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$2 Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 20 NO. 3 SPRING 2010 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY Monroe County By Tom Hambright Copyright 2010 Monroe County, the sixth county in Florida, was established by an act of the territorial legislature on July 2, 1823. It was signed by Governor William P. Duval on July 3, 1823. The county was named for President James Monroe. The original boundaries of the county included the southern part of Florida and were described as “all that land lying south of a line commencing at Boca Gasparilla River on the and extending up to the northern margin of Charlotte Harbor to the north of Charlotte River; thence up the northern margin of that river to Lake Macaco (as Lake Okeechobee The Seal of Monroe County. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. was then named); thence along the northern margin of that lake A county courthouse was erected to Lake Okeechobee,” thus cutting to its most eastern limits; thence at Jackson Square in Key West off from Monroe County all the in a direct line to the headwaters before the city was surveyed. By Keys to the east and north of Bahia of the Potomas river; thence down 1830, the population had grown Honda and all the eastern portions that river to its entrance into the to 517 persons, almost all living of southern mainland Florida. ocean, together with all the Keys in Key West. The main industries On October 11, 1846, a major and islands of the Cape of Florida.” were salvaging shipwrecks on the hurricane struck Key West. The Other counties formed from the reef and catching live fish for the storm damaged or destroyed every original boundaries are: Dade, market. building in town and smashed the Broward, Collier, Lee, Henry and In February 1836, Dade County stone lighthouses at Key West and parts of Charlotte, Glades, and Palm was established with Indian Key as Sand Key. The city was able to Beach. county seat. The southern boundary rapidly rebuild because of a strong The City of Key West, which “commenced at the western end of economy created by the had been named county seat, was Bahia Honda and ran in a direct line industry. incorporated on January 8, 1828. to ; thence in a direct line (Continued on page 12) SOCIETY NEWS AND NOTES by John Viele

The Sea Heritage Journal is published quarterly. Subscription is available through Western Union lecture in February. Photo credit: Ed Little. membership. Copyright 2010 by the Key West Maritime Historical In January, Admiral Sir Edward schooner Hindu. Captain Foley Society of the Florida Keys, Inc. Vernon, British Navy, (portrayed related how he found Hindu rotting The art on the masthead, the USS by Randy McDonald) presented the away in a boatyard in Fairhaven, Shark, was drawn by Bill Muir. history of naval rum complete with Mass. and how he restored her, with samples of grog as issued to British help from friends, over a two-year Editor: Tom Hambright sailors. The talk was so popular that period, while subsisting on peanut- a few latecomers had to be turned butter sandwiches. He also told away because the auditorium was of some of his experiences sailing Letters and articles are welcome. full. her and other schooners he has Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys In February, Leon Poindexter, captained. Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, P.O. master shipwright in charge of Box 695, Key West, FL 33041. reconstructing the Key West Change in Mailing Procedures Key West Maritime schooner Western Union, told Because of difficulties in using Historical Society about the process of identifying, bulk mail, in the future, flyers will Board of Directors removing, and replacing the be sent by first-class mail, only decayed frames and planking. His to members residing in the Keys. President: Edward J.Little,Jr. presentation included photos of The quarterly Sea Heritage Journal Vice President: Bill Verge the various steps in the restoration will continue to be mailed to all Secretary: Corey Malcom work and samples of the many members. Treasurer: Tom Hambright different woodworking tools used. Notice of upcoming lectures, Once again, there was a full house. field trips, and other events will be Andrea Comstock Our guest speaker in March was published on the Society’s website: George Craig Captain Kevin Foley, master of the www.kywestmaritime.org. Bill Grosscup Tom Hambright Mary Haffenreffer New Member John Jones Sheri Lohr Valarie Chelley, Key West; Robert Hartman, Key West; Bob & Hazel Don Lowe Cook, Harvey’s Lake, PA; Ron Hoas, Key West; Laura Lynne Louis Maglio & Mary Demes, ; Kennedy, Islamorada; Tom Milone, Julie McEnroe Lawrence Douglas, Key West; Rick Key West; Patrick & Rosi Raher, Bill Verge Finnin, Key West; Deb Forese, Washington, DC. Mark Reinnoldt, John Viele Washington, CT; Christine Geary, Key West; Patrict Tiffany, Key Key West; Michael D. Green, West; Curtis J. Tindel, Tecumseh, Chapel Hill, NC; Ed & Carol MO; Reif & Diana Udo, Key West; Haggett, New Bern, NC; Cliff Kurt Vess, Tampa.

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2010 The Northwest Channel Jetties By J. Gregory Griffin Copyright 2010 Over one hundred years ago, a private contractor to the Government built two rock jetties, one on each side of a section of the Northwest Channel, to protect it from shallowing due to silt deposits caused by four daily tidal movements. The strategic objective was to create a shorter, safer trade route between the product rich ports in the Gulf of Mexico, and the prosperous populations of the Atlantic seaboard. A newspaper of the period chronicled this motivation, and provided anecdotal information concerning the actual day-to-day local construction activities. At the Federal level, the Army Engineers’ reports to the Secretary of War Chart showing the Northwest Channel Jetties. Photo credit: Monroe County and Congress provided progress Library. information, a justification for funding, and requests for further between the Gulf Coast and the the island of Key West was by ship, appropriations as the initiative was . A deep passageway the port also provided a safe haven of national importance. would shorten the distance from for vessels heading north to trade. On June 29,1891, Mr. George one to the other, and it would U.S. Government Contracts W. Allen, vice president presiding, bring trade to Key West. Without for Local Limestone convened a very important meeting a navigable channel, large steam In a very early attempt to control of the Board of Trade of Key West ships and schooners from Tampa, the tidal current in the channel, principally for the purpose of Tallahassee, , and Captain Ross used local stone which appointing a committee to collect Mobile would need to sail around was actually limestone (oolite) from statistics relative to the commercial the shallows of Rebecca Shoal to the nearby Keys. Under the terms of importance of the Northwest Channel enter the Port of Key West through this June 1891 contract, workmen (N24-38’ 80”; W81-53’ 91”). The the Main Ship Channel adding brought equipment and personnel committee developed information about 160 miles to the journey. to to quarry the limestone. for the use of Captain Black of Their destinations would be the The laborers processed two thousand the United States Engineering rich markets along the East Coast tons in all. However, someone Department who would present the of the United States- Charleston, informed Mr. G. B. Patterson, the data to the next Congress when Philadelphia, , New local District Attorney, of this and larger appropriations for deepening York, and Boston. Key West would he notified Captain Ross that the the Channel will be sought. With economically benefit from this island belonged to the United States this data Captain Black will better shortened trade route as Henry Government and was intended represent the matter to Congress, Flagler’s Florida East Coast for military purposes, and none and facilitate the passage of further Railway extension to Key West, the of that soft sandstone was carried appropriations. The gathering heard Florida , would away. Subsequently, Captain Ross testimony as to the importance of not be completed until 1912. In the Northwest Channel to shipping those days, the only way to access (Continued on page 4)

