Today in Keys History – December 14
1888 – The construction contract for the Custom House at the end of Whitehead Street was awarded. The structure was completed at a cost of $107,955.96 and occupied in the later part of 1891.
1899 – Key West was rapidly filling with visitors and tourists. The winter season was expected to be a good one.
1906 – James D. Webb, “an old and respectable colored citizen,” died at his home at 214 Southard Street in Key West. Webb was a veteran of the Civil War and before that had served with the British Royal Navy in the Crimean War, amongst other campaigns.
1954 – More than 300 shrimp boats were crowded into the Key West Bight, with more arriving every day in anticipation of the prime winter shrimping season. The season was expected to be the greatest since the discovery of Keys shrimp beds five years earlier.
1956 – National Airlines made its first flight with the 44-passenger Convair using the recently completed 4,800-foot runway and was greeted by city, county and Navy officials. Later about 30 Key Westers were given a 20-minute flight over the city.
1974 – Congress failed to appropriate money for 37 new Overseas Highway bridges, but Florida officials were not daunted and continued planning for new spans in hopes of funding in the coming year. The Vaca Cut Bridge was listed as the No.1 priority, and a new Seven Mile Bridge was No.6.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The shrimp boats Chippewa, Ramos, Seabee, Three Sisters, Miss Sue and Louise, Lucky Lady and others in Key West Bight, 1950s. Jeff Broadhed Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.