$2 Florida Keys S r t rn l VOL. 9, NO. 4 SUMMER 1999
OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE KEY WEST MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY
NAVAL AIR STATION, KEY WEST IN WORLD WAR ONE
• • . The following is a Historical data re- port submitted on March 17, 1919 by Lieu- tenant Commander N. Mason, the Com- manding Officer NAS Key West, to the Director ofNaval Aviation. The Naval Air Station, Key West closed on June 15, 1920 and property disposed of The Naval Air would remain inactive until 1939. At the time of the entrance of the United States into the war there was but one American Naval Air Station in existence, ...... that at Pensacola. The Navy had however, for some years U.S. Naval Air Station, Key West in 1918. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. been experimenting with various types of that recent developments in tactics would nized as is proven by the fact that the post- aircraft and were in point of fact further make necessary a tremendous expansion office department has selected it as the chief advanced in their work than was the army. in the equipment and personnel of the Naval base for mail distribution to Cuba, the West It is perhaps worthy of note that at the Air Service. Indies, the Canal Zone and ultimately South outbreak of the war itself the British Royal Plans were immediately drawn which America. Hydro-aeroplanes must certainly Naval Air Service adopted an American type would enable a comprehensive program to be utilized for this work so, the port will of flying boat for patrol use and that this be put into effect as expeditiously as pos- perhaps witness an even increased aerial type with some modifications is in use today sible. Sites were selected and one after an- activity after the advent of peace. both in this country and abroad being other stations started. The station itself is built upon made land, generally accepted as the best model ob- One of the locations eventually fixed upon the property of the F.E.C.R.R.Co., and has tainable for this particular work. This fly- was at Key West, Florida, and the wisdom nearly three fourths of a mile of water front- ing boat - for it is such - is known in En- of the selection has since been apparent. age. gland as the "America" type, so-called from As regards elementary flight training, condi- The dredging-process was used for the the boat of the same name in which a trans- tions are ideal. The weather on which so fill and the result is a hard close packed atlantic flight was contemplated in 1914. much is necessarily dependent is favor- gray surface which when dry has almost Not only is the land plane a distinctly able for flying the whole year through, and the hardness of concrete. American invention but in addition this the water of the bay is so protected by the Ground was broken for-the station on country has the honor of having produced surrounding keys that it is practically never July 13th,1917, and on December 17th, 1917 the first hydro-aeroplane, Glen Curtis be- too rough for seaplane purposes. the first of the Navy personnel reported - ing responsible for its appearance. It is not For the purpose of a patrol base the situ- Stanley V. Parker Captain U. S. C. G. be- unnatural then that our ideas on this phase ation is strategic, commanding the navi- ing in command. At that time one han- of aeronautics should be accepted and types gation water from the tip of the Florida gar only had been completed the others of machines developed by us placed in the mainland to the coast of Cuba and mak- being in the course of erection, it being very front rank. ing possible a survey of vessels bound to February 8th before they were actually With the entrance of the United States and from Mexican ports and Cuba. Its into the war it became increasingly apparent pivotal position is now generally recog- (Continued on page 13) S t t r , ld r p nd Sp l Ev nt By John Viele
The Florida Keys Sea Heritage Jour- nal is published quarterly. Subscrip- President Ed Little at the Turtle Cannery Building during the open house on July tion is available through member- 24. Photo credit: John Viele. ship. Copyright 1999 by the Key May 12: John Viele, Keys historian and the wreck. A second snorkel dive was made West Maritime Historical Society author, gave a talk based on his new book, over the coral heads around Sombrero Key of the Florida Keys, Inc. The art "The Florida Keys, Vol. 2 - True Stories Lighthouse. on the masthead, the USS Shark, of the Perilous Straits." With. accompa- was drawn by Bill Muir. nying slides, Viele told the little-known July 24: In conjunction with the maritime history of the Keys and the Straits Harborwalk Fest, the Society hosted an open Editor: Lynda Hambright of Florida from the early 1500s to the end house and maritime history exhibit at the Production: Tom Hambright of the Second Seminole War in 1842. In rebuilt Turtle Cannery Building at the Key Staff: Bob Elliott, Ed Little, Bill the straits, called one of the most dangerous West Bight near the foot of Margaret Street. Muir, John Viele sea passages in the world, and along the With photographs on loan from Wright reef, thousands of men and women died Langley, the exhibit told the story of the Letters and articles are welcome. in shipwrecks, native attacks, sea battles, maritime industries that once flourished at Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys and pirate boardings. Viele related sev- the bight and contributed so much to the Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, eral stories from his book including the economic growth of the city. These included P.O. Box 695, Key West, FL 33041 harrowing voyage by dugout of five fishing, turtling, sponging, and shrimping. (305) 292-7903. Franciscan friars to the Keys in 1697 and The exhibit was put together largely through the valiant battle of one-armed privateer the efforts of Society president Ed Little. captain James Wimble, outnumbered four Jack King and John Viele assisted in the KEY WEST MARITIME to one, against a Spanish privateer. set up and Corey Malcom helped to wel- HISTORICAL SOCIETY come visitors. BOARD OF DIRECTORS June 26: Aboard the catamaran Spirit, twenty seven Society members journeyed The exhibit was a preview of what the President: Edward J. Little, Jr. to the site of the wreck of the sailing ship Society expects to become a mini-mari- Vice President: Don Lowe North America located in 14 feet of wa- time museum featuring the history of the Secretary: Corey Malcom ter on Delta Shoals off Marathon. The Key West Bight. Although the bight has Treasurer: Lynda Hambright wreck is one of several on the Marine been renamed Key West's Historic Sea- Sancturary' s "Shipwreck Trail." A handout port there is nothing in the area to tell Philip Carney told the history of this 1842 wreck and that history. The Society's board of di- John Cryer the subsequent salvage operation. Corey rectors has engaged Mary Perkins to de- Bob Elliott Malcom, underwater archaeologist, briefed sign the museum and will soon begin a Tom Hambright the group on the wreck site and the lo- fund-raising campaign to get the project John Jones cation of the various pieces of wreckage underway. This is the biggest project the Jack King they would see. Each snorkler was pro- Society has undertaken to date and we will Leonard Lucas vided with a waterproof handout to en- need all the help we can get to bring it Dean McClure able him to identify the various parts of to fruition. Diane Silvia Art Skelly M b r John Viele Bob Baumann, Keys; Seana Cameron & Coast, FL; Frank & Peggy Kirwin, Key Lee Starling, Key West; Ben & Carlene West; Father Tony Mullane, Big Pine Key; Edwards, Big Pine Key; Rita S. Jones, Palm Peg & Leon Niemiec Kensington, MD.
