September 15

110 Olivia St., ca. 1965; built 1930's.

1883 – The Key West City Commission elected Alfred R. Monsalvatage Mayor of Key West to fill the unexpired term of William McClintock who resigned to take a job at the Custom House.

1935 – A memorial service was held in Key West’s Bayview Park for those killed in the hurricane that struck the Upper Keys on September 2. The ceremony was led by Mayor Wm. H. Malone and featured readings and addresses by the city’s religious leaders, musical performances, and the firing of commemorative volleys.

1945 – A category three hurricane passed over the Upper Keys causing light damage.

1954 – The Cuban ferry City of Key West was christened in Miami by Wilhelmina Harvey, wife of the Key West Mayor C.B. Harvey. The ship would begin service to Cardenas, Cuba, in October.

1956 – James A. Portier of 110 Olivia Street in Key West returned home after playing his third season with the Negro League’s Indianapolis Clowns. Portier was a member of the league’s East-West All Stars, and he hoped to try out with the Kansas City A’s organization.

1964 – Capt. Hugh Brown, Art McKee, and Capt. Bob Klein spoke to the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce and expressed concern about a Vero Beach treasure hunting business being allowed to salvage old Spanish galleons off the Middle and Upper Keys. The trio said the salvage group would remove a valuable tourism resource from Keys waters: “When outfits like this finish there is nothing left,” said Brown.

1974 – The Cunard Line’s luxury cruise ship Ambassador was towed into port. The ship, enroute to New Orleans to pick up passengers, was heavily damaged by fire near Key West. No one was seriously hurt, but the ship was so badly damaged that it never saw use as passenger liner again.

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

Image: 110 Olivia St., ca. 1965; built 1930's. Tract 3, Lot 11, Sub 10. Photo taken by the Monroe County Property Appraiser's office. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.