Today in Keys History – April 13, 2024
1892 – The Key West Library Association was organized with Judge James W. Locke as president, Mary A. Taylor, secretary, J. Fogarty, treasurer, and Mrs. William Delacy as librarian. The Association maintained a public library of 1,200 volumes housed in the Masonic Temple at 315 Simonton St. and it was supported by dues and fees of patrons.
1957 – Baseball great Satchel Paige was in Key West for an exhibition game between his Miami team and Havana’s. Paige planned to unveil his new “Hum Bug” pitch: “It hums and makes the batters buggy,” he said.
1960 – In reaction to publication of a pro-Castro letter, the Key West City Commission voted to remove the Cuban Flag from City Hall and have all city employees take a loyalty oath.
1967 – Cecil Bain was chosen as jury foreman in a civil trial in Circuit Court, the first African American to serve in that role.
1984 – Monroe County commissioners agreed to become the “sponsors” of Little Half Moon Key, gulf side off Big Coppitt Key, as a passive recreation area. The idea was dependent on state funds for the purchase the six-acre island.
2014 – Army Special Forces Underwater Operations School on Fleming Key kicked off celebrations for its 50th anniversary.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The Masonic Temple at 315 Simonton St., Key West, ca. 1890. Monroe County Library Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.