2 FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 1999 l ht r n n AS K W t 8 By Harold D. Jobes I met Harold Jobes in 1987. He had re- turned to Key West to celebrate his 90th birthday and his first visit since 1919 to the town were he was stationed during World War One. He was born in Staten Island, NY and a graduate of the Pratt Institute. He enlisted in the Navy in 1917 and was stationed in Pensacola, at the Massachusetts of Technology and then Key West for flight training. The letters he wrote his father about his training and Key West survived. He allowed me to copy some of these letters. Ensign Jobes completed flight training in 1918 and became the 1,966 person to wear the Navy's Wings of Gold. Harold Jobes, on the left , and friends on the porch of the house at 718 Eisenhower He stayed in Key West as an instructor Drive. The house was used as Bachelor Officers Quarters during the War. Photo until he was discharged in 1919. He settled credit: Harold Jobes. in Boston and worked as an insurance un- rr v d n K W t th rn n t b t t n I n r t h t I h v derwriter and investment counselor. He 0 A.M. W t th v tr t t lr d t ld . died in June 1988 at the age of 91. Tom th t t n nd r p rt d nd h d d I h v h d f r fl ht n th l p 2 Hambright l x nd p d. j r d n th n n p t nd th l t . Saturday, September 7, 1918. h t n j n h d. I t 2 r n tr t n h p n th r r t. W r ll r d t p ll t f n p t 6 nd f nd t r n th K . h n tr t n h p r n h r nd z ll , l . On th l t l p f r l n tr p. Y n th r l n r lr d b lt t h lf l n . In t h n t fl th l p W rr v d n Atl nt , G . h r d n ht n th K nn t n th ll t th r. t th r dd r nd ft r l rn th t t dn ht nd t d t ll r d n ht f r h K r ll l nd th tr p l th l t t th l v t r nd ft r r tr n. W h d nd rf l t th r . r th n l d n b t f l p l tr . h t b th d n ld n th p l t f ll n "St tz" p d p nd t r b t th K h ll n t v r t. W ll I r th n pl d th nt d t n b t h [M h 8 d p. pr r th f r t t I t th r d tt In t t t f hn l ]. A th r W t r t t h nd d r I bl t h ld r f n t n t b ll d f r v l Av t n. W th b rr r d. h l t t th l v t r t b th n r d r nd th th ll ft rn n nd Wh l t nd n r nd I t f r f th th t h p. Y t rd , h d d th h l t nd l th d tr t b I h d n C p n t n l . r l nd f r f "8" th n pt b th b f r l t r f th r Ch f nd th th r t l nd th nt r ll I t rt d nd t I rt nl h I ld t n Atl nt Cl MM [M t r M h n t] th h v n l p ll r ht l th n l r t r t t n nd r pr tt rl d n ll. h h v th r . Ev b t n th n xt I f r t b t th nd nd th n I h v v r n b f r . r b d l th t t n v r ll nd th dn ht I b t 8 l n d t r O r tr n l ft t l t n ht nd r v t r th n t r t. W nt v r t th b t r nd h d I lr ht. A r v d t nv ll t 0, t n h n r nd th l p nd l t r l p v r h rd t t r th nd h th t n t . ff r h l f n n. W n l r r t t n. h r dd r n It r h t d n h r nd I d n t n r r l th r nd nd I tr ll d b f t b r nd h v t p h t t ll b h n t t K W t. ll h v f rl t f t. t n t n ll th t r ll v r W t b n h f b fr K W t h n r h n h t b t br z r nd. It n t t r n b t h r nd M h r n r C p n t bl n . h f ll r r l n n h ld h r n r . W th l p f h. h r n th r t n l l th n t p l r r th r v h r r ht r dd r t f r fl ht tr n n . f rt bl . d t l h th l ft r dd r r h ll W h ld rr v n K W t t r Sunday, September 15. rv t t rb rd tr n l nd ld r t . h b t n h th f r t S nd I h v n t b n h v j b tt n h r b n. I d I d rf l t t n b t th t n j , I n t n n n d b t t l t pl d th pr r , ll th h r d t nd I l d p t n h t n f r nd t d d t n r n th t th th r 3 h v nl h d v r t l f — nd v n . S h r th r b l t l n th n t d . I th r dd r n tr ht r h l I h v ll ll h v t r t ft n r I ll d r . ll pr b bl l th v n n h n t h d b th nd h v d n t nt ." It h tr p nt r t n b t I t r d t l r. v r nt r t n r b t I n r d l nd ll b ht l d h n t th r . I h d v r nt r t n nd th h t ttl d n t h rd r n Sunday, September 8. t h p d ht f t. I ll pr b h r p tr l. On r h p t v r t l S b t th f l. W bl r p t lf n l tt r I r t (C nt n d n p 4) SUMMER IQ99 FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 ( b fr p th n nd p p h p nd h v r v r th . h r ph r t nd " h t" th th fl h l nd th n h v ff t n th r h p. I n v r p d h tt nt n t ph r b f r b t n I t d n t h rd t p rt nt n th p tr l r nd l r t p t t br th n t n f th l n f ht . I n nd b t 2 rd nd r v 6 r b t nt t t I n t 20. In fl n t r th t d n t The Blimp Harold Jobes used during training. Photo credit: Harold Jobes. r t nl l th r h l t nd l nd nd h t t h h t t t t pp n . h t th r rd t f l . h l r d f p l t n. W rr l v b b n th p th d r 4 n tr n . h l l nbr bl l nd t $ 0.00. I tr l b t d n t t l t h b t th t f th nd t n h v p r rd r d. p tr l r . It r n th r th t l t nt n th n nd p ll h r h t t n b tt r n n th n d n t r t b t d r l th r t f p r h d. n l nd I l d I h r I h l t nd l . I rd r d p r f I d n t nd th h t h n ll t th v r b t f tr n n nd h n $ 0.00 l . h r v r p l I d d. I d n t r n nd r h rt nd b th I t n I ll h v pl nt f h r nbr bl l th ll l d b t n ft n p f rt bl p bl . t r d t I ll f l nf d nt f d th l . W d n t h v t b h l It r l j t dr ll. W p n n nd f fl n . t. l n th th n h n n v r r h h v r d f r v h W h v l f r h lf d nd t h ld r, t f t p, l d n nd nd l p n t l d t . r d , ph r , bl n r , nn r , n p p t ll. Y ld n v r r n z h. W d n t h v t t p nt l t n h p nd dr ll. Wh n r n t fl th f ll h nth f r h h h A.M. n d nd : 0 n nd r th n th h n r h v h d ll t n t h n r f n dr ll. th n xt h v th pl r f r ll n th n t d . h f d d f r v S pt b r . n v r f r n th r n z h n th th h nd I h v b r f n pp t t nd I d n t f l l r t n t n ht I r t p t . l p, I j t rd r t. tr d, t , d rt nd n rl d d fr I I t ld b t t n n h rt nl nd rf l t t n nd th h t nd t , b t I pl t b r f ld n l C p n d n th G b r r t t l n b t ll h f rt n t I t d . I h d h r n th pl nt ll th G b [S l f l . It d t b b n th f r t h p n pl n . I nt v r r ] r f n f ll nd r ff r r l r v n n r l . It r t th b h nd t n f th pl n n r t. r t l f nd th fl n f n . Y tr t r h n C p n t h. h pl n t d nt r ll nv n th b tt ( f th v r pl nl d f I b nd lth h I f l p n h v th n h nd t n r l t . n th b tt . h d dr ll I d n h d f I nt d r th n th d . l v th b d l r h r nd h l h p. t n h n th p n r d r . f p rp . On d th h t h l S t r pr n n d "Sp n S z r." I r tt n r t t f t n, ll th r r ll th n t d . W rr h r f n p rf l pl n . t ld th f ll h r r bl . I n r l nd n t t r p rt n th t th t l f b lt n t ht I n n ft rn n l t h l d n p tr l. n h t th t nt h n t p t t th h n n r n nd th t r h r r r r nd th t n h d thr th t nt . W nt p t 4,000 t r t nj nd lt j t l n nt ff t th t ll th t f t nd th r n th n n t th t x pt l br n . d nt ll h v t t l th n , r th t t t pl n n f l l n t t W h v h d pl nt f t f r l , t d t n ht, dr ll S nd t . lt t d p r d t b ll n. W th l t t r thr n ht . h r v r I h p t d n t thr b t f t d r n th l d th n h n dd nl h ll b t th r n b t . h ll pr b r pl t f l . O r nl lv t n t pp d n th h ld r I r pp d bl th th n xt tr n nd. fr th npl nt r nd t t r th d f th p t f r ll I rth. I h v r tt n d n l tt r n tr p r j t l n f r rd. It W ll d v nd t rn d v r nd v r I h v b n d n h r th t b t ll ll pr b bl t 8 r 0 b t h n . I n t r d b t l f l l d I h v t d v n n . W h v b d t t ll h v p l f h r t I ldn t h t d d. Aft r d n h r b t th r n t v r d. r r d t. t d n I f nd t th ll t "Spl t" September 11. h t nt th d th th pl n t th t th nl n f r t. A h v n f n t d n h r nd h r r nd rf l. h t l p n n f Y d t rt t l p nd h n All" h v h d t h p n th l p tt n n th b t. h h n p nt tr ht d n t p t p f th l p l p ff d th n n p t. I h v n t b n n nd p n r nd th th t l tr ht t , n n n nd fl ff n th p p tr l t b t xp t n n f d nd h d th t nt t b t ,000 r r p t d r t n. th n ll b t 4 r h r . d nd t p b t ,000 n thr p n . h h n xt f r l p . dr pp d d b b n l p r pr tt nd th d 2 l p th h f r t th n n d v t
4 FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 1999 n p d nd th n f l th h l dr n b n t r h t nd th n p nt tr ht p. Of r r p d d n n th t p f th l p b t th b lt h ld n t th r th ntr f l f r . W d d 4 n ft r n th r. It r t t l d n nd th nd p nd K W t. h n xt th n h d d fl pp r p r l In th th pl n 0 d r fr h r z nt l r th n r p nt n p nd d n n t d f b n p r ll l th th r nd p n r nd th ll th rth f r t n n pl nd th n n n th r. In th fl pp r p r l r dd r A close-up of the cockpits of the Blimp that Harold Jobes flew. Photo credit: l v t r nd t r th fl pp r r Harold Jobes. l v t r . r th nt nt t l p n h r "S n l " I t th t rt. " ll n", th C nd r d th h n p nt b l t l tr ht p En n K n dr v b nd I l pt t nd t n dr l th . Aft r I f x d p nd d n th th t l p nd p n r nd. f th . W r t h r nd h lf nd t I b b nt t h th b t f ll. lt th r. b d. h n t n n t b d r b d b t Wh n n ht f th t t n Of ll th b d l th th r t. r th r r t nd I nj d t v r h. t r r d t br ll n t b bl t fl n nt l th h p l t ht d nd p t thr l l r d r n b t t rn d r nd l p f x d nd I d bt f th h v h r th ll nd I l d h d d. Aft r th f r t nd b t l d b d. It r d n xt I " t f l ." t t nt h v p rf t nf d n nd th r tt n d r th r n th n l t v n th xp r n v l bl nd hl nj v r n t . d b t t h n h d d f r th I n l d I th r th r h t W ll I h v fl n n fr b ll n, t , f ld. Wh n t th n h lf l f th l rn. n h rt nd th d bl p , pl n , n ll I n d f ld th t r (r n h t. W r h v r l ht t h t th ld h v b n.
