Today in Keys History – January 19
1911 – Angel Frutus, a 10-year-old Key West boy, was bitten on the leg by a lion with the Johnny J. Jones wild animal exposition that was visiting the island. Frutus was playing in front of the lion’s cage when he got too close and the lion bit him.
1925 – A report from Key West said, “Bathing conditions have been ideal for the past several days and one of the best crowds of the season was seen on the beach yesterday afternoon. There was just enough surf to make the water delightful, and many aquatic sports were indulged in.”
1956 – The movie “The Rose Tattoo,” filmed in Key West, had its premiere showing at the Strand and San Carlos theaters. Key West resident Tennessee Williams, who wrote the play, was on hand for the opening.
1959 – Filming started on the movie “Operation Petticoat.” The movie starred Cary Grant, who was already in Key West, and Tony Curtis, who was enroute.
2000 – After meeting resistance from neighborhood residents and the delivery of an unfavorable noise report, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Roth decided to scrap plans for an outdoor police weapons firing range on Grassy Key. Options for a quieter indoor range were being explored.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Bathing at Key West, Bardell Miniatures, 1925. Haffenreffer Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.