SPRING 2010 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 (Jetties from page 3) made on Captain Ross’s property rock quarry in a small boat sailing on Boca Chica, preparatory to for Key West. When the boat left moved his equipment to Sawyer beginning the contract for placing she was so crowded that two of the Key which was considered to be native stone on the north jetty. men in it became alarmed and got State land and had permission from Work began under the contract out, but two others took their place. the State of Florida Commissioner on December 1, 1897. On June 2, These men were in the employ of of Agriculture, Mr. Wombwell, 1898, work was suspended by the Captain Ross digging rock to quarry what rock he may authority of the Secretary of War, for the Northwest jetties. The need. However, it turned out that at the request of the contractor, laborers usually came to Key West Sawyer Key was not vacant land, during the hostilities with Spain in on Saturday nights for recreation. but, once again, belongs to the the Spanish-American War. Work A heavy wind was blowing at United States Government. As a resumed on October 6, 1898. To the time of their leaving, and, not consequence, Captain Ross had this day, the rusted remains of the knowing how to maneuver a boat, to move his plant a second time. narrow-gauge rail system used to it is supposed she went to sea and It seemed that quarrying useless transport the quarried limestone was lost. Captain Brown, who was stone, delay, and the added expense to waiting boats, remains on Boca in charge of the works on Boca of moving his plant from island Chica. On November 6, of the Chica, reported the vessel was seen to island, the contractor’s profit same year, Col. W. H. Benyuard foundering off Cow Key. A boat will be much lessened. Mr. Harper of St. Augustine and Captain R.G. was sent on Sunday and returned and Mr. Brown, civil engineers in Ross of Jacksonville arrived on the on Monday having seen nothing of the employ of the United States Mascotte. Captain Ross had the the missing craft or the men. The Engineering Department under contract for work on the Northwest following names were some of the Captain Black, had been nicely Channel jetties, while Colonel men lost: A. McQueen, Tom Stokes, fixed at Fort Taylor where they had Benyaurd inspected the work Dock Bird, Ben Bolton, J. Harris, A. their office, but were now obliged for the Government. The United Gibbs, Henry Hamilton, and George to camp on Sawyer Key where they States Engineering Department Hawkins. will have for evening pastime plenty awarded Captain Roderick G. Ross The last work on the Northwest of fun killing mosquitoes. of Jacksonville, Florida a contract jetties of the present contract of The steam tug, J.E. Stevens, to create two jetties one on each Captain R. G. Ross concluded on arrived from on June side of the Northwest Passage for January 15, 1900. Captain R. G. 15, 1891, at Taylor’s Wharf in the purpose of preventing the tides Ross has been, at different times, Key West with a scow load of soft and storms from depositing silt on the Northwest Channel for stones in tow to be used on the jetty and in the waterway. The the past two years and has made work in the Northwest Channel. natural tidal action, if unchecked, great improvements, but there is The next morning some fifteen or would eventually shallow up the considerable work to be done. sixteen laborers employed on the passageway causing many ships to The daily tidal action continues scow informed the Superintendant, run aground. to dissolve, erode and wash away J. B. Durham that they must have On June 16, 1899, the Florida the soft limestone quarried from their pay increased from $30 per Times Union reported that the local Keys and deposited on both month to $1.50 per day and board. Government contract work at sides of the Northwest Channel by This was refused, and a general Fort Taylor and on the northwest Captain Ross and his workmen. In strike ensued. Mr. Durham was jetties has commenced, and will all, 43,396.6 tons of local marl has kept busy all day employing new be pushed. This work was stopped been employed. men, which he found but little on account of the quarantine. The tug, Albert F. Dewey, arrived difficulty in securing. He offered The work by the Government in Key West in the morning of the strikers $35.00 per month and engineers has not commenced yet, August 25, 1900 with a mud digger board, but they refused preferring to as the appropriation has run out, and two scows in tow to dredge the loaf around the city and drink mean but as soon as Congress passes the Northwest Channel. This work is whiskey. appropriation bill, work will be being done by the Peninsular and Col. Emmet Houser of resumed. Occidental Steamship Company, Jacksonville arrived in Key West on On Saturday, April 8, 1899, a private enterprise, for its own September 21, 1897 to have repairs eighteen laborers left Boca Chica benefit. On September 6, 1900 the

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2010 Florida Times Union reported that the dredge has now been at work for several days commencing from the inside of the channel and working toward the Gulf. When the work is completed vessels of large draft can come through this channel saving many miles when going up or down the Gulf. During the afternoon of June 13, 1902 the steamer, Mascotte, while crossing the Northwest Pass, ran aground because of low water, and remained there until 9:30 p.m. when the tide was full again. The mail steamer is often compelled to remain on the bar for want of deep water. These delays from time to time show the necessity of properly protecting and dredging the channel. On September 3, 1903, Captain The Northwest Channel Lighthouse. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. Francis R. Shunk, chief of this district, arrived on the Mascotte channel. With the Channel deepening to 25 on his annual visit of inspection. The Granite Contract feet, the shipping going down and Captain Shunk indicated that a large The Unites States Engineering up the Gulf could pass through this dredge was being built to deepen the Department entered into a channel saving sixty-five miles, and Northwest Channel, and when work contract with the R.G. Ross avoiding the dangerous Rebecca is completed, there will be twenty-six Construction Company in June Shoal reefs between Sand Key and feet of water on the bar. The soundings 1908 for depositing upon the the Tortugas Lights. in the harbor indicate that the bottom jetty approximately 30,000 tons On January 1, 1909, very active is of a sand or mud formation and that of granite from the Rockport operations on construction at the the depth of forty feet can be had by Granite Company located in northwest entrance to Key West dredging. Rockport, Massachusetts. (http: harbor resumed when the steamship, Many deep-drafted vessels have //www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/ Wilhelmina, Captain Gammon, temporarily run aground in the northeast/halb.htm). However, arrived from Rockport laden with Northwest Channel since the first most of the work was not started 2,400 tons of rip-rap stone. Captain two jetties were built on the bar until November of 1908 due to a Potter, who has charge of the work, to mitigate the semi-diurnal tidal severe hurricane season. It was stated that the Ross Company has influence causing a shallowing of the estimated the work will take six two other vessels now in route channel with sand. Shoal water is on to eight months to complete. to Key West with approximately both sides of the channel, and the tides Captain A.B. Potter arrived in Key 3300 tons of stone and other ships wash the sand from the shoal areas West from Jacksonville; he was a are being loaded at the quarries in into the channel thus choking it up the Superintendant with the R.G. Massachusetts as fast as they can passageway and making navigation Ross Company, and he directed be chartered. Twenty-one four- uncertain. The channel is now ten feet the work of reinforcing the east masted schooners and one steamer deep. With two high and low tides per jetty. He was assisted by Mr. A. were used, in all, to transport the day, the soft limestone has dissolved M. Goehring who performed granite. It should be remembered and has been pushed off the apex of the office work. On November that the schooner, Horace W. the jetty by strong tropical storms 12, 1908 the tug, Martha Ellen, Macomber that was bound to this and tidal movement. More effort has came into port with a large dredge port with its cargo of stone for the to be contracted for to strengthening and two scows to do the jetty the jetties to prohibit silting in the work in the Northwest Channel. (Continued on page 6)

