June 21

The William Gamble Jeweler store at 600 Duval Street, 1963.

1858 – The trial in the case of the United States vs. the brig Huntress, a vessel suspected of being engaged in the slave trade, was progressing. The Huntress had been seized by U.S. authorities during a voyage from Matanzas, Cuba, to the west coast of Africa after it was found to be carrying equipment typical of slave ships. 

1914 – The Internal Revenue office was at 423 Front Street, Key West. The Deputy Collector was C.L. Knowles and J.L. Johnson was the Stamp Deputy.

1923 – Ground was broken for the construction of the new Douglass School.

1938 – Thelma Strabel, author of “Reap the Wild Wind,” bought the property by the Southernmost Point from Marian Kirtland.

1941 – The planned Marathon Airport was placed on the list to be surveyed for construction under the defense program.

1953 – McCrory’s took out a building permit for $203,000 for its new five-and-dime store on Duval Street at the corner of Eaton Street in Key West.

1958 – The Mitchell Wolfson Foundation purchased the Audubon House on Whitehead Street in Key West.

1976 – Key West City Commissioner and vice-mayor William Gamble died after suffering a heart attack at City Hall while preparing for a commission workshop meeting. Gamble was a Navy veteran and founder of William Gamble Jeweler at 600 Duval Street.

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

Image: The William Gamble Jeweler store at 600 Duval Street, 1963. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.