October 9

Key West's Old City Hall on Greene Street, ca. 1960.

1839 – Key West Collector of Customs Adam Gordon wrote to Washington about the Sand Key Lighthouse: “Although a generally fine light, it is at this time much out of order. The glass in the lantern is opaque and bad, the reflectors, lamps, &c., much worn. The same may be said of the Key West light.”

1934 – Maria Gutsens, matron of Mercedes Hospital for 23 years, was notified that she had been awarded the Cross of the Order of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, an honor given by the Cuban government for “outstanding services rendered to Cuba and humanity.”

1940 – The Navy announced that dredging work had commenced in the submarine basin at the Key West Naval Station. Work on a marine railway had commenced a few days earlier, and both projects were part of a larger renovation of the naval base.

1960 – State officials inspecting areas of the Florida Keys damaged by Hurricane Donna warned residents that a massive fly outbreak was looming because of difficulties in properly disposing of garbage. “Residents should be warned of this gigantic fly breeding program which will seriously impair the health and comfort of residents and will live on to plague winter tourists,” said Frederick Parkhurst of the Hotel and Restaurant Commission.

1975 – The new exceptional child education facility at May Sands School on United Street was dedicated.

1975 – A team from Monroe County and the Historic Key West Preservation Board began a six-week project to remove dilapidated exterior additions at Old City Hall in Key West. The goal of the project was to strip the historic building down to its original configuration and rebuild the bell and clock tower.

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

Image: Key West's Old City Hall on Greene Street, ca. 1960. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.