Today in Keys History – April 19, 2024
1832 – Ornithologist John James Audubon left from Charleston on board the Revenue Cutter Marion, bound for the Florida Keys.
1912 – The Monroe Theater at 623 Duval St. was screening the 1911 Irish feature “Arrah-na-pogue,” with admission at 10, 15 or 20 cents based on seating. The Airdome at 509 Duval St. in Key West was showing the 1903 film “The Great Train Robbery.” Admission was 10 cents for unlimited viewing.
1917 – Fire destroyed 18 houses known as the Murray Property at the corner of United and Thomas streets.
1946 – The City of Key West bought South Beach from the Laranaga family for $37,000. The beach would be maintained for public recreation, and an existing soft drink stand would be leased to defray expenses. The city also planned to rebuild the pier at the foot of Duval Street.
1982 – The roadblock, established by the U.S. Border Patrol to check the citizenship of everyone leaving Monroe County, continued despite efforts by locals to have it removed.
1984 – The Key West City Commission denied appeals against the Sands Hotel project, allowing construction to proceed. Many residents were against the large Simonton Street development and their many court filings had kept the project in limbo.
1990 – French President Francois Mitterand and President George H.W. Bush met at Ocean Reef on Key Largo. They proposed that the 16 NATO allies hold a summit to discuss the changing face of Europe.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: South Beach in Key West, 1940s. Wright Langley Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.