$2 Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 20 NO. 1 FALL 2009 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE KEY WEST MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY

20th Year SOCIETY NEWS AND NOTES by Tom Hambright

When the Key West Maritime the 36 influential people installed Historical Society was reactive in in the Key West Historic Memorial the 1990s one of the our missions Sculpture Garden. was to start a historical journal. Lewis G. Schmidt uncovered We hoped to tell some of the great the true story of Sandy Cornish the history of the Florida Keys, find remarkable leader of the African the grain of truth in the myths and American community in Key West lies that was being taken as history, before and during the Civil War. record some current history before Sandy never appeared in official the memory fades and uncover records but Lewis found his story some of the forgotten stories of our in the letters and diaries of the The Florida Keys Sea Heritage past. Union soldiers stationed here during Journal is published quarterly. In the summer of 1990 a the war. Besides improving race Subscription is available through committee of John Viele, Ed Little relation he was also the founder of membership. Copyright 2009 by Bill Muir, Carole Heinlein and the first A.M.E. Zion Church in the the Key West Maritime Historical myself was formed to work out State of Florida. From the article in Society of the Florida Keys, Inc. the details of the new publication. the Spring 1994 issue Sandy was The art on the masthead, the USS After several meeting it was decide also included in the 37 individuals Shark, was drawn by Bill Muir. to publish the first edition and work installed in the sculpture garden. out the problems from there. In the In the same issue we told the Editor: Lynda Hambright Production:Tom Hambright fall of 1990 volume one hit the forgotten story of Clarence K. Till, street. It had six pages . the first Key West police officer Some my favorite articles in the Letters and articles are welcome. killed in the line of duty. This Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys last nineteen years are: resulted in publication of his story in The Fall 1991 issue Carston Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, P.O. the press and his name being added Box 695, Key West, FL 33041. R. Heinlein told the tragic story to the National Law Enforcement of the loss of the USS Sturtevant Memorial in Washington, DC. Key West Maritime (DD 240) during World War II. He A maritime tragedy that had Historical Society was able to interview some of the never been fully told and as a results Board of Directors survivors during their reunion and a number of legends and myths had with official accounts told the story grown up about the sinking of the President: Edward J.Little,Jr. Vice President: Bill Verge of the loss of the ship. This is the Spanish steamer Valbanera and only article from the Journal that Secretary: Corey Malcom the loss of over 500 passengers and Treasurer: Tom Hambright has been reprinted in its entirety crewmen and the Commandant of when the Tin Can Sailor republished the Naval Station’s investigation. the article in its newsletter. In the Summer 1996 Journal we Andrea Comstock The Winter 1993 issue Lynda printed the translation Fernando J. George Craig Bill Grosscup Hambright told the remarkable Garcia Eckegogan’s true account story of Sister M. Louis Gabriel Tom Hambright of the loss of the Valbanera in the Mary Haffenreffer who served the religious and Hurricane of 1919. Fernando and John Jones educational needs of the community I had both searched the National Sheri Lohr for over 50 years. She also left a Archives for Commandant Benton Don Lowe prayer that protects the island from C. Decker’s report on the Navy Louis Maglio Julie McEnroe the ravages of a major hurricane. Communication Station action This helped Sister Louis being one Bill Verge to contact the Valbanera during John Viele New Member

Davis F. Yates, Big Pine Key.

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2009 and after the storm. After all the of it in some many issues the list Summer 2002 searching I found the report in Key would be very long. If you find Carysfort HMS wreck of West in the Wilhelmina Harvey’s Mr. Hackley’s life as interesting as Fall 1991 papers and published it in the Spring I do we the complete diary at the Carysfort Reef Button Wreck 2005 Journal. Library. Summer 2002 In the Spring 2000 we reprinted Carysfort Reef Lightship Adams Maitland article a paper given at the Florida Keys Winter 2006 Fall 1997 Carysfort Reef restoration area Maritime Conference about the African American buried Marquesas Island and the search Maine Plot Spring 2003 Charterboat Row history for the Spanish Galleon Atocha Fall 2004 African Cemetery at Higgs Summer 1998 by Dr. Eugene Lyon. We published Cholera ship arrives with this wonderful paper for a larger Beach Fall 2002 Spring 1996 audience and recorded it for future African Taken Key West to Christmas in Key West readers and researchers. Liberia Winter 1992 Corey Malcom, Director of Winter 2008 Cimbus wreck of Archaeology for the Mel Fisher Albertson Joseph in Memory Fall 1990 Maritime Heritage Society and Winter 1996 Civil War Col. Good given sword secretary of the KWMHS, for years Allen Joe in Memory Summer 2006 Fall 1994 been studying, researching and Civil War in Key West part 1 writing about the 1,432 African Appleby Joshua man & ship Winter 1999 Summer 1998 brought to Key West in 1860 where Army Cemetery Civil War in Key West part 2 295 died and were buried on Higgs Summer 2002 Fall 1998 Beach. Corey led the effort to have Army in Keys 1857 Civil War in Key West part 3 a memorial installed on the burial Summer 2003 Winter 1998 site and now efforts are underway Arnold Samuel B. Memoirs Civil War in Key West Part 4 to have the site marked as a World Fall 1996 Spring 1999 Heritage Site. We were happy Arnold William article Civil War in Key West Part 5 Spring 2004 Summer 1999 to have played a small part by Atocha Navigation Civil War in Key West Part 6 publishing two of Corey’s articles Summer 1994 Fall 1999 in Fall 2002 and Winter 2008/2009 Atocha search for Civil War in Key West Part 7 issues. Spring 2000 Winter 1999 One of our missions with the Aviation Records set in Key Civil War in Key West Part 8 Journal was to record current stories West Spring 2000 before the memory faded. In the Summer 1995 Civil War in Key West Part 9 Bahamian Roots story of the two young Key Westers Summer 2000 Summer 2005 Civil War Maritime events killed in World War One and how Bar fight 1903 some youngsters planted a tree in Spring 1995 Winter 1990 Clift Hiram Journal the memory of one of these. We Bartlum John article Summer 1992 able to record this story in Fall 2007 Spring 1997 Bartlum John shipbuilder Clione Yacht history of issue. article Winter 1990 This is just a few of the many Spring 1991 Coal Blocks on Horseshoe stories we have published in the last Barton Clara in Key West Reef nineteen years. If you missed any Spring 1991 Summer 2001 of these stores we have a number Black Sailors in Keys Coast Guard Cutter Thetis Spring 1992 Summer 1993 of the Journals on our web-site Coast Guard Ship Appleby keywestmaratime.org and we have Botanist in Keys 1884 Winter 1992 Winter 1999 complete set at the Monroe County Bradley Guy M. game warden Cornish Sandie article Library Key West. killed Spring 1994 In the index that follows I Fall 1995 Crusoe Edwin poem included the major subjects in the Brides Ship of Summer 1991 articles. I left Hackley’s Diary out Summer 1991 of the index because we had parts Button Wreck (Continued on page 4)

