Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal

$2 Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 16 NO. 3 SPRING 2006 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE KEY WEST MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY

This is part three of a continuing story that may or may not have an ending. As long as there are inhabitants on the island an adequate supply of fresh water is essential, it can make or break an economy. Its abundance, a deep water harbor and the strategic position of the island made it ideal for a pioneering settlement and a rendezvous for the United States Navy in the early eighteen hundreds. Part One of “Search” was in the Winter 1998/99 issue of the “Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal” and Part Two appeared in the Fall 2000 Issue. We must remember that Key West is near the end of a chain of islands Water pipeline being installed on a railroad bridge. Photo credit: Monroe County extending south and westward Library. 122 miles from the peninsular of the twelve important seaports in purchased a square mile of land on Florida, that for more than a century the country. It’s rich products of the banks of the Miami River and the inhabitants only transportation sponge, cigars, salvaged goods from encouraged Henry Flagler to extend was by sea. There were no roads wrecks, fish, salt and pineapples his railroad from Palm Beach to her or bridges connecting the islands the island grew to wealth and property with a promise of land to to the mainland. They knew more prosperity. Miami never had a build one of his hotels, which he about business transactions in major natural deep water harbor, only a did. But Henry Flagler wanted a seaports from New Orleans to New small unorganized village occupied deep water port for his ships which York than proceeding in Tallahassee the banks at the mouth of the Miami he achieved when he extended his the state capital until the railroad River where schooners and other railroad to Key West. After the was completed in 1912. sailing craft made port to trade railroad arrived in 1912 it became Key West was never a port of and take on fresh water until 1892. origin but was considered one of In that year Julia Tuttle a visitor (Continued on page 3) NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE “PRESIDENT’S DESK” By Ed Little

The Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal is published quarterly. Subscription is available through membership. Copyright 2006 by We are now well into the summer (in fits and starts) for over ten years, the Key West Maritime Historical of 2006. And, as has been the case and it is the logical outgrowth of the Society of the Florida Keys, Inc. for several years past, this is the Society’s mission to increase public The art on the masthead, the USS season when the Society normally awareness and appreciation of Shark, was drawn by Bill Muir. goes “dormant”. That’s because Keys maritime history. It was only so many of our Directors and recently however, that I was able to Editor: Lynda Hambright Members are out of town, that we acquire, research, and produce the Production:Tom Hambright find it ad visible not to hold the free graphic and text materials needed public lectures (and other events) for those markers. Last month, I Letters and articles are welcome. that have proved popular during completed a full scale mock-up Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys the “winter season”. of the marker that will be used at Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, P.O. But, that doesn’t mean that the three primary entrances to the Box 695, Key West, FL 33041. we are completely idle. Your harborwalk.. As I explained to the Directors continue to meet monthly Board that manages the Seaport, Key West Maritime to conduct Society business, and each marker will provide a “capsule Historical Society to plan coming events. Then too, history” of the maritime activities Board of Directors Lynda Hambright, the Editor of that were centered at Key West President: Edward J.Little,Jr. our quarterly “Florida Keys Sea Bight in years past. Vice President: Winifred Fryzel Heritage Journal, seldom has a Because the markers will be on Secretary: Corey Malcom respite from getting out new issues. permanent display out of doors, they Treasurer: Lynda Hambright Lastly, even your President have to made of especially durable and weather-proof materials. The Shauna Cameron (me) always has something on his Andrea Comstock plate. This time it is wrapping up accompanying photo shows a Tom Hambright efforts to provide (at no cost to representative portion of the mock- Mary Haffenreffer the City) interpretive “historical” up of a marker. A vendor that has John Jones markers for placement along the long experience at producing such Sheri Lohr harborwalk at the municipally markers has at last been found, and Don Lowe we will soon be working with him to T.J. McDermott owned Key West Historic Seaport. Julie McEnroe This initiative has been underway finalize the project. John Viele New Members

George Born, Key West; Richard City, Georgia; Philip McGann, and Polly Crise, Summerland Key; Cudjoe Key; Mile Zero Publishing, Connie and Terry Ganzd, Dade Key West; Edmund Schmelzle, Key City, FL; Eric Langley, Peachtree West.

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2006 (Water from page 1) the principal method of travel to the mainland. In 1917 Monroe County issued roadway bonds for bridges to link the islands to the mainland, trails were made wider and existing roads lengthened to meet the wood bridges, a steel swing bridge across Card Sound connected Key Largo with the mainland. Dade County cooperated by building a road from Florida City to meet the Monroe County road. Unbridged gaps were covered by ferry boats from Lower Matecumbe to Grassy Key and from the Southern part of Key Vaca (Marathon) to No Name Key. Elevated fresh water tanks were part of the ferry landing for the ferry boat supply as well as people waiting in line for the next one. The highway was completed in 1928 without any federal financing. The loss of the railroad when miles of track and roadbed was destroyed by the tidal wave of the Hurricane of 1935, ending the most convenient method of travel for locals, plus tank car of water to alleviate the shortages during the dry months of November through April. Ironically most tourist and visitors were present during the dry months and few during the wet months of July through October and A haard hat diver working on the pipeline. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. never enough to support a tourist economy. The highway with its quantities by tank trucks on Upper the water gaps between the islands ferries and narrow fourteen-foot Keys were priced at 1⁄2 to 2 cents from Lower Matecumbe Key to wide wood bridges was now the only per gallon $15 dollars per 1,000 Big Pine Key to eliminate the slow land route to travel from Key West to gallon $15,000 per million. Four inconvenient and expensive ferries. the mainland. More adventuresome cents a gallon in emergency cases, The bridges were to be financed travelers not discouraged by or $40,000 per million gallon on by the sale of bonds to be paid Miamians descriptions of poor Matecumbe have been reported for by tolls. This project suffered conditions on the Keys would bring at the Veterans camp that were the same fate as the railroad with provisions of water, picnic lunches building a bridge to close the water their equipment, camps, workers and a spare can of gasoline. gap on the highway. A ten-ton load lives and what little progress they Hauling water by truck would is equivalent to only 2,400 gallons. had made were destroyed by the have been cost prohibited, reports In 1933 the Overseas Road Hurricane of 1935. of $3,000 per million gallons on and Toll Bridge Commission The railroad was beyond the Upper Keys have been found was created by the Florida State and the use highly restricted. Small Legislator to build bridges to span (Continued on page 4)