SPRING 2010 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 (Jetties from page 5)

jetty work wrecked off the Bimini banks causing a delay of almost a month in the operation at the Key West end. The four-masted schooner, Edgar W. Murdock, with Captain Frank McGuire, arrived on June 7, 1909 from Rockport with a cargo of stone for the R.G. Ross jetty project. This is the last load of stone that will be received by the Ross Company for the present contract. In Congress A survey of the entrance to the channel was made as early as 1868 and again in 1881. In 1882, The Rockport Quarry. Photo credit: Halibut State Park. Congress made an appropriation of $25,000 for dredging a channel many yearly River and Harbor 11,354 feet. However, the limestone three hundred feet wide and Acts in Congress which financed was so light and soft that, although seventeen feet deep across the bar. hundreds of east coast and gulf it answered well for the base, it This appropriation was expended in maritime projects. would not resist the force of storm 1883 in dredging a channel across In the Act of August 11, 1888, waves with certainty. Accordingly, the bar 60 feet wide and 15 feet Congress appropriated $25,000 for with subsequent appropriations, deep at mean low tide. In the nature this work with the proviso that the Congress decided to build up the of things, this improvement was Secretary of War appoint a board of outer portion with heavier stone. In only temporary. three engineers who should report doing this, 17,916 tons of granite In Washington D.C., the Chief of on the advisability of continuing was used. Engineers of the United States Army the work under this project, and The report affirms that the reported to the Secretary of War in that he should submit the report, Northwest Channel is of very great 1896 concerning the improvement together with the views of himself importance. When the project for its to the Northwest Channel leading thereon, to Congress at its next improvement is completed, a short to Key West Harbor. Lieut. Col. session. The final report of the cut for deep-draft vessels entering Benyaurd writing the report Board was submitted in November and departing from Key West will be stated that, in accordance with the 1889. The Board was of the opinion created. The work should be pushed provisions of the River and Harbor that the work was of national forward as rapidly as practicable, Act of August 11, 1888, the project importance. It recommended that and with this end in view, it is contemplated maintaining a depth the improvement be begun by the recommended that $225,000 be in the channel of seventeen feet at immediate construction of a jetty made available for the work during mean low water by the construction on the northeast side of the passage fiscal year ending June 30, 1898. of a jetty on the northeast side of and should be supplemented, as In order to justify large the passage, to be supplemented, if work progresses, by a jetty on the Congressional appropriations over considered necessary, by a jetty on western side. It was thought also the years for the channel project, the west side, and by dredging the that dredging operations might be the engineers set forth a detailed bar. The Board estimated the cost necessary. The depth of the water to list of commercial goods and ships for construction of the east jetty be obtained is seventeen feet. entering and leaving the port of Key only at $500,000. Before beginning Under this project 51,815 cubic West. The following is an example: the contract, surveys showed a yards, or about 60,000 tons, of soft channel depth over the bar of 10.5 limestone quarried from Keys in the Commercial Statistics feet at mean low water. Overall, vicinity, was placed along the line of Commerce of Key West, Florida between 1869 and 1930, there were the projected jetty for a distance of during the year ending

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2010 December 31, 1895 [Furnished by Jefferson Browne, collector of customs]

Articles Gross Tonnage Estimated Value Cigars 700 $6,500,000 Cattle 3,000 $210,000 Fruits 6,000 $130,000 Grain 7,100 $210,000 Hides 225 $10,946 The Rockport Quarry. Photo credit: Halibut State Park. Honey, syrup 115 $9,000 Value of Exports 1898: 769,205 Lumber Rough 7,000 The estimated number of $70,000 Yachts 22 22 Tons 2,200 2,200 passengers carried by water was: Lumber Dressed 3,000 17,988 (Furnished by the collector $400,000 Totals 602 605 of Customs). Merchandise 42,500 Tons 536,850 547,910 The regular transportation lines $4,250,000 The estimated number of in operation during the year were \Oranges 50 passengers carried by water was the Plant Steamship Line, which ran $10,000 49,760. The estimated percentage three steamers per week between Pineapples 20,000 of total trade of Key West carried Tampa, Havana, and Key West; the $450,000 by water was 100. Trade would Florida East Coast Steamship Line, Ship stores 1,500 be enormously increased when the which ran three steamers between $156,250 improvement is completed, as the New York and Galveston, one Vegetables 2,500 entire trade of the Gulf of Mexico of which stopped weekly at Key $257,352 would pass through the Northwest West; and the Morgan Line running Fish and Oyster 500 Passage instead of going around the between New Orleans and Havana, $30,000 dangerous reefs of the Tortugas. one steamer per week stopping Tobacco 1,000 The following is information at Key West. These lines partly $1,350,000 taken from the Report of the suspended operations during the Hay 2,200 Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army continuance of the war with Spain. $50,000 concerning the Arrivals and While today large ships docking Sponges 125 Departures of vessels at the port of in Key West use the Main Ship $500,000 Key West, Florida, during the year channel for access, the Northwest Wine and Liquors 500 ending December 31, 1898 showing Channel remains a busy waterway $150,000 the negative commercial impact for shrimp boats, commercial Total 98,015 of the Spanish-American conflict, fishermen, work boats, and private $14,743,748 but utilized to justify further yachts travelling to and from the Congressional appropriations: Gulf of Mexico. Dive and snorkel Arrivals and Departures of vessels also use the Northwest Vessels for year ending Kind Arrivals Departures Channel for access to various sights December 31, 1895 Steamer 527 490 of interest to their passengers when Kind Arrivals Departures Tons 421,797 372,689 Steamer 421 466 trips to the reef are ill advised due to Tons 496.993 527,762 . Sailing 330 306 J. Gregory Griffin before coming Tons 102,900 72,137 Sailing 159 117 to Key West in 1996 praticed law in Tons 37,657 17,918 Value of Imports 1898: 214,413 Cambridge, MA.