FALL 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 (Index from page 3) Fort Jefferson article Fall 1999 Winter 1990 Hurricane 1935 & Steamer Crusoe Edwin poem Fort Taylor artifacts removed Dixie Spring 1993 Winter 2007 Winter 2007 Hurricane 1935 Woman’s Cuban Fisheries off Keys Fyffe Jones P. article Summer 1996 Account Spring 1994 Summer 2006 Cuban Fishing at Vestal Shoal Gabriel Sister M. Louis article Winter 1996 Hurricanes & flooding report Winter 1993 Winter 2005 Cuban Insurgents 1895 Galleon deep water site found Fall 2004 Indian Key Raid Fall 1990 Summer 2001 Curry Family history Gardner Family Roots Fall 2006 Indian War letters Summer 2005 Fall 2001 Dance Hall fight Gato Eduardo H. article Spring 1995 Influenza 1918 Dixie Steamer & 1935 Winter 2002 Winter 2006 Hurricane Gauld’s Survey article Isaac Allerton wreck Winter 2007 Spring 1993 Winter 1991 Douglass Frederick in Key Giovanni A wreck of Jameson Colin in Memory West Winter 1990 Winter 1999 Fall 1999 Gisterer William Diary 1898 Jobes Harold in Flight Training Duel on Duval Street Winter 1997 Spring 2001 Goehring Edward Hurricane Summer 1999 Dutch Navy at Tortugas 1906 Journal win awards Fall 1991 Winter 1995 Spring 1992 Elliott Robert Jr. in Memory Good Tilghman Col. given Key Lime Pie Winter 1999 gold sword Fall 1997 Evangeline Log 1940 Fall 1994 Key West 1828 Spring 2002 Hanging first in Key West Winter 2001 Ewert Fred executed Spring 1999 Key West 1836 Spring 1994 Harbor in 1940 Summer 2002 Fackler Michael Reverend Spring 2002 Key West 1852 Harley Daniel O’Connel killed Fall 1995 Winter 2002 on Maine Fanning David Col. sailing Key West 1871 Keys 1784 Spring 1998 Spring 2007 Summer 1993 Haynie L.M. poem Key West 1884 First Keys Mariners were Summer 1991 Summer 2001 Indians Health Florida Board Key West 1907 Fall 1990 Fall 2007 Summer 1995 Fish Kill Ft. Jefferson Higgs Gilbert Rev. in 1898 Key West Bight Spring 2007 Winter 1997 Spring 2000 Fisheries of the Florida Keys Horseshoe Reef’s Coal Blocks Key West Bight City buys part 1 Summer 2001 Summer 1991 Winter 1990 Hospital Navy Key West High School Class Fisheries of the Florida Keys Fall 1992 1915 part 2 Hospital Marine article Fall 2003 Spring 1991 Fisheries of the Florida Keys Winter 1991 Key West Simonton Buys part 3 Hurricane 1846 Fall 1993 Summer 1991 Summer 1996 Keys article by Railroad Writer Fishing Confrontation with Hurricane 1856 Summer 1993 Cuban boats Summer 2007 Keys Cruising 1899 Winter 1996 Hurricane 1906 Summer 1992 Fishing Florida’s first industry Winter 1995 Keys Cruising 1899-2 Summer 2000 Hurricane 1909 Navy report Fall 1992 Fishing King Mackerel Spring 2005 Keys Life on 1895 Winter 1999 Hurricane 1910 Fall 1993 Fishing off Keys 1824 Winter 2000 Keys sailing in 1784 Summer 1992 Hurricane 1910 Navy report Summer 1993 Florida 150 Years Statehood Spring 2005 Kinfolks Curry Family history Winter 1994 Hurricane 1919 Navy report Fall 2006

