June 9

U.S. Navy Sikorsky HSS-2 helicopters at NAS Key West in 1961.

1845 – Construction began on Fort Taylor off the western end of Key West.

1891 – Captain Ross of Jacksonville had the contract to build the first jetties in the Northwest Channel and he used stone quarried from Ballast and Sawyer Keys.

1930 – The Monroe County Sheriff located four Greek sponging boats from Tarpon Springs working near Marathon. On investigation, three of the operators were found to be unlicensed, so they were arrested and taken to the county jail in Key West.

1936 – Judge H.H. Taylor, fishing with attorney William V. Albury, caught a barracuda that measured 7 1/2 feet and weighed 80 pounds.

1959 – The Monroe County Library Association presented the Monroe County Commission with the title to the land and their new Library building at 700 Fleming Street. The land was donated by Karl Thompson and the Association raised the money to build the new Library.

1961 – Three of the Navy’s newest jet-propelled helicopters arrived at NAS Key West. The Sikorsky model HSS-2 helicopters were designed for anti-submarine warfare and could reach a top speed of over 190 m.p.h. Seven more of the cutting-edge craft were expected to arrive at the base over the next week.

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

Image: U.S. Navy Sikorsky HSS-2 helicopters at NAS Key West in 1961. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.