Today in Keys History – December 16
1940 – Company E, 265th Field Artillery of the Florida National Guard was called into active federal service. The 90 Key Westers under the command of Captain William C. Harris would leave for Texas in January.
1966 – The cornerstone of the new Monroe County Justice Building on the corner of Whitehead and Fleming streets was laid by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida.
1974 – It was announced the television series “Caribe,” starring actor Stacy Keach, would begin filming an episode titled “Lady Killer” in Key West within days. A cast and crew of 50 were expected to take part in the shoot.
1983 – The Monroe County Commission approved the preliminary construction plans for Garden Cove, the second part of the Port Bougainville development on Upper Key Largo.
1984 – Cobo Pharmacy celebrated its 30th anniversary. The family-run business at the corner of Fleming and Grinnell streets was opened by Lionel Cobo in 1954.
1996 – Sandy Archer unveiled the sign that renamed 14th Street as Glynn R. Archer Jr. Drive to honor her late husband.
2004 – No Christmas trees were available anywhere in Key West, forcing many residents to drive to Marathon or the Upper Keys to try their luck in finding one.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Luis and Lionel Cobo in their pharmacy at 937 Fleming Street, December 1984. Photo by Wendy Tucker. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.