SPRING 2006 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 (Water from page 3) 1935 Mayor William H. Malone Florida Keys situation. All study was authorized by members of the and evaluation must be based on economical repair due to extensive city council to file with the Federal local conditions. The report stated damage over thirty-six miles of authorities an application for a that the water would be obtained track. The Reconstruction Finance loan and grant to aid in financing from the vicinity of Homestead Corporation financed the Overseas construction of a water pipe line where it had been demonstrated by Road and Toll Bridge Commission’s from Key West to a source of supply long term operations of the railraod purchase of the abandoned railroad on the mainland. The application and municipal supplies. A yield right-of-way and the stout unharmed was delivered to H.S. Biddle, of 500,000 to 850,000 gallons per concrete bridges for $3,600,000, consultant engineer with the Federal day was taken from the wells at including the conversion of the Emergency Relief Administration Homestead and railroad wells and bridges into twenty-two foot wide (FERA) and A.C. Bogart, sanitary a draft as high as 2,500,000 gallons highway, using twenty-two foot long engineer, and directed to furnish per day for short periods had been steel I-beams across the fourteen information that may reasonably reported. foot wide railroad foundations and requested in connection with the A supply line from this source adding a poured concrete slab for application to the United States to the existing distribution in Key the twenty foot wide roadbed. Work Government through the FERA. West would have a maximum length began November 28, 1936, within a On the fourth of September 1935, of 130 miles and will essentially week approximately 800 men were Bogart and F.H. McKinly, attached follow the old Florida East Coast on the job, rebuilding the landfill to the P.W.A. Engineering Branch, Railroad right-of-way. A major causeways over the low wide left by steamship to Tampa and then step in construction conditions and stretches of water were ocean and by railroad enroute to Tallahassee lower cost, more favorable now gulf meet, while other crews worked with the application. that the right-of-way is under the on the bridges. Sixteen months later One year before the highway control of the state highway. All the highway was completed and was completed, the Florida State though the northern part of Key officially opened July 4, 1938. Legislature created the Florida Largo was entitled to water and may Toll booths were placed at Lower Keys Aqueduct Commission that require substantial qualities in the Matecumbe and Big Pine Key, rates was signed into law June 11, 1937 future the highway route running were one dollar for car and driver, by Governor Frederick P. Cone. farther north is six and one half twenty five cents for each passenger Monroe County Representative miles longer than the railroad and and four dollars for trucks. Bernie C. Papy recommended would be of substantial additional Meanwhile, the idea of a water William T. Daughtry, William M. cost to run the pipe line along the pipe line from the mainland would Arnold and Earl R. Adams to the highway. Not only the extra miles surface and pass with no action Governor to serve on the Aqueduct but special problems due to the taken. George W. Allen, president of Commission. The engineering firms long crossing at the old Card Sound the First National Bank of Key West, of L.L. Lee and Associates, public wooden bridge where the pipe line wrote in 1914, “It will not be long, works consultants of Miami and would be required to go under the however until a water system will Elson T. Killman, hydraulic and channel at the swing bridge and be installed, the water being piped sanitary engineer of New York City, road practically at sea level on the from the mainland in pipes that will were selected to make a preliminary east end of the bridge rising to a run parallel to and alongside the report upon the cost of an adequate higher elevation on Key Largo . East Coast Extension [railroad].” In and sanitary water supply for the Constructing the main line around the same year Mayor J.M. Fogarty city of Key West and the Florida this longer route would exceed the wrote in his article “What Key Keys. No real funding was in sight cost of providing a lateral feeder West Needs, “A water supply, to the except that attainable from the off the main line by approximately company or individual that would Federal Government for a project of $60,000. This is one example where install a fresh water supply in Key this dimension. in all probability it best to follow West, the most liberal franchise Long fresh water lines 75 to the most direct route. The cost of would be given and in addition, 500 miles in length serving 10,000 every major item, structural or every possible co-operation would population was nothing new, there mechanical was considered as well be extended.” were at least 25 works in this as its serviceability. During the month of August country, none applicable to the Anticipated water consumption,

