October 23

An aerial view of the Key West Naval Station, ca. 1937.

1770 – The HMS Carysford wrecked on the Florida Reef off Key Largo and gave its name to the reef that was later changed to Carysfort.

1899 – The cornerstone of the Gulf of Mexico Wesleyan Methodist New Church on Simonton Street was laid. Four stones were laid: one by the Pastor J.A. Brindley, one by Mayor Bartlum, one by James E. Sands on behalf of the leaders and officers of the church, and one by Alonzo Kelly, the superintendent of the Sunday school. The Reverend Dr. Fulwood made the address. Earnest P. Roberts added a few timely remarks.

1919 – The Key West city council voted to own, control, and operate its own sanitary and garbage service. Five trucks were bought for the purpose, making it possible to remove 60 tons of garbage a day – well beyond any previous capacity.

1935 – The Commandant’s residence on the Naval Station in Key West was being refurbished and refurnished in readiness for occupancy by visitors from Washington. Among those anticipated to be staying in the residence was Marvin McIntyre, secretary to President Roosevelt.

1960 – After the tabling of a proposal to institute a $15 per hour “truck fee” for fire calls outside of the City of Key West, city commissioners assured residents of unincorporated Monroe County that the Key West Fire Department would continue to offer assistance.  

1999 – The new central fire station on North Roosevelt was dedicated and named for the late Fire Chief Richard “Dickie” Wardlow.

2010 – Christopher Elwell and Anne O’Shea were elected king and queen of the 32^nd annual Fantasy Fest celebration.

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

Image: An aerial view of the Key West Naval Station, ca. 1937. Photo by Aero-Graphic Corporation, gift of Jack Thompson. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.