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2009 Knowles Clement L. article Misteriosa schooner launching Spring 2005 Summer 2003 Summer 1991 Planter (now Tavernier) article Krome William J. article Mohawk USS in WW II Winter 1993 Winter 1995 Summer 2008 Porter David in Key West part Langley Wright Memory in Naval Academy Class 1864 1 Summer 2000 Summer 1994 Lighthouse Carysfort visit Fall 1999 Porter David in Key West part 1875 Naval Air Station WW I 2 Spring 1996 Summer 1999 Fall 1994 Lime Key Pie article Naval Flight Training WW I Porter David in Key West part Fall 1997 Summer 1999 3 Lobster Fishery part 1 Naval Station 1883 Winter 1994 Winter 1999 Porter David in Key West part Fall 1993 4 Lobster Fishery part 2 Navigation of Atocha Summer 1994 Spring 1995 Winter 1993 Powell Kim article Loo HMS wreck part 1 Navy damage Hurricane 1919 Fall 1999 Winter 1996 Spring 1991 PT 728 Article Loo HMS wreck part 2 Navy History Meacham Field Summer 2009 Spring 2008 Summer 1991 Navy History of NAAS Boca Revenue Cutter Florida orders Louisa schooner & Model Chica Winter 1999 Fall 1992 Winter 2008 Reyes/Castanon duel Lowe John Jr. Captain Navy Hospital article Spring 2001 Spring 1993 Fall 1992 Rhein German ship Sinking Magic Racing Yacht Navy in Second Seminole War Fall 1993 Summer 1993 Fall 2001 Rogers John in Keys 1830s Mail Service in Keys Navy Medical WW I Summer 2008 Spring 1996 Spring 1993 Sailing Club history Maine Battleship & Key West Navy Mine Field off Key West Winter 1990 Winter 1997 Maine Battleship Plot Spring 2003 Sailing Directions on Keys Cemetery Navy Schooner Wave Log Spring 1993 Spring 1993 Fall 2001 Salt industry Key West Navy sinking German Ship Fall 1996 Maine Battleship Plot Cross before WW II Sands Howard J. article Winter 1991 Fall 1993 Fall 2007 Maine Plot African Buried Navy Submarine SS 81 Sands Howard Memorial Fall 2004 Winter 2004 Fall 2007 Maine USS Victim Letter by Navy Wireless Station Sawyer Arthur B. article Spring 1998 Fall 2008 Fall 2007 Mark Twain in Key West Newark ship wreck of School Key West High Winter 2002 Spring 1991 Fall 2003 Marquesas article Patterson Family School Teacher Keys in 1910 Spring 2000 Summer 2003 Fall 2001 Marti Jose article Pawnee USS Station Ship Key Schools Monroe Directory Spring 2008 West 1915-1916 Matchless schooner article Fall 1995 Fall 2003 Fall 1992 Peary Robert E. in Key West Schooner carrying gun powder Medical Care before 1845 Spring 1997 1881 Spring 1995 Perez Dora article Winter 1991 Medical Navy WW I Fall 2001 Schooners Old in Key West Spring 1993 Perry Mathew in Pirate Waters Winter 1991 Melbourne Dutchy convicted Spring 2007 Scurvy Loathsome Disease for murder Perry Matthew Claims Key Winter 2005 Spring 1994 West Sea Heritage Journal Name Mermaid seen in Bahamas Summer 1992 selected Philadelphia steamer arrives Winter 2003 Winter 1990 Merritt-Chapman & Scott with Cholera Seminole War Second Corporation Spring 1996 Summer 2000 Pierce E. Lowe PhD (Contined on page 6)

FALL 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 (Index from page 5) Turtle Green Soup article Summer 1992 Summer 2001 Fall 1997 Wreck Bird Key Tortugas Shark Fishing Turtle Industry Summer 1997 Summer 2002 Spring 2009 Wreck Brig Shannon Sherwood Norman hanging Tyger HMS wreck part 1 Fall 1998 Spring 1999 Fall 2000 Wreck CV Domburgh part 1 Shipbuilding Ways in Key Tyger HMS wreck part 2 Winter 2003 West Winter 2000 Wreck CV Domburgh part 2 Fall 2005 U-Boats off Florida Spring 2004 Shipwreck Archaeological Summer 1992 Wreck CV Domburgh part 3 Resources USMC in Key West 1898 Summer 2004 Fall 1991 Summer 1991 Wreck HMS Tyger Simonton John buys Key West Valbanera Steamer loss of Fall 2000 Fall 1993 Summer 1996 Wreck in book by Viele Smith Columbus visit to Key West Viele John book The Wreckers Winter 2000 Summer 1995 Winter 2000 Wreck on American Shoal Voyage to Key West 1829 Spring 2001 Slave Ship article Wreck Schooner Speedwell Fall 2002 Winter 1995 Water Fresh in Harbor loss of 9 Slave Traders article Winter 1997 Fall 2002 Spring 2007 Wreck SS Valbanera Navy Slave Vessels article Water Fresh search part 1 report Fall 2002 Winter 1998 Spring 2005 Slaves not freed Water Fresh search part 2 Wreck St. Augustine Beach Spring 1999 Fall 2000 Winter 2003 Society Rowing program Water Fresh search part 3 Wreck Steamer Florida Summer 1991 Spring 2006 Silverbow Society Wins Education Award Watson Ed article Spring 2001 Summer 1991 Summer 2007 Wreck Steamer Jablanica Spanish American War Sailor’s Weather freak gale 1940 Winter 2001 Diary Spring 2002 Wreck Tanker Capri Winter 1997 Webb & Whitehead letters Summer 2000 Sponge Industry Florida Fall 2001 Wreckers Florida Keys Spring 1999 Western Union schooner misconception Street Names returns Summer 2004 Summer 1998 Spring 1991 Wrecking 1860 Sturtevant USS DD 240 loss of Whalton Stephen M. article Fall 1995 Fall 1991 Winter 2006 Wrecking Court cases Surveying Keys 1850s Whitehead & Webb letters Summer 2009 Summer 2006 Fall 2001 Wrecking voyage 1831 Whitehead William voyage Winter 1992 Taussig Joseph K. in 1898 1830 Wright Arthur H. buried Maine Spring 1998 Fall 1992 Plot Telegraph to Cuba Whitehead William Key West Fall 1999 Fall 1991 Winter 2001 WW I in Key West Thetis USCG legacy Wisteria Lighthouse Tender Spring 1999 Summer 1993 Summer 1998 Thomas Vincent C. Jr. WW I in Key West Wisteria Lighthouse Tender Summer 1999 Memory article WW II Gulf Sea Frontier War Spring 1997 Fall 1992 Diary Thompson Norberg article World War II Housing Winter 2004 Fall 1997 Shortage WW II off Key West June Till Clarence K. Police Officer Winter 1991 1942 killed World War II Impact in Key Spring 2003 Spring 1994 West WW II Spy Turtle Cannery article Spring 1992 Summer 2005 Spring 1992 World War II in Key West WW II USS Mohawk Turtle Fisheries Winter 1992 Summer 2008 Spring 1997 World War II U-Boats Yellow Fever

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2009 William Hackley’s Diary