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2006 important to the determination of the capacity of the water system for present and future periods could not properly be considered by the usual rates of an average city of the same size because of the ingrained habit of the local people to conserve water. A survey showed 2,241 resident cisterns in the city with a total capacity of 11,670,000 gallon storage, an average capacity of 5,200 gallon per cistern., or an estimated seven gallons per person per day, supplemented by shallow brackish wells for washing, flushing and watering, an essential provision for some homes but unfit for human consumption. There were 131 commercial cisterns with a total Pipes at Florida City for the water pipeline. Photo credit: Monroe County capacity of 4,730,000, averaging Library. 36,000 gallons per cistern and eight the aquaduct was 50 gallons per or enlarged. Pumping stations, government, totaling 4,200,000 capita per day for 1939, 56 per including prime movers, pumps, and gallons with an average of 525,000 capita per day for 1944, 62 for supporting equipment, plus storage per cistern. The city had a grand 1949 and 86 gallons for 1969. tanks can be readily enlarged, total of 20,200,000 gallons of water The consumption was based on a compared to a parallel pipe lines stowage, none interconnected or to thirty year period before possible involving large expenditures. the distribution system, except those upgrading the system. Increasing the diameter of the pipe in the Navy Yard. The pipe was the first major by one or two inches greatly exceeds While Key West had approximately item, numerous quotations the added increase in cost. For 94 per cent of the total population had accordingly been obtained example, increasing the diameter of the Keys, it comprised only 3 from cast iron founders and of the pipe from 16 to 18 inches per cent of the 103 square miles steel mills in respect to suitable is equal to running an additional of the main Keys from Key Largo classes of materials in regards to parallel line of approximately 11 1⁄2 south and westerly. A Work Projects a reasonable cost of installation inches in diameter. Administration survey showed the in order to keep fixed charges Leakage was of great importance population of Key West as 12,317 down with the ability to pay, the due to its great length and high value and 934 people living in the area from most favorable quotation was of water. While leakage from 100 to Stock Island to Key Largo. on the use of steel pipe. The 150 gallons per inch diameter, per It was apparent that with the final selection must be made mile, per day may be acceptable in new overseas highway the city is between cost and the comparative some type of water works of shorter intimately bound to the future of the compliance with (A) maximum pipe line constructions, in the case Keys and must be included in the strength (B) permanence (C) of a 16 inch line, 130 miles long as overall capacity development of a minimum leakage (D) flexibility comparison, the total loss of water consumption rate included several (E) high sustained carrying per day with the foregoing average other factors such as population capacity, higher pressure than allowable rate would amount to growth, irrigation along the Upper normal working pressure of 60 to 260,000 gallons daily. If the water Keys, boats of various classes and 100 pound per square inch would were valved at $200 per million the necessity of rate structure with be required due to the long supply gallons this cost capitalized at 6 per adequate minimum charge that line on the Keys. cent would amount to $300,000. would encourage reasonable liberal In selecting a required sized Flexibility is important to use and a reversal of past economy. pipe, attention should be given to offset contraction and expansion The consumption rates estimated for one which could be conveniently due to temperature changes and to a base of selecting the capacity of and economically duplicated (Continued on page 6)

SPRING 2006 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 (Water from page 5) diameter with minor changes in size Base to visiting yachts, by order of through special sections to meet the Secretary of the Navy. This was afford movement primarily to avoid varying requirements, with a total a blow to the city trying to build an rupture of the pipe section and maximum length of 685,000 feet economy on tourism. interruption of service. The pipeline - 130 miles - extending from the On September 19, 1939, Mr. would be subject to tropical storms source of supply on the mainland S. Pierre Robineau of Miami was and hurricanes. The entire length to a point of connection with the employed to act as attorney for the should be designed with a very high existing distribution system in Commission. The citizens of Key safety facture to minimize damage the city of Key West. (4) Storage West took it all in stride, worked all from any or all conditions which facilities in the City of Key West with week (if they had a job), congregated might occur. A protective coating a capacity equivalent to one weeks on Duval Street Saturday nights with for exterior protection against consumption at the estimated initial friends and relatives, went to church corrosion is recommended. As well rate or approximately 3,700,000 on Sunday morning, supplemented as provision of liberal storage at gallons. (5) An emergency booster government food rations with grits various point’s along the Keys for station at Key West with a capacity and Grunts, (a small fish easily possible temporary interruptions of approximately 3 million gallons caught near shore) and kept their of service in a catastrophy. Joint per day. rain barrels clean. operation with the city of Homestead The preliminary report was Thompson Enterprises continued or Florida City’s pumping facilities completed in May 1938, giving the to draw water for their ice plant on or for the purchase of electric power estimated cost using 16” diameter Caroline Street from 32 wells in for the pumping station would pipe at $2,494,000. Progress was the neighborhood, there were at appear feasible due to the small load slow. Financing was not forthcoming least 3 in the Poorhouse area at during the early years to minimize from the Federal government as the intersection of William Street, the cost should be considered. The in previous years. While President Galveston and Poorhouse Lanes, construction, superintendence and Roosevelt was trying to draw the some on Solares Hill, two on labor for operation of single inline country out of the Great Depression Higgs Lane and several on Fleming booster station would nvolve an (there were as many people Street, when one section would annual expenditure of $150,000 unemployed in 1937 as in 1932) turn brackish they would switch to $180,000. Based on the initial an armament was being assembled to another section. In the center of rate of consumption would not be in Germany at an alarming rate that the island windmills, vulnerable warranted. could be a threat to any country. to storm winds had given way to The essential features of the Although far from the United electric powered pumps to slow proposed plan as being the most States our defense was becoming pump fresh well water into above economical in developing an outdated. The passage of the Naval ground supply tanks for the dairy adequate and sanitary supply of Expansion Act on May 17, 1938, herds. The Overseas Hotel, 919 water for the Florida Keys and Key the same month the Florida Keys Fleming Street, advertised 100 West includes the following (1) A Aqueduct report was filed, had little rooms, each with a private bath or supply of water on the mainland effect on the island. On January 5, semi-private bath and shower, hot in the vicinity of Florida City or 1939, President Roosevelt asked and cold running water in every Homestead of approximately 1.23 Congress to increase the national room. At 1015 Fleming Street the million gallons per day capacity, defense budget, Federal funding was Gibson Hotel advertised 40 cool designed for the future enlargement shifting from the domestic progams clean outside rooms with Simmons to provide capacity of not less to military and national defense. innerspring mattresses on every 2.75 million gallons per day. (2) A futile attempt to secure a loan bed. Each room has a private or A main pumping station at the site from the Reconstruction Finance connecting bath showers with hot of the well, designed and equipped Corporation for the estimated cost and cold running water. for an average daily capacity of of the complete water distribution After seven years on a bare 1.25 million gallons per day, with system was made on May 20, 1938. maintenance status, the Naval provisions for future enlargement to More than a year passed when on Station reopened November the provide an average daily capacity of September 11, 1939 war came to first 1939, Commander E.G. Hoey 2.75 million gallons.. (3) A supply Europe. The gates to the Navy Yard Commanding. A Marine detachment line approximately 16 inch average were closed to visitors and the Sub reported for duty and Navy

