1884 – The U.S. war ships Vandalia and Swatara, along with the Revenue Cutter Boutwell, sailed from Key West to aid the Revenue Cutter Dix in the search for a schooner of Cuban filibusterers (people engaging in unauthorized warfare against a foreign country). It was thought the men were planning to meet with a larger vessel from Mobile and New Orleans to illegally supply Cuban rebels.
1938 – Gene Tunney, heavyweight boxing champion, visited Key West from his winter home at Hobe Sound.
1941 – Eight female students at Key West High School formed a carpentry class – the first of their sex to do so in Florida. They were building cabinets at the Army barracks and expected to complete construction of a house before the end of their coursework.
1950 – President Harry S. Truman issued a statement from Key West saying that he knew nothing about flying saucers or of any military effort to develop anything similar. The Air Force was investigating rumors and reports of any such craft and had found nothing.
1961 – The cable schooner Western Union arrived safely in port at Key West after having been stopped in international waters by two armed Cuban gunboats.
1975 – Keys residents interested in adopting orphaned refugee children from South Vietnam were urged to contact the Catholic Service Bureau of Monroe County at 3211 Flagler Avenue in Key West. Prospective parents of all races, religions, and origins were encouraged to apply.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Key West High School 10th grade class 1941-42. Collection of Mary Louisa Porter Grooms. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.