May 20

The ferry City of Havana at the pier on Stock Island ca. 1960.

1893 – The Cuban community in Key West planned to collect $60,000 during the month to support the revolution in Cuba.

1945 – Key West’s Cuban community commemorated the 50th anniversary of the death of Cuban patriot José Martí, who died in battle in 1895, fighting against Spanish rule. A representative from Havana usually attended the memorial service, but the difficulties of wartime made that impossible for this occasion.

1957 – The second mate and an oiler of the Key West-to-Havana ferry SS City of Havana were taken into custody by federal authorities at Key West on charges of smuggling aliens into the United States. The two men were accused of hiding unauthorized Cuban immigrants on the ferry during its May 13 crossing from Havana. 

1975 – Monroe County Commissioners authorized the purchase of the Desert Palms Motel in Tavernier for $92,000 as the site for a new Upper Keys courthouse facility.

1983 – Sister Dolores Wehle, principal of St. Mary’s School, left for a new assignment after 18 years. She was the last member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary to serve in the school, a tradition that began in 1868.

1995 – The Key West High School varsity baseball team defeated Seminole Osceola 6-4 to win the Class 4A state high school championship.

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

Image: The ferry City of Havana at the pier on Stock Island ca. 1960. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.