1836 – A turtling vessel was attacked at the west end of Key Largo by approximately 30 Seminole warriors. The master and crew of the turtling boat fled, while the Seminoles shot at them. Two of the turtlers were wounded, and their vessel was burned.
1839 – Key West Collector of Customs Adam Gordon wrote to Washington about the Sand Key Lighthouse: “Although a generally fine light, it is at this time much out of order. The glass in the lantern is opaque and bad, the reflectors, lamps, &c., much worn. The same may be said of the Key West light.”
1921 – Film star John Barrymore was visiting Key West. He chartered Anthony Yates’ yacht Norma for a fishing excursion, and he attended a local baseball game before attending a dinner for Cuba’s Secretary of State.
1924 – Key West was quickly filling with visitors coming to celebrate the opening of the new San Carlos building; 253 passengers arrived on the morning train from Miami.
1930 – George L. Bartlum died in Key West at age 72. He had been a leader in the sponge industry for many years and served as Mayor of Key West from 1898 to 1903.
1934 – Maria Gutsens, Matron of Mercedes hospital for 23 years, was notified that she had been awarded the Cross of the Order of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, an honor given by the Cuban Government for “outstanding services rendered to Cuba and humanity.”
1975 – The new exceptional child educational center at May Sands School on United Street was dedicated.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The Florida East Coast passenger train on the pier at Trumbo Point alongside one of the P&O steamships. Louise White Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.