$2 Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 19 NO. 4 SUMMER 2009 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY History of Meacham Field

In 1945 Lt. (jg) Winfred R. Hoey complied a report of over 600 pages on the Naval Air Station Trumbo Point, Naval Auxiliary Air Station Boca Chica, Satellite Naval Air Field Meacham and support facilities. Following is the history section of her report on Meacham Field.

A.Background (I) Function in the aeronautical organization Meacham Field is a satellite field of Naval Air Station, Key West, Florida, with four runways (longest takeoff area 4,000 feet; one of the runways is very short) and with LTA facilities to support 4 Meacham Satellite Naval Air Field Key West on April 6, 1943 taken from 5,000 feet from the south. Photo credit: U.S. Navy. ZNPs, 42 officers and 114 enlisted personnel. It is used as a landplane irregular, 4000 x 4000 ft. obtained by several different deals. airport, LTA facilities, and b. topographical a. Meacham Field proper: “bounce” field for carrier planes. It Altitude is about four feet at On 1 July 1943 lease to has refueling facilities but no repair mean high water. The runways are the major portion (346.83 acres, or night landing facilities, and no constructed of coral rocks, which including most of the four runways) maintenance facilities for heavier- has been crushed and rolled to was transferred to the Navy from than-aircraft. provide a hard surface. The major the U.S. Army. This lease (with (II) General Data portion of the land surrounding the Key West Realty Co. at a rental of a. geographical runways is mangrove swamp and $1.00 a year plus taxes amounting to Meacham Field is located on salt-water ponds. approximately $5,000) had been in the S.E. edge of Key West island, (III) The land: acquisition and effect for the Army since on or about two miles E.A.E. of NAS, Key background 19 December 1941. The property West, at 24o-33’N, 81o-45’ at Right of the Navy to use center of field. Shape of the field is Meacham Field property was (Continued on page 8) SOCIETY NEWS AND NOTES by John Viele Key West Maritime Historical gold chain which indicated that Exhibit the treasure galleon Atocha had “Ships and Their Stories,” been found. an exhibit of Key West maritime In February, Susan Nugent, history, opened at the Custom author of Women Conserving the House on May 15. The exhibit , talked about the is a collaborative effort of the inspired and dedicated efforts of Key West Maritime Historical eleven women to save the Keys Society and the Key West Art from over-development and and Historical Society featuring ecological destruction. The Florida Keys Sea Heritage the marine paintings by David In April, City Commissioner Journal is published quarterly. Harrison Wright and purchased Bill Verge told about his Subscription is available through by KWMHS with an anymous experiences as a junior Coast membership. Copyright 2009 by grant. Also contributing were Guard officer aboard an 82- the Key West Maritime Historical foot Coast Guard patrol boat Society of the Florida Keys, Inc. KWMHS members Dr. Dan The art on the masthead, the USS along the coast and in the rivers Gallagher and John Viele. Shark, was drawn by Bill Muir. Wright’s paintings include of Viet Nam. His presentation the Spanish treasure galleon included a film he had taken Editor: Lynda Hambright Senora de Atocha, the U. S. during this period. Production:Tom Hambright In May, Dr. Dan Gallagher, Navy schooner Shark, the Key Letters and articles are welcome. West-built clipper ship Stephen author of Florida’s Great Ocean Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys R. Mallory, the sidewheele Railway, showed photographs Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, P.O. r City of Key West, and the and told about the many unique Box 695, Key West, FL 33041. Mallory line steamer Concha. watercraft that were used to build the . Key West Maritime In addition to the paintings, Historical Society there are ship models, Sign Up For E-Mail Board of Directors photographs, and drawings of Notification Of Changes To Lectures/field Trip Schedules. President: Edward J.Little,Jr. historic Keys vessels, captains, Vice President: Bill Verge and builders. The exhibit will It sometimes happens that Secretary: Corey Malcom be open through November. we have to make last minute Treasurer: Tom Hambright KWMHS members should not changes to scheduled lectures miss it. or field trips and it is too late Andrea Comstock to send out a notice by mail. George Craig Lectures and Other Events Bill Grosscup In January, Don Kincaid, We can let you know if you will Tom Hambright former underwater photographer provide us with your E-mail Mary Haffenreffer address. John Jones on Mel Fisher’s Treasure Sheri Lohr Salvors team, showed slides If you log on to our Web site, www.keywestmaritime.org Don Lowe and talked about his experiences Louis Maglio you will find a block where you Julie McEnroe including discovering the first can enter your E-mail address. Bill Verge New Members John Viele

Craig C. Cates, Key West; Sheila & Kelley, Key West; Rob Stevens, Fred Devendorf, Key West; Frank Key West.

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2009 William Hackley’s Diary

