Today in Keys History – September 3, 2024
- Keys History Center
- Sep 2, 2024
- 1 min read
1927 – A spectacular chase through the streets of Key West resulted in the arrest of Willard Hopkins, who was carrying 85 gallons of illegal booze in his Hudson Super Six. Hopkins was pursued at high speeds by Customs agents and motorcycle police until he was cornered in an alley near 0 Duval Street.
1937 – After the course manager demanded its return, an alligator that had been removed from a pond at the Key West Golf Course and given to the City Aquarium was taken back to its long-time home between the first and eighth fairways.
1950 – Hurricane Easy passed to the west of Key West where the maximum winds of 72 mph were recorded.
1952 – The City of Key West became owner of Mallory Dock when Mayor C.B. Harvey presented a check for $25,000 to Gulf Atlantic Transportation Company.
1960 – Keys residents auditioned for parts in the movie “All Fall Down,” a portion of which was being filmed in Key West.
1999 – Water quality warnings were issued for Coco Plum Beach in Marathon and Harry Harris Park in Tavernier after testing by the Monroe County Health Department revealed elevated bacteria levels. All other beaches outside of Key West were found safe.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: A postcard of the Key West Golf Club in the 1930s, from a watercolor painting by WPA artist Avery Johnson. From the Otto Hirzel Scrapbook in the DeWolfe and Wood Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