, h p n fl n b t nd l nd pl n . h t th t nd ll th t t r n th b M n f r fr W ll Sh nn n ft rn n I p th th pp r f th dd d b t 200 p nd r , t rt d r d nd t l r t. It h th " l r l p h l n 2 h r p n. I d d f n t n . l v r dr pp d nd v " b tt n n t. h rd r th t th nd I h ll pl d I r r d n ll ld t p nd l n C rp ld r th l r v d th t ld l p nd . n f ll p d f r th f ld. I t l n n n t d th rv th n . W Y t rd I n h r p tr l nd th t r b ll t nd l t t ll r n t nd r th nl br n h f th rv r nt d p nt n h r h t n " t" h r nd l l t th pl t f th l n t n th pr v l nd r pr d f t. I ll t n r . W ld fl 200 v r h l l t b t 0 ll n f l nd I l n t r n n f r h d n h r l t r nd th r r pl nt f b br n dr pp d b f b ll t b t t ll ll p t f r h n I t h r b t l n . W h d C lt 4 d n. h h n d h h d nd n. l b r nd h d h t p . rn d f l b d t n th p nt n nd j p d Saturday, September 27. n f ld h t th b t l h n r 2 f t fr th r nd. I pl d th t d d nd h d d p rt. h h d , h t p r t v l r t t n b t th l p f r n th h l t h n d n. I h v . Y h d l v b b nd r I n xpl n h t d n t nd r ld n h d b t h v b n n t th f l h h r fr d f. A t nd. In l nd n h l n t th nd th t r nd t n rl ll n . S t n h t I j p d t nd th nd n h r d n t b t 00 r l Wh r t ll th t nd d n t tr dr pp d th b b ft r th d t n t r h d f th r nd v r th p t h r nt t p t r l th l n b n t n t. It r n n h rd nd t l nd nd th n dr p 2 0 dr r p . h Sunday, September 22. th n th nd t rt d. h ll d t b t G b b l r b n th r p nd lth h Y t rd ft rn n I nt n p tr l. W 00 xtr G b nd tr d t h ld h r t thr th r nd th p ll d n l ft t : 0 nd n nt r d b d th r n nt th nd b t ldn t. h b r th r t r h t ff. Wh n t n r nd "b p " r r ht fr th t rt. W nt t th r nd nd th p nt n r th r nd th G b n v r n l n f ld r n n v r l pl b t " " r pp d ff th l nd n r. W r d t n d n th d f th bag and pull us nl t v r b d. Aft r r t n h r f r 4 n t b f r ld t along. This all sounds simple but it really n h r th p l t nd I h n d t h r n. W f n ll t h r n th h n r is no cinch. I h d f ll ntr l f th h p. I p l t d f r b t h n n t th d r nd r pp d You asked if I liked Blimps better than t h r nd h lf nd t r d t 0 h l n th d . A n t planes. You bet I do as the Blimp is bet- h n t v r. I d dn t t l n v r h r b d d n t rt d t d fl t nd ter in many ways. One thing you can ride ll th r n f l l t t t h b t d bl nd r h tl d t . W in the Blimp and look directly over the I t th d f th n nd t th nd I h d h r ll d n n n t nd b th t side while on a plane the wing surfaces d n f rl ll nd n t d n t I r l z d I d, h n r nd (Continued on page 6)
SUMME - O I A KEYS SEA lE I AGE OU A (Jobes from page 5) Here is an idea of what the pilot has to and go do down to about 50 feet. interfere. do. The rudder is operated by a bar oper- Today I was up 2 'A hours and took the Yesterday morning we were on the new ated with the feet. The ship cannot beheld machine up from the ground for the first rifle range shooting Springfields and ma- on a course like a small boat or airplane time and did fine. I am doing fine Pop and chine guns at 200 yards. As a sharp shooter but keeps veering so you have to keep the if the weather stays good I will be landing I'd make a good brick layer as I couldn't rudder moving all the time. The elevators very soon. I have had about 37 hours now hit a thing but did better than some of them. which are used to make her go up and down so you see had hard it is to qualify. I like Tuesday, October 1. are operated by a hand wheel on the side it more all the time. Hurray! The Blimp made her first flight of the car - right hand side and is very We were supposed to have had gunnery this afternoon after her serious idleness sensitive. Then there are three pressure this afternoon but I found out they were and I was glad to see the old baby go up. gauges in front on the dashboard. going to repair the range so I slept and read We worked all day yesterday and last night Pressure tube "B" must be kept between as I have sworn off hard work of the kind we were up all night watching inflation and 10 & 20 m. m. when flying or about mark - let the new fellows just out of Tech do fighting mosquitoes. We though it was going so you see you have to watch closely as it. to be a cinch to stay up and we were full 10' rise will make it use quite a bit. When Today while out flying we or rather Ensign of pep and we did some boxing and we all the pressure gets to high your value air Soule who was acting as observer sighted got beat up more or less, as you know I from separate compartments fore and aft an H boat. They are large planes the body am no star with the gloves. But by the time called balloonets. You have values for this of which is a boat and are driven with a morning came I was dead. The mosqui- and when the pressure gets low you force liberty motor. Well this H boat was stalled toes! Well you have no idea how bad they air into the balloonets by means of open- so we went down to it and I semaphored are. It was the same as being put in a room ing dampers and allowing the propeller blast (as I had changed seats with the instruc- full of them and you couldn't keep them to force the air in. These gauges must be tor). They had engine trouble or "dead away. watched as the bag is apt to rip if the pres- stick" and didn't known the direction to We have a cage built of mosquito net- sure gets high and if it gets low the tail Key West. I signaled that it was 310 de- ting so we would take turns sitting in it and gets flabby and as the rudder and eleva- grees and told them we would send a boat having a few minutes of comfort. tors are mounted on the tail of the bag they out for them but they got underway be- We sent out and got a pint of cream apiece would loose their effect. fore the boat arrived. As soon as we left and had a party at 9 P.M. and got sand- Wednesday, October 16. them I sent a wireless message to the sta- wiches and coffee at 12 but the cheese was I have been having a great time the last tion for the boat. The plane was drifting so strong that if we had put a pipe from few days. Yesterday I had two hops and out to sea. When things are happening like "it" to the Blimp we would have had plenty they were the best I have ever had. The this I enjoy it - can you blame me? of gas. We left the hangar at 6:30 and I first one was with a "dizzy" instructor I have Sunday, October 21. laid down to wait for chow and didn't wake never had before. By dizzy I mean that he We were fortunate last week in getting up until colors blew at 8, so in other words likes to take chances and does fancy stuff. in quite a number of hours which enabled I missed my breakfast so by the time dinner Of course we really can't stunt with a Blimp me to get quite some practice in "taking came I was all in and ate everything in but Ensign Cambell took her down to where off." This means flying the Blimp from the sight including stew. the warships were anchored and brought ground. Previously the instructor has been The rainy season is here so it will inter- her down low and flew in between them taking off and the student taking the con- fere with our patrol work but it will not hold and zoomed over them. By that I mean he trols after getting into the air. This stunt up our qualifying as we will take more short would dive straight at them and then sud- is not hard - the only thing you must be hops which will count the same. Our Blimp denly nose her up and jump over just clear- very careful. You have to weight the ship goes about 40 MPH that is an average of ing the aerial between the mast. I stoop up off and watch out in the starting of the against and with the wind. in the rear seat and semaphored with the engine. Before leaving the ground you test October 4. sailors and officers. One of the officers the motor on high and idling speeds. Then Here is a souvenir of the Blimp that I fly. signaled for us to do a loop. I replied "We we have to get word from the chief in charge When it was wrecked in Sept. A large chuck only loop on Sundays." Finally one of the that the sky is clear of planes. As soon as was torn in the side. When we patched it Gobs started to send from the bridge and this signal is given we "give her the gun" we cutout some fabric and this is part of he shot it at me at about 30 a minutes so I and speed up to 1,400 rpm and raise our it. The lower left corner shows a seam where piped down as that was too fast for me. I hand. That is the signal to go. The Gobs two strips are fastened together. can talk about 15 and send 20 or more. on the car shove forward and up and the I had my 1st hop since the wreck this After that I took the pilots seat and did way we go up at an angle of about 20 de- morning and it felt good to get in the air better than I have ever done. We landed grees. This doesn't sound much but it really again. and changed instructors and this time we is. A plane can not make a climbing angle Thursday, October 1(L went shark hunting. We used a colt revolver like that at no time. We go off nose into Received the goggles ok tonight and am 45 caliber and it sure has a kick. We each the wind and hold the steep angle until we well pleased with them. The amber is fine had 7 shots and I hit a shark on the tail have made sure of clearing everything on for afternoon work when the sun is low and killed a stingaree. The shark was about the ground so at about 100' we start level- and shines in your eyes. When you wear 8 feet and the stingaree was at least 5 feet ing off and gradually bring her down un- clear goggles the sun blinds you so it is across. This is wonderful sport as we til we make 500'. hard to watch your gauges. throttle our motor down so we don't move Yesterday I had two take offs and they
