoil shark operation on Big Pine Key, ca. 1920.

1914 – The Panama Hotel, Manager C.R. Pierce, was located at the corner of Eaton and Elizabeth streets. The hotel had running water in every room, and the rates were $1, $1.50 and $2.

1925 – Key West’s Troop 4 of the Girl Scouts of America was at a two-week getaway to their camp on Long Key. The troop, under the leadership of Mrs. A.H. McInnis, was initiating new members.

1930 – It was reported that 100 sharks, averaging 7 feet each, were being caught daily near Big Pine Key by boats working for the Hydenoil Company. “Not a particle of the shark is thrown away” was said of Hydenoil’s processing system, which focused on shark leather and liver oil.

1955 – The Key West High School baseball team defeated Jackson High of Jacksonville 3-to-2 in 12 innings to win the Class AA State High School Baseball Championship.

1961 – Key West police arrested an 18-year-old Illinois man for vagrancy after he was found to be carrying five knives. The young man said he intended to find his way to Cuba and shoot Fidel Castro or blow him up with dynamite. His sole aim, he said, was to “kill a communist.”

1980 – A study ordered by Governor Bob Graham concluded that the policy of sheltering the population in a major hurricane was “clearly insufficient” and recommended that the Keys be completely evacuated.

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

Image: Hydenoil shark operation on Big Pine Key, ca. 1920. John Harold Sands Jr. collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.