SPRING 2010 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 William Hackley’s Diary William Hackley practiced law to send for an Allopath and he went appearances we will have a severe in Key West from 1829 to 1857. He up and saw Babe, He said that I had northern. The Babe is clear of fever kept a diary for part of the time he been doing right and probably the but mouth is sore. Read papers. was in Key West. Here is the diary for prompt action had saved her from In the evening made a fire in the putrid throat and advised to stop parts of January and February 1857. stove. Gave Babe Acon and Bell Acon and Bell and give Mer Viv as her fever was coming on which Friday, January 9. I was up nearly four globs every hour during the stopped it and before bedtime she all night, Lucia having a high fever night she took five dozes. The other was free of fever sent for Dr. Seily and sore mouth, gave her Acon times we were all asleep. I did not who came up and prescribed Mirviv and Bell and put a wet bandage take off my clothes and compresses three globs at intervals of five hours on for two hours. Fever remained on throat and chest. Harriet is better to remedy the flow of saliva. all night but has gone off nearly but I ordered compresses to throat Monday, January 12. Rose at 5 since sunrise gave her Arsinicom. and four globs Bell. and made a fire in the stove and sat Matilda ironed yesterday and had a Saturday, January 10. Rose at 6 by it. The Babe had no fever during severe headache all night, gave her and walked the piazza. The babe the night nor this morning but she Ipec and Ver, but it has worn off. is much better but her mouth is so did not sleep well and her month is I want her to take Arsinicom for a sore that she cannot eat. Hatty much filled with white blisters or ulcers. week six globs at bedtime. Harriet better but gave her four globs of We cannot examine them well and has a sore throat. Made a fire in Bell. At 9 A.M. barometer 29.60, her tongue is coated with a thick the stove. At 8:30 A.M. barometer thermometer 72, wind east southeast white fur. At 9 A.M. barometer 29.70.5, thermometer 70, wind east 2, clouds 4. Wrote to Solicitor of the 29.62, thermometer 63, wind north northeast 3, clouds 1 with haze as Treasury saying that upon further northwest 3, clouds 6, very cloudy yesterday. Colonel James Polk of consideration I thought that it was and raw all day yesterday but no rain Baltimore came in early and sat best not to prosecute Captain J.M. fell and today there is no appearance all morning. He is an agent for the Merrill of the ship Lady Arbella of any rain today. Today was set for claims against the Government. He as he has nothing out of which the the trial by jury of the issue ordered says that F.A. Browne as a agent fine can be made and he cannot by Judge King in the decree in the has paid about $2,000 tonnage be imprisoned. The steamer Isabel matter of the wharf proprietors. I money on Spanish vessels which got in about the usual time. The was notified and I started to go to can be got back. That he will get Babe went to see the doctor who the Court House but upon meeting it for one half or if given now one ordered one dose of Briony. I went Ossin Hart he said that on presenting fourth of the amount in cash for the to see him after tea. Lucia had no the order for a jury to Judge King he claim. The money does not belong fever and he advised sulphur and would not sign it so then here the to Mr. Browne’s estate but there is compresses about chest and throat matter stands. The Babe better but but little probability that the owners which was done. About midnight her mouth is very sore but no fever. will appear in which case Beverly she had considerable fever and I Gave her 1 dose of Mirviv and one will have it. J.B. Browne will take gave her one dose of Bell and two sulphur out papers of administration for the of Acon and the fever left her before Tuesday, January 13. Rose at 5 purpose of making an agreement day. and made a fire in the stove and with Colonel Polk and we think it Sunday, January 11. Rose at sat till daylight when I walked the will be best to take one half. Lucia’s 5 and walked up by the Barracks piazza for near an hour I did not like throat is very sore as well as her and across by the Long Road to to leave the stove with a fresh fire in mouth and she has fever thought and home by Porter’s it with no one to attend to it so I did not very high. I went down to Ossin Spring. The road’s bad from the not walk. At 9 A.M. the barometer B. Hart’s and was introduced to a rain yesterday evening and the 29.57, wind north northwest 3, Dr. Seily of Cleveland, who is a spring tide last night. At 9 A.M. clouds 1 with haze. Read papers. Homeopath and Hydropathy, he is barometer 29.54, thermometer 74, Colonel Polk sailed at 3 P.M. in the the head of a large water cure in Ohio wind northwest 3, clouds 9. The schooner Wye for Havana. Babe and was an Allopath. I told him that wind came out of the northwest quite dull all day and night some I was a loss and that I did not like about half past 6 this morning and fever for which I gave Acon, at 10