6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 1999 were both good. I might add that after we get up we pull back the gun to 1,100 rpm so that is fast enough for ordinary work. On one of my hops yesterday I got up to 1,110 feet which is the highest I could go without valving gas. I didn't want to do that. The Blimp is not a high flying bird by any means although in order to qualify we must take her up to 3,000 feet and that is the last thing we do. No doubt I will start making landings next week and that is really the last thing I have to do before qualifying - sound good doesn't it? Yesterday I flew down low over the Navy ball field and watched thegame for a while - 0 we sure have a great time. Coming in The Blimp being moved to the hangar. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. we had a mishap. We dropped our drag rope and it was wound incorrectly so I climbed Can you tie a bowline one handed and I am going to buy my leather puttees over the side and kicked it loose as it snarled make a long splice etc. Well if you can't and insignias this Saturday night as they about 50 feet from the car. you had better get busy as I will show you may be out of them when I need them. The With good weather I should qualify in up when I get home as I am a shark on knots puttees cost $18.00 but the worst is the another week or two more at the most. Then and that sort of thing. hat insignia which costs $7.00 and all there I will have to wait probably a couple more Wednesday, October 30. is to it is a hat band with gold crossed an- weeks for my commission and my desig- This has been a great week for flying as chors and a gold eagle but it is all hand nation as a "Naval Aviator" and wings. You we have had perfect weather and I have made. see now I am only a student Aviator. My been up about 2 hours every day. I must We are expecting a new bag for our other designation will make me a Naval Aviator say that on Monday after being sick a week Blimp. They are shipping us the one from and will also designate where I am to fly I felt a bit out of trim but I soon overcame Hampton Roads which has been to Akron but no doubt it will be Key West I'm doomed that. being repaired. It will be fine when we have here I guess. Today I started practicing making land- 2 Blimps as then we will be in the air all Tomorrow morning we start eating in the ings and it was great sport. I had two hops the time and thats my idea of life. new mess hall for the students only. We with different instructors and made 5 practice v b r 8. have been eating Gobs chow all along but landings on the first hop and 4 on the Suppose you are happy as a two year now it will probably be better. We are all second. When we make these practice land- old over the good news yesterday after- going to chip in $1.00 a week for extras such ings we bring the ship down just as we were noon at about 4 the report came in that the as ice cream and fruit. They say the offic- going to land but keep her 200' from the war was over and Germany had surrendered. • ers chow is the best going - wonderful and ground instead of bringing her down to This was confirmed by the officers and the I am mighty anxious to get a whack at it. about 50' as you do in a real landing - when station went wild. They put up the new fog The Influenza is not so bad down here. you drop the drag rope. I did good work siren and started it roaring (like the one They go at it hard when a fellow reports and tomorrow I will make real landings. on Sandy Hook). When the news broke out feeling bad so they have lost only one or There was quite a commotion last night. the star fliers (Ensigns) grabbed planes and two. Some of our boys have had it and run One of the Ensigns (that no one likes) and went up stunting. Well Pop I have been up a high fever but that was all. They hold a student had to land as they ran out of seeing flying for nearly a year now but never everyone coming in the detention camp and gasoline. It was dark and they drifted out anything like last night. We have some take no chances. It surely must be terrible to sea and were lost. They looked for them wonderful fliers. They went down over Key up north and I am glad I am where I am. all night and this morning they found them West and stunted flying down low over This morning they read off three Gen- way out to sea with their plane ready to the street going straight for houses and eral Court Martial sentences. A General sink. suddenly zooming over barely missing them. Court is the highest - Naval court. One There has been a new order put thru that The big Key West Wireless Station has a boy got 1 year for stealing and a dishon- all men on this side who are actively en- high 3 mast aerial. Well they even flew orable discharge after he gets out. Another gaged in Submarine Patrol work for 3 between the masts. got 2 years and dishonorable discharge months rate a gold chevron on their arm - After that they came up top the station for sleeping on his watch. Another got 10 same as the men on the other side. The idea as it was getting dark. They did loops about years and dishonorable discharge for as- is that we are not here because we want 400' (dangerously low). One of them dove saulting a Key West girl. Some examples to be here as all of us prefer foreign ser- down in front of the Y to within 25 feet for the rest of them isn't it. vice but as the government considers this of the ground and zoomed up barely miss- I certainly hope we have good flying patrol important they grant us the same ing the barracks. One flew straight down weather next week as I want to finish my decoration as the foreign pilots. I will rate on the Blimp hangar in a flipper spiral (Continued on page 15) qualifying and get it over with. mine in November.
SUMMER 1999 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 C v l W r n K W t By Lewis G. Schmidt PART 5 (December 19, 1862 thru Feb- parently upset on this occasion by Col. ruary 1863) Morgan's sympathy for the Blacks, and by (47th Pennsylvania returns to Key the Colonel disarming and disbanding a West) company of volunteers formed from Key The 47th Pennsylvania disembarked at West Citizens. Col. Morgan had declared noon on Friday, December 19, 1862, and the slaves employed at Forts Taylor and immediately marched to its quarters. The Jefferson to be free of their masters in the 1st Battalion at Key West with Compa- summer of 1862, and when McFarland of nies I and C to Fort Taylor under com- the Engineering Department protested, most mand of Maj. Gausler; E and B under the of the slaves walked off the construction command of Capt. Rhoads to the "old US site. The Colonel offered to compel them barracks"; and A and G under the com- to return if McFarland paid them, but the mand of Capt. Graeffe to the "new US bar- engineer refused and many problems and racks" at Camp Brannan. Companies A difficulties arose as a result. At a later date, Colonel Tilghman Good. Photo credit: Col. Morgan would become further em- and G were also reported at the "Light- the Author. .4 house Barracks" or "Lighthouse Key", broiled with the citizens of Key West when the steamer [C p l t n preparing to which was where the new barracks were he attempted to enforce a Department of take the 90th New York to Hilton Head], located. the South order to remove from the island stowed away by some of the Ninetiyth [sic] A correspondent of the New York Her- all persons who refused to take the oath Regiment. Colonel Patterson, our active ald reported that when the steamship ar- of allegiance to the Union. and efficient Mayor, instituted a search, rived in the port with the famous old 47th There was very little improvement at Key and on discovering the darkeys, had them Pennsylvania on board to relieve Col. West during the period of the 47th brought ashore and locked up." Morgan's 90th New York Regiment, and Pennsylvania's absence. But one area that "One of them, the property of Mr. they heard that Col. Good would take over the 90th New York did improve, was the Randolph, had been for some time past command of the whole post, that he and "beautification of the home of deceased acting as servant for Col. Morgan, and was the ship's storekeeper threw their hats up soldiers", known as the Key West Post taken on board the steamer with the inten- in the air in happiness. "It was good news Cemetery and which had been located at tion of taking him from the island, but this "d'' to hear that someone was coming to re- what is now Peary Court, near the inter- would not answer, he was brought ashore lieve Col. Morgan, but for it to be our old section of White St. and Palm Ave. And with the rest. When Col. Morgan heard of friends Col. Good and his regiment from with ample reason, since Yellow Fever it, he sent an order to the Provost Marshal St. John's and Pocotaligo, was almost too claimed at least 78 of their members, who to restore the man at once, or rather to take good to believe, but it was true." He re- died and were buried in the cemetery dur- him from the custody of the civil author- ported that during his long stay at Key West ing the six months that the 47th Pennsyl- ity; but the Provost Marshal sent him word he had never seen everyone so happy, the vania was in South Carolina. Even with- that his authority on this island was no citizens following the regiment to its camp out improvements, the 90th New York would longer recognized...A great improvement with cheers and greetings, and the ladies have effected a considerable expansion of in the government of Key West is already waving their handkerchiefs. "All this a sign the facility, which brought them into con- visible." that the 47th was very welcome." flict with property claimed by Mr. Maloney. The 47th Pennsylvania's Henry Col. Good was assigned the command There were a total of at least 99 additions Hornbeck had no work at the of all the forces in and around Key West, to the cemetery from all units during this quartermaster's office on Christmas Day as the 47th Pennsylvania relieved the 90th period of the 47th' s absence; not includ- and "went to the Wharf and witnessed the New York and Col. Joseph Morgan, "who ing unmarked burials, or civilian or naval departure of the 90th N.Y. S. Vols... John will proceed to Hilton Head and report to deaths whose burials were made in the public Lawall, Frank Good & few others then took the General commanding". Some reports cemetery at Francis and Angela Sts. a walk about Key West...Our Christmas indicated the 90th New York's Colonel and General Order #26 specified the follow- dinner was a 'Pot Pie' ...After dinner Peter his Quartermaster were to be arrested on ing hours of service and roll call at Camp Bernd & myself went out to the beach and charges of disloyal practices, lodged against Brannan: Reveille at day break; police collected a lot of Curiosities in the shape them by Mr. Walter C. Maloney. Wharton immediately after reveille; call for drill 5:30 of sea shells...After supper Frank Good, wrote: "His actions have been severely criti- AM; recall 7; breakfast call 7:15; surgeon's P. Berndt, Win Steckel & myself went to cized by the people, but, as it is in bad taste call 7:45; guard mounting 9; call for drill Catholic church, it was a grand sight the to say anything against ones superiors, I 10; recall 11; dinner 12; Sergeants call 1 church being decorated with Spruce and merely mention, judging from the expres- PM; call for drill 3:30; recall 5; dress pa- with Cocoanut leaves, and a great num- sions of the citizens, they were very glad rade 5:30; tattoo 9; and taps 9:30. Certainly ber of Lights burning. After church went of the return of the 47th Pennsylvania Vol- hope the omission for supper was a cleri- to barracks and retired. The day here is cel- unteers." cal oversight. ebrated like the 4th of July in the North, Mr. Maloney would continue to be a On Wednesday, December 24, in the "af- firing Squibs &c. This is a great week for thorn in the military's side, even for many ternoon four negroes, the property of citi- the Negroes, they having dances and en- years after the war was over, and was ap- zens of this Key, were discovered on board joying themselves all day long. This af-
