Today in Keys History – January 15
1902 – Some of Key West’s leading African American citizens organized a grocery business known as the Mutual Mercantile Company. The officers were: C.F. Dupont, president; Joseph G. Brown, vice-president; Joseph Lang, secretary; and James A. Fleming, treasurer.
1909 – A new sugar cane crushing machine was operating at Front and Duval streets in Key West. The device, designed to extract juice, could handle two stalks at a time. The fresh cane juice sold for 5 cents a glass.
1925 – A group of Key Westers traveled by boat to Munson Island to give a surprise party for Mr. and Mrs. Newton Munson. The day was spent in fishing and other pastimes; music was furnished by the Variety Seven Orchestra.
1935 – The first mural for public places painted by artists of the Key West Administration was hung in the Delmonico Restaurant. The mural by Stanley Wood remained the property of the administration.
1995 – John Hersey, who died at age 78 on March 24, 1993, was remembered when his home on Windsor Lane was dedicated as U.S. Literary Landmark.
2000 – Key West animal lovers were protesting Dough Boys, a Mallory Square restaurant, because of its crane game, in which lobsters were lifted from a tank by hook claws as a way of winning prizes. The restaurant’s owner did not understand the fuss: “It’s not a live animal – it’s a crustacean,” he said.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: A crowd of people in front of the house on Munson Island, 1920s. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.