October 20
- Florida Keys History Center
- Oct 19
- 2 min read
1832 – The ship Pulaski of New York ran aground on the northeast key of the Dry Tortugas. Those onboard waited 50 hours before realizing the ship could not be saved, then, for safety, 25 cabin passengers went ashore at Garden Key, and the steerage passengers went to another key.
1898 – The Cuban population in Key West was dropping as a great number were returning to their homeland after the end of the Spanish American War.
1932 – The controversial film “Life Begins” was showing at the Strand Theater in Key West. The movie, set in a maternity ward with women from all walks of life preparing to have babies, was denounced for its frankness on sex and motherhood. A Key West Citizen story about the film was headlined, “‘Life Begins’ film violates common rules of decency.”
1945 – The USO Beach Club at 1021 Duval Street in Key West announced a slate of coming events for the entertainment of servicemen and women, including a harvest moon dance, a wiener roast, and a Halloween party. The club was operated by the National Catholic Community Services organization.
1954 – The Naval Air Station announced the near completion of the $5 million building program that had given the station a new look. The new buildings included a tower & operations building, a “Denver” type hangar, and a supply warehouse.
1993 – Renowned author James Leo Herlihy died in California. Herlihy had lived in Key West from 1956 to 1972 and was an integral part of the island’s then-burgeoning literary community. Two of his best-known books, both made into movies, were “Midnight Cowboy” and “All Fall Down.”
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The house at 709 Bakers Lane, Key West, former residence of author James Leo Herlihy, published in the Miami Herald on January 27, 1979. Wright Langley Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