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2010 gave her a second dose of Acon Saturday, January 17. Rose at wind northwest by north 7, clouds when we found her getting hotter 5:40 and walked on the beach, 9. The steamer Adger was got and fever increasing. Gave her returned home and bathed. At 9 off about 8 A.M. Thermometer at another two globs of Nuxx which A.M. barometer 29.68, thermometer house in the front piazza 56. Went soon cooled her off and she slept 69, wind east northeast 2, clouds. up home about 11 and remained the after 1, tolerably well the early part Read papers The schooner rest of the day sitting by the fire. of the night. She would not leave Chestnut came in laden with a part Mary A. Porter came in about 5 her Mother. Put wet compress on of the cotton taken from the ship and we all walked to South Beach. I her throat and chest. Calvin. Samuel Douglas libeled on went home with her and sat a short Wednesday, January 14. Rose behalf of owners and underwriters time. at 5 and went to market and on and Thomas F. King is employed Tuesday, January 20. Rose at my return made a fire in the stove. by wreckers. Joseph Packer and 5 and attempted to make a fire The Babe much better, she is quite Christian Boye who have the largest but the boy bringing bituminous lively but she will not eat her mouth interest in the wharf case have coal without my knowing it I had does not seem so sore nor is the the control and I have no doubt to take the stove out of doors and inflammation as great. Her breath gave the case to King to influence throw out all the fire and commence smells as if she had been salivated the decision and I have no doubt again. At 9 A.M. barometer 29.66, though she never took a dose of but that he was influenced by his thermometer 55, wind northeast calomel. At 8:40 A.M. barometer interest or at any rate blinded, this by north 2, clouds 3. At 5 A.M. 29.57, thermometer 64, wind north is one great reason why the Judge thermometer 48, thermometer 47 northeast 2, clouds 4. Read papers. should not practice that he is subject in passageway with free circulation Mary Ann Porter and her mother to misconstruction. of air. Taxed the costs in the case spent the day. I walked to South Sunday, January 18. Rose at 5 and of the ship Isaac Allerton. The Beach with Matilda and Mary Ann. walked to the Salt Pond, returned Judge ordered bill for division, James Filer and family came from home and bathed. At 9:20 A.M. proctors fee and other bills to be Tallahassee in a brig. A Mr. Conely barometer 29.52, thermometer 72, paid out of the gross sum so as who married a Miss Combs nice of wind west southwest 3, clouds 8. to simplify the division, refused Mrs. and Captain Peter Swain of The steamer Adger came in during Bowne and Curry’s bill for $1,000 St. Marks who stayed about a week the night from Greytown. She brings as agents on the grounds that were with us some years ago sent Matilda the news that a Yankee, Somus by interested in the salvage and could a note and six venison hams. The name who had been employed as not act as agents. In the afternoon Babe is better. mate on one of the lake steamers he allowed Douglas and King to file Thursday, January 15. Rose has joined the Costa Rican’s and bills for $300.00 each as proctors at 6 and made a fire in the stove has taken all the steamers on Lake for the insurance companies that the morning cool through nearly Nicaragua, he drifted down on them are quarreling for the residue, and calm. At 9 A.M. barometer 29.66, separately in the night on a raft and that after his order all bills be filed thermometer 66, wind northeast 1, surprised them. Walker is on the before 10 A.M. and Winer Bethel clouds 3. Read papers. Babe much west side of the lake with 1,000 men and the Judge had some hard words. better. and there are some on this side but I was not present. Friday, January 16. Rose at 5 and he has no transportation. The transit Wednesday, January 21. Rose at walked to the Salt Pond, returned lines are closed. Spent the morning 5:30 and made a fire and sat by it till home and bathed. At 9 A.M. in looking over old diaries. About breakfast. a 9:30 A.M. barometer barometer 29.47.5, thermometer 1 P.M. the wind came out of the 29.60, thermometer 61, wind 67, wind east northeast by north northwest with slight rain and blew northwest 1, clouds 7. The wind has 2, clouds 0 with haze. The sloop so hard that the Adger could not be just changed having been northeast M.H. Williams came in with 154 got away from the wharf. about day break. In court till 3 P.M. bales cotton which was taken Monday, January 19. Rose at 6 trying the claim of Archer, Williams from the ship Calvin on the reef. and made a fire in the stove. The and Pyfrom to extra shares in the The ship got off and proceeded on wind was so far round last night salvage in ship Isaac Allerton and her voyage. Read papers. In the that it blew on the back piazza and did not go down after dinner. afternoon walked to the Fort with I slept in the room. At 9:45 A.M. Matilda. barometer 29.66.5, thermometer 61, (Continued on page 10)

SPRING 2010 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 (Hackley from page 9) Knickerbocker magazine. at 5:40 and walked on the beach, Sunday, January 25. Rose at 6 returned home and bathed. At Thursday, January 22. Rose at 6 and walked the piazza till sunrise 9 A.M. barometer 29.46, wind and made a fire the wind having got when I read the papers. At 9:40 A.M. northeast 3, clouds 3. The sloop to the northwest in the night. The barometer 29.78, thermometer 65, Texas came down from the wreck steamer Isabel got in about 2 and wind northeast 2, clouds 0 with haze. and brings the news of the loss of reports a large English ship laden I asked Fernando Moreno to write the schooner Florida by fire. The with cotton ashore at Caesars Creek. Stephen Mallory to try and get me Florida lay alongside the ship and She had been ashore three days and an office in some of the new states had 164 bales on board. The mate is bilged. No wrecker had been to or territories, preferring Kansas. He or carpenter of the wrecked ship her. All the vessels in port started said he would do it with pleasure. was by the mainmast taking a count for her. At sunrise went down to Wrote a postscript to a letter of of the cargo by the light of a globe the post office and got letters and Charlotte to her Grandmother and lamp which hung by the mainmast papers. Read papers. sent on Treasury draft for $50.00 when in moving about he fell and Friday, January 23. Rose at 5:30 a quarters salary. Read papers. In knocked the globe down and the and made a fire in the stove. At 9 afternoon walked to the Fort with lamp set fire to the cotton and in an A.M. barometer 29.66, thermometer Harriet. The steamer Isabel came instant the schooner was covered 53, wind north northwest 1, clouds in about 4 and left about 6. The with blaze. The sloop Texas which 3 with haze. The sun has but little schooners Champion and Dart lay along side of the Florida strength. The weather feels as cold arrived from the wreck. was got clear with difficulty by as it has done this winter. Got a Monday, January 26. Rose at cutting adrift one bale of cotton letter from J.P. Smith by Joseph 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, having caught. The Florida was Stickney. He is in command of the returned home and bathed thought out loose from the ship and the Fashion. General Harney is on a there was but little water in the wind being fresh drifted up on the scout and the white flags are pulled wells and spring dry nearly dry reef and burnt to the water’s edge down. Smith has gone to New from the northerly winds. At 9 A.M. everything on board was lost, the Orleans for the Seminole Chiefs barometer 29.50, thermometer 66, crew saving northing. Dined at who have promised to try and get wind north northeast 3, clouds 2 with Douglass’ and went home about the Indians to move. haze. At 5 A.M. the wind was about 8. I went home earlier but returned Saturday, January 24. Rose at east by north. Read papers. After tea for Matilda. 6 and made a fire in the stove and went to Captain Cornelius Curtis by Thursday, January 29. Rose read papers. At 9 A.M. thermometer invitation. Found Colonel and Mrs. at 5:30 and walked to the Salt 61, wind northeast 2, clouds 2 with Winder, Miss Eagle, Mr. Huested Pond, returned home and bathed. hazy. The schooner Relampago and wife, Mrs. And Lt. Reynolds, At 8:30 A.M. barometer 29.57, got in yesterday from the wreck topography engineer in charge of thermometer 70.5, wind southeast with cotton. The Captain has been lighthouse construction and Mrs. 2, clouds 5. Brought of Bowne and here before and has consigned R.W. Welch. Sat till 10. Curry a piece of red flannel for to William Wall. Wrote to C.W. Tuesday, January 27. Rose at 5: $6.00 and a piece of cotton flannel Bennet, Washington, DC enclosing 15 and walked to the Salt Pond and for $1.25. $3.00 for Reporter and Digest. did not bathe because there was no Friday, January 30. Rose at 6 Wrote to George Wilks, No. 348 water. At 8:30 A.M. barometer 29.74, and walked by the Fort and home Broadway, NY enclosing $5.00 for a thermometer 68, wind northeast 3, by Porter’s Spring. Bathed. At subscription to Porter’s Spirt of the clouds 1. Received my fee in the 8:30 A.M. barometer 29.49.5, Times with back numbers. Sent to case of the ship Isaac Allerton thermometer 71.5, wind southeast Wheeler and Wilson Mfg. Company amounting to $1,669.47 from J.B. 2, clouds 8. Found that Dan had sending $1.00 for needles. Wrote to Browne and paid Wall and Company been stealing money for Lucy O.R. Potter and Company for the bill of $100.00, Robert P. Campbell Haley. I had suspected him for $50.00 due me. Wrote to Luther bill $239.26, Bowne and Curry bill some days. Whipped him severely Tucker and Sons for the January $144.22 and Oliver O’Hara for six but could not make him confess number of the Cultivator. Wrote months house rent to December 31, any thing so I took him to the jail to Samuel Huston, 348 Broadway 1856 $120.00. and desired the jailor to lock him for two missing numbers of Wednesday, January 28. Rose up by himself in a darken room