William Hackley practiced Tuesday, November 11. Rose to give Bottomry bond on the cargo law in Key West from 1829 to at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, of the bark Emigrant when an 1857. He kept a diary for part returned home and bathed. At 8 amount is arrived at. Read papers. of the time he was in Key West. a.m. barometer 29.52, thermometer Saturday, November 15. Rose Here is the diary for parts of 79, wind northeast 3, clouds 1, very at 5 and walked on the beach, November and December 1856. pleasant. The sloop Plume came up returned home and bathed. At 8 from the ship Lady Arbella ashore a.m. barometer 29.46, thermometer Sunday, November 9. Rose at at the Tortugas from France with a 72, wind north northeast 3, clouds 5 and walked to the Salt Ponds full cargo. The wreckers took out 1. Drew up stipulation for the cotton and seeing several ducks flying two loads and got her off. The brig of the bark Emigrant so that the crossed by the ponds but there was Sampson came in from New York ship Stephen Mallory can sail for nothing in them. The walking was with nothing for this place. James Charleston. It was executed by Wall bad in consequence of a rain which Filor and Philip Fontane went to St. and Company to make Bottomry fell about 2 a.m. and there were Marks in her. I saw General Harney Bond, both being the same date. several light showers while I was yesterday and spoke with him, he Sunday, November 16. Rose at 5 out. At 8:20 a.m. barometer 29.51, leaves as soon as the wind allows and walked on the beach, returned thermometer 82, wind east southeast for Ft. Myers in the Sea Drift. home and bathed. At 8:30 a.m. 1, clouds 6. Wrote to Mother, to the Wednesday, November 12. Rose barometer 29.56, thermometer 76, sewing machine men and Putnam at 5 and walked to the Barracks wind south east 3, clouds 10 with magazine. Dan was quite sick again where the tide had covered the road light mist. The Gamble sailed for St. gave Rhus. 7 China and toward turned back walked down by the Fort Marks today James Filor and family the night he got into a perspiration by Porter’s well, home and bathed. and Philip Fontane to Tallahassee to which continued all night and the At 8:30 a.m. barometer 29.53, attend the Legislature. Fontane was fever left him. Matilda and I went to thermometer 77, wind northeast 3, at my house last night till near 10 Alexander Patterson’s after tea. clouds 3. Philip Fontane came in did not see him this morning, saw Monday, November 10. Rose at 5 and brought John Parks and told me Filor. Read papers. Clouds and light and walked about half way up to the that Parks had consented to employ rain all day. Salt Pond drizzling most of the time, me to libel the ship Lady Arbella. Monday, November 17. Rose returned home and bathed. At 8:30 Read papers. at 5:15 and walked on the beach, a.m. barometer 29.47, thermometer Thursday, November 13. Rose returned home and bathed. At 8:30 81, wind northeast 2, clouds 5. Dan at 5 and walked on the beach, a.m. barometer 29.51, thermometer is petty well this morning, free from returned home and bathed. At 8: 74, wind east 3, clouds 1. The brig fever but weak. Bought a package of 30 barometer 29.48, thermometer Huntress got in yesterday four days post office envelopes for $.80, sent 77.5, wind northeast 2, clouds 2. from Charleston and brings news $5.00 to the sewing machine men to The ship Lady Arbella came in that Buchanan was elected he had pay bill of needles and thread. Drew last night consigned to Wall and 170 votes, 149 being necessary to up a bill for the session of land Company. Read papers and drew a choice. Drew up the libel in the covered with water to the Riparian up a memorial from Lucy Boston to case of the ship Lady Arbella. owners and gave it to James Filor. allow her children and grandchild to Bought a gold ring from Ferguson Approved of a bond in the amount come from Nassau. Philip Fontane he took of a Californian for $5.00. of $25,000.00, Felix Senac, will try to get a law passed to that A quantity of heavy clouds rose Principal as Pursuer in the Navy , effect. Read papers. in the northwest and passed over W.H. Wall and William Pinckney Friday, November 14. Rose by 2 p.m. leaving a clear dry sky Sureties. Wrote to H. Talcott. The at 5 and walked on the beach, and pleasant breeze from the north steamer Texas from Greytown with returned home and bathed. At 8 northwest. Gave J.P. Baldwin a root about 500 passengers came in about a.m. barometer 29.42, thermometer of the Chinese yam retaining a few 8 a.m. coaled and left about 6 p.m. 79.5, wind north by east 3, clouds tubers and a number of seed. Gave The steamer Isabel came in at her 5. Drew up a bond from Captain Captain Brown a certificate that I usual time. James Brown to Wall and Company (Continued on page 8)

