September 23
1862 – With Union commanders supporting increased liberties for the enslaved on the island, Key Wester Christian Boye complained, “The abolitionists are determined at any hazard to let the slaves free, without compensation for his loss, they are also determined to make the south a wilderness…”
1910 – A large angel made of Italian marble and set on a base of Vermont granite was erected in the Key West Cemetery to the memory of 17-year-old Gladys J. Bates, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. W.L. Bates.
1914 – Over 2,000 spectators attended a race on County Road (now Flagler Avenue) in Key West between a twin Pope and a twin Excelsior motorcycle. The Pope machine, driven by C.H. Mitchell, won by 300 feet. A collection was taken before the event, with 60% going to the winner.
1932 – The Post Office opened for business in the new federal building on Simonton Street, at the corner of Caroline Street in Key West.
1986 – “Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher story” premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., as a $500-per-ticket fundraiser for the annual Congressional Awards. The new CBS Television movie portrayed the life of the famed Key West treasure hunter.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: In September 1910, an angel sculpted of Italian marble by the Leland Company of New York was put on the grave of Gladys J. Bates who had died at the age of 17. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
