Today in Keys History – November 18, 2024
1907 – Russell Hall was reopened after Schools Superintendent J.V. Harris had closed the school for a week because a saloon was nearby. Because of the conflict, the Key West Board of Aldermen was working to regulate the distance of bars from schools and churches.
1910 – An “empty stocking” fund was established by Key Westers to purchase Christmas toys for the poor children of the city. The previous year’s effort had provided toys and candy to 367 needy children.
1930 – Marina Williams, an African American, died at age 92 and was buried from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. She was thought to have been the second African American baby born on the island.
1951 – The new Wesley House Community Center was dedicated, with Mrs. Walter H. Beckham of the Women’s Society of Christian Service and the Rev. Don Cooke, Superintendent of the Miami District of the Methodist Church, as speakers. Wesley House began in Key West in 1899, as an extension of the Hargrove Institute.
1964 – The establishment formerly known as the Oldest Bar at 428 Greene Street was placed “on limits” to Navy personnel. The bar reopened as Capt. Tony’s Saloon under the new proprietor Capt. Tony Tarracino.
1964 – Noted Key West painter Hari Kidd, a figure on the island’s art scene for nearly 20 years, died in Tucson. His last show on the island was held the previous December at the El Kiosko Gallery.
1982 – A ground-breaking ceremony was held for the new de Poo Hospital on Kennedy Drive.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Wesley House Community Center and Kindergarten, 1100 Varela Street, Ca. 1965. Photo taken by the Monroe County Property Appraiser’s Office. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.