William Hackley practiced law returned home and bathed. At 8 80, wind northeast 3, clouds 8. Read in Key West from 1829 to 1857. He A.M. barometer 29.46, thermometer Knickerbocker magazine. There kept a diary for part of the time he 83.5, wind east northeast 1, clouds were sales morning and evening at was in Key West. Here is the diary for 6 with squall clouds. Read papers. Bowne and Curry’s wharf but few part of October and November 1856. Bought a Gutta Percha cane of things were sold. A quantity of oil Monday, October 13. Rose L.M. Shaffer for $2.75. was brought down. at 4:20 and went to Mead’s Pond Thursday, October 16. Rose Sunday, October 19. Rose at 5: and sat till light without seeing a at 5:30 it having rained during the 40 and bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer bird then went around by Linn’s night. Got several light showers 29.52, thermometer 83, wind east 2, Pond and saw nothing till near the after daylight and I would not go clouds 6. Wrote the answer in the Quarters where I got two Tringas, out, bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer bark Emigrant. returned home and bathed. At 8:30 29.48, thermometer 83, wind east Monday, October 20. Rose A.M. barometer 29.45, thermometer southeast 1, clouds 6. Yesterday at 4:10 and went out to Mead’s 81.5, wind northeast 1, clouds 4. drew up a petition for the sale of Pond and sat till light when seeing Down on Bowne and Curry’s wharf a box which fell overboard from nothing I returned. I had lost my where there was a sale of wrecked the bark Joseph Hale as they were duck call. At 8 A.M. barometer goods there were but few articles discharging her and it was sold. 29.60, thermometer 84, wind east sold as agents reserves tobacco, There was a sale of wrecked goods southeast 2, clouds 6. Drew up axes and many other things from in the evening which I attended and the libel in the case of the bark sale. Took out a roll of three-ply bought one pair of garden shears for Joseph Hale. Read Knickerbocker carpet at Bowne and Curry’s for $.75 and one pair of sheep shears magazine. 2.50 and had it sent home. Drew $.25. Took them home and had them Tuesday, October 21. Rose up a petition for the appraisement oiled. It rained for some time in the at 4:40 and went out to Mead’s of the reserve good from the ship afternoon. Matilda and Charlotte Pond and sat till near sunrise, saw Isaac Allerton. Charles Howe and got caught out and to have supper at no ducks. At A.M. 8:15 barometer Felix Senac appointed appraisers. Cornelius Curtis’ where they were 29.62, thermometer 83.5, wind Mrs. Dr. Jones came in after tea and when the rain commenced. northeast 2, clouds 1. Read Harper’s sat till 9 when Matilda and I walked Friday, October 17. Woke at 4 magazine. Wrote out the crew list of home with her. There was an eclipse but the weather was so threatening wreckers in the case of Don Juan. of the moon soon after rising nearly that I lay down again and rose at Wednesday, October 22. Lucia the whole face covered. 5:30 and bathed. At 8:40 A.M. was sent to sleep with Lizzy last Tuesday, October 14. Rose at barometer 29.54, thermometer 79, night to wean her. Matilda nursed 4:20 and walked up to Moffats lot wind north by east 4, clouds 9. her once during the night to empty where the tide having been over Down at Bowne and Curry’s wharf her breast. The steamer Isabel got the road returned home and bathed. where some good were sold and a in about 8 P.M. bringing a company At 8:20 A.M. barometer 29.42, quantity put in stowage. Went over of soldiers to relieve the company thermometer 83, wind east northeast the Newcomb’s with Matilda and stationed here. Went down early in 1, clouds 8. Bought an apple parer Harriet to an examination, the room the morning and got papers, a letter for $.50 and it work nicely. Down at being so full that I could not get a from the Commissioner of Customs Bowne and Curry’s wharf for a short seat I remained but a short time. approving my fee bill and one from time when there were a few goods Matilda and Harriet stayed till after P. Williams enclosing Shaw’s and for sale. After tea Matilda went 11. Williams’ land warrants. At 9 A.M. to William Wall’s and afterwards Saturday, October 18. Rose at barometer 29.53, thermometer 80, riding on a cart. The ride I took the 4:40 and walked out to the ponds and wind north northeast 2, clouds 3. other night was enough for me. home by the Barracks, saw nothing. Last night the wind was northwest Wednesday, October 15. Rose Returned home and bathed. At 8:30 a good breeze but the barometer at 4:20 and walked on the beach, A.M. barometer 29.52, thermometer (Continued on page 4)