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2006 Water pipeline installed on a railroad bridge. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. personnel and shipments of supplies hangers, barracks, dispensary, the demands arrangements were arrived daily. A contingent of naval fire house, water storage, ect. made to barge water from Miami vessels replaced the yachts in the Contractors desperate to complete and to have merchant marine ship submarine base. Sixty three civil their obligations were buying fresh the American Seamen to ship it service workers were rehired to join water for their concrete work from in from Tampa, with an estimated the 12 regular employees in making the Navy at $3.00 per 1,000 gallons cost of $1.93 per 1,000 gallons, the existing buildings habitable. Lee until they were lead to a well on including labor and equipment. M. Pierce, a Quarterman Shipfitter Grinnell Street. Even at this date the Navy realized senior civilian employee, remained The well was a backup for two the present water facilities would in charge as he was during the large cisterns on the grounds of the be inadequate if there was a great years the stations was closed and Casa Marina, a large hotel on the expansion in the future. A survey with his many years of service in southern shore built by the Florida indicated that 1,000,000 gallons the yard was a unlimited source of East Coast Railroad Company. of water per day would be needed information and help to Lieutenant The entire Naval Station was for the Naval Station, forces afloat, Commander T.J. Brady the new dependent on the rain-water Naval Air Station, construction in Public Workers Officer. Aviation collection system, distillation plant progress and facilities still in the personnel were arriving occupying and 1,500,000 gallon reservoir planning stage. It was estimated the Seamen’s Barracks Building assembled before World War I until that $2,000,000 would cover the 66, until living quarters were March 1940 when contractors began expenses for the development of completed at the Naval Air Station moving in with contracts, blue a water supply from the mainland, (temporarily under command of the prints and construction equipment using 10 inch pipe. Navy Yard). Preparation for a new to start an expansion of the 50 acre The Navy did continue to expand air station was underway on the site naval station not envisioned by local its facilities, not only within the of the World War One seaplane and naval personnel or anyone else, bounds of the station but in several dirigible base on Trumbo Point. newer contract continued, acres areas of the island city, for each new Contracts were let in early 1940 of land was acquired by purchase, activity commenced orders for two for temporary type buildings to lease or dredging and fill, fresh provide emergency aviation patrols, water became crucial, to alleviate (Continued on page 8)

SPRING 2006 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 (Water from page 7) Commission is a state agency, the share of all costs incurred in the Congress of the United States did operation, maintenance and major more seemed to follow, land to build appropriate $2,000,000 therefore repairs. on was acquired by judgement of a by and under the first supplemental Frank Knox, Secretary of the declaration of taking, the valuation National Defense Appropriation Act Navy, during a special trip to Key of the property determined and paid 1941 which appropriation provided West, signed the agreement for the owner, the Navy was becoming the that such water supply system the Navy Department, William more involved in the city and the might be built in cooperation with T. Doughtry and attorney S.P. city was feeling the effects of a an agency of the State of Florida. Robineau signed for the Aqueduct growing population due to the The distribution system would Commission. arrival of civil service employees, extend throughout the city, An indenture of lease was made construction workers and families, connecting all neighborhoods, and entered into in September an urgent economic and sanitary Navy, Army and other Federal 1941, between the City of Key problem was apparent. properties including housing. The West a municipal corporation It was determined that while main pipe line, pumping station and and the Florida Keys Aqueduct the $2,000,000 procurable through supply tanks. Making it undoubtably Commission, an agency of the the federal appropriation for a part of national defense program, State to construct, equip, operate pipe line from the mainland would there by entitled to defense and maintain a water distribution be adequate for the fresh water appropriations of $1,000,000 in system as a means of providing needs of naval and other federal negotiable bonds. (The arrangement an adequate fresh water supply government activities it would not of Government bonds relieved the to the inhabitants of the City of also furnish the needs of the present city and residences the burden of Key West. The lease included the and prospective civil population of taxation. Paying back the bonds existing water distribution system he City of Key West and the Florida would be through the sale of water comprising all property, equipment Keys without additional funding. to consumers.) and facilities now owned by the city Meanwhile, on September 30, On March 18,1941 an agreement and now formerly installed or used 1940 the Florida Keys Aqueduct was entered into by the United for the purpose of distribution of Commission with no tangible States of American acting through potable, fire protection sanitation or financing passed a resolution to the Navy Department and the domestic or industrial uses including petition the United States Navy and Florida Keys Aqueduct Commission all main feeders and distribution Bureau of Yards and Docks to begin an agency of the State of Florida for gridirons gate valves and valve all preparations and operations the development of a water supply boxes, hydrants, runs and services, necessary for the earliest possible line from the mainland of Florida the pumping station on Jackson construction and completion of a extending along the Florida Keys Square, piping and storage tanks, water line to Key West with the to Key West. The commission was the city will pay $50.00 per annum Florida Keys Aqueduct Commission authorized to issue $1,000,000 in per hydrant which service shall participating in the cost up to the water revenue bonds to pay one- include water required by the city sum of $1,000,000. third of the cost of construction the for fire protection, street cleaning Just how far the resolution went water supply system and in return and flushing of sewer mains. The is rather vague in available records, the Navy Department agreed to commission also agrees to furnish however the United States Navy supply to this commission at least the city with water required for and the Bureau of Yards and Docks one-third of the total quantity of parks and playgrounds, public avoided joint adventures with civil water available in each twenty-four schools, administrative buildings industries and state agencies for hours from the pipeline aqueduct and libraries, charitable institutions various reasons, it literally took when operating under normally and hospitals, cemeteries and an act of Congress to formulate an designed conditions, by proviso, municipal markets at an rate not agreement, which it did. Taking in the event of military emergency to exceed 40 cents per thousand into consideration that the fresh the Navy may shut off the supply of gallons, provided however the water distribution system to their water completely to the commission. rate to the city for water for such various Naval and Federal activities The commission likewise will municipal uses shall not be in would be in the City of Key West reimburse the department in full excess of the standard rate charged and the Florida Keys Aqueduct for the commission’s proportionate by the commission.

