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Today in Keys History – October 16, 2023

Writer's picture: Keys History CenterKeys History Center

1841 – A cargo of tobacco taken from the wrecked barque Theodore Corner could not be libeled for salvage because of the absence of the judge at Key West.

1905 – The Island City Bank was organized and commenced business. It had a capital stock of $100,000 and deposits over $350,000. It opened in the Tropical Building and Investment Company until its new building was completed.

1923 – A special bond election overwhelmingly approved the funds to build a highway to the mainland.

1936 – A Coast Guard plane transferred a patient from the Marine Hospital at Key West to Miami. The successful delivery took 90 minutes.

1941 – The south corner of Jackson Square at Southard and Thomas streets was selected by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Commission as the site for a reservoir and pumping station to handle Key West’s water supply.

1968 – Hurricane Gladys passed about 90 miles west of Key West causing little damage in the 40 to 55 mph winds recorded by the weather bureau.

1971 – The Florida Keys Memorial Hospital opened for service at 7 a.m., replacing the old Monroe General Hospital.

1991 – Tropical Storm Fabian brushed the Keys with rain and wind.

1994 – Florida Keys hotel rooms, costing an average of $147 per night, were the priciest in the country. New York City’s were second highest at $143 per night.

2012 – The Key West City Commission approved the preliminary plan for a long-awaited 14-acre park at the Truman Waterfront property.

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

Image: Front of Florida Keys Memorial Hospital C 1970s. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.

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