1835 – Wreckers arrived with a portion of the cargo from the schooner United States, wrecked August 7 near the New River on the mainland. Most of the schooner’s cargo had been taken by Seminoles while the crew went in search of aid.
1900 – Bar members from the Monroe County met in the United States Courtroom for the purpose of organizing a bar association. Judge L.W. Bethel was elected permanent chairman and Julius Otto secretary. Messrs. W. Hunt Harris and Julius Otto were appointed a committee to draw up the constitution and by-laws of the association.
1904 – Many Key Westers attended a ball at the Dry Tortugas, hosted by the residents there. They made the trip on the tug Osceola, with the Welters orchestra onboard to furnish music. The ball, held at the marine quarters, started at 8 o’clock in the evening and lasted until dawn.
1908 – The Key West Citizen advocated for increased protection of sea turtle eggs in Monroe County: “If all of the eggs laid on the beaches in this county are allowed to hatch out, in two or three years these waters will be filled with young turtle,” the statement said.
1917 – John Lowe Jr. died in Key West at the age of 84. He came to Key West from the Bahamas when he was 15 years old and worked for William Curry. He started his own business and became the leading sponge dealer in Key West. His home at 620 Southard Street is one of the architectural treasures of Key West.
1926 – In a period of two hours, 8.09 inches of rain fell at Key West.
1934 – At the initial meeting of the Advisory Park and Beautification Board, Mr. J.G. Curtis spoke of the possibilities of the establishment of a botanical garden in Key West.
1952 – The official population of Key West was set at 26,433 which did not include the estimated 12,000 Navy personnel and dependents.
1970 – Windstorm insurance became available in the Keys through the Florida Windstorm Association, whereby insurers would pool their resources. For homeowners, the rate was $12 per every $1000 in coverage with a cap of $100,000. Commercial coverage went to $500,000.
Information compiled by Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, and Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Identified on photo as “Tortugas Party.” Photo from Key West Electric Company album C 1910, gift of DeWolfe and Wood Books. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.