Today in Keys History – Oct. 7, 2022
1862 – The yellow fever epidemic that began in August was running its course but still five members of the 90th New York Regiment at Key West, six men at the Marine Hospital Key West and four men at Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas would die of the disease during the month.
1900 – Hotel Key West at Duval Street was the largest in the city. G. Butler Smith was the manager. It was later re-named the Jefferson Hotel.
1901 – Frank Adams, a Black Deputy Sheriff, was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who was interfering with him in the discharge of his duties. He was survived by a wife and five children.
1946 – A hurricane passed about 70 miles west of the Tortugas with little effect felt in Key West.
1986 – The Key West City Commission changed the name of Old Island Restoration Commission (ORIC) to the Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC). The change was requested by the Old Island Restoration Foundation because of confusion over the similar names and some controversial decision made by ORIC.
1997 – In the Key West city elections, Carmen Turner was elected to the City Commission seat that she was appointed to two years before. Lou Hernandez won a seat on the Utility Board and all other candidates were in a run-off.
Information compiled by Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, Florida Keys History Center, Monroe County Public Library
Image: The Hotel Key West, later renamed the Jefferson Hotel, 100 block of Duval Street, circa 1900. Florida Keys History Center, Monroe County Public Library. https://www.flickr.com/photos/keyslibraries/8542712616/