SUMMER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 (Hackley from page 3) a number of snipe but no ducks. The other volume would not hold would not rise and the northerner Returned home and bathed. At 8 out to the end of the month so that I soon died out. Read papers. A.M. barometer 29.57, thermometer had to finish the month in a new one Thursday, October 23. Rose 82, wind east southeast 1, clouds 3. and I fear that the lines of this have at 5:30 and bathed. At 8 A.M. Tuesday, October 28. Rose faded too much for my eyes though barometer 29.44, thermometer 79, at 3:50 and went down to the the paper is still good I have used wind north northeast 3. Clouds 4. schooner Dart where the following the book for three years. Exchanged Read papers. Went to Alexander person Charles Tift, Felix Senac, my old alarm clock for a new 8 day Patterson’s and got caught in a rain. Fernando Moreno, William pendulum clock (alarm) paying Friday, October 24. Rose at 5 Pinckney, Alexander Patterson, $3.00 difference in the selling price, and walked by the Fort and South Oliver O’Hara, Davis, Captain set it to running and it runs well. Beach home by Porter’s Well. Took Brown, Captain French of the Read the answer to Captain Brown. dog with me. Returned home and Ship Don Juan, Watkins, Phillip Thursday, October 30. Rose bathed. At 8 A.M. barometer 29.42, Fontane, Winer Bethel and self are at 5 and walked up by the Barracks thermometer 79, wind east southeast going to Women’s Key. Got down and crossed the island by the Long 2, clouds 4. Borrowed $40.00 of about 8 and the majority of the Road and found when opposite W.H. Wall and Company. Wrote to party landed with cooking utensils Linn’s Pond four ducks flew close P. Williams enclosing a ten dollar on Woman’s Key and Patterson, to me and soon after heard a gun in bill being his fees in procuring land Williams and I went to Mullet Key Linn’s Pond. Two ducks rose out warrants for William Shaw and where we caught a few fine mullet of one of the small holes near the J.P. Smith, sent it out of my own and Patterson killed a large crane. South Beach and lit in one of the packet as I have not delivered either The net was too light to fish in deep ponds which runs along inside the warrant. Rain in the afternoon. water and Williams is not a good beach. After heard a gun at Mead’s Saturday, October 25. Rose caster. Went to Snipe Key where we Pond and nine ducks flew close at 5 and walked by the ponds but saw a flock of Tringae and killed over me and lit with the others and saw no ducks, returned home and 29, but two escaping. We then ran someone flush a single duck in the bathed. At 8:30 A.M. barometer down to the point of Woman’s Key. west end of the lighthouse pond. 29.53, thermometer 81, wind was We found that some of the party Crossed to the beach and before northeast 3, clouds 3. On Wednesday had killed a few birds but birds are I got to the road six more ducks got from Walberg a Gerand chain very scare but we brought enough (large one) flew towards the ponds made of Matilda’s hair which I sent to make a good dinner which was and soon after I heard a gun fired by home. It is well done and is a eaten and got home about 8 P.M. in that direction on my way home pretty thing, cost $15.00. Captain Found the day had been drizzled saw more doves than I have seen Israel Vogdes’ company which has and disagreeable but we had a nice together on this Key. At 8 A.M. been stationed here near four years day with but one slight sprinkle of barometer 29.53, thermometer 82, left in the steamer Isabel for Fort rain on the way up. I ate but bread wind east 1, clouds 6. Bought three Moultrie. The company commanded and cheese and apples all day the pairs of boots from Charles Howe. by Brevet Lieutenant Colonel John cooking being too greasy for me. Yesterday got some cabbage, beets, H. Winder having come in to relieve Wednesday, October 29. turnips and onions but they having it. Rose about 5:30 and bathed. been purchased with several others Sunday, October 26. Rose at At 8:30 A.M. barometer 29.58, and divided do not know what they 5 and walked up to the Salt Pond, thermometer 82, wind northeast 1, cost. While I was hunting Matilda returned home and bathed. At 8:40 clouds 2. I feel pretty well after my sent down town and bought two A.M. barometer 29.57, thermometer jaunt but I never want to be in so dozen plates for $2.00. After dinner 81, wind east northeast 2, clouds 2. large a party again, it disconcerts went with my gun and killed one Got Hatty’s cow driven up as she me to see men drink so much and duck and one yellow leg. Saw will a calf soon. Read papers. eat like hogs when I go to hunt and several single ducks flying. Raining Monday, October 27. Rose at am more than usually abstemious in nearly all evening but I had a piece 5 and walked to the Salt Pond and my eating. I ate yesterday nothing of oil cloth which I threw over my home by the ponds where I saw but bread and cheese and apples. shoulders and kept me dry.

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2009 Friday, October 31. Rose at 5 and a claim for duties in the case of Mother, one from the Treasurer went to the duck ponds and saw but the ship Don Juan and also in enclosing warrant for $100.00 for one and that one a dead one killed by the case of the brig Bingham, fees in the first half of 1856, one the Marshall at my stand. Went to the finished the answer in the case sewing machine and one from Long Road Pond and to the slew along of the brig Emigrant. Borrowed Electric Machine magazine. Robert the beach. Everywhere I went saw a $450.00 of William Pinckney. Campbell, William Randolph and man, the woods were full of guns and Paid $2.06 being my share of the wife, Mary Fontane, Winer Bethel heard several reports. Returned home cost of the hunting trip on the 28 and Family, the Minister & family and bathed. At 9 A.M. barometer of October. Paid servants wages and General Harney came in the 29.51, thermometer 82, wind north $19.00. P.M. Read Putnam’s Isabel. The Judge did not come. northeast 2, clouds 4. Read papers. By magazine. Weather warm. Hiram Benner also came. a schooner that went out about 9 saw Tuesday, November 4. Friday, November 7. Rose at that the wind was northwest in the Rose at 5 and walked to the 5 and walked to the Salt Ponds, bay, here it is about north moderate, Salt Ponds, returned home and returned home and bathed. At 8:30 day pleasant. Carried my clock from bathed. At 8:30 A.M. barometer A.M. barometer 29.58, thermometer the office to Walberg and exchanged 29.60, thermometer 84, wind 80, wind east southeast 4, clouds 3. for a pendulum clock; the last three east southeast 3, clouds 4. Today William Randolph’s child died in days it had lost fifteen minutes per brings the election for Electors of the night. It is well it is dead for I day. Those Jerome marine clocks will President. I voted the Democratic do not think it was of sound mind. not keep time. I have tried them now Ticket, in other words voted Wrote to the Treasurer. The things more than two years. against Fremont. There was 164 for the sewing machine did not Saturday, November 1. Overslept Democrat majority. come. Went to the funeral in the and did not hear the alarm and did not Wednesday, November evening, very few persons were rise until about 5 rose and bathed. 5. Rose and walked to the Salt there. I did not go to the grave as At 8:20 A.M. barometer 29.50, Ponds, returned home and bathed. it was late and commenced raining thermometer 79.5, wind northeast At 8:15 A.M. barometer 29.60, slightly. Reverend E.O. Herrick 2. Dr. S.F. Jones died at 4 A.M. of thermometer 83, wind north officiated. dysentery, he had been confined to northeast 3, clouds 8. The wind Saturday, November 8. Rose the house only since Sunday. He was sprung up about 8 A.M. The at 5 and walked above Moffats Virginian and first cousin of James past day or two has been very when finding the tide so high that I Fitzgerald of Virginia. Read Harpers hot. Read Putnam’s magazine. could not cross dry footed, returned magazine. Bought at auction barrel of The steamer Sawanee (formerly home and fixed a pump. Dan is potatoes, barrel of apples and a key of Pampero) came in about noon much better this morning he has cranberries. They brought down some with the troops from Miami bound been quite sick and yesterday he things from the ship Isaac Allerton. to the Rio Grand and got coal etc. was very weak. The fever did not Cloudy all day. Wind hauled to the northeast by leave him entirely till in the night. Sunday, November 2. Rose at 5 night, good breeze. This gives me more confidence and walked up to the fork of the Salt Thursday, November 6. Rose in the little pills. At 8:30 A.M. Pond road and crossed over the island at 5:40 and did not walk as the barometer 29.56.5, thermometer to South Beach and by the beach wind is blowing fresh and hurts 86.5, wind east southeast 2, clouds home. Saw two duck flying west over my eyes. At 8 A.M. barometer 5. Welch showed me letters from the sea. At 8 A.M. barometer 29.53, 29.58 thermometer 80, wind the underwriters in Boston and in thermometer 82, wind southeast 2, east southeast 5, clouds 8. Dan New York in which they expressed clouds 6. Went up to Dr. S.F. Jones had quite a high fever yesterday. the wish that Samuel Douglas funeral but did not go to the grave as Aconite has reduced it so that he be employed to defend all cases the sun was very hot. Read Harper’s. without the fever this morning. brought in court, but the letters Monday, November 3. Rose Drew up an answer in the case at the same time stated that the at 5:30. There having been a rain of the ship Isaac Allerton this Captain has the right to chose his about day light bathed. At 8:30 A.M. morning. The steamer Isabel own legal advisor. This will migrate barometer 29.60, thermometer 83, got in about 8 P.M. and I went against me and I see nothing left for wind southeast 3, clouds 4. Drew up down and got my letters one from me but to go west in the spring.