10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2010 to see if he would confess. I must with moderate wind from the north Filor, Oliver O’Hara, Asa Tift and sell him, he will lie and steal and northwest. William Curry came up to my office is a great rascal but a very smart Monday, February 2. Rose at 6 and consulted about the matter and boy it is with great reluctance that and made a fire in the stove. At 8:30 I drew up a deed from W.C. Greene I find I must sell and I do not like A.M. barometer 29.50, wind north to his undivided one-fourth interest the idea of selling a Negro. I cannot northwest 3, clouds 1. Oriana leaves in the end of Greene Street. Went manage a young man and if I ever today and have got old Catalina to to Captain Cornelius Curtis’ to tea buy another I must get a grown one. come home and cook until we where Father Herrick and family, Read papers. can get a servant. Paid Robert P. and Mr. Duckett were and after tea Saturday, January 31. Rose Campbell $27.75 for Oriana’s Winer Bethel’s family and Norcom at 6 and walked as yesterday, wages for the months of November, came in as did Mr. Salas. We returned home and bathed. At 8: December and January deducting remained until 10 P.M. 45 A.M. barometer 29.41.5, clouds $2.25 for amount paid for washing Wednesday, February 4. Rose at 3. Last night about 11 there was the last two weeks.. Bought one 5:15 and walked to the Salt Pond, a slight rain. Lucia woke at that dozen white socks of Henry returned home and bathed. At 8: time and kept me awake for more Mulrennan for $2.50 and a common 30 A.M. barometer 29.71, wind than an hour. Mr. Norcom had an mug for Babe for $.12 1⁄2. At 4 P.M. northeast 3, clouds 7. Read Law examination to which we were attended the funeral of Mrs. Seely Register. At 11 up at Judge Thomas invited but the light is so painful who died at 5 A.M. yesterday at F. King’s office and argued the to my eyes at night that we did not Ossin B. Hart’s, Esquire. Walked motion in the wharf case presented go. There are but 11 inches of water part of the way to the grave. Greene’s deed and the Judge said he in the cistern. Got a chain and cuff Tuesday, February 3. Rose at 5:45 thought a supplemental bill would pin from Walberg and paid him for and walked on the beach, returned be filed but continued the case until mending the same $.63. About 3 home and bathed. At 8:30 A.M. tomorrow. All afternoon hunting up P.M. a heavy rain fell. It came from barometer 29.67, thermometer 67, authorities. the northwest and rained near an wind east northeast 2, clouds 2. The Thursday, February 5. Rose at 6 hour and laid the dust which has schooner Dart came in last night and walked on the beach, returned been very troublesome for several with a cargo from the schooner home and bathed. At 8:30 A.M. weeks. I had but 11 inches of Roseneath ashore on Looe Key. At barometer 29.63, thermometer water in the cistern and water is 11 went to Judge Thomas F. King’s 71, wind east 3, clouds 5. Went very scarce on the Key. Took Dan office and on a motion by Ossin B. up to Judge Thomas F. King’s out of jail, he seems penance. Paid Hart set a day for the trial by jury. office and argued the points made Clark $.50 for keeping him. About I showed the Judge a copy of the yesterday. Went to the Fort with 8 the wind had come out from the law granting the right of the State Matilda and the children. The work south and the barometer had fallen to riparian owners. The Judge said is progressing rapidly. Read Law again to what it was in the morning that he would be governed by the Register. it having risen previously to the law and that if I could show that any Friday, February 6. Rose at 5: northwest squall considerately. On of the parties to the bill were the 30 and went to the market. Walked Saturday I gave Lucy Hale $5.00 owners of the fee simple in Greene on the beach, returned home and being $2.50 Hatty found in the Street he would grant the injunction. bathed. At 8:30 A.M. barometer street, $2.50 Sophy Walton brought I found that a deed from Gordon, as 29.57, thermometer 72, wind east me said to have been given by Dan a agent for Pinkney drew up by the southeast 4, clouds 6. Several to her boy John. I do not know more direction of Stephen Mallory, for showers of rain fell during the about it than that the money is not the land from low water mark to the night but not much water. Sister mine so I gave it to Lucy, she said channel and that none of the parties Sarah Patterson and Mrs. Cornelius she had lost $12.00. had any title. I never examined the Curtis spent the day and Captain Sunday, February 1. Rose at 6 pleadings as Douglas drew them and Curtis and Alexander Patterson and walked as yesterday, returned spoke to them I confining myself to took dinner. Charles M. Wells died home and bathed. At 9 A.M. the law point. I was to blame in . He took a bad cold some time barometer 29.50, thermometer 72, not examining the whole papers since and it increased his cough and wind north northwest 3, clouds 8. myself and not to trust so much to weakened him so that he died very Read Cultivator. Pleasant all day my associate. After dinner James unexpectedly to most persons. •

SPRING 2010 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 (Monroe County for page 1)

