1861 – A rumor came that the owner of the Steamer Isabel had offered her to Carolina for a man-of war. The Isabel provided mail service to Key West.
1901 – The Spongers’ League held a parade that culminated at Pablo Beach on the north side of Key West, where addresses were given concerning the interests of the sponging business.
1915 -The 52nd anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation was observed by Key West residents, under the auspices of the Emancipation Committee, James N. English, president. A parade of floats, schoolchildren carrying American flags, and members of the Grand Army of the Republic went through the streets. The procession concluded at Samaritan Hall on Whitehead Street for a program of speeches and song.
1921 – The Casa Marina Hotel, manager L.P. Schutt, was formally opened for its first season which would run until 1 April.
1949 – Seven people were injured in a two-car accident on North Roosevelt Boulevard. The 1:45 AM crash was caused by a driver operating his vehicle while under the influence of liquor.
1954 – The first Florida Keys baby of 1954, Mark Lawrence Miller, was born at 12:01 AM at the clinic of Dr. Aubrey Hamilton, 622 Eaton Street. Proud parents were Marilyn and Harvey Miller of Big Pine Key.
1959 – During the night Cuban President Fulgencio Batista, his military commanders and top aides fled to the Dominican Republic. The move came after a long fight against Fidel Castor’s rebels. Refugee boats began arriving in Key West late in the day and into the night.
1969 – Charles W. Aguero and Raymond Wells were out fishing when a cold front crossed the Keys. They failed to return, and no trace was found of them or their boat.
1976 – The New Year’s celebration in Old Town was marked by violence. Police and merrymakers clashed and fire hoses and tear gas were used to disperse the crowd. A total of 114 were arrested and eight people were injured.
1997 – Former US President Jimmy Carter and family welcomed the New Year with a stay at the Little White House in Key West.
Information compiled by Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, and Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Casa Marina from the water about 1921. The Heritage House Collection, donated by the Campbell, Poirier and Pound families. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.