davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05
FISHING INDUSTRY

farmer growing wheat at a value oil
roughly two cents per pound first has
capital charge for the cost of the land
from which his crop is raised. Fertilizing
and preparing the land is expensive and
gradually becoming more so. The plant
ing and care of the crop takes time and
ACIDS expense. With good luck the farmer
finally finds his crop ready to harvest.
Compare the farmer with the fisherman.
Without capital expense, without fertiliZ-
ing, planting. or wedding, the fisherman
finds his crop ready for the harvest mere
" for the taking The value Of his product
is roughly three times the value of the crop
of the farmer.
Continuing the comparison, the value TO
the consumer of the finished product Of
the fisherman is also about three times
that of the farmer. And yet whereas mil
lions Of dollars are spent in the many grain
centers for the storage of the farmers
product yet practically nothing has been
spent in the fishing center of Key y est for
the storage Of the fisherman's product.
Fishing can be carried on with the erud-
est methods and yet in view of the fact
that the process Is still carried on il Is
apparent that the industry pays. What
could be more obvious than 10 say that IL
modern methods were employed in sec
tons where fish are plentiful the profit
and the size Of the industry can be inereas-
ed immensely
II is only within the last few years that
methods have been developed for ade-
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05
GENERAL LOCATION

Key West