Today in Keys History – December 17
1915 – Fire destroyed the large cigar factory of E.H. Gato at the corner of Simonton and Virginia streets. In addition, six buildings on Virginia Street were also destroyed. The loss was over $150,000, and 500 cigarmakers were thrown out of work by the fire.
1917 – The first plane landed at the Naval Air Station at Trumbo Point. Lt. Stanley Parker, U.S. Coast Guard, assumed duties as commanding officer.
1974 – With the coming of the winter tourist season, a new sign was posted on Stock Island at U.S. 1 and College Road, to warn more frugal travelers: “No Public Outdoor Camping or Sleeping Facilities Available in Key West.”
1974 – A Canadian tourist was struck and killed by a drunk driver while walking along U.S.1 in Key Largo. The incident was the 35th traffic fatality in Monroe County for the year, an all-time high.
1979 – Robert “Speedy” Neal, Key West High School football star, was named to the High School All-American team.
2014 – President Barack Obama announced that, after a 53-year break, diplomatic relations with Cuba would be restored. Many Keys residents thought the move was long overdue but were only cautiously optimistic it would bring a renewed relationship between the islands.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Fire at Gato Cigar Factory on Simonton Street on December 17, 1915. From the Dale McDonald Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.