1830 – A report on deaths at Key West since April 1, 1829 revealed multiple causes: yellow fever, 18; worm fever, 1; visceral obstruction consequent upon the intemperance of old drunkards, 3; Mania a Potu, 3; chronic meningitis, 2; dysentery, 1; childbirth with no regular attendance, 2; gunshot wound, 1; accident, 1; consumption, 2; marasmus, 1; ulceration of the prostate glands, 1; visceral disease, 1; tetanus, 1; small pox, 1; apoplexy, 2; and gradual decline, 1.
1918 – The Key West City Council approved the filling of low-lying lots in the city. The municipality bought 15,000 cubic yards of fill from the railroad and would sell it at cost to those interested in elevating their property.
1926 – The British schooner City of Nassau was in distress 10 miles east of Sombrero Key Lighthouse and requested assistance. The Coast Guard Cutter 299 went to assist, but no word had yet been received regarding the situation.
1946 – An exploratory well at Card Sound had reached an “oil show” strata, a very promising sign. Test drilling was happening at Big Pine Key, as well, leading many to believe “black gold” was in the Keys’ future.
1953 – The Goodyear Supply Store was being built on the corner of Duval and Petronia by Larry Dion. He opened the store in April.
1962 – Astronaut John Glenn and his family left Key West to join President Kennedy at Palm Beach. Glenn and his family spent a secluded weekend at the Key West Naval Base after he returned as the first American to make orbital flight on February 20.
1972 – Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies raided a hippie commune in Islamorada and arrested 10 people for violation of a newly-enacted camping law. The group was living in lean-to tents on Green Turtle Beach behind the Green Turtle Restaurant.
1974 – Monroe County officials heartily endorsed a “save water” propaganda effort to encourage conservation and help soften the blow of a water shortage and hopefully stave off a building moratorium in the Keys.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Dion Tire Supply/Goodyear Store was at 825 Duval Street in the 1960s. Photo from the Property Appraiser’s office. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.