September 2
- Florida Keys History Center
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
1930 – The Key West Citizen printed the first edition from its new building on Greene Street at the corner of Ann Street.
1935 – The most intense hurricane to make landfall in the United States struck the Upper Keys. The category five storm had a barometer reading of 26.35, winds estimated at around 200 mph, and tides 18 to 20 feet above normal. The storm killed nearly 400 people, including many WW I veterans working on new highway bridges, and the destruction put the financially troubled Overseas Railroad out of business.
1946 – More than 8,000 Key Westers crowded into the area of Duval and Front streets to celebrate Labor Day. A conga line danced down Duval, and three bands performed for the holiday event.
1956 – An analysis of spending showed that Key Westers paid a total of $13,086,000 for food in 1955, an average of $1,290 per family. Grocery store sales accounted for $8.15 million of the spending, and the rest went to places providing food for consumption on the premises.
1979 – Hurricane David passed east of Key West with little local effect. Notably, for the first time, the Governor recommended all residents of the Florida Keys evacuate due to the potential effects of a hurricane.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Veterans Camp at Upper Matecumbe. From the Postcard Series 'Views of Storm Struck Florida Keys Following Hurricane of 1935.' Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
