The Head Librarian for the Monroe County Library system is Corey Malcom. He also happens to be my son-in-law. A better one no person could have.

Corey periodically selects historical happenings to list. Significant past events. I have randomly selected a few to share with you. No order time wise. Whatever appeared interesting, I selected. Enjoy

Joe “Sloppy Joe” Russell, famed bar operator and close friend to Ernest Hemingway died in Cuba at age 51 while visiting Hemingway.

On June 8, 1962, Square Dancers from all 50 states converged on Key West to begin 2 days of dancing. The event was called the “End of U.S. 1 Jamboree.”

There was a time when sharks were prevalent near Big Pine Key. On June 17, 1938, it was reported 100 sharks, averaging 7 feet each, were being caught daily by boats working for the Hydenoil Company.

“Not a particle of the shark is thrown away.”Hydenoil’s processing system focused on shark leather and liver oil.

In 1914, the Panama Hotel was located at the corner of Eaton and Elizabeth Streets. The hotel had running water in each room. Rates were $1.oo, 1.50 and $2.00.

In 1980, a study ordered by Gov. Bob Graham concluded that the policy of sheltering the population in a major area was “clearly insufficient” if a hurricane were to occur. The Keys were one. He recommended the Keys be completely evacuated. No way, Jose. Impossible!

World War II was partially waged in the Keys. German subs were off the coast. On June 12, 1942, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Thetis sunk the German sub U-57 22 miles south of the Marquesa Keys by dropping 7 depth charges around it. Unfortunately, it was the only U-Boat sunk in South Florida waters during World War II.

In 1927, the new Overseas Highway from Key West to Big Pine was opened to traffic. An estimated 1,000 cars with 4,000 passengers mad the road trip.

In 1989, the Key West Citizen changed from an afternoon to a morning newspaper with its first morning edition.

The U.S. Navy in its early Key West years was always working at keeping the places visited by its men “pure.” Illicit sex was a no no. In May 1955 to “protect the efficiency, health and welfare of military personnel, the U.S. Navy declared 3 Key West businesses “off limits” for all enlisted men and officers. The 116 Club at 116 Fitzpatrick Street, a rooming house at 119 Duval Street, and the Tattoo at 713 1/2 Duval Street.

On May 22, 1956, Senator Estes Kefauver campaigned for the Presidency in Key West.

In 1964, “Escape From Hell Island,” a Key West made and locally backed movie, made its world premier at the San Carlos.

On the day the Seven Mile Bridge was dedicated 1,3000 runners took part in the first bridge run, The new span was later opened to vehicular traffic.

In 1861, Key West Mayor John P. Baldwin was removed rom office when Florida officials were removed because of secession.

In 1993, the Monroe County Library in Key Westheld a grand reopening after a major renovation and addition.

On May 3, 1915, the Key West Woman’s Club was formed.

Moving on to today’s news.

Conservatives are asking Trump for another big tax cut. Pigs!!!

How Trump has changed things. Now China, not the U.S., is Brazil’s leading trade partner. China grows in influence as the U.S. diminishes, especially in the Americas.

Trump is crazy. He has announced a 35 percent tariff on imports from Canada. He unquestionably knows how to turn friends into enemies.

Trump continues to want to downsize government. The State Department is next. Layoffs will shortly begin via emails.

Rubio says “odds are high” for a Trump-Xi meeting this year.

Enjoy your day!