The boundaries were changed again in 1859 when part of the county was cut to form the southern part of the new Manatee County. This area would later be part of Charlotte County. During the Civil War, Key West and Monroe County were the only southern governments to remain in the Union throughout the war. As a result of the war time population increase, Key West became the largest city in Florida. The population of the county in 1870 The first alongside the Florida East Coast Railroad. was 5,657, and all but 641 lived in Key West. By an act of the legislature in Wrecking was a dying industry as reached a high of 21,563 of which 1866, the northern boundaries were new lighthouses were built on the 19,945 lived in Key West. changed again giving the county all reef. A strong maritime industry In 1917, Monroe County issued the Keys from south. remained supported by fishing, the first bond to build single lane The southwest part of the mainland turtling, shipping and sponging. dirt roads on Key Largo and Big remained in Monroe County. Disaster struck Key West on April Pine Key, and a bridge to Stock On August 12, 1885, the town 1, 1886, when a fire burned out of Island with a short road. In 1922, of Fort Myers was incorporated control for 12 hours destroying another county bond was issued making it the second town in the downtown including most of the to build a road from Key Largo to county. On May 13, 1887, Lee cigar factories. The damage was Lower Matecumbe. At the same County was created out of the estimated at more than $2 million. time, Dade County built a road northwestern part of the county. The strong economy again allowed from Homestead to Key Largo via This is the boundary still in use as a rapid recovery. As a result of the the . Additional the dividing line between Monroe fire, Monroe County funded a fire county bonds and construction and Collier counties, which was station at Jackson Square to augment projects were authorized between created out of the southern part of the Key West Fire Department. 1923 and 1928 for road work and Lee County. The first jail was built in 1832 auto ferries. The first highway with After the Civil War, the first and was replaced in 1845, which auto ferries opened on January 25, significant settlements developed was replaced in turn in 1880. A new 1928. on the Upper Keys growing courthouse was dedicated in 1890. The new century brought a series pineapples and winter vegetables. All these were located at Jackson of destructive hurricanes. The first The farming was mostly on Key Square. struck during October 17 and 18, Largo, and Upper The population and physical 1906, causing major damage to the and Lower Matecumbe Keys. A characteristics of the Keys were work completed on the railroad on large Cuban refugee influx in the forever changed by ’s the Upper Keys with at least 193 l870s and l880s fueled a population decision in 1903 to build the railroad deaths, most of whom were railroad increase and by 1890 Key West was to Key West. The railroad would workers. The Keys were struck by again the largest city in Florida with reach Marathon in 1908, which a major storm on October 11, 1909, a population of 18,080. Population would be the terminus and port for which caused major damage in Key of the rest of the county, even with sailing to Havana until January 22, West. The next year on October 17 the farming, was only 706. 1912 when Henry Flagler would and 18 another storm passed near Cuban hand-rolled cigars see his dream come true and ride Key West with less damage. The became the major industry in into Key West on the first train. The “Great Hurricane” of 1919 passed the last 30 years of the century. population of the county in 1910 west of Key West on September 9

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2010 and 10 causing serious damage in the city. The greatest tragedy was the loss of the Spanish ship Valbanera 40 miles west of Key West. More than 500 passengers and crew died when the ship sank. The highway and railroad did not bring the hoped for prosperity. Keys farming failed from disease and increased competition from mainland and overseas farms. The cigar industry disappeared as American’s taste changed to cigarettes. The Great Depression destroyed the rest of the economy. By 1930, the county’s population dropped to 13,624, of which 12,831 lived in Key West. Keys Wreckers at work. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. The federal government took control of the bankrupt Monroe lived. The Riley-Field Company, County and Key West governments 13,965 residents in the rest of the a real estate firm, owned the 1,500 during the Great Depression and county. acres near the intersection of Card began to develop a tourist economy. The growing tourist economy, Sound Bridge and Ocean Reef The Hurricane of 1935, which increased availability of electricity Road and planned to build a city. struck the Middle and Upper Keys, and air conditioning and a reliable The officers of the real estate firm caused massive destruction with supply of fresh water led to served as mayor and councilmen more than 400 dead and part of the explosive growth in the Florida for the city. The only official action railroad destroyed. The railroad did Keys during the 1950s and taken by the city was to arrange a not rebuild. The federal and state through the 1970s. The census bond issue to build the new Card governments built a new highway to of 1980 shows the population of Sound Bridge in 1960. The city Key West using the railroad bridges Monroe County, outside of Key remained on the books until the to eliminate the auto ferries. West reached 38,806, which for early 1980s when the state bought World War II revitalized the the first time was more than the part of the land and the Florida economy and made Key West a Southernmost City. legislature revoked the charter. major military base that would Key West’s population dropped Two cities created during this remain after the war. Of all the war to 24,832 as a result of military cuts time still remain and one was construction, the most lasting impact in the 1970s. To meet the needs of overturned by court order. The was the waterline from Florida City the changing population, Monroe City of Key Colony Beach was to Key West. This solved the age-old County dedicated courthouses in formed when the 11 qualified problem of a plentiful supply of fresh Marathon and Plantation Key and voters met on September 24, water. In 1967, a desalinization plant a new courthouse annex and jail 1957 and unanimously approved was added to augment the pipeline. in Key West. On March 23, 1971, incorporation and elected F.P. The discovery of the rich the county commission held its first Sadowski mayor. The City of Layton shrimp beds in 1949 and a growing meeting outside of Key West at the was created on September 18, 1963 tourist industry, aided by President Plantation courthouse. when all 25 residents gathered at the Truman’s visits to Key West, added The expanding population led Little Italy Restaurant and voted to to an already booming military to the incorporation of some cities. incorporate. They also voted 25-0 economy. In 1950, the population The first city turned out to be the to name Del Layton mayor. The reached a new high of 29,957, of most unusual. The City of North City of was formed which 26,433 lived in Key West. Key Largo Beach incorporated in when the voters overwhelmingly In 1960, Key West reached an all 1955 and became known as the time high population of 33,956 with Phantom City where no one ever (Continued on page 14)

