1864 – Key West’s freedmen marked the first anniversary of emancipation with a celebration at the Baptist Church. U.S. District Judge Boynton gave an address, followed by other federal officials. Sandy Cornish, principal of the group, cheered for “the speedy down fall of Charleston,” before leading a parade through town.
1924 – Key West fishermen brought in 45,000 pounds of kingfish caught near Smith Shoals. Over the previous week they had caught a total of 106,000 pounds, and there was no sign the fish were diminishing.
1931 – Writer and long-time winter resident George Allan England arrived at Key West by yacht to spend time with his wife at their home at 1400 Petronia Street before heading to Havana.
1936 – Representatives for Cuba’s hotel and tourism interests wrote a letter to the U.S. district judge in Jacksonville urging that the hurricane-damaged Overseas Railroad be rebuilt.
2009 – Firefighters from Marathon to Homestead worked overnight and throughout the morning to contain a massive fire at Islamorada’s Cheeca Lodge. Damages to the resort were estimated at $10 million.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Aerial view of the Cheeca Lodge on Upper Matecumbe Key. Photo taken by the Federal Government on October 7, 1987. From the Wright Langley Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center