8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 1999 ternoon out on the beach the Nigger others. In 1863, the total number of known morning. The ship had previously left Key Gemmari' & ladies had dancing until dark, burials in the Key West Post Cemetery West temporarily, with yellow fever on to be again resumed tomorrow....Retired would be ten, a stark contrast with the board. The USS San Jacinto was at Key at 10 oclock." previous year's total of 131 West, having just arrived. Two days later, Henry Hornbeck joined The average daily temperature at Key The USS Tahoma was also at Key West, his "Mess near the office with the clerks West in January 1863 was 69 degrees, as bringing in the rebel sloop Silas Henry & employees in this office, having two the West Martello Tower was completed that she had captured in Tampa Bay on Niggers to do our Cooking, have very good except for cisterns, magazines, tower stairs the 8th. The sloop carried 50 bales of cotton. meals. This evening the Band Serenaded and general interior work. The Martello This was the 10th prize captured since the different Companies. Went to Meth- Tower's masonry and concrete gun plat- Adm. Bailey took over command of the odist Church where the Free Masons met, forms were set. squadron; the Good Luck, Alicia, Avenger, and heard an address on Free Masonry by The Black population of the United Julia, Courier, Kate, Dove, By George, Capt. J. Gobin...After meeting was over went States looked forward to improved circum- Carmita and Silas Henry. to the house with Luther Mennig, and we stances on January 1, 1863, as President At Key West were the Tahoma (coal- were Serenaded by Some Members of Co Lincoln formally issued the Emancipation ing); Magnolia and Penguin (repairing); B and E, very good Music. Remained at Proclamation. It would not be until later Beauregard (condemned); St. Lawrence, the house all night. I lodge in Camp but in the month that the news would reach Eugenie and Dale. The Ariel was cruis- Mess in town." Key West, and even later before it arrived ing between Knight's Key and Indian Key; On December 31, the ship Sagamore's at the Tortugas. and the Gem of the Sea was cruising off Surgeon Scofield "Went ashore at 9 AM With approval from the military, civilian Indian River, Jupiter Inlet and Cape with Mr King in the gig. Went to Shafers, officials resumed control of municipal func- Canaveral. The Huntsville had been sent Pitchers, Moffatt & Simpsons. Sat for an tions at Key West. to Havana, and the Sagamore was sched- ambrotype. Took dinner at the Russell House In the quartermaster's office, the 47th uled to leave for Indian River and the J.L. at 2 PM. Fresh pork & mince pie. Tried to Pennsylvania's Henry Hornbeck "kept busy Davis with supplies for the squadron on get a horse and buggy for a ride but did all day, on account of many Steamers ly- the 16th. not succeed." ing in Port, waiting to Coal. After Supper Problems aboard the J.L. Davis and a Col. Good recognized the legality of the took a walk about the city with Frank Good poor reputation for reliability among the elections that had been held at Key West & Wm Steckel, heard music in a side Street, rest of the squadron, resulted in a change and directed that civil authority be restored went there and found the 'Nigger Band' of command before it left Key West. on January 1, 1863. The military authority playing at the Postmasters residence, the The USS Octorara captured the English would retain control over arrivals and Postmaster then called all the Soldiers in, sloop Brave in the North West Providence departures from the island of Key West, and gave us each a glass of wine, he is a Channel "with a cargo of 110 sacks of salt and over the sale of spirituous liquors. very patriotic Man, and very generous. I and 3 bales of sponge", and was sent to On New Years eve, "Many vessels in Port. believe his name is Mr Albury." Key West for adjudication. The master of Weather warm & fine." The 47th Pennsyl- January 15 was a typical day in the port the Brave had been captured the previ- vania was mustered for pay. "At 9 oclock of Key West, and the following brief ac- ous May. the Band Serenaded us at the Barracks. We counts are an example of harbor activities It was "windy" on the 16th, and the also had a ' String Band', composed of during the Civil War as numerous captured Sagamore "Did not go the wharf to coal. Niggers, playing all evening. At 12 oclock blockade runners were brought to Key [Surgeon Scofield] Went ashore at sun- a party consisting of Win Hertz, James West for adjudication the courts that had down & staid til 9 PM. Called at Capt Knerr, George Henry, Henry Reiss, Wm been established there for that purpose. Richardsons and went to Prof Loves magic Steckel, Julius Lascon, James Geidner, "This Morning the Gunboat ' Tahoma' performance. Tickets $1.00. Select parlor Henry Getter & Myself [Henry Hornbeck] arrived having in tow a prize smack laden magic. Billiards &c kept executive away from visited the Captains & Lieuts of our Comp with cotton. Gunboat 'San Jacinto' also ship until 9-1/2 PM. Fruits &c overload the & Comp A, being together in the New came into harbor this morning...the quar- stomach." Barracks at the Light House, and wished termaster returned this afternoon, he having January 18 was a happy day for Lt. "Le- them a Happy New Year and fired a salute, gone with a party to the wreck of the 'Spar- vis" Stuber of the 47th Pennsylvania. He we were all called in and got something to kling Sea' a distance of about 120 Miles, was married at Key West to Mary Ellen drink, we then went out towards the beach on the Florida Coast, near Carysfort Reef, Archer, by Rev. R.J. McCook. Henry and visited Old Sandy [Cornish], a great with a view of saving the horses and Cargo, Hornbeck also mentioned the wedding Union Nigger, and roused him up, and gave it having been abandoned by the Crew and which took place in the evening. On the him a salute, didn't get to bed until 3 oclock." a detachment of N.Y. Vols...Very windy." 21st, "After Supper Mennig & myself...went Records of the Key West Post Cemetery The Sagamore arrived with the Swan, to Lieut Stubers and the String Band Ser- indicated there were at least 131 burials in "We brought sixty six soldiers, the same enaded him, we were called in and intro- 1862; 89 members of the 90th New York; soldiers we had before to Key West where duced to his wife, and drank to their health 18 members of the 47th Pennsylvania (the we arrived at 5-1/2 PM. Found the San & happiness then left. disparity between the regiment's 23 deaths Jacinto in port, also the Tahoma & Official news of the Emancipation Proc- and 18 relates to bodies that were shipped Merrimack. Sent soldiers ashore in boats." lamation arrived at Key West on January home or unidentified in the Post Cemetery): The USS San Jacinto was also in port 24, as Musician Wharton wrote about "a 16 members of the 91st New York; and 8 to provision and coal, having arrived in the (Continued on page 10)
SUMMER 1999 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 (Civil War from page 9) It took time for the order to reach Key colored population of Key West. He is high time the lads and lasses of the dark West, and before Col. Good could or would looked on by them as the greatest man of hue had of it. In the morning the male act upon it, he was relieved by Col. Morgan the age (always excepting Mr. Lineum), portion had a procession, with music (fur- of the 90th New York Regiment, and with and the extravagant behavior exhibited nished by themselves) and banners fly- the six companies of the 47th stationed by them on his arrival, exceeded anything ing; conspicuous was the stars and stripes. at Key West and Fort Taylor, he was or- I have yet seen. One old fellow, Sandy [Cor- By the way, a conk, that is a resident of dered to Hilton Head, sailing on February nish], I thought would go out of his senses." the key hailing from Nassau, N.P., whose 9. The next day the 90th New York Regi- ancestors were tories, and fled from This fortuitous circumstance and the ment disembarked from the Mantanzas Charleston to Nassau during the Revo- manner in which Col. Good delayed imple- to relieve the six companies of the 47th lutionary War, threw a stone at the pro- menting the order, endeared him to the citi- Pennsylvania who were stationed at Key cession as it was passing by, and came zens of Key West. While the 47th was gone, West and Fort Taylor, so that they could very near hitting the flag we are fighting Col. Morgan set about enforcing the or- proceed to Beaufort, S.C. It was expected for, when a stalwart son of Lehigh County, der, which involved about 600 citizens; and they would leave on Saturday, and the 4 asked the fellow if he had thrown that stone it was reported that 16 officers of the 90th companies at Fort Jefferson were expected to insult the flag, when he received an an- New York resigned in consequence and had to join them later. swer something like 'my own business' their swords taken from them. Some of the On February 7, Col. Good and the six for which he received a stunner from 'the citizens were forced to attempt to sell their Companies of the 47th, A, B, C, E, G and I, shoulder' that sent him reeling to the property in anticipation of the relocation, which were stationed at Key West and Fort ground, from which he had to be carried breaking up their homes and family ties and Taylor, sailed on board the steamer by his friends, teaching him a lesson not otherwise prepare for the resettlement. Mantanzas for Hilton Head. "The vessel to meddle with the emblem of Liberty when "Forcible resistance was threatened". In- was a good iron steamer, the Captain a the 47th boys are about." stead of blaming Gen. Hunter and the Fed- jolly Dane, and his officers and crew very "In the afternoon, the party of blacks eral Government for the order, the people's clever and gentlemanly...Ere an hour had had a gay and happy time at the Baracoon, displeasure fell upon Col. Morgan, for passed, Key West was lost to our vision, a short distance below Fort Taylor, on the whom they had already developed an in- and I can say with the rest of the boys, I beach. Four large tables were set, and to tense dislike. One of the more outspoken hope forever", wrote Musician Wharton. say they groaned under the weight of good citizens was Mr. Maloney, whose son The return was under orders of Gen. Hunter things, substantial and dainty, would be Walter C. Maloney was away fighting for and the Department of the South, as the telling literally the truth. The refreshments the Confederacy. ship steamed out of the harbor in fair were not dealt out grudgingly, but every- Col. Good apparently argued the citizen's weather past the warship St. Lawrence one had their fill, of which more than one case while at Hilton Head and had the or- and proceeded to Hilton Head. The voy- officer and many soldiers can bear wit- der officially rescinded on February 22, and age was not much different from the others, ness to. Mr. Curtis, a rich shipmaster, ad- he and the six companies of the 47th Penn- except for the "bad accommodations and dressed them in a neat speech, welcomed sylvania were sent back to Key West on filth, even worse than we ever had... more them as citizens, since the President in his February 27 with instructions to suspend seasickness this time than on any of our wisdom had made them so, and hoped they the order if he saw fit. The circumstances previous voyages." As many men as pos- would keep as good a character for hon- did prompt some of the younger Confed- sible attempted to remain on deck to avoid esty and truth as they had when they were erate sympathizers to slip the patrol boats the "squamishness peculiar to sea voyages". in bondage. Sandy [Cornish], the aristo- in the harbor at Key West and sail to Tampa Col. Morgan wasted no time issuing, cratic farmer of the race, was called on and to enlist in the Rebel Army. among others, the following orders: "The made a speech of the day. The day's fes- February was a relatively healthy month municipal authorities can only be recog- tivities concluded with music and at Key West, and there was only one known nized by sufferance... strict sanitary