March 7

People fishing and playing chess on Key West's Clyde-Mallory Dock, 1950s.

1904 – Key West police officer Clarence K. Till was killed in a shootout with Dutchy Melbourne. Till had answered a call at a coffee shop on White Street about a disturbance instigated by Melbourne and his gang.

1925 – The second load of lumber for the Stock Island-Boca Chica Bridge arrived at Key West. Arrangements for its transportation to the work site began immediately so there would be no interruption in the construction.

1935 – Mayor Wm. H. Malone opened the first Key West Stamp and Coin Exhibition at the Gato & Navarro showroom at Duval and Southard streets. The exhibition was expected to become an annual event and an “attraction to the winter activities of the city.”

1939 – As part of the renovation and construction by the WPA, crews began painting the Monroe County Courthouse on Whitehead Street white.

1952 – President Harry Truman arrived for his 11th working vacation in Key West and his last as president.

1955 – Mackerel and tarpon were running in Key West Harbor and dozens of fishermen were trying their luck in catching some from the city fishing pier at the Clyde-Mallory Dock.

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

Image: People fishing and playing chess on Key West's Clyde-Mallory Dock, 1950s. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.