October 27
1922 – The Mallory Steamship Company announced they had authorized $40,000 for the remodeling and enlargement of their Key West docks. Increased business and traffic had caused a demand for larger quarters and better facilities.
1932 – Management of the Casa Marina Hotel in Key West announced that it would not open for business during the upcoming winter season. No reason was given for the closure, but it was assumed a falling-off of tourism was the cause.
1962 – As part of the military build-up for the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Army leased Wickers Field from the city of Key West for $1 a year.
1966 – The Navy submarine USS Marlin made its 2,500th dive with a descent off the Florida Reef. The 135-foot training sub, with a crew of 20 men and two officers, had been based in Key West since 1954.
1979 – The first Fantasy Fest parade, consisting of 26 floats, marched down Duval Street before a crowd estimated at 10,000. The winning float was “Bride of Dracula” sponsored by Fast Buck Freddie’s.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The submarine USS Marlin SST 2 underway off Key West August 16, 1962. From the Ida Woodward Barron Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