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2006 bore cylinders setting upright on the engine base with compressed air starting system, which accounts for the accessories in the contract. A self contained air compressor was required plus a small electric power plant. Centrifugal pumps as the name implies was also manufactured by Fairbanks Morse, depend for their operation on centrifugal force which imparts a high velocity to the water pumped. The high velocity is converted to static pressure in the pump casing, it has only one moving part, an impeller mounted on a rotating shaft directly attached to the end of the diesel engine’s crankshaft. The casing is circular and short in length designed to accommodate the impeller with a Trailer for carrying pipe. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. suction chamber to the center of “eye” of impeller creates a radial and rotary motion to the water When the distribution system government to take or to authorize resulting in centrifugal force, as in the city (Installed by the WPA the taking of property for public the speed increases the water is during the depression years) was use, just compensation being given pushed out the discharge developing inspected, it was discovered that it to the owner. The development was suction in the center drawing more was “not now sufficient to meet the called Stanford Park and each lot water from its source. It has only cities requirements because of lack owner plus the developer had to one draw back the pump is not self of fresh water, only useable for sea be located, transaction made and priming, in other words the casing water.” Apparently they believed paid individually bring the total to must be completely flooded before the building of the aqueduct would $12,644.00 for the property. it will function. This is corrected correspond to their progress of The construction of the pipeline by suppling the pump with water the system, in addition the system finally became a reality when from an exterior supply. Priming was incomplete in its extensions, contract number Noy-5012 was systems are standard equipment on equipment, meters, valves, storage signed with the Fairbanks Morse this type installations. Work on the facilities, pumping stations and and Company for two 500 H.P. contract started April 15, 1942 and other incidental equipment. Major diesel-driven centrifugal pumps completed August 22, 1943. rebuilding and improvement was with an average capacity of 1.25 A second contract Noy-5196 was required to adequately and properly millions gallons of water a day awarded to the Williams Brothers complete the system. each, including all accessories and Corporation to construct a building Ralph A. Bard, acting Secretary proper installation at the well site for the pumping equipment, the of the Navy was the expediter in west of Florida City. They could digging of three 10-inch wells, finding land suitable for a well site, not have made a better selection by each capable of being pumped for his search took him to a 353.17 acre ordering from this company. It was an average of one million gallons tract of land one mile west of Florida a large company with the reputation of water daily and the laying of City, Dade County, a development of manufacturing heavy duty approximately 130 miles of 18 inch laid out in lots partly sold with only diesel engines, hydraulic pumps, diameter pipe from the well site one house The title taken under the air compressors and large freight at Florida City down the Florida authority of Congress August 18, scales. The aqueduct engine was Keys following the old railroad 1941, which is specified by the law a medium speed, two cycle, water (Contined on page 10) of “eminent domain” the right of cooled engine with individual large

SPRING 2006 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 (Water from page 9) by crawler tractors specially the Lower Keys. The state road designed with a short heavy duty department and the Public Works right-of-way ending at Key West. boom fitted on one side with cables Administration agreed to finance The pipeline originally estimated for hoisting heavy objects. A little the improvements. Extending the to be 10 inches in diameter by the ingenuity in placing the lifting sling highway straight through from Navy and 16 inches recommended in the proper place provided perfect Florida City to Key Largo on the by the Florida Keys Aqueduct balance of the long heavy steel remains of the railroad bed, passing Commission’s preliminary report is section making it easier and safer for Card Sound road and bridge. In now 18 inches. Construction finally the workmen lowering thousands of addition to building a new road on started November 28, 1941, 11 days pipes into the trench dug by a huge the abandoned railroad bed from before World War II was declared ditching machine. Sugarloaf Key, south to the end by the United States. Stretching east, south and of the line in Key West. Instead of There was a sudden increase of westerly 130 miles 685,460 feet trying to improve the 19.8 miles activity in Homestead when a long the pipeline designed by Elson T. of the narrow, winding state road freight train hauling thousands of 18 Killam of New York enters it’s final and wooden bridges following the inch diameter steel pipes, each one stage. They will encounter 43 water eastern shoreline ending in Key 42 feet long, weighing a ton and a ways between the islands, some with West by way of the eastern tip of half arrived and began unloading, channels of surging currents forced Stock Island, would trim 17 miles days later they were lined up in good though by tidal changes that would off the roadway. Lowering the order completely covering 10 acres race 5 hours one way, pause then 7 overall milage to Miami from 174 of ground. Special open air sheds hours of its powerful surg from the to 156 miles. The bridges converted were constructed where workmen opposite direction. The 106 miles to a highway in 1938 and the fact prepared the pipe before instillation. from Jewfish Creek to Key West that the original bridges existed at They were first cleaned inside and included 37 miles of open water this time was an advantage to the out in one shed under sprays of a most in the open sea, 17 miles of Florida Keys Aqueduct’s pipeline large stationary pressurized water concrete viaducts, concrete and steel in man hours, work time and cost. and chemicals system, then rolled miles long, 20 miles of earth filled Records show the tides raise to another shed where an electric causeways. Areas of tough hard and lower sea levels as much as detector was passed inside the length rock that would make the ditching one to one half feet daily and are of each pipe that would pin point machines shudder, vibrating, both responsible for the strong currents the slightest leak by recording the machine and operator. Snakes, through the waterways between the drop of voltage at the hole, repaired, swamps and the sawgrass plant with Keys. Wind speed from different if necessary recleaned and tested. its long blades armed with three directions can pile sea water on They were all specially treated rows of sharp teeth, but the most the shore line, while windstorms inside and out to protect them from vexing was the horse flies, sand bring waves washing ashore, the corrosive effects of salt water flies and gnats in their seasons, the seasonal changes and phases of and air, next was a covering of heavy aggravating mosquitos seemed to moon add their greater level of fabric shield of asbestos and tar to have open season year around. the sea. The railroad engineers prevent scarring enroute to the job It was desolate country, of the felt safe in building the railroad site and puncturing of rocks during 934 inhabitants during the railroad bed at 7 to 10 feet level above installation. Gleaming aluminum days, the population dwindled to mean low tide. To do this soil and paint was applied for protection less than 600 on the Keys including rocks were excavated from both from rays of the hot Florida sun, Key Largo and Stock Island, no sides of the proposed road bed when dried were transported to the one lived in the 27 miles from and cut through higher elevations. job site on a pole type semi-trailer Florida City to the small settlement One exception, however was the which merely consisted of a single of Rock Harbor except for a few land area from Florida City to 4 inch diameter steel pole, rear axal homesteaders on Upper Key Largo. Key Largo. The subtropical marsh assembly a set of dual wheels, a It was about this time the State Road land along the eastern edge of the cross member on each end formed Department realized improvements Florida Everglades barely above to accommodate the four pipes and should be made on the highway to sea level. Draglines brought out a attached to a truck. accommodate the increasing traffic sticky moist soil called muck and They were loaded and unloaded due to the military expansion in left water resulting in one road

