1828 – William Adee Whitehead, the 18-year-old brother of early Key West property owner John Whitehead, arrived on the island. He would soon begin a survey of the town, which was completed in 1829 and is still in use today.
1912 – The schooner Dippioca struck a submerged piling near Washerwoman Shoal and had to be driven onto a beach at the Saddlebunch Keys to avoid sinking. The schooner’s cargo of coconuts and plantains was transferred to a nearby vessel. Dippioca eventually made it to Key West for repair.
1924 – Contractor Ralph Russell began construction of a new building at the intersection of Caroline and William streets for Stephen Lowe’s hardware and lumber business.
1985 – The Key West Post Office moved from the Federal Building on Simonton Street to the Key West Post Office on Whitehead Street. The move had been delayed since March in a dispute with the city over sewer impact fees.
1986 – Key West philanthropist and civic leader Margo Golan died at age 70. She was co-owner and executive vice-president and chairman of the board of Holiday Inn of Key West. She had served on the Florida Keys Hospital board, the Monroe County Public Library board, the Key West Chamber of Commerce, and the Tourist Development Council.
2004 – The Marathon Convention and Visitors Bureau petitioned the Monroe Tourist Development Council to work toward attracting commercial air passenger service to the Marathon Airport. Marathon Mayor Jeff Pinkus spoke in support: “Our redevelopment is directly tied to the rebirth of that airport.”
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Margo Golan at the dedication of the East Martello Park in 1983. Photo by Mario G. Borras. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.