1835 – The crew of the wrecking schooner Thistle, owned by Jacob Housman of Indian Key, absconded with the vessel, and it was thought they sailed to Nassau.
1861 – Major William H. French issued an order that all male citizens of the island must take an oath of allegiance to the United States within 60 days, or they would be removed from Key West.
1893 – A disgraceful “sugar foot” dance was held at Key West’s South Beach, and it went long into the night. Many wives found out their husbands were involved after the men returned home at late hours.
1900 – The case of the bark South American, which wrecked on French Reef, was heard in Federal Court. The vessel with a cargo of mahogany was lost. The salvors were awarded a fee of $11,925.
1903 – Sister M. Delphine, Superior of the Convent of Mary Immaculate, left on the steamer Neuces for Canada, where she had been appointed Superior-General of another convent.
1969 – The old B’nai Zion Synagogue on Simonton Street was sold to the Mission to the Military Inc., a serviceman’s Christian center. The old building was replaced by the new Synagogue on United Street.
1978 – Regina McMahen received her badge and gun after completing the Florida Police Academy to become the first woman officer on the Key West Police Force.
1982 – Furniture finisher magnate Homer Fromby sold Little Munson Island for $1.25 million to Charles and Alexis Kohn.
2007 – After rent negotiations with the City of Key West were unsuccessful, Buco Pantelis, owner of the popular Waterfront Market at the Key West Bight, announced the store would be closing.
Information compiled by Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, and Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Photo taken by the Property Appraiser’s office c1965; 530 Simonton St.; built c1889; B’Nai Zion Synagogue; Sqr 50, Pt Lot 1 Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.