10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2006 Water pipeline being installed underwater alongside a bridge. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. bed, two ditches and no land area out to be navigation lights that 1938 the Aqueduct Commission for an unforeseen pipe line built in were there for years. People where resolved to prepare the proper later years on an abandoned right expecting something to happen. The application to secure a loan from away. An area approximately 200 highway and bridges were a vital the Reconstruction Finance feet wide. link to the navy and other military Corporation (Established in 1932 The pipeline was designed components in the Lower Keys to stimulate banking and business.). to be supported by a series of would be vulnerable as well as the On September 4, 1941 the wooden stanchions to maintain new water line. The military set up Aqueduct received from the RFC an equivalent elevation in lower road patrols to search for any form an executed copy of the resolution areas and waterways and buried of sabotage device and report any of commitment to buy $1,500,000 in trenches in the earth of higher suspicious damage to road, bridges of bonds at an interest rate of four elevations to keep rise and decent to or pipeline. percent and on September 9, 1941, the lowest degree. The week of December 8, 1944 a resolution providing the issuance The pressing of war having its S. Pierre Robineau, attorney for the of $1,750,000 Aqueduct bonds was effect after Japan’s attack, people Aqueduct Commission was on his signed with the First National Bank would become tense when scouting way to the Nations capital to inquire of Miami as trustee. planes from the Naval Air Station into the delay of $1,750,000 water The war also had its effect on the would fly over head, strangers bonds. County Clerk Ross Sawyer pipeline construction, supplying the were looked on with suspicions, and two members of the Florida Lower Keys with a greater supply fishermen out in their small boats Keys Aqueduct Commission, of water was essential. Building were reported to naval intelligence William Daughtry and William the stanchions and installing them as would be saboteurs, strange Arnold were waiting to affix their in perfect alignment was time lights at night sending signals signatures on the bonds along with was also reported which turned S.R. Robineau. Back on May 10, ((Continued on page 12)

