Hyatt buys old Key Wester Property

On October 15, 1998 the Hyatt Hotels & Resorts purchased the old Key Wester property on South Roosevelt.

Solares Hill acquired by Citizen

On October 10, 1998 Thomson Newspapers Inc., publishers of "The Key West Citizen acquired the 22-year old weekly "Solares Hill." Pictured here is the front page of the first issue.

Fleming Street to be paved in 1908

On June 18, 1908 the city council instructed the city attorney to draw up an ordinance directing the board of public works to proceed with the paving of Fleming Street.

Fourth of July in 1908

The Fourth July 1908 was observed from the break of day to midnight. The Patriotic Order Sons of America gave a celebration at La Brisa and thousands of citizens attended. The gold watch for the lady polling the most votes was given to Beulah Gwynn with 14,585 votes and second was Missouri Reynolds with 9, 8225 votes. At noon the Army fired a salute of forty-eight guns. In the evening there were fireworks and a dance at La Brisa. The street cars reported that over 10,000 person rode the trolley during the day.

Ruth Hargrove Seminary Closes

On May 25, 1908 the Ruth Hargrove Seminary on United Street closed for the session, having a very
successful year. Miss Emily J. Reid, who had been in charge of the school for a number of years, tendered
her resignation and returned to college.

Four Men Get 13 Years in Prison - 1908

On May 14, 1908 Judge L.W. Bethel of the criminal court sentenced the four men charged with grand thief
and arson of the Cortez Cigar Factory to 13 years in state prison.

One of the four men was Dutchy Melvin (AKA Dutchy Melbourn or Melville). He went by several names. He escaped from prison and headed to South Florida and went to work for Mr. Watson. Watson's farm was in Monroe County and Watson killed Dutchy. The neighbors killed Watson. Read the book "Killing Mr. Watson." good stuff.

House Boat Row To Go 1998

On May 1, 1998 the Department of Environment Protection said that Houseboat Row on South Roosevelt
Boulevard must be removed by July 15.