FALL 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 (Hackley from page 7) returned home and bathed. At 8 Wall’s Belle of the Cape. Court a.m. barometer 29.58, thermometer was opened and the case of R.D. had recommended the detention 79, wind southeast 3, clouds 4. Roberts vs. The brig Bingham and of his mate to be a witness on the Bought several books of Robert P. cargo was tried. Filed a claim for trial but that after reading the libels Campbell and looking over them. duties. Brig ordered to be sold. I found that I could do with out him Matilda and I went to Alexander Tuesday, November 25. Rose and recommended his discharge. Patterson’s and called by Felix at 5:45 and bathed. At 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, November 18. Rose Senac’s for Hatty and Charlotte who barometer 29.59, thermometer 79, at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, had spent the evening there. wind northeast 3, clouds 5. Tried returned home and bathed. At 9 a.m. Saturday, November 22. Rose the case of E.A. Coste and others barometer 29.57.5, thermometer 72, about 6 and went to the Post Office, vs. ship Don Juan of Havana. I was wind northeast 3, clouds 4. Drew up got letters from P. Williams and for libelants and also filed a claim a claim for duties in the ship Lady papers. The steamer Isabel got in for duties. Susan R. Patterson and Arbella and bark Octavia. Read about 5. Judge William Marvin and William G. Folker were married at papers. Matilda made me a pair William Folker and several others 11 a.m. by Father E.O. Herrick. of Cassimere pants in about four came in her. Read Boy Hunter by I was not present, being in court hours. Captain Reid. After tea went to but went up soon after noon and Wednesday, November 19. Rose Alexander Patterson’s and saw remained and went down on board at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, William Folker who has come to the steamer Isabel with them Alletta returned home and bath. At 8:30 marry Susan Patterson. John Porter Patterson goes to spend the winter a.m. barometer 29.53, thermometer is dead and Louisa writes Bev in Savannah with them. Called with 75, wind northeast 3, clouds 4. Browne that she has no home now Matilda on Father Herrick who has Filed the libel against the ship Lady she can take him to. That Porter’s now moved to his house. Arbella and most of the morning I Brothers will help her and her Wednesday, November 26. was aboard the brig Darien looking children so I will have to take care Rose at 5 and walked as far as the at the getting out of the Prima of him. He is now with Alexander Barracks where it commenced to Donna a yacht of about 20 tons Asa Patterson who will take care of him rain and by the time I got home Tift sent out. She is a very pretty till I can go west. I will do the best I I was pretty damp. At 8:25 a.m. boat and must sail fast. P.M. Read can for he poor blind boy. barometer 29.60, thermometer 79.5, papers. After tea Matilda and I went Sunday, November 23. Rose wind east southeast 3, clouds 4. to Alexander Patterson’s. at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, Captain Shaw came up and got his Thursday, November 20. Rose returned home and bathed. At 8:25 land warrants and gave me $5.00 at 5:20 and walked by the Fort and a.m. barometer 29.68, thermometer to pay P. Williams, I do not charge home by Porter’s Spring, returned 80, wind east southeast 3, clouds him anything. Tried the case of the home and bathed. At 8:15 a.m. 3. Father E.O. Herrick slept last Joseph Hale. Afternoon read papers. barometer 29.55, thermometer 75, night in Benners house which he Mr. Jardelle spent the evening. clouds 9. Lucia cried a great deal has rented. We sent over and asked Thursday, November 27. Rose last night but we could not discover them to tea but Mrs. Herrick was too before 5 and walked to the Salt anything the matter. Wrote a letter tired so we sent her some tea. I sold Pond, returned home and bathed. to Mr. Balmavin, Consul of Hesse them my extension table for $16.00 At 8:15 a.m. barometer 29.58, Darmstadt and attorney in fact of the same I gave for it at Julius Tift’s thermometer 79.5, wind southeast the father of J.G. Lerraz. Sent him sale. Gave Matilda $8.00 to send 1, clouds 3. The ship Neptune of back the power of attorney in the for a bonnet by Susan Patterson. Boston came in yesterday morning suit to F. Filor authenticated before Matilda came from church with a to make some alteration in her a Commission of this State. Read headache which I could not cure. cargo which is badly stored and she Harper’s magazine. About dusk Monday, November 24. Rose is very crank. The Arkwright of down town with Matilda and Mrs. at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, Portsmount, with U.S. Troops on Tift. The yacht Prima Donna was returned home and bathed. At 8: board came in about 8 a.m. Tried out and sails beautifully. 20 a.m. barometer 29.62, clouds 3. the case of George Alderslade et al Friday, November 21. Rose at 5: A propeller with workmen for the vs. cargo of the ship Isaac Allerton 15 and walked above the Barracks, Fort came in early as did William which occupied us till half-past two.

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2009 a.m. barometer 29.55, thermometer Charles Tift came in and sat till 9. and all the family in after tea and sat 81, wind east southeast 1, clouds Friday, November 28. Rose at 5: till near 9. 7. Mr. Charles Wells bought me 50 and bathed. At 8 a.m. barometer Monday, December 1. Rose $504.86 which with $40.00 for the 29.52, thermometer 79.5, wind east at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, barometer makes $544.86 for my southeast 3, clouds 7. Gave Charles returned home and bathed. At 8: fee in the bark Emigrant. Went up Johnson $45.00 to have a mini sight 20 a.m. thermometer 79.5, wind to the Court House and there being put on my English rifle and a pair of east southeast 1, clouds 5. The ship but little business the jury was mimi molds made and to buy me a Arkwright with troops and the ship dismissed and court adjourned. In shot belt. He is going today to New Don Juan got under way about the afternoon went to the Barracks York so that the Lighthouse Board 7 a.m. Tried the case of George with Mrs.Tift and Matilda and called Schooner Florida can have the Pearce vs. cargo of bark Aurora. on Colonel John H. Winder and Dr. yellow fever poison taken out of her I filed a claim for duties and some Richard F. Simpson’s Family. and bring back another schooner. petitions for salvage. The Circuit Friday, December 5. Rose at 5 and The Judge read his decree in the case Court was also session but I could walked to the Salt Pond, returned of the Joseph Hale giving $3,000 to not get up to it. Election for mayor home and bathed. At 8:30 a.m. Joshua Skinner and $800 to the four and alderman, Alexander Patterson thermometer 79.5, wind southeast men from the sloop Dolphin. Tried elected mayor. 2, clouds 3. Stephen Mallory and the case of the bark Emigrant. The Tuesday, December 2. Rose at 4 his family arrived from Pensacola U.S. Steamer Walker came in about and walked to the Salt Pond, returned in the schooner Wm. R. King 4 p.m. Drew up a petition for John home and bathed. At 8:45 a.m. yesterday about 1 p.m. The steamer Sawyer for saving wet sugar out of barometer 29.48, wind southeast Jasper got in about midnight. Went the bark Octavia. 3, clouds 5. Captain Brown got off up to the Court House with John Saturday, November 29. Rose about 8 in the propeller H.H. Beach P. Smith and had him swear to the at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, for Savannah. The bark Joseph Hale new bill for divorce and affirmed returned home and bathed. At 8:30 got off yesterday and Mr. Legarden that the defendant is residing out of a.m. barometer 29.52, thermometer went in her. Gave John P. Smith his the state. In the afternoon with Mrs. 79.5, wind south by west 2, clouds land warrant and he paid me $10.00. Tift and Matilda called on Mrs. 3. Annie had considerable fever last The crank pin of the steamer Jasper Charles Howe, Mrs. Briggs and on night from a cold she has taken, was mended and she got away by 11 Mrs. Stephen Mallory. After tea at gave Aconite and her mother made p.m. General Harney was fretting a Alexander Patterson’s where we her a flannel jacket and put it on great deal about the detention. John met General William Harney and next to her skin. The Judge read Smith gave me two letters from his Captain Pleasanton, his aid. The the decree in the case of the bark wife without date of year, one was schooner Storm Cloud came in. Emigrant giving $13,863.26. written July 20, 1855, the other Saturday, December 6. Rose There was no other case ready and September 26, 1856, womanlike at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, court adjourned. Latter part of the she has omitted the year. Went up returned home and bathed. At 8:30 day was calm and hot. to the State Court where a motion a.m. barometer 29.55, thermometer Sunday, November 30. Rose was made to adjourn and that the 81, wind south by west 2, clouds 5. at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, members of the bar wear crepe Gave General William S. Harney returned home and bathed. At 8:20 for 30 days for Judge Joseph B. my Spanish Sabre, a Toledo blade a.m. barometer 29.57, thermometer Lancaster. of the Cardenas Expedition. The 80, wind calm, cloudy 1 with haze. Wednesday, December 3. Rose General left about noon. The There was a heavy dew last night. at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, weather very warm and wind south Read papers. The steamer Jasper returned home and bathed. At 8:30 southwest. came in about 1 p.m. with General a.m. barometer 29.47, thermometer Sunday, December 7. Rose at 6 Harney on his way to Miami. Judge 81, wind south by west 2, clouds 6. and bathed. Went to the Post Office King came in her and brings the Annie has been free of fever since and got letters and papers. Got the news of Judge Lancaster death with 10 a.m. yesterday. Read papers. pulley wheel and needles for the pneumonia. Went on board to see Thursday, December 4 Rose sewing machine. At 8:30 a.m. Smith and went to Charles Tift’s in at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, the evening. Alexander Patterson returned home and bathed. At 9 (Continued on page 9)