SPRING 2006 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 (Water from page 11) Past Jewfish Creek there was The Long Key Viaduct an 106 miles to go from Key Largo the abandoned railroad bridge was consuming. (A stanchion is an largest of the Florida Keys which 11,969 feet long concrete multiple upright bar, beem or post used to also provided the longest straight spandrel arch structure convert to support.) In this case two uprights away of the entire pipeline running an automobile highway by adding were used with a cross member on parallel to the highway and some of a concrete roadway deck which top to carry the pipe secured by a the most difficult surface to break extended four feet on each side of “U” shaped iron bar over the pipe thru with ditching machinery.. the substructure, installation of the and into the wood cross member. To Blasting with dynamite was the pipeline was accomplished with the save time and security the pipeline best way to break the surface of service of a mobile crane with an was laid submerged in the westerly tough coral rock composed largely attachment shaped to lower the pipe, side canal for nearly 20 miles of coral and shells called Key and under the four foot overhang of between Florida City and Jewfish Largo Lime Stone also described the highway deck on to the hangers. Creek. More men were employed, as exposed bedrock. This formation Pipe fitters worked from a small day and night crews worked ahead of rock is present as far south as platform suspended from another building and mounting stanchions in Big Pine Key where it dips below mobile unit. (A spandrel is either lower elevation, across short water sea level at the New Found Harbor of the triangular spaces between ways and land fills, while others Keys. From there to Key West the the exterior curve of the arch and were installing triangular medal formation of Miami Oolite overlays a rectangular frame or molding intermediate hangers on concrete the Key Largo limestone with a thin enclosing.) The Seven Mile Bridge spandral bridges at proper spans layer of cap rock. a 35,716 foot long structure named or welded to steel girders or cross A two mile line of tall stanchions for the seven miles of open water beams, others were operating ditch were installed in the shallow water from Knight Key to Pacet Key, steel digging machines digging trenches running parallel to the highway, deck plates on giant concrete piers to avoid a delay of the pipe fitters bridges and filled causeways between supported the railroad two-thirds of work when they arrive. Nearly a Upper and Lower Matecumbes. A the way to Pacet Key, two hundred thousand men were working on forty-foot Bascule bridge extended and ten 53 foot concrete spandrel various places from Jewfish Creek over the Teatable Key Channel near arches completed the bridge. The to Key West. Jewfish Creek was the the east side where the pipeline was roadway on top was the same as first challenge, it was more than a laid into the bottom of the channel. described for Long Key with one creek it forms the boundary between The most demanding engineering exception, a 253-foot swing bridge the main land and the Florida Keys, problem included the area from over Moser Channel, not only did the only passage for many miles, Lower Matecumbe to Long Key the pipeline go under the 16 foot also a channel for the intercoastal a stretch of open water where the swift channel but around a 125 waterway coming down the eastern Gulf of Mexico meets the open foot bulwark extending 90 degrees seaboard connecting the Atlantic sea, nearly four miles wide before from the swing bridge foundation. with the Gulf and Florida Bay. Well Flagler’s Railroad, built two and Last of the three great bridges, the traveled by medium and small boats half miles of land filled causeways, single-lane steel truss bridge 5,356 and a new Bascule bridge. With the a mile and a half of bridges and a foot long on giant concrete piers service of a drill-barge a trench fifty foot Bascule Bridge. Funneling over the Bahia Honda Channel, was cut into the bottom of the a vast area of water through the to narrow for a two lane highway. channel, the pipes were assembled only passage creating strong tidal Building the same type roadway to conform to the trench and floated currents. The low draw spans decking over the 65 foot high top into place with the assistance of a beneath which strong current pass of the truss solved the problem. The crane, line handlers and hard hat prevented placing the pipeline on builders of the aqueduct were more driver, to prevent damage to the the bridge work. Large drill barges fortunate by placing the pipeline new pipeline. failed to dig a trench into the through the vacant interior of the Local men were also employed bottom, only blasting a path with truss 30 feet above the channel. A building the aqueduct. Art McKee dynamite into the hard rock bottom long landfill made the approach. The worked as a diver and Alonzo was the drill barges able to dig a terrain makes a change beginning Cothron operated a ditch digger, trench to lay the pipe under water near Big Pine Key, the second Otis Curry worked as rigger. for a distance of nearly a mile. largest key including an elevation

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2006 Trench for the water pipeline. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. of 8 to 10 feet above sea level. distribution center on the southwest territory was no easy task. When Sufficient for burying, the pipes in corner of Jackson Square, corner of the two pumps at Florida City were trenches. The concrete arch bridges Thomas and Southard Streets and not in operation air pockets formed continue, none so massive or long court house. as the water would settle in the mostly 6 to 7 feet clearance over The Key West Citizen of low areas creating vacuum above more waterways of shallow milder September 2, 1942 reported Captain which drew air in holes to small currents. Across Big Pine Channel C.E. Reordan, Commandant of for a water leak to be noticeable. is Little Torch Key primarily good the Naval Operation Base, issued Air pockets were also formed by elevation railroad bed only raised to a memorandum that requested small users along the Florida Keys, maintain seven foot as was Ramrod, all Naval personal to “Exercise when pumps started up again they Summerland, Cudjoe and Upper the upmost economy in the had to run slowly for approximately Sugarloaf Keys turning into Lower use of water in as much as the two hours until the pressure built Sugarloaf an assortment of small Operating Base is not receiving up to avoid a hammering effect low laying islands, shallow water, fresh water from the Homestead which strained the line, caused by mud tidal flats, mangrove islands pipeline contrary to published air pockets built up to excessive air and swamps approximately four reports.” The water reached Key pressure. (Air can be compressed, miles wide ridged on the oceanside West September 22, 1942. First reduced in volume, pure water with reasonably high ground and pumping was to flush out the line, can not.). The Navy report also state highway, nothing suitable for however no water was for human stated “The water while potable a railroad with a preference of a consumption since engineering was extremely hard and contained straight line regardless of what it difficulties had developed that considerable suspended matter, a takes, this time numerous land fills would probably delay operation high degree of color and was not and concrete arched bridges, the of the line for an indefinite period. suitable for steaming.” Extremely pipeline was carried on stanchions Lieutenant K.M. Fenwick, Public hard would be high content of most of the way including Big Works Officer for the Naval Base, minerals that under high heat of the Coppit Key, Boca Chica Key, Stock said “Initial technical difficulties boiler and its circuits tends to carry Island and finally two thirds the are to be expected in a project as some moisture of insoluble matter way through Key West then down complicated as this.” that may form heat resisting scale on Eaton Street and over to existing Indefinite time it was, search and (Continued on page 14) pump station, storage tanks and correcting problems over so large a

