1899 – Thanksgiving Day was observed by all churches, which held services. In the afternoon the bazaar was held at La Brisa. The bicycle road race was held at 4 p.m. with 24 entries. The best time was 9 minutes and 54 seconds by Carl Stockins, a champion rider. There were thousands of people along the track to witness the race. A dance was held at 8 p.m.
1899 – The County Road (now Flagler Avenue) was cut through to the eastern end of the Island.
1964 – A public meeting was held in Marathon to discuss an alarming disappearance of historical shipwrecks from Keys waters. Senator John Spottswood joined concerned residents at the Chamber of Commerce to learn what was happening. “We wish to preserve these historical wrecks for the present and future enjoyment of the public,” said Hugh Brown, president of the Florida Keys Underwater Guides Association.
1971 – Charles River Breeding Laboratories bought Loggerhead Key (aka Key Lois) two miles off Cudjoe Key with the goal of raising rhesus monkeys there.
1976 – Don Schloesser was elected Monroe County Mayor when Lawrence Gomez pulled his name from bowl containing names of the commissioners. The method of choosing a mayor was used after the board deadlocked.
1999 – City of Key West and City Electric officials were discussing the best use for the unused, 12,000-square-foot, red brick diesel power plant between Angela and Geraldine streets. Among the proposed ideas were affordable housing, an artist’s colony, retail space, and a museum.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The old City Electric power plant between Angela and Geraldine streets. Wright Langley Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.