FALL 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 (Hackley from page 9) at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, in 1⁄2 glass of water alternate with returned home and bathed. At 8:30 the same preparation of Bell for barometer 29.53, thermometer 79.5, a.m. barometer 29.58, thermometer the headache and pain in the eyes wind 0, clouds 5. A heavy dew fell 70, wind northeast 3, clouds 5. I attendant on this disease. Read last night. The steamer Isabel got in wore a coat and perspired profusely, papers. at half past 10 p.m. and the weather when I awoke had a rheumatic pain Friday, December 12. Rose at being calm the noise of her paddles in the right shoulder from the cold 5:40 having been kept awake by woke me before she got to the point courtroom yesterday. Took Aconite Lucia until after 10. She cried for buoy. Mother is in Cincinnati. at 7. Lucia better but her eyes look an hour and as soon the body was Called on Stephen Mallory on my bad, she has the same fever that enveloped in a wet bandage she way up home and saw a number of Annie had direct Arsenicum every became quiet and slept all night, Japanese curiosities. After dinner two hours. She was awake a good better than usual. Bathed. At 8:30 on my way up called on Major John deal of last night. Read papers. Wind a.m. barometer 29.65, thermometer Sanders, Engineers, who arrived hauled gradually to the east northeast 80, wind east northeast 2, clouds by the steamer Isabel. I had a long and blew fresh. 4. Received of J.B. Browne fee talk with him about old times and Wednesday, December 10. Rose in the case of the ship Don Juan places. After tea went to Alexander at 4:30 and walked to the Salt Pond, amounting to $210.00 and proctor’s Patterson’s. About 6 p.m. wind returned home and bathed. At 8:30 fee $20.00, total $230.00. And paid fresh from the north northwest and a.m. barometer 29.60, thermometer L.M. Shafer his bill of $106.39. clouds. Wesley Benner took tea 73, wind east southeast 5, clouds On the way home stopped at the with us. 3. The steamer Tennessee from Engineer Office to see Major John Monday, December 8. Rose Greytown came in last night and has Sanders and walked with him up to at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, been coaling ever since. It is said that the Garrison and called in to see returned home and bathed. At 8:30 Walker is in a bad fix. Wrote to Mrs. Colonel John H. Winder. One of a.m. barometer 29.52, thermometer L. Porter, to Mother and to Fowler the men died last night and one is 72, wind north 3, clouds 10. The and Wells and enclosed a quarter now dying, they are old drunkards Baby had considerable fever last Eagle to buy two dozen Brooke but Dr. Richard F. Simpson says night and gave her several dozes of Cotton and American Almanac that they have the yellow fever. Aconite which reduced the fever but for 1858 and mailed them by 10 Saturday, December 13. Rose her eyes are inflamed for which she a.m. Lola Montez in on board the at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond will take Bell. Went into court about Tennessee and there has been a good and on my return there was two 11 and in settling some questions deal of sickness said to be Cholera Mallards in the small hole by about the divisions in the ship Don on board. Read papers. Judge the road, I suppose they were Juan case wrote up the exceptions William Marvin read his decree in there when I went up but did in the appraisement on the ship the ship Lady Arbella case giving not fly. I could have shot them Isaac Allerton which the Judge $5,000 making the wreckers pay easily. Went into Linn’s Pond but sustained and said that he will order for nineteen boxes and one cask of there is scarcely any water in it. the salvage to be paid in kind on wine which the second mate swore At 8:30 a.m. barometer 29.66, the goods in store. We then took up was put on board the boats but which thermometer 78, wind east 2, the case of the ship Lady Arbella the Judge said he did not believe the clouds 5. At intervals heavy banks and were occupied until candlelight wreckers unloaded. Stephen Mallory of clouds passed over and a few except for a recess of about one went on the steamer Isabel and also rains fell for a minute or two. Read hour for dinner. Paid Hiram Benner Porter’s two girls. papers. Major John Sanders called. $314.04 being the balance due him Thursday, December 11. Rose Sunday, December 14. Rose on account. Paid William H. Wall at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, and Company $150.00 loaned me at returned home and bathed. At 8:30 returned home and bathed. At different times and $25.00 for a bill a.m. barometer 29.61, thermometer 8:15 a.m. barometer 29.52, of exchange sent by William Welsh, 78, wind south southeast 3, clouds thermometer 78, wind southeast 2, Lizzie’s father. It was sent from 5. Lucia was free of fever last night clouds 2. Read papers. Mr. Jardela New York. Weather cool all with a but this morning Charlotte has the return yesterday from his work north wind. Lucia better. same fever and commenced with with Mr. Huff, his assistant, with Tuesday, December 9. Rose Aconite every two hours 12 globules yellow fever.