SPRING 2006 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 Navy water plant at Florida City. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. (Water from page 13) time.” Justly so by many people just been completed to determine the amount of corrosion in the line. the turbine blades causing corrosion but the statement “The water line After meeting and overcoming and unbalance of ships propulsion to Key West is the longest single many difficulties, on October 1944 steam turbines. Complaints were force aqueduct in the world.” Was the aqueduct was finally accepted. coming from Navy and some civilian short lived the project that started Williams Brothers was paid housewives with little success in with limited funds and expectations $1,719,017.95 for digging wells and making soapy water for laundry and of operating a minimum capacity laying he pipes and Fairbanks Morse dishes. Bathing wasn’t much better, is now under strain to meet the and Company for two diesel-driven with the new water. The Navy demand. A recommendation was centrifugal pumps and installation Hospital was experiencing the same made to the Bureau to install was paid $44,862.35. problem, not suitable for hospital a booster pumping station at use, resorted back to their original Marathon. On May 9, 1944 the two rain water collection system of two recommendations were authorized, EDUCATION PROGRAM large cisterns and a large water tank giving Charles Toppino and Sons SPONSORS in the tower on the roof. It was years contract NOY-11096 for $112,135 $100 OR MORE for a pumping station at Marathon CAPT. RICHARD G. BRIGHT before they returned to the aqueduct BETTY L. DESBIENS for the fresh water supply. and Gabel Construction Company BUD DRETTMANN JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE On October 16, 1943 a $180,000 for a water treatment SHIRLEE EZMIRLY MARY HAFFENREFFER recommendation was made to the plant at Florida City. Both jobs were TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT DR. & MRS. RICHARD F. HNAT Bureau of Yards and Docks for still under construction in October CLYDE W. HENSLEY JOHN H. JONES the instillation of a filtration and 1945. In April 1944 Hunter Harden EDWARD B. KNIGHT TOM KNOWLES treatment plant. The news media chief electrician and electrical ROSS & ANN MCKEE BILL MUIR showed interest when the Aqueduct engineer for the Naval Base was JOHN & KAY PLIMPTON DAN & VIRGINIA PROBERT reported “Major project of the Navy, provided with funds up to $200,000 LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN JUDITH & JAMES ROBERTS a 135 mile aqueduct bringing water to build and install certain electrical MRS. WILLIAM SHALLOW ED SWIFT from wells at Florida City acclaimed equipment to prevent corrosion of JAN & TY SYMROSKI one of Engineering marvels of all the pipeline. A cathodic survey had

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SPRING 2006 On a normal running day the of the Government on their own pumps provided three-million property no later than December 1, gallons a day, 10,000,000 gallons 1957. Plans, design and financing of water filled the line and an to construct a new pipeline started BUSINESS MEMBERS average of six days traveling time immediately. No plans or estimate CAPE AIR for the water to reach the island could put the completion before or KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT KEY WEST 33040 800-352-0714 base in Key West from Florida by the time limit. Attention turned COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. City. There was mixed reaction by to the feasibility of a desalination 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE the residences and customers. The plant. Consulting engineers were LITTLE TORCH KEY, FL 33042-0839 295-8844 CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. majority accepted it as the best thing employed, loan applications 601 DUVAL ST. that could happen to the island, but were requested for $4,436,000. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142 FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS due to reasons previous mentioned Westinghouse Electric’s bid met all P.O. BOX 236 were hesitant to use it even after specifications and built their plant ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 DR. ELIAS GERTH the treatment plant reduced the on Stock Island, producing two and 3412 DUCK AVENUE hardness and cleared the suspended six-tenths million gallons a day for KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-6790 HERITAGE HARBOR TOURS matter. The old ingrained habit of a thirty day test period and went on 201 FRONT STREET conserving water was still there and line in the fall of 1967. Westinghouse KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-8687 HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION had a lot to do with their monthly Corporation was awarded 510 GREENE STREET bills. Consumption was not up to $3,360,000. In the meantime the KEY WEST, FL 33040 original estimate 56 gallons per military was making a world wide HISTORICAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. capita per day. Elderly people were review of all base and commands P.O. BOX 2200 KEY LARGO, FL 33037 still on welfare from depression for cutbacks and base closings and KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. days. The director of the aqueduct the Key West Naval Station was on P.O. BOX 2521 KEY WEST, FL 33045 offered to demolish cisterns and the list. Rear Admiral F.J. Brush in THE LANGLEY PRESS, INC. haul it away to entice them to use preparing for cutback made known 821 GEORGIA STREET more water, monthly payments his intention to transfer the pipeline KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3156 MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY from customers were short of back to the aqueduct. Going through 200 GREENE ST. making full payment on the bonds. government legislation and both KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 MILE ZERO PUBLISHING In the late 1940’s an arrangement houses of Congress would be time 5950 PENINSULAR DR. #629 was worked out through legislation consuming. He simplified the matter KEY WEST, FL 33040 OLD TOWN TROLLEY where the government would buy by transferring through existing 6631 MALONEY AVENUE out the Florida Keys Aqueduct legislation for surplus property. KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688 PIGEON KEY FOUNDATION Commission’s share of the pipeline After four months transition period P.O. BOX 500130 and then sell Navy water to residents on June 1, 1976 the Florida Keys MARATHON, FL 33050 A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. as needed. Contracts took effect Aqueduct, now “Authority” took 1803 EASTPORT DR. December 1951. The arrangement over full ownership and operations TAMPA, FL 33605 813-247-4550 SEACAMP ASSOC. was suitable until the growing of all existing pipeline and RT. 3, BOX 170 civilian population’s demand for facilities, well field and treatment BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043 872-2331 water surpassed the Navy’s. To plants. Surplus transfer price was SEA STORE 614 GREENE ST. increase supply a pump station was $2,100,000. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3438 built on Tavernieer. The war in the SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA 1319 DUVAL STREET past, Key West Naval operation KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577 base made a reduction in force Carston R. Heinlein, originally SCHOONER WESTERN UNION 202R WILLIAM STREET while civilian population grew. The from Ohio, enlisted in the U.S. KEY WEST, FL 33040 587-2715 Navy demand for water was less Marine Corps before WW II. He was ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. 3928 CLAYTON AVE. and the civilian more, in effect it stationed in Key West during the ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710 was not the Navy’s responsibility to early days of the war before joining WASHINGTON STREET INN 807 WASHINGTON STREET operate a civilian utility. Resulting the First Marine Division in which KEY WEST, FL 305-296-0550 in negotiations for a contract in an he served in the Pacific Theater and agreement with the Florida Keys North China. He married Camille Aqueduct Commission a water Louise Pierce of Key West and system to operate independent settled here after the war.

SPRING 2006 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 The Navy Aqueduct in 1963. 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

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