SUMMER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 WRECKING COURT CASES Transcribed from microfilm unconstitutional by the superior Sanderson became the wreck and edited with explanatory notes court in St. Augustine and annulled master and would therefore direct by John Viele by congress in 1826. Settlement of the salvage operations, and would This is the first in a planned claims returned to arbitration until allow or deny permission to series of summaries of wrecking the superior court, often referred other wreckers, in the order they court cases transcribed from to as the “wrecking court,” was arrived, to join in the operation. the hand-written records of established at Key West in 1828. Sanderson sent his gig with two the Superior Court, Southern The importance of the men to get other wreckers to help Judicial District, Key West. wrecking business to the economy get the brig off. Shortly thereafter, These records are available on of Key West is demonstrated by the sloop Vivelia appeared on the microfilm at the Key West Library the following statement made by scene and Sanderson sent her to Prior to the establishment a Key West lawyer in 1838, “You Key Rodriguez where she found the of the Superior Court at Key will naturally enquire how we sloop Brilliant. In the meantime, West in 1828, salvage claims live, and the reply is simple, in, by, Sanderson sailed Sylph to the were settled by one of the and through wrecks. If we are not vicinity of the wreck and anchored following methods: Prior to 1823: directly interested in the business, in the lee of the reef. As the seas 1. Direct negotiation between our support comes wholly from were breaking over the brig he the master of the wrecked vessel it. Stop that and we cease to live.” could not go alongside. Crewmen and the captain of the salvage September 14, 1837 lowered a boat to row to the brig. vessel or, if more than one salvage Samuel Sanderson, captain The brig’s captain refused to go back vessel involved, the wreck master. of the wrecking schooner Sylph to his ship. On arriving at the brig, 2. Mutual agreement between versus the Spanish brig Pizarro. Sanderson found that her rudder had the master of the wrecked ship and The wrecking vessels, their unshipped and was missing. He also the captain of the wrecking vessel to captains, tonnage, and number of observed that there were two and submit the claim to local arbitration. crewmen were: one-half feet of water in the hold, He 3. Wrecking captain or Schooner Sylph, Samuel directed his crewmen to cover the wreck master would submit a Sanderson, 81 tons, 11 men in crew companionways to prevent further claim for salvage against the Sloop Vivelia, David Cold, 75 entry of water from the breaking seas. owners and underwriters in the tons, 10 men Sanderson’s crewmen rowed Superior Court at St. Augustine. Sloop Brilliant, Latham Fitch, a line from the brig to Sylph to In 1823, the Territorial 54 tons, 9 men be used to haul boats through the Legislative Council passed an act Sloop Actor, John Walter, 77 breakers as cargo was offloaded. In that required salvage vessels to tons, 11 men a little while, the wreckers Vivelia, bring wrecked property to port Wreckers’ testimony as given Brilliant, and Actor arrived where the local justice of the peace by their proctor (lawyer): on the scene, were taken into a or notary public would appoint a On September 7, while Sylph partnership called a consortship, five-man jury to decide the claim. was underway off Caesar’s Creek, and began helping with the The master of the wrecked vessel Sanderson sighted two boats full offloading. During the offloading, or its owner would select two of of men near the reef off the Ragged one of the boats swamped and the jurors, the salvors would select Keys. They were the captain and two bales of cotton floated off. two, and the justice of the peace crew of the Spanish brig Pizarro Another wrecker, Citizen, found or notary public would select one. of Barcelona, bound for Barcelona and recovered them, but was not As it was almost impossible to from Havana with a cargo of taken into the consortship. (As of find anyone in Key West who did cotton and seegars (cigars) and had the time of the court proceedings, not have a financial interest in the gone aground on the reef. They the bales were still missing.) outcome of the claim, the juries said they thought the ship would When night fell, the wreckers made outrageously high awards. go to pieces and abandoned it. hauled off to rest their crewmen. This law was declared As first on the scene, In the morning, the brig’s

