1909 – Dutchy Melbourne, who was serving a 13-year sentence in the state penitentiary, escaped. He had been convicted of the murder of Police Officer Clarence Till, robbery and arson.
1914 – Livingston W. Bethel died in Key West at the age of 69. He had served as Mayor of Key West from 1877 to 1880. In 1880 he was elected Lt. Governor of Florida as running mate for Governor W.D. Bloxham. Later he served as United States District Attorney for the United States Court, Southern District of Florida, Criminal Court Judge and Circuit Court Judge.
1955 – Calling U.S. 1 between Key West and Miami a “killer highway,” a Miami developer called for a super highway to the mainland. The highway would have two lanes from Key West to Marathon and then four lanes to Upper Key Largo and then six lanes to Miami.
1962 – The FAA constructed a temporary control tower at Key West International Airport overnight. In addition a large number of military personnel arrived in town over the weekend.
Information compiled by Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, Florida Keys History Center, Monroe County Public Library
Image: Equipment for the new Key West International Airport control tower on October 21, 1962. Scott De Wolfe Collection. Florida Keys History Center, Monroe County Public Library. https://www.flickr.com/photos/keyslibraries/16580434907/