10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2009 The Key West to Havana Submarine Telephone Cables

By Greg Griffin Copyright 2009

Background The late 1800’s were a busy period in the history of American voice communications. On March 7, 1876 the United States Government granted Alexander Graham Bell patent number 174,465 for the invention of the telephone. On July 9, 1877, he established the first telephone enterprise, the Bell Telephone Company, in Boston, Massachusetts. On December 20, 1879, the principals of Bell Telephone created Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph in Atlanta, Georgia covering Kentucky, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. The race was on to blanket the Unites States with telephone cable usually on poles The cable hut at the end of Whitehead Street by the Southernmost Point. Photo erected adjoining railroad tracks. credit: the Author. The first transcontinental telephone service began in 1915 from New The three initial Key West, outer copper tape, armor wires and York to San Francisco. The Bell Florida to Havana, Cuba submarine the sea water. system first came to Key West telephone cables were laid in The Bell South forces constructed around 1901. Later, on April 5, February 1921. Messrs. Martin, concrete cable huts on the seashore 1917 Southern Bell purchased the Anderegg, and Kendall presented at both Key West and Havana. An Automatic Telephone Company to a full description of this project example of a cable hut remains narrow the competitive environment before a session of the American today just left of the Southernmost in Key West, Florida. Southern Institute of Electrical Engineers Point monument on Southard Bell’s first office on the island was in New York City in February of Street; however, this structure may co-located with the International 1922. The center copper conductor have been used for telegraph cable Ocean Telegraph Company (IOTC), was insulated with gutta percha, a as well. Special land cables with a subsidiary of Western Union natural inelastic latex produced from certain shielding of the pairs were Telegraph Company, at 416 Green the sap of the tree of the same name provided between the cable hut and Street. It was in this building that native to Southeast Asia. Outside Central Office at each end - 1.08 John W. Atkins made the first the gutta percha was a heavy copper miles long in Key West and 1.13 scratchy international telephone tape which in turn is surrounded miles long in Havana. The Key West call over telegraph cable owned and by a covering of steel armor wires engineers and workmen constructed operated by IOTC on December 25, for mechanical protection. The a concrete submarine cable storage 1900. The Bell Telephone Company central conductor was wrapped tanks on Mallory Dock at the foot was to become American Telephone continuously with fine iron wire to of Whitehead Street. These tanks and Telegraph Company (AT&T) in increase inductance. This loaded 1899. inner copper wire is one conductor The First Three Cables and the return path consisted of the (Continued on page 12)

FALL 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 The telephone/cable staff in front of the office on Greene Street. Photo credit: Monroe County Public Library.

(Cable from page 11) Telephone and Telegraph Company, between the Cuban-American a wholly owned subsidiary of the Telephone Company and the were filled with water and the spare Bell Telephone Company, accepted Norddeutsche Seekablewerke A. G., repair cable submerged to cool the responsibility for the work under a German manufacturer, provided gutta-percha insulation surrounding this permit and filed it with the for the payment of $258,100 for the conductors to prevent melting in State Department in Washington fabricating the cable, and $21,050 the humid atmosphere. Bell South D.C. The Division Attorney applied for transporting and laying it. personnel stored several types of for a War Department Permit on The Fourth Cable Deployment marine cable in the tanks including August 9, 1930. The application The cable ship Neptun Shore End-Type A-2 (Two nautical included nautical charts and transported the submarine cable miles), Shore End Type A (Four drawings showing the route to be from a factory at Nordenham, nautical miles), Intermediate Type followed in laying the cable. The Germany to Key West, Florida. B (Six nautical miles), and Deep War Department issued its permit Norddeutsche Seekablewerke A.G. Sea Type D (twenty-seven nautical Number 2845 on September 8, 1930. owned the Neptun, which was rated miles). Thereafter, United States Customs at 6293 gross tons with a length Legal Matters for the Fourth advised that inspections of the cable 434.4 feet and a width of 57.3 feet. Cable tank buildings, additional permits She drew 32 feet. Its master was C. President Hoover signed a and the payment of duties were Cornelius. This cable ship was fully permit to lay cable in the territorial required in addition to a warehouse equipped for the transporting and waters of the United States on June bond for the importation and storage laying cable. While not regularly 17, 1930. The Cuban-American of surplus cable. The contract employed laying ocean cables, the

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2009 The cable storage tanks on Mallory Docks. Photo credit: Monroe County Public Library.

Neptun was used to transport oil the ship during laying operations. October of 1922, a heavily laden from the Gulf Coast to Germany. The The Cuban-American Telephone boat went aground on Cable Number Neptun arrived six miles off shore Company accepted the submarine Two approximately 2,240 feet from from Key West at 6 p.m. on Saturday, cables from the manufacturer on the Havana Cable Hut. Again on December 13, 1930, and took January 12, 1931. Channel 3 was Cable Number Two, but in 1923, an various Cuban-American Telephone placed into service on January anchor pulled the cable against an and Telegraph Company personnel 22, 1931. Channels 1 and 2 were abrasive object 1,600 feet from the and Bell Telephone engineers and placed into service on February 26, Havana Hut requiring two splices cable splicers aboard for observing 1931. All four submarine cables in Type A-2 cable. In October of the work of laying submarine cable. were modified over the years to 1934, the cable ship, Guardian, The Neptun’s crew paid out the new carry telephonic and telegraph inadvertently cut Cable Number para-gutta insulated, non-loaded, broadband communications. Four in connection with locating cable from December 14, 1930 to Bell South placed and activated and repairing a fault in Western January 10, 1931. In places, the telephone Cables Five and Six Union cable Number Two, thirty sea water reached a depth of 1,000 between Key West and Havana five nautical miles from Key West. feet in the Straights of Florida. Mr. in 1950. They were non-loaded (The International Ocean Telegraph J.J. Gilbert, an engineer, provided a and had three submarine repeaters Company, which was later acquired synopsis of the work accomplished in each to generate a stronger by The Western Union Telegraph including the loss and the grappling signal. These cables employed Company, laid telegraph cable hook recovery of the cable. Major polyethylene insulation. from Key West to Havana in 1867.) George E. Brown of the U.S. Cable Faults Approximately 2.86 nautical miles Engineering sub-office at Miami, Between 1922 and 1940 various of Type D deep sea cable were Florida was present onboard during accidents and incidents caused the laying of the cable in territorial faults in the cables which were waters and checked the course of repaired with lengthy splices. In (Continued on page 14)

