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Today in Keys History – Oct. 23, 2022

Writer: Keys History CenterKeys History Center

1770 – The HMS Carysford wrecked on the Florida Reef off Key Largo and gave its name to the reef that was later changed to Carysfort.

1899 – The cornerstone of the Gulf of Mexico Wesleyan Methodist New Church on Simonton Street in Key West was laid. Four stones were laid: one by the Pastor J.A. Brindley, one by Key West Mayor Bartlum, one by James E. Sands on behalf of the leaders and officers of the church and one by Alonzo Kelly. the superintendent of the Sunday school. The Reverend Dr. Fulwood made the address. Earnest P. Roberts added a few timely remarks.

1962 – In reaction to the Cuban Missile Crisis, the military build-up in Key West continued.

1968 – Key West Mayor Kermit Lewin cut the ribbon to open the new Firestone facilities on White Street.

1986 – The Monroe County Commission hired retired Navy Capt. Tom Brown, former Commanding Officer Naval Air Station Key West, to replace retiring Monroe County Administrator Kermit Lewin.

1999 – The new central fire station on North Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West was dedicated and named for the late Fire Chief Richard “Dickie” Wardlow.

Information compiled by Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, Florida Keys History Center, Monroe County Public Library

Image: The Casa Marina Hotel in 1962 when it was headquarters for the Army 1/65 Missile Battalion. Photo by UPI from the Scott DeWolfe Collection. Florida Keys History Center, Monroe County Public Library. https://www.flickr.com/photos/keyslibraries/29434139787/

 
 
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