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2009 Key West wreckers at work in this drawing from Harper’s New Monthly Magazine of April 1859. Photo credit: Monroe County Public Library. captain came aboard Sylph and one of the brig’s anchors that had how the salvage money was divided. suggested that Sanderson strip her been lost. Wrecking crewmen sailed of her rigging, which was new, the brig to Key West with stops at because he did not think she could Indian Key and . John Viele has been a member be saved. Sanderson said he believed In his testimony, the master of the Board of Directors of the Key she could be saved and with 42 men of the brig denied that he had West Maritime Historical Society working, resumed offloading. The abandoned his ship, rather, he of the Florida Keys for the past 20 salvors ran 200 fathoms of line from claimed, he was on his way to get years. He is the author of three books the brig to an anchor and at two help. He said his crew helped the on the history of the Keys published o’clock in the afternoon, using the salvors willingly and cheerfully. by Pineapple Press of Sarasota: brig’s windlass, heaved the brig off Further, he stated, there was no “The Florida Keys – A History of the reef. Divers from the wreckers great danger, and denied proposing the Pioneers,” “The Florida Keys, found the lost rudder in four to strip the brig of her rigging. Vol. 2 – True Stories of the Perilous fathoms of water, attached a line to The judge awarded the salvors Straits,” and “The Florida Keys, it and recovered it. They also found $3,444. In another case, I will explain Vol. 3 – The Wreckers.”

SUMMER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 Meacham Field administrative offices and library in the Martello Fort photo taken on March 13, 1945. Photo credit: U.S. Navy.

((Meacham from page 1) The field was originally built field was used to some extent by by Pan American in 1927 as a planes on neutrality patrol. By 1941 was subsequently turned over two-runway airport in connection only occasional commercial, private to the Navy as no longer needed with its air mail service between and Air Corps planes were stopping by the Army. Actually the Navy Key West and Havana, Cuba, (this there. A letter written by the Asst. was using the field concurrently being the second foreign air mail Commandant, Naval Station, Key with the Army at a much earlier contract). West, in March 1941, in answer to a date, and was even undertaking During the 1930’s civilian use request made by CNO of all District construction since there was already of the field increased, Key West Commandants as to civil airports correspondence between the Bureau being practically isolated from the which needed to be improved for of Yards and Docks and the Officer- mainland so far as overland travel the benefit of the Navy stated: in-Charge of Meacham Field on 30 was concerned. This was especially 1. The area indicated on July 1942 regarding construction true after the 1935 hurricane washed Enclosure (A) for development of of LTA facilities under contract out Flagler’s overseas railroad, and a civil airport, is now owned by NOy 4849. NAS Public Works before the new highway to Miami the Key West Realty Company. Mr. Department uses 10 December was completed. In 1938, however, William R. Porter, President of the 1942 as the date on which the Chief Pan American suspended operations Key West Realty Company, stated of Naval Air Operational Training due to insufficient business, and that this property could be leased assigned Macham to NAS for use as dismantled their facilities. In 1939, for use as an airport at one dollar a satellite field. during the national emergency, the per year, but with the stipulation

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2009 Blimp landing at Meacham Field during WW II. Photo credit: Monroe County Public Library. that should the property be sold amount of filling in and grading either the Coast Guard or Pan to a new owner, the latter would would be necessary to insure dry American Airways. have the right to take possession runways during exceptionally high (b) Facilitate the training of the property in thirty or sixty tides or heavy rains. Obviously of naval aviators by assigning days notice. This area was formerly paved runways should be provided suitable utility and fighter planes to used by Pan American Airways, but if flight operations were not to be conduct practice gunnery exercises is now used only occasionally by interfered with at certain periods. with the patrol squadrons based at commercial, private and Air Corps 3. It is believed that this field the Naval Air Station, Key West, planes. should be improved sufficiently to: Florida. 2. The present field has 2 (a) Facilitate the operation (c) Facilitate the marked off runways – one 1430 ft. of naval aircraft in this area of necessary movements of naval long, the other 1000 ft. long. The strategic importance. A suitable aircraft by providing a landing field surrounding area is covered with field at Key West would facilitate between the mainland of Florida mangrove bushes, which could the ferrying of high ranking officers and Cuba, a field that at times might easily be cleared away, providing and other distinguished passengers, be exceptionally useful for an over- ample space for lengthening of the by eliminating the transfer of water flight of navy or marine corps runways. The land is very little passengers by boat at Miami, a above sea level, hence a certain transfer that involves service from (Continued on page 10)

SUMMER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 Mess Hall at Meacham Field taken on March 13, 1945. Photo credit: U.S. Navy.

(Meacham from page 9) taking it over as a satellite field for base and to house administration, landplanes.” NAS, Key West, for the Naval Air shops and ground school in A further letter from the C.O., Operational Training Program and buildings located in the center of NAS, in July of 1941 stated that: for lighter-than-air operations. the field adjacent to the landing “Pending the completion of Boca B. East Martello Tower Reservation area.

Chica Airport, the1 Commandant is Adjoining the field at the On 17 March 1944, as of noon, advised that the old Pan American south end was a piece of Army the U.S. Army discontinued use of Airport at Key West could be property, approximately 17 acres East Martello Tower Reservation reconditioned in approximately two in size, containing a historic fort, and, through local agreement, weeks time and thus afford take off built in 1861, and several theater-of- NAS, Key West, took over its and landing facilities for defending operations type structures erected by operation and administration. The aircraft, which it is believed should the Army in 1942. When the Navy blimp men, training program and 1 be naval aircraft” In October 1941 decided to start advanced lighter- officers were then moved into the the Navy Department, jointly with than-air training at Meacham, January vacated barracks and hutments. the War Department, recommended 1944, it ran into difficulties so far as A portion of this property, 7.46 Key West as one of the civil airport housing, messing, transportation, acres which encroached upon the projects to be developed. and office and classroom space were runways, had already been in use On or about 19 December concerned, there being practically no by the Navy under a five-year 1941, then, the Army leased such facilities on the field proper. permit granted by the Secretary of the field from Key West Realty For the first few months no other War 5 August 1943. Company. And the Navy became arrangement could be made than to On 27 July 1944, the Army interested a few months later in billet staff and students at seaplane transferred ownership to the U.S.

10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2009 Navy of 13 acres of this Reservation, along with buildings, equipment and improvements. The Army retained title to to the remaining 3.7 acres, including the Fort itself and an AT&T cable hut in which was located the controller station for the seacoast searchlights also within the excluded part of the Reservation. Local Army authorities, however, since April 1944, have allowed Blimp AstraLant to use rooms in the Fort for classrooms and offices, pending issuance of formal permission from the Secretary of War. The Fort itself is one of two historical forts first built by The water tanks at Meacham Field on March 3, 1945. Photo credit: U.S. Navy. the Army in Key West in 1861. Roughly pentagonal in shape, these and in connection with coastal toward enlarging and improving each consisted of central citadel, defense facilities. East Martello was the by then run-down field, about 40 feet high, surrounded by a more of less abandoned, becoming $60,000 going for two additional courtyard, around the edge of which a favorite subject for artists and a runways, and other money spent on was placed a series of casemates of picturesque Mecca for tourists. resurfacing the two old ones. Two arched earth covered brickwork. In 1942 the Army re-manned blimp mooring circles and taxiways Stone gun mounts were constructed East Martello and installed larger were also put in. On the East th but cannon were probably never mobile guns (equipment of the 50 Martello Reservation were erected installed, since, with invention of Coast Artillery) along Roosevelt 10 hutments, four barracks, two rifled cannon, these became obsolete Boulevard. Light machine guns latrines, a messhall, a pump house, shortly after their completion. were placed atop the walls but four water storage tanks and a septic East Martello and West no armament was provided tank, together with water, power, Martello Towers housed the only inside. One battery of men was telephone and sewer lines. All th Union troops to be permanently mentioned here then—of the 50 buildings were of temporary nature. garrisoned south of the Mason- Coast Artillery at first, then of Naval construction amounting st Dixon line during the Civil War, and the 31 Coast Artillery. It was to approximately $260,000 the Army has retained the properties these latter who moved out March expanded the above facilities— since then mainly for their historical 1944 when the Navy took over. some of this being started before value. Virtually their only use IV Construction of The Base the Navy actually acquired the has been as observation and fire- Two runways (1430 ft. and property. On the leased property, control points during practice 1000 ft. in length) had been built a concrete garage and barracks firing of the coastal artillery guns at Meacham in 1927 when Pan building were completed in April located at nearby Fort Taylor. For American Airways established an 1943, together with an additional several years, being in disuse, the airfield there. Major portion of the septic tank and wooden storehouse. towers were opened to the public, construction work, however, was Three prefabricated buildings were whose souvenir hunting proclivities accomplished by the U.S. Army in erected the summer of 1943, on resulted in their present partially- 1942-43 prior to transfer of the field the Reservation area, to house ruined appearance. In the 1930’s to the Navy, approximately $300,000 Operations, Administration, and the Army, with only 30 or 40 men being expanded by the Army Duty Office. Further small buildings stationed in Key West, employed Engineer Crops for this purpose. have since been set up, to house West Martello Tower as a storehouse More than $115,000 of this went (Continued on page 12)

SUMMER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 (Meacham from page 11) added when National Airlines, Inc., Blimp AstraLant maintained two was granted permission to use the airships for its training program, synthetic training devices, gunnery landing area for the purpose of taking making with other airships flying training, and radio radar. Extension and discharging passengers. It began down from Richmond on advanced of public utilities was continued, these operations on 8 February 1944 hops, a total of from two to four a power sub-station being added with three flights a day, changing a blimps based at the Field at any one in early 1943. Improvements to few months later to two flights, and time. the field facilities included two just recently reverting to the three. (IV) Training Use more LTA mooring circles and Its office and room is located in an Meacham was used at intervals masts, constructed May 1944, abandoned Navy hutment. during 1943, 1944 and 1945 for and additions to the runways and (III) Operational Use bounce drill and carrier qualification taxiways. Upon declaration of war and of heavier-than-air pilots in training B. Functions and Uses until January 1943, U.S. Coast at Boca Chica Field. (I) Original Function Guard units operated from the field LTA training began with Original purpose of the Navy as an advanced base (home ports St. establishment of Blimp Astralant in acquiring Meacham Field in Petersburg, Florida, and Dinner Key, under Commander, Fleet Airship 1942-43 was to provide a satellite Miami, Florida). During this time Wing Two, on 1 January 1944, field for NAS, Key West, in Army engineers had begun enlarging with a staff of nine officers and one connection with the Naval Air the base and the Army Air Forces yeoman. Establishment of this A/S Operational Training Program and (17th Anti-Submarine Squadron) program of training, experimentation for Lighter-than-Air operations, as moved in until late 1942 or early and development, had been directed well as to have a ferrying point for 1943, when they transferred to Boca by the Commander, Air Forces the Caribbean area. Both LTA and Chica Field. For awhile during this Atlantic Fleet, on 30 October 1943. HTA were based here at the start period Army and Navy used the Actually the first class convened (two blimp mooring circles built field concurrently. Navy Squadron at Meacham 22 December 1943 1942-43). VS3D-7 has based there with OS2U for flight training over weekends, (II) Change in Function land planes from November 1942 but on 6 January 1944 all training, Commissioning here of until January 1943 when the planes including ground, was transferred Blimp AstraLant (Airship Anti- were fitted with floats and moved here from Richmond, Florida. By Submarine Training Detachment, to the Seaplane base. Since then, 14 January, personnel had increased Atlantic Fleet) on 1 January 1944 planes of Fleet Air Wing Twelve to 5 officers and 100 men. Advanced changed Meacham Field from an have based sporadically during ground and flight training, with operational base to an LTA training changes over from wheels to floats emphasis on A/S tactics, was given base. Mooring facilities and helium or vice versa. experienced combat blimp crews. storage (limited capacity) were In early 1943, the first blimp Blimp Hedron Two furnished added and made it possible to patrol squadron (1ZNP-21) began logistic and maintenance facilities. use Meacham for combat training using Meacham as an advanced base Liaison was maintained with the of blimp crews, with special out of Richmond, Florida, and Blimp Commander, FAW 5 A/S Training emphasis on anti-submarine Hedron 21-1 was established here for Detachment for coordination the tactics. There has also been tactical minor maintenance purposes. LTA Airship Training Schedules wit6h experimentation and development activity, however, was slight until other fleet training activities in of new weapons and techniques by 1944, so that through most of 1943 the Key West area. During its first Blimp AstraLant. the field was used but infrequently week, Blimp AstraLant operated In addition to LTA, this field by the Navy. with a single airship, K-112. It has been used by planes attached On 10 February 1944 was assigned a second airship 31 to NAAS, Boca Chica, for practice Airship Utility Squadron One January 1944 and since operated carrier landings, and also by planes was commissioned at Meacham, with two. visiting NAS Key West Seaplane relieving fleet blimp squadrons of Five crews per week trained base. utility duties, and Blimp AstraLant until May 1944, when the number A commercial aspect was was placed under its administration. was reduced to four. A subsequent

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2009 Barracks at Meacham Field taken on March 13, 1945. Photo credit: U.S. Navy. reduction to three crews per week the landing field in April 1943, one at NAS.) The fourth barracks was took place in November 1944. room, capacity 16 men), most of the converted into a combined Ship’s The course lasted two weeks at crews had to be housed and fed at Service, Recreation Hall, and Post- the beginning, but was lengthened NAS, Key West. Between January office. Some of the rated men lived to 17 days later. On 1 January 1944 and April, this resulted in in the hutments. 1945, when the 50th class reported overcrowding of the barracks at By January 1944 there were for training a new schedule was NAS. Transportation also was a five officers and 100 enlisted men adopted in accordance with problem. stationed at Meacham. By June, the which a class of two combat air Already in December 1943, capacity was 130. By December, crews reported each Sunday to be the C.O. of NAS had asked the Blimp Hedron-2 Det. 21-3 had detached three weeks later. New Commandant of Key West Barracks two communications officers, one lectures were added in ordnance, if there was any space available in warrant officer and 70 to 75 enlisted navigation, and electronics, and new Army Buildings on East Martello men, while Blimp AstraLant ZJ- A/S experimental exercises used in Tower Reservation. In April 1944, 1, Airship Utility Squardon and flight. after the troops had vacated that Airship A/S Training Det. had 20 Various training devices were area, the Navy under a temporary officers and two enlisted men. On the employed, including a $100,000 arrangement with the Army average, 150 personnel, including MAD trainer, a Link, 3-A-2 gunnery moved into facilities there. Among 40 officers and 110 enlisted men trainer and other gunnery devices. buildings thus acquired were four were stationed at Meacham Field. C.Developmentof Facilities and barracks (34 men capacity each), As of January 1945, capacity of Services a messhall, two latrines, and 10 the barracks there was 162 and all (I) For Personnel hutments (5 men capacity each), bunks were occupied. a. Housing Three of the barracks furnished LTA b. Messing Until April 1944, although a enlisted men housing. (The officers All Meacham personnel messed few men lived in a garage-quarters were not provided for but have building (erected by the Navy near continued to date to be quartered (Continued on page 14)

SUMMER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 Meacham Field barracks alongside South Roosevelt During WW II. Photo credit: Monroe County Public Library.

(Meacham from page 13) Recreational facilities have 150 x 4000 feet E-W at NAS KWF until 10 April 1944 consisted mainly of the recreation 150 x 4000 feet NW-SE when a separate mess for Meacham hall, which was outfitted with a 199 x 2300 feet N-S was established under jurisdiction Ship’s Service (branch of NAS’s), 150 x 3500 feet SW-NE of the NAS Commissary Officer in radios, ping-pong tables etc. Volley Two of these were originally the former Army messhall. Supplies ball and basket ball courts were also built by Pan American in 1927 (one were drawn from NAS but prepared provided on the station, as well as 1430 ft., the other 1000 ft. long), at Meacham. The messhall by a sailboat for use outside working and were enlarged in 1942-43 by the Army counting could accommodate hours. A rearming scow could be U.S, Army, which at the same time 48 officers or 96 enlisted men. used for recreation purpose when it constructed the additional two for The Navy divided in into galley, was not in service as a target-tow. $60,000. The Navy was responsible messhall for enlisted, and a Swimming could be done from a for further improvements later. partitioned section for officers, who diving board on a pier which jutted out to dredged channel waters where lunched there although taking other EDUCATION PROGRAM meals at NAS. By June 1944 the the water was cooler and clean. SPONSORS capacity of the galley was changed Money for recreation comes $100 OR MORE out of NAS Ship’s Service profits. RICHARD G. BRIGHT to feed 30 officers and 100 enlisted. TOM & KITTY CLEMENTS e. Post Office BARBARA ELLEN CHURCH While NAS furnished most of the BETTY L. DESBIENS This was established about BUD DRETTMANN galley help, one cook was supplied JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE April 1944 in one corner of the SHIRLEE EZMIRLY by Blimp Hedron-2. CELESTE ERICKSON Recreation Hall as a branch of NAS MARY HAFFENREFFER c. Medical TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT post office. CLYDE W. HENSLEY NAS Medical Department JOHN H. JONES (II) Aviation Facilities EDWARD B. KNIGHT oversees all medical work at TOM KNOWLES a. Landplane Facilities BILL MUIR Meacham, but Blimp Hedron-2 JOHN & KAY PLIMPTON Meacham Field now has four DAN & VIRGINIA PROBERT furnishes the pharmacist’s mate. LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN hard-surfaced runways (of rolled JUDITH & JAMES ROBERTS Sickbay is maintained in one of the MRS. WILLIAM SHALLOW marl) as follows: ED SWIFT hutments. JAN & TY SYMROSKI d. Recreation Dimensions Bearing

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 2009 There are refueling facilities, Western Union (through NAS KWF but no maintenance facilities for or city). One VHF Transmitter and landplanes, and no provisions for Receiver SCR-522A was acquired BUSINESS MEMBERS ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY night operations. Parking area is for Meacham in 1944. GENEALOGY CENTER 900 LIBRARY PLAZA 17,000 sq. yrds. (February 1944). 6. Ordnance FORT WAYNE, IN 46802 260-421-1223

The field can accommodate 18 Provided and hauled from CAPE AIR KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT planes. Naval Magazine on . KEY WEST 33040 800-352-0714

b. LTA Facilities (III) Station Facilities CHESAPEAKE APPLIED TECHNOLOGY 623 SIMONTON STREET These include four mooring a. Supply KEY WEST, FL 33040 888-873-3381 circles, 250 ft. diameter, with Furnished by NAS KWF, assisted COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE masts (two of the masts portable, by NOB KWF and NAS Richmond, , FL 33042-0839 295-8844 two fixed). Two of the circles were Florida. A storehouse was built CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. 601 DUVAL ST. built early 1943 by Mackle Leach by the Navy in early 1943 in the KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142

Construction Co. under NOy 4849, center of the field by the landing FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS P.O. BOX 236 the other two in May 1944 by area. (Bldg#2) It is 40’ x 42’, has ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 two doors 10’ wide x 12’ high, Charley Toppino & Sons (being DR. ELIAS GERTH ceiling height 12.66’, and allows for 3412 DUCK AVENUE needed incident to establishment of KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-6790 the combined HTA and LTA Anti- 1680 sq. ft. general storage space. HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION Submarine Training program in the Gasoline distribution is by tank 510 GREENE STREET KEY WEST, FL 33040 Key West area). truck. Helium storage space 14’ x HISTORICAL PRESERVATION Blimp Hedron 2 has maintenance 14’ is provided in Bldg. #1. SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. P.O. BOX 2200 shops, but the blimps must return b. Public Works , FL 33037 to Richmond, Florida, for all major Grounds and buildings are KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. P.O. BOX 2521 overhaul. maintained by NAS KWF Public KEY WEST, FL 33045 There is no large helium storage Works Department. KEY WEST WOOD WORKS 6810 FRONT STREET area, only a small supply being c. Transportation (Land) KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-1811 kept on hand. Transportation has been a THE LANGLEY PRESS, INC. 821 GEORGIA STREET 3. Local Obstruction problem at Meacham Field since no KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3156 Four mooring masts – 50 ft. passenger vehicles were assigned MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY 200 GREENE ST. high that activity. An air station bus KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 SW – Five radio towers stopped at Meacham three times MILE ZERO PUBLISHING 5950 PENINSULAR DR. #629 SW – Three radio towers daily on its run to Boca Chica and KEY WEST, FL 33040 – 321 ft. high the Naval Hospital. Since City bus USS MOHAWK MEMORIAL MUSEUM P.O. BOX 186 NW – Three radio towers lines have been uninterested in KEY WEST, FL 33041 – over 200 ft. high providing bus service there, it was OLD TOWN TROLLEY 6631 MALONEY AVENUE NE – One radio tower – 150 recommended in February 1945 that KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688 ft. high a passenger bus for liberty parties FOUNDATION P.O. BOX 500130 4. Crash Facilities be provided the field. A space 28 x MARATHON, FL 33050 (Marine Transportation) 28 feet is allotted in Building #1 for A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. 701 HARBOUR POST DRIVE One crash boat (No C9181 garage space. TAMPA, FL 33602 813-247-4550 rearming boat) was assigned to d. Utilities SEASTORY PRESS 305 WHITEHEAD STREET #1 Meacham prior to March 1944 Electric – City Electric Company KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-5762 [email protected] for purposes of air-sea rescue, tow plus one 25 KVA Diesel Generator. SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA target services to airships of the Water – One 5400 gallon cistern, 1319 DUVAL STREET detachment, and recreational trips plus Florida Aqueduct system. KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577 ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. for crews assigned for instruction. Chlorinating equipment was 3928 CLAYTON AVE. 5. Communication Facilities installed March 1945 to improve ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710 WASHINGTON STREET INN These are provided by telephone aqueduct water. 807 WASHINGTON STREET lines and radio communication Sewage – One sanitary sewer to KEY WEST, FL 305-296-0550 with NAS. Telephone is by a septic tank and two storm sewers Southern Bell Co. Telegraph by to tidal flats.

SUMMER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 Pan American Airways field about 1928. 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 - SUMMER 2009