1905 – The boat and skiff of William Roten were found at Torch Key, but there was no sign of Roten. The elderly mariner was last seen by fishermen who helped him make harbor nearby. It was thought recent rain and cold might have caused him to cramp and fall overboard.
1934 – The Long Key Fishing Camp opened a week early for its 1935 season, and guests had already arrived, including Margaret Howard, Countess of Suffolk.
1950 – Mr. and Mrs. James A. Lynch announced that their new El Patio motor court, hotel, and apartments at the corner of Washington and William streets were open.
1974 – Key West was experiencing a record influx of tourists, and all accommodations were fully booked. At one point 91 automobiles with out-of-county license plates and 43 campers crossed the Stock Island Bridge in a one-hour period.
1976 – Cecil W. Bain, respected leader of the Black community, died at the Florida Keys Memorial Hospital. He was 51 years old and a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry board.
1975 – Production of headless shrimp in Monroe County during November totaled 432,817 pounds. This was a decrease of 824,986 pounds from November of 1974. The catch of spiny lobster was 17% lower than for November 1974.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The Long Key Fishing Camp, 1920s. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.