FALL 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 (Cable from page 13) added. In April 1936, the Italian SS Maddalena Odero went aground on cable Number Four, 5.82 nautical miles from the Key West Cable Hut. The cable ship John W. Atkins made the repairs with 215 feet of Type A shore end cable. In 1936, on cable Number Four, a fault resulting from a combination of physical and chemical damage in Havana Harbor required replacement of 600 feet of Type A cable. In June of 1939, theft of a section of type A-3 cable along the sea wall in Havana Harbor caused a fault. Three hundred feet of new cable was added by splice. During September of 1939, the British freighter, Coulmore, went aground on cable Number One between Channel buoy #4 and La Punta, Havana Harbor. Depth of the sea water at the fault was about thirty feet. In November of 1939 continual pounding of heavy seas caused large pieces of concrete to break and fall upon cable Number Four, which had been washed ashore to the base of the Havana Harbor sea wall which was broken for a distance of 160 feet. During Telephone operator’s station from the Greene Street Office. Photo credit: Monroe January of 1940, extensive armor County Public Library. deterioration on the cable Number Two caused a fault to occur about about ten years without being paid J. Gregory Griffin before coming 1,000 feet from the Havana Cable for the service from the Cuban to Key West in 1996 praticed law in Hut. Splicers completed the repair end. Eventually, Bell South’s Cambridge, MA. using three hundred feet of Type management gave the order to shut EDUCATION PROGRAM down the trunk lines to Havana. Later SPONSORS A-2 cable from the Key West cable $100 OR MORE tank. that same day, the parties negotiated RICHARD G. BRIGHT Politics and Economics a financial settlement wherein all TOM & KITTY CLEMENTS BARBARA ELLEN CHURCH Bell South utilized all six cables calls originating within Cuba had to BETTY L. DESBIENS BUD DRETTMANN well in the late 1950’s despite a be placed on a collect basis. That is, JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE SHIRLEE EZMIRLY widening political rift between all calls had to be paid for in dollars CELESTE ERICKSON MARY HAFFENREFFER the pro-Castro Cuban government inside the United States before a TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT CLYDE W. HENSLEY and the United States. In 1959 the connection was established. Bell JOHN H. JONES EDWARD B. KNIGHT Castro regime quickly expropriated South finally received some return TOM KNOWLES JOHN & KAY PLIMPTON the assets of the Cuban-American on its investment. All submarine DAN & VIRGINIA PROBERT LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN Telephone Company on the cables from Key West to Havana JUDITH & JAMES ROBERTS MRS. WILLIAM SHALLOW Havana side of the cable run. Bell ceased functioning by 1987 due SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA ED SWIFT South continued open telephone to the effects of the harsh marine JAN & TY SYMROSKI communication with Cuba for environment.

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - FALL 2009 Carston Ralph Heinlein April 22, 1920 – September 7, 2009 BUSINESS MEMBERS

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

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 LITTLE TORCH KEY, FL 33042-0839 295-8844

CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. 601 DUVAL ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142

FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS P.O. BOX 236 The Marine Honor Guard at the commissioning of the Naval Hospital Key West. ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 DR. ELIAS GERTH Photo credit: Monroe County Public Library. 3412 DUCK AVENUE KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-6790

HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION The Society lost a good friend knew some of the Key West people 510 GREENE STREET with the death of Carston R. that been involved with the shipyard KEY WEST, FL 33040 work on the Sturtevant. This with HISTORICAL PRESERVATION Heinlein on September 7, 2009. He SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. came to Key West at the beginning the official records resulted in what P.O. BOX 2200 KEY LARGO, FL 33037 World War II in the Marine Corps. is considered the best account of the KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. During the war he served with the tragic loss of life and a Navy ship. It P.O. BOX 2521 KEY WEST, FL 33045 Corp in the Pacific, taking part in is only Journal article that has been KEY WEST WOOD WORKS some of the bloodiest campaigns. reprinted in another publication 6810 FRONT STREET STOCK ISLAND KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-1811 After the war he returned to Key when the Tin Can Sailor reprinted THE LANGLEY PRESS, INC. West married raised a family the article. See Society News on 821 GEORGIA STREET and work for Navy Civil Service page 2. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3156 MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY for over thirty years. After his In writing the history of the Naval 200 GREENE ST. retirement from the Navy he Hospital he was able to interview KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 MILE ZERO PUBLISHING worked with famed Keys salvager his friends that had been part of 5950 PENINSULAR DR. #629 Chet Alexander. building and operating the Hospital. KEY WEST, FL 33040 USS MOHAWK MEMORIAL MUSEUM He contributed a number of In this story he had a more personnel P.O. BOX 186 articles to the Journal of which he part as a young Marine assigned KEY WEST, FL 33041 OLD TOWN TROLLEY was able to add a unique point of to the Marine Barrack Key West 6631 MALONEY AVENUE view. He was a recognized expert he was part of the Honor Guard at KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688 PIGEON KEY FOUNDATION on the history of the search for a the commissioning of the Naval P.O. BOX 500130 reliable source of fresh water for Hospital Key West. MARATHON, FL 33050 The loss of Carston brings A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. the Keys. His three articles in the 701 HARBOUR POST DRIVE Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journals home the fact we are fast losing TAMPA, FL 33602 813-247-4550 of Winter 1998/1999, Fall 2000 and the members of “The Greatest SEASTORY PRESS 305 WHITEHEAD STREET #1 Spring 2006 is the only place that Generation” the generation that grew KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-5762 [email protected] all the information about the search up during the Great Depression and SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA and means of supplying fresh water preserved our freedom by winning 1319 DUVAL STREET KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577 for the Keys has been gather in one World War Two. For the last few ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. source. years every time I talked with him he 3928 CLAYTON AVE. The account of the loss of the would say he had an idea for another ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710 WASHINGTON STREET INN USS Sturtevant (DD-240) was in article but time ran out before this 807 WASHINGTON STREET part special because he was able to could happen. We are fortunate in KEY WEST, FL 305-296-0550 interview the survivors that returned his busy life he was able to give us to Key West for a reunion. He also the great articles we now have. TH FALL 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 The Southernmost Point on Whitehead Street on November 21, 1941. The cable hut can be seen in the lower right. Photo credit: Monroe County Public 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 - FALL 2009