SPRING 2010 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 (Monroe County from page 13) approved incorporation in a special election on July 30, 1963. A total of 92 votes were cast. At the same time a city council was elected which in turn elected one of it members, Jesse Slone, mayor. On March 26, 1964, the short life of the City of Stock Island ended when Circuit Judge Aquilino Lopez, Jr. signed an order stating that the referendum by which the city was established was not properly conducted. The post-war years again saw hurricanes cause problems in the Keys. In 1948, the Keys were hit with two storms. The first, a category The Overseas Highway being constructed over the Florida East Coast Railway three storm, struck on September 21 bridge. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. and 22. A smaller storm followed on the county acquired the old Monroe center, was added at Jackson Square October 5. On September 10, 1960, County General Hospital on Stock in 1986. The Marathon Government swept over the Island for offices Center was built in 1993. The Middle Keys causing major damage The 1980s and ‘90s saw a large increase in population led to an in Marathon and the Upper Keys. number of Cuban refugees landing increase in crime creating a need for passed over the in the Keys. During the spring and a new jail, which opened on Stock Upper Keys on September 8, 1965. summer of 1980 more than 130,000 Island in February, 1994, followed The worst damage was caused by landed in the Keys from Mariel, by a new sheriff’s office in 1995 tides as much as nine feet above . The adverse publicity caused at the same location. More county normal. a serious decrease in the number offices were added at the Harvey In 1977, Congress appropriated of tourists in the early 1980s. As Government Center at Historic $109 million to build new bridges a result of the refugee crisis, the Truman School in September 1997. to replace the old railroad bridges. federal government established a To replace the outdated Stock With additional money from road block on the mainland, forcing Island Offices the headquarters of the state, the new highway was all Monroe County citizens to the county moved to the restored completed in 1982. The highway prove they were American citizens Gato building on Simonton Street to the mainland now has 43 bridges in order to leave the county. To in January 2002. which have a total of 19.39 miles. counter the massive traffic jams that In the early 1980s, the old Navy were destroying the tourist trade, EDUCATION PROGRAM waterline and desalinization plant the mythical was SPONSORS created and the publicity forced the $100 OR MORE could no longer meet the demand RICHARD G. BRIGHT government to do what could not TOM & KITTY CLEMENTS for fresh water. The Florida Keys BARBARA ELLEN CHURCH be done in court, remove the road BETTY L. DESBIENS Aqueduct Authority constructed a BUD DRETTMANN large new transmission pipeline that block. JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE SHIRLEE EZMIRLY was completed in 1982. With new bridges and a water CELESTE ERICKSON MARY HAFFENREFFER The continued growth of the pipeline, the population of the TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT JOHN H. JONES Keys led the state of Florida to Keys continued to grow. The 1990 LAURA LYNNE KENNEDY EDWARD B. KNIGHT declare the Keys an “Area of Critical United States Census shows a total TOM KNOWLES DAN & VIRGINIA PROBERT State Concern” in 1975. This led to population of 79,435. LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN The increasing size of JUDITH & JAMES ROBERTS the county adoption of a land use MRS. WILLIAM SHALLOW government created a demand SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA plan and a policy of reduced growth ED SWIFT and greater preservation. To handle for more office space. A new JAN & TY SYMROSKI an increasing number of employees, courthouse, Lester Government

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2010 BUSINESS MEMBERS

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY GENEALOGY CENTER 900 LIBRARY PLAZA FORT WAYNE, IN 46802 260-421-1223

AMBROSIA TROPICAL LODGING 618 FLEMING STREET KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-294-5181

CAPE AIR KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT KEY WEST 33040 800-352-0714

CHESAPEAKE APPLIED TECHNOLOGY 623 SIMONTON STREET KEY WEST, FL 33040 888-873-3381

COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE , FL 33042-0839 295-8844

CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. President Truman with the Monroe County Commission. Photo credit: Monroe 601 DUVAL ST. County Library. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142 FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS Major hurricanes again visited Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma P.O. BOX 236 the Keys in the 1990s. On August affected the county with Hurricane ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 DR. ELIAS GERTH 24, 1992, struck Wilma in October caused major 3412 DUCK AVENUE Dade County causing damage on flooding and damage from Key KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-6790 HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION Upper Key Largo primarily to Largo to Key West. As the county 510 GREENE STREET Ocean Reef. On September 25 was recovering from the hurricanes KEY WEST, FL 33040 HISTORICAL PRESERVATION 1998, swept the national economy begin a decline SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. that resulted in the worst recession P.O. BOX 2200 over the Keys causing serious KEY LARGO, FL 33037 since the Great Depression. The damage in the Middle and Lower KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. resulting bank crisis and falling P.O. BOX 2521 Keys. On November 4, Tropical KEY WEST, FL 33045 Storm Mitch moved quickly real estate prices caused the county KEY WEST WOOD WORKS through the Upper Keys causing to institute cuts in budget and 6810 FRONT STREET STOCK ISLAND KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-1811 isolated damage. personnel. Despite the national slow THE LANGLEY PRESS, INC. In the 1990s, the changing down the tourist continued to find 821 GEORGIA STREET KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3156 population and a desire for the Keys but were spending less and MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY local control led to more cities the local economy with some pain 200 GREENE ST. incorporating. On November survived the recession. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 MILE ZERO PUBLISHING 5, 1997 Islamorada voted to In 2009 the county opened two 5950 PENINSULAR DR. #629 incorporate as a city and the first building that construction had KEY WEST, FL 33040 USS MOHAWK MEMORIAL MUSEUM officers were elected in March, started before the recession. The P.O. BOX 186 1999. The election on November Murray Nelson Center on Key Largo KEY WEST, FL 33041 OLD TOWN TROLLEY 3, 1999 resulted in Marathon opened to meet an urgent need for 6631 MALONEY AVENUE voting to incorporate and the office space on the Upper Keys. The KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688 FOUNDATION residents of Key Largo saying no to Freeman Justice Center in Key West P.O. BOX 500130 incorporation. was opened to replace the aging MARATHON, FL 33050 A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. The population of the county County Courthouse. 701 HARBOUR POST DRIVE continued to grow with the U.S. As the new decade begins the TAMPA, FL 33602 813-247-4550 main employment in the county is SEASTORY PRESS Census of 2000 recording a total 305 WHITEHEAD STREET #1 population of 79,589 in the county in the tourist industry followed by KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-5762 [email protected] with Key West increasing to 26,215. retail services, commercial fishing SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA The other cities in the county and government work. The outlook 1319 DUVAL STREET KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577 reported 10,391 in Marathon, 6,993 for the tourist industry looks bright. ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. in Islamorada, 836 in Key Colony 3928 CLAYTON AVE. ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710 Beach and 195 in Layton. Tom Hambright is the Monroe The economy took a major set County Historian at the Monroe back in 2005 when Hurricanes County Library in Key West

SPRING 2010 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 The Shrimp Fleet in Key West Bight. Photo credit: Monroe County Library.

Key West Maritime Historical Society NONPROFIT ORG. P.O. Box 695 U.S. POSTAGE Key West, FL 33041 PAID KEY WEST, FL PERMIT NO. 30

16 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2010