Today in Keys History – November 20, 2024
1899 – Annie Fay, a white woman, and Will Harrison, a Black man, were convicted in the criminal court at Key West for having married. She was sentenced to five years in the state penitentiary, and he received a one-year term.
1908 – Someone set fire to the beach shack where Key West Road Commissioner Fulford stored dynamite. Fortunately, the blaze burned out before reaching the 450 pounds of explosive inside.
1951 – Iconic Key West dog “Teddy” died at the age of 15. Teddy was nationally known for riding on top of Ramon Navarro’s sight-seeing bus as it toured the island, and he had been featured in countless magazine and newspaper articles.
1964 – Fishing from highway bridges in Monroe County was no longer allowed. Anglers could only use the catwalks. Sheriff Henry Haskins immediately began to push for the construction of walkways to the catwalks.
1966 – Vice President Hubert and Muriel Humphrey arrived at the Key West Naval Station for a period of rest and relaxation.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Ramon Navarro with his sightseeing bus and his dog Teddy. Wright Langley Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.