March 4

The Key West Garden Club's 1955 Flower Show at the East Martello Tower.

1906 – In response to reports that Greek divers were destroying the sponge beds, Governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward wrote the sheriffs of Monroe, Lee, Hillsborough, and Levy counties instructing them to enforce Florida’s law which prohibited taking of sponges by dredges or diving.

1955 – The Key West Garden Club’s annual Flower Show opened at the East Martello Tower. The year’s event had a Civil War theme, and it also featured an herb exhibit titled “The Island’s Primitive Medicine.”

1976 – Suspended Key West Fire Chief Joseph “Bum” Farto, convicted in February on drug charges, was reported missing by his wife. He had left town in a rental car that was found in Miami, but no trace was ever found of Farto. His disappearance led to much speculation and the catchphrase “Where is Bum Farto?”

1983 – The will of the late playwright Tennessee Williams was filed with the Monroe County Clerk of Court and was assigned to Circuit Court Judge Helio Gomez.

1995 – “Arts for the Parks,” a national competition sponsored by the National Park Foundation, chose a painting of Fort Jefferson by Key West native George Carey to become part of the exhibition that toured the country.

Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.

Image: The Key West Garden Club's 1955 Flower Show at the East Martello Tower. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.