regu- dancing-the latter accomplishment being burial in the Key West Post Cemetery, a lations [should] be enforced... [all waste] done up in a much better style by 'ye la- member of the 30th Massachusetts. One must be put in barrels, or boxes, and placed dies colored' than the ' divine creatures' man would die at the Marine Hospital. upon the sidewalk, in front of their respec- of that little island could do." On February 3, Musician Wharton of the tive dwellings, every Saturday morning, be- On January 29, Maj. Gen. D. Hunter, 47th Pennsylvania wrote: "The 90th N.Y. S. fore sunrise, commencing on Saturday the Headquarters Department of the South at Vols., Col. Morgan, returned to Key West 14th inst., for the purpose of being taken Hilton Head, Port Royal, S.C., issued an to relieve our regiment. We were not all away in carts... All stores, shops and other order to Col. Good as commander of the surprised at being relieved; had expected places of business, except Drug Stores, District of Key West: "You will immedi- it, and were all exceedingly glad that we within the limits of the city shall be closed ately send to this Post the families (white) were to make our exit from that barren spot at eight o'clock P.M., and no place of of all persons wh© have Husbands, Sons of creation, but that a regiment who are at business will be allowed open on the Sab- or Brothers, in Rebel employment, and all daggers points with the citizens should be bath, after the hour of eight A.M., except- other persons who have at any time de- sent back to see to the welfare of Union- ing Drug Stores and Barber Shops...The clined taking the Oath of Allegiance, or ists, Conks, and the colored people, took assemblage of persons upon the street who have uttered a single disloyal word, all aback, and caused no little grumbling corners will not be allowed... the guard will in order that they may be placed within on the outside of the 47th Regiment...Col. arrest all soldiers or sailors found in the the Rebel lines." Morgan's return was a great thing for the street after ' tattoo ' ." Dispensing of intoxi-
10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 1999 eating liquors was severely restricted, except within the limits of this command, who have ing at the Quarter Masters Wharf, Friday when authorized by the surgeon. husbands, brothers or sons in Rebel em- at 10 oclock on February 27th 1863, en Any citizens found on the streets after ployment, will hold themselves in readiness route to Hilton Head, S.C. Lieut. Sheppard 10:30 PM were to be reported and escorted to embark on board of the first available 90th Regt. N.Y. Vols, will accompany you to their residences. The military would control Transport for Hilton Head, S. C., with a view to Hilton Head, and on his arrival, will all arrivals and departures from the island, of being placed within the rebel lines." report to the Commanding Officer at that and passes were needed to pass the "Guard "The heads of such families will report Post." Ships" in the harbor. Those departures by in person to these Head Quarters without Sgt. Henry Crydenwise of the 90th New way of the "Channel adjacent to the United delay. Due notice will be given as to the York described the incident when he wrote States Barracks...must stop at the Bath transport and time of sailing." of the previous week "Never do I wish to House and show their passes to the guard "By command of Jos. S. Morgan, Col. 90th pass through another week of such anxi- stationed there." Any boat failing to ad- Regt. N.Y. Vols., commanding post; W.T. ety and mental anguish. No language or here to these regulations was to be fired Woolley, 1st Lt. & Post Adj." power of mine can portray the scenes upon. Permanent sentries were to be es- It was the opinion of Sgt. Henry through which I have passed... For the past tablished throughout the city. Crydenwise of the 90th New York that the week we have been almost bordering on Col. Morgan resumed command at Key order originated with Gen. Hunter, and it insurrection. About twelve of our officers West, and hoped for the cooperation of would result in a week of extreme turmoil sent in their resignations, and the men gen- all loyal persons. "To the sympathizers with for Henry and the citizens of Key West. erally said they never would enforce the Rebellion, no leniency or favor will be "This order embraced most of the people regulations. Those officers who sent in their shown... the disguised Traitor... merits the on the island for of course most of their resignations are under arrest. They will detestation of all loyal hearts." General friends are South. Among those included probably suffer for it but still I honor them Order #67, returning municipal authority were very many who had nursed our sick for the sacrifice." to the citizens on January 1, 1863, was when suffering with the yellow fever, some "I never came down here to war with revoked. The acting mayor was charged union men, old women and little innocent women and children. Well such was the with the supervision of sanitary regulations, children who certainly could not be held general indignation among all classes that and no garbage was to be allowed to ac- responsible for the conduct of others. Ah! the Colonel has made every exception to cumulate. The garbage was to be placed Yes and my dear good friends who have the order which he could and very many in barrels or boxes prior to sunrise on Sat- been all that earthly friends could be were who are included in the order will not go urdays, and it would be taken away in carts. included. By almost everyone both soldiers at present...Our officers may some of them At Key West on February 12, an order & citizens it was regarded as a most inhu- be dismissed from the service in disgrace that would have far reaching consequences man thing, a base outrage on humanity." (but that would be honorable under the for the 47th Pennsylvania and the citizens The following prize vessels were in the circumstances) we may suffer by fighting of Key West, General Order #9, was issued Key West harbor: steamers Adila, Pearl against this inhuman order but I have from by Col. Morgan. "All white persons, re- and Virginia; schooners Alicia, By George, the first and no power on earth shall pre- siding within the limits of this command, Agnes, Francis, Trier, Isabell, Courier, vent me from fighting everything of the kind. having husbands, sons or brothers in rebel Dart, Theresa, Commit, Lilly, Adventure, I believe our Colonel has narrowed it down employment, or who have at any time de- Cavmita, Diana, Rising Dawn, Two Sis- to about fifteen families and these are to clined taking the Oath of Allegiance to the ters, _Hermosa, Kate, Maria and Margaret; go tomorrow [Thursday, February 26] but United States Government, are hereby re- sloops WE. Chester, Flying Fish, Good whether Hunter will send another still more quired to report in person to these Head- Luck, Brockenbough, Avenger, Julia, strict or not I cannot say... Am I a man? or quarters, on or before Tuesday the 17th Ellen, Silas Henry, Brave, and Boat Prize. am I but a fool or machine to execute the inst., and register their names." Also in the harbor were the US steamers will of some ambitious power?" The order was the beginning of what Santiago (de Cuba?), R.R. Cuyler, Mag- Returning from the South Carolina would culminate in the attempted depor- nolia, Sagamore, Monongahela and Lowcountry, the ship carrying the 47th Penn- tation of some of the citizens of Key West. Rhode Island; US ship Guard, a US survey sylvania "passed a Light house at 7:30 A.M. This was already taking place in northern steamer; US frigate St. Lawrence; US At Noon Key West Lighthouse in sight. Florida. At the same time the steamer Bos- guard schooner Eugenie; US schooner Steamer Illinois passed close by us at noon. ton, sailing from St. Augustine and Beauregard; and US ordnance ship Dale. Arrived at the wharf at Key West at about Fernandina, was "transporting the Rebel On February 25, Key West was seeth- 1 oclock" on February 27. That portion of population, male and female, from our lines ing with unrest, both in the military and the 47th Pennsylvania which had spent to the Rebels", arriving at Hilton Head the civilian population, as Col. Morgan was three weeks in South Carolina arrived back on February 2nd. General Order #10 was attempting to implement his order requir- at Key West at 1 PM, after a 68 hour voy- issued at the US Barracks by the Military ing the families with members associated age. Headquarters of the Island of Key West. with the Confederate cause to be relocated As the 47th Pennsylvania arrived, "the The notice was apparently printed by the in South Carolina's Lowcountry. Band playing 'Bully for us' it took every- local newspaper's printing presses: "'New Col. Morgan addressed the following body by surprise especially on account of Era' Job Printing Office, Print." missive to Dr. D. W. Whitehurst of Key West: the Citizens having been ordered off the "In accordance with instructions received "Agreeable to enclosed orders, yourself island by Col Morgan 90th N.Y. Regt we from Head Quarters, Dept. of the South, and family will embark on board of the just arrived in time to countermand so in- the families of all persons (white) residing U.S. Steam Transport 'Illinois' now ly- (Continued on page 12)
SUMMER 1999 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 (Civil War from page 11) Reg't brought to us...I do not care for any mand here. You people gather up your baggage and go back to your homes' ." was hoisted from almost every house one little inconvenience it may subject me to" Pvt. Pretz wrote "The people of Key West place in particular had 14 Flags hoisted (Henry lost his nice quarters because of were overjoyed at our return. They threw and the Spanish Consul raised the flags the 47th' s return as he was reduced from of all Nations across the street, with the Sgt. Major to Orderly Sgt.) "Thank God open their houses and treated us to as much American Flag in the Centre. Some families the cloud has passed." as we wanted of anything they had, free have everything packed up & were to leave "The people here are mostly rather poor of charge." Musician Wharton wrote that "much joy in the Steamer C t f th this after- and get their living by fishing, gathering noon. I saw some of the inhabitants ac- sponges, keeping little groceries &c. For was manifested by the inhabitants on our arrival. Flags streamed across the streets-on tually Cry for Joy." many years this has been their home, in one cord alone I counted sixteen of different On May 10, 1861, President Lincoln had fact many of them were born here. True the issued a proclamation authorizing "the majority of them are rather ignorant and nations, the most conspicuous was a large American Flag, having on it the inscrip- commander of the forces of the United simple minded, but a more quiet inoffen- States on the Florida coast to permit no sive people I never saw. Now when you tion ' Welcome 47th'. Houses were opened person to exercise any office or author- consider that four or five hundred of these and good things of this earth, wherewith ity upon the island of Key West, the people were to be sent away among strang- to comfort the inner man were plentifully Tortugas, and Santa Rosa which may be ers, into a colder climate (and you know distributed among the men of the differ- inconsistent with the laws and Constitution here they have nothing but the thinnest ent companies." There is little doubt that of the United States, authorizing him at summer clothing) and most of these who the inhabitants of Key West had a very the same time, if he shall find it neces- were to go were women and children you high regard for the 47th Pennsylvania at sary, to suspend the writ of habeas cor- can realize something of the suffering." this time. pus, and to remove from the vicinity of In speaking of the scheming of Col. Emily Holder at the Tortugas was told the United States fortresses all danger- Morgan and some of the officers of the 90th that the people at Key West "were almost ous or suspected persons." New York, Henry Crydenwise wrote: "One crazy in their excitement. They took the This order would form the basis for de- of the schemes was that order trying to drive soldiers knapsacks as they marched up the portations and attempted deportations the people away from the island... [some of street and would have carried the men on throughout the coastal areas of Florida. the] officers are so opposed to him [Col. their shoulders in their joy over Morgan's When Col. Good and the 47th arrived Morgan] that many of them have tried to defeat." and relieved Col. Morgan, it was said that get him to resign and so he has put about Col. Good became the hero of Key West, pursuant to General Order #10, a boat was twenty two or three under arrest. How it the citizens of whom presented him with ready in the harbor to take some of the will end I cannot tell." a ceremonial sword as a token of appre- Southern families north to the Lowcountry Henry later summarized the situation ciation on Saturday, July 25, 1863. The of South Carolina. when he wrote "Key West was never out circumstances had prompted some of the Musician Wharton wrote: "An order for of the Union. When the war broke out the younger Confederate sympathizers to slip all to remove, who had a relative in the commander of this post caused all to take the patrol boats in the harbor and sail to Rebel Army, had been promulgated, and the oath of allegiance and in doing that our Tampa to enlist in the Rebel Army. Col. by 4 o'clock they would have embarked, government pledged itself to protect them Morgan was later dismissed from the ser- each with only fifty pounds of baggage, in their every right. There is no real differ- vice on April 19, 1864, but the disability on board a steamer bound for Hilton Head, ence between this place and New York." was removed by the War Department on where they would have been sent under He was of the opinion that persons with October 13, 1864, and on this occasion in a flag of truce to the Rebel lines, unless sympathy for both sides of the war lived Key West he seemed to be a victim of cir- ordered differently by the commander of in every community, and at Key West there cumstances. Although, on at least one the 10th Army Corps. Our arrival stopped was a fort and numerous military person- occasion, Sgt. Crydenwise of the 90th New the banishment of 730 souls, and until trea- nel and no danger to the Union. All mili- York was critical of his commander as he son is proved against them, here they are tary news was "old" news and of no value wrote "Colonel Morgan is an ambitious low likely to remain, happy in their homes, to the South. He and most of the soldiers minded man", when complaining about his endeared to them by old associations and and citizens felt it was conspiracy between failure to be promoted and the manner in family ties." Col. Morgan and a few of the citizens. which promotions were made within the Many families, including the family of Mr. Charles R. Roberts, nephew of Capt. regiment. Mr. Fernando J. Moreno, had already ar- Rhoads, wrote sixty years after the war: Lewis G. Schmidt is a resident ofAllen- ranged for their baggage to be loaded; and "nearly six hundred citizens, including some town, PA. Since he retired in 1979 from Rev. W.J. McCook, a Methodist Minis- staunch Union men, were already on the Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylva- ter, had boarded ship for the trip. Col. Good steamer ready to embark. William H. Cash nia, he has been able to pursue his study immediately suspended the order, and by supplied the people with food. Meanwhile of history. He has published 'the Civil War 4 PM, Rev. McCook with his family and the Union men of Key West, led by US in Florida A Militarj, History" a four volume possessions, was headed back to his home, District Attorney Feynton, sent a protest set (six books, 4,559 pages, 19,433 informing all whom he met that the or- to Washington." In writing of Col. Good's endnotes). He also published "Civil War der was rescinded. arrival he recorded "and as the steamer on History of the 47th Regiment of Pennsyl- Sgt. Crydenwise of the 90th New York which he arrived came to the dock, he landed vania Veteran Volunteers" and a study of wrote: "The deliverance which the 47th with drawn sword and said ' I am in coin- the Military Cemetery Key West.
U FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL SUMMER 1999 (NAS from page 1) completed. For both officers and men however,the most vitally important feature of the station proper was the "beach". This consists of t the hangars and the concrete surface in front of them. At the time of the open- ing of the station this concrete work was still in process of construction and it was therefore necessary to put the machines in the water with the aid of derricks. Re- , fueling was done at barge anchored out several hundred yards from the beach, in itself a considerable task, as seaplanes are not as easily maneuvered as might be imag- fined. All this resulted in delay and loss , of flying time but officers and men went A Blimp over NAS, Key West in 1918. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. at their tasks with such interest and en- thusiasm that a very creditable record was secured. Three months later the time was matter of three months were picked from made in spite of the many handicaps. As two thousand twenty (2020) hours, At the a consideration of officer material, fly- has been stated the first Navy personnel half year mark (August) the time was three ing ability and general interest and en- arrived on the station December 17th, 1917. thousand four hundred sixty (3460) hours. thusiasm for instruction work, In this way The first student flight officers arrived Flight operations were carried on every day the station had as officers in charge of this from Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Janu- except Sunday from dawn till dark and the work, men who were not only capable, but ary 8th. After the long grind of the dif- station's high record was made on the con- interested in their work. With this interest ficult ground school course it was with cluding week of the war when one thou- the enlisted men became imbued and the delight that they hailed the op-opportu- sand one hundred sixty two (1162) hours result was top-notch efficiency. It is a very nity to break away from the more or less were recorded-for that week alone. general impression that the fact that this academic seclusion of the school life and The original station personnel was about station has from the first been a strong ad- enjoy the freedom of the open air. It was one hundred (100) men and seven flight vocate of "stunting" has had considerable a leap from a study of theory in the cold officers. As more and more buildings were to do with the high type of pilots devel- and wintry North to the practical flying completed enabling the housing of more oped. Unquestionably more stunting has itself - in the Sunny South. As might be men and the operation of more machines, been done at this station than at any other expected they brought unbounded enthu- the personnel increased until the maxi- Naval Air Station, and the confidence siasm with them and were ready and willing mum of nine hundred eighty nine (989) developed by this means has been an in- to turn a hand to any task that would lead men and forty five (45) officers was reached valuable asset in every pilots Instructors to a furtherance of their one great desire the date the armistice was signed. The at this station are constantly doing stunts - to learn to fly. The whole station - its total maximum number of cadets under instruc- formerly considered impossible in Seaplanes, personnel was then about one hundred tion at any one time was one hundred fifty and are in point of fact able to do anything would turn out when a new plane arrived six (156). The total number of men trained that army training planes can do. on the station and willing volunteers soon at the station at the present writing Feb- Every type of machine on the station has had it uncrated, set up and flying the same ruary 21st is about seven hundred (700), been put through stunts, including the day. two hundred (200) of whom have been various flying boats. So far as known no At the same time lighter-than-air op- trained since the signing of the armistice. other station has attempted to institute a erations were also under way the Diri- This station has had, it is believed, the series of tests to determine how to right gible hangar having been completed on De- best record in proportion to its equipment these machines when "out of control" - it cember 17th, 1917. Dirigible A 243 was set of any Naval Air Station. In addition the having been thought for a long time that up and flown on May 17th 1918. Ensign quality of the pilots turned out has been, a spin in these boats meant a certain crash. Bradford being in charge, while the first the station believes, proportionately high. Building operations have been continually Kite Balloon ascension was made on July This has been largely due to the high quality going on since the opening of the station 18, 1918. The Navy's largest dirigible, the of the officer personnel in charge, and to and although the three huge new H Boat C-1 assigned-to this station arrived Janu- the spirit of the men. We have been most hangars have been in use since the first ary 15, after a record breaking trip from fortunate in having had in Captain Parker, of January 1919 they are just now nearing Rockaway, N.Y. Actual flight instruction Lieut. Gould, and Lieut. Commander Ma- actual completion. The construction officer began on December 22, 1917 with three Curtis son, commanding officers of the highest figures the total building cost of the sta- N-9 machines in operation - flight officers type, both as men and as executives. tion to date as $1,032,000. The buildings transferred to this station from Bayshore The policy was early adopted of retain- consisting of seven (7) hangars, four (4) being in charge of this work. During the ing the most promising men from the ca- of them-for training planes, to which lat- first mouth (January) a total of six hundred dets under instruction as flight instructors ter the carpenter shops are attached, one seventy five (675) hours flying time was Those men being under observation for a (Continued on page 14)
SUMMER 1994 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 ......
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R-9 type seaplanes on the ramp at NAS, Key West. Photo credit: Monroe County Library.
(NAS from page 13) said that during hostilities seaplanes or gibles. 1st Kite Balloon ascension - July dirigible hangar capable of housing two patrol from this station sighted two hostile 18, 1918. Average number of seaplanes (2) dirigibles and one (1) kite balloon, - submarined which might have been de- available for patrol - 8 R-9 type. Two barracks including officers and student of- stroyed but for the fact that the type of enemy craft sighted by planes which were ficers quarters, two mesa halls, machine plane in use at the time did not permit not carrying bombs. 1st largest dirigible shop, dope and paint whop, hydrogen gen- the carrying of bombs. Sixteen bomb-car- C-1 arrived from Rockaway January erating plant and storage tank, oil reclaimed, lying flying-boats are, however, now set 15,1919. dispensary, beach tower and boat up and it is expected shortly to increase COMMANDYNG OFFICERS houses.The running expenses of course this number to twenty four. Stanley V. Parker - Capt. are enormous, gasoline alone for example DIGEST OF HISTORY OF NAVAL Lieut. Gould coating some $12,000 per month while an AIR STATION KEY WEST, Fla. Lt. Comdr. Mason. average of a plane a week is totally wrecked. CONSTRUCTION Started July 13, OPERATING EXPENSES. The running While the assigned station compliment 1917. Completed February 8,1916 (Origi- expenses of course are enormous, gaso- has been fifty four (54) seaplanes, there nal contract. Total cost including sub- line alone for example costing some $12,000 have rarely been over thirty (30) in opera- sequent contiacts -$1,032,000. per month while an average of a plane a tion until very recently. This was due to The buildings consisting of seven han- week is totally wrecked. lack of hangar space and equipment, it gars, four of them for training planes,to having-been necessary while war condi- which latter the carpenter shops are at- tions prevailed to keep the patrol machines tached, one dirigible hangar capable of E UCA IO OG AM (averaging about eight R-9's) on the beach honsing two dirigibles and one kite bal- S O SO S outside the training hangars. The training loon - barracks including officers and $ 00 O MO E squadrons operated with an average of student officers quarters,two mess halls, RALPH & MARY BATES CAPT. RICHARD G. BRIGHT eleven (11) machines in place of the as- machine shop, dope and paint shop, hy- BENJAMIN "DINK" BRUCE CAPT. EDWIN E. CRUSOE signed eighteen, N-9' s, Aeromarines, F and drogen generating plant and storage BETTY L. DESBIENS H Boats and R's all having been used. At tank,oil reclaimer dispensary,beach tower BUD & MARY DRETTMANN JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE the present writing the instruction work has and boat houses. RADM & MRS. ROBERT ELLIOTT TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT been practically completed and in the fu- COMMISSION December 17, 1917. DR. & MRS. RICHARD F. A ture more and more attention will be de- COMPLEMENT December 17, 1917 C Y E W. E S EY O . O ES voted to maneuvers with the fleet and 100 men, 7 officers, 38 planes. November E WA , K IG A O Y & EMI Y A G general tactics in an effort to perfect co- 11, 1918 989 men, 45 officers, 54 planes. M . & M S. W.S. MACG A , . operation between the airplane arm and PURPOSE Training and patrol. Train- A M . . MAU E EA & OA MCC U E surface and sub-surface crafts Consider- ing began December 22, 1917. 1st stu- AUGUS . MEYE OSS & A MCKEE able work has already been done along such dents arrived January 8, 19180 Total stu- I MUI lines-and the value of the seaplane convin- dents given elementary training - 700 CA . CA E ES A Y . IE CE cingly demonstrated in submarine work, (500 trained up to signing of Nrmistice). O & KAY IM O A & I GI IA O E where radio operation and spotting bombs Record time for week - 1162 hours of AMES & U I O E S have played a part. Competent pilots with elementary training. Maximum at one E & MA I Y SA I E O E SWI patrol experience both here and abroad have time - 156. acted as pilots and in closing it may be Patrol began May 17, 1918 in diri-
4 O I A KEYS SEA E I AGE OU A SUMME (Jobes from page 7) Fuel consumption at cruising speed 20 and honestly he didn't miss that roof by gallons/hour 20 feet. Front cockpit - coxswain (and assistant) BUSINESS MEMBERS A flipper spiral means to fly down in steers and operates bombs. circles (or a spiral) with the machine on the Second cockpit - pilot (and assistant) COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. edge. We all held our breath and when we captain of ship, navigator, altitude, wheel, 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE get a thrill down here it is a darned nar- valves etc. LITTLE TORCH KEY, FL 33042-0839 295-8844 row escape. When he went to land a big Third cockpit - mechanic (and assistant) CONCH COIN COMPANY 300 FRONT STREET H boat zoomed over the barracks and just operates fuel system, starts motors etc. KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-5366 missed the crowd of us and a freight car. Fourth cockpit - radio operator (and CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. We though they would crash but the landed assistant) operates radio and all signals. 601 DUVAL ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142 OK. All of them were doing such wonder- This just gives you some idea of the size FLORIDA KEYS DISCOVERY ful stunts it was sport watching them. and organization of the crew. All the seats P.O. BOX 430137 All the students and most of the Gobs are so large that two men can sit comfortably BIG PINE KEY, FL 33042 872-3725 were given liberty so I went to town. When side by side. You are protected from the FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS P.O. BOX 236 I got to the main street there I saw ev- wind by large wind shields so you ride in ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 eryone going wild. All the enlisted men perfect comfort. You see the two motors HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN FLORIDA were marching single file with hands on are rigged one on each side of the car so 101 W. FLAGLER STREET the shoulder of the one in front. The ca- you get no propeller blast. If it is a good MIAMI, FL 33130 305-375-1492 dets were leading and circling all around. day tomorrow I will have my first hop and HISTORICAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. We would go in front of trolleys and then get on to the working of the bus. They say P.O. BOX 2200 thru the car. No one tried to stop us. It it is not so much sport flying the new ship KEYLARGO, FL 33037 was great sport. We (the students) quit because she is so long that you can not zoom KEY WEST AQUARIUM #1 WHITEHEAD STREET soon but the others kept it up. One man her like old 236 but when it comes to KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-2051 in a big auto was held up while the sail- comfort and long flights C-1 shines. KEY WEST BAR PILOTS ASSOCIATION ors stood in front of his lights shining their Pop I brought a dandy Kodak camera the P.O. BOX 848 KEY WEST, FL 33041 296-5512 shoes and reading papers. He got sore and other night. It is a lA Jr. Autographic and KEY WEST CONCH HARBOR started to go ahead and nearly hit a sailor I am hoping to get some more good pic- 951 CAROLINE STREET so the Gobs reached in and hauled him tures for my collection if the machine proves KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2833 part way out of the car and one Gob landed a good one. I have a roll of film being de- KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. P.O. BOX 2521 an awful wallop on his jaw. After that they veloped now and am waiting to see how KEY WEST, FL 33045 marched in the theater up on the stage and my first attempts will turn out. THE LANGLEY PRESS, INC. broke up the show. Not a cop was in sight I drew $198.00 when I got back and this 821 GEORGIA STREET I guess they were wise. includes my back flight money. So once KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3156 Key West never saw a day like that. more I have $200.00 dollars in the bank. MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY 200 GREENE ST. I haven't been up since a week ago yes- I want to have at least $300.00 when I start KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 terday due to the wind. Gosh of all the hard for home as I want to have a real trip back MYSTIC SEAPORT luck I ever saw this is the worst but I must this time. If I can I want to go to Cuba as P.O. BOX 6000 MYSTIC, CT 6355-0990 be patient. I guess this is the end of my I said but if I can't do that I will come home PERKINS AND SON CHANDLERY hopes of ever getting to France but thank by some longer route as to see the coun- 901 FLEMING STREET goodness the war is over. try. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-7635 As I have already told you I only need Next Sunday I am planning on going on PIGEON KEY FOUNDATION P.O. BOX 500130 2 or 3 more flying days to qualify and I am a fishing trip. About 10 of us will go in a MARATHON, FL 33050 mighty anxious to get thru. big boat and as the fish are biting we should SEACAMP ASSOC. I just came back from the rifle range. I have good fun. They catch some pretty big RT. 3, BOX 170 am getting pretty good with the machine fish down here and fisherman come from BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043 872-2331 gun. We shoot at little red toy balloons. the north to Long Key Fishing camp just SEA STORE 614 GREENE ST. We shoot bursts of 5 and have 20 shots. for the sport so I want to have at least one KEY WEST, FL 040 2 4 4 8
You hold the trigger until you shoot 5 shots try at it and besides it will help pass a dreary DR. JON E. SCHIFF and then release. I got 2 of the balloons weekend. 3146 NORTHSIDE DR. #101 KEY WEST, FL 33040 293-9490 at 250 yards. We had one Lieutenant (JG) here for in- SOUTHERNMOST MOTEL IN THE USA Sunday, February 2, 1919. struction on Blimp but he couldn't fly so 1319 DUVAL STREET Pop here is a little dope on our new ship we got rid of him. Now we have a Kite man KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577 and as its confidential take good care of from across taking instruction. THE KEY WEST CUBAN CLUB 1108 DUVAL STREET this letter. While I was away it was decided that KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-0465 Volume 180,000 cubic feet. we rate the gold service chevron V for our WOODEN BOAT BUILDER Length 192 feet 4 inches. submarine patrol work so when I come home THOMAS A NOEKER 101 MARGARET S EE Width of envelope 43 feet. I will be wearing one of them on my sleeve KEY WES , 040 2 2 84 Height over all 58 lA feet. so I can say I had real service even tho I Maximum speed 59 miles per hour. didn't get across.
SUMME O I A KEYS SEA E I AGE OU A •
Naval Air Station, Key West on December 4, 1918. The photo was taken over Garrison Bight looking northwest. Photo credit:
Monroe County Library. . ""
KEY WEST MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY NONPROFIT ORG. P.O. BOX 695 U.S. POSTAGE PAID KEY WEST, FL 33041 KEY 'WEST, FL PERMIT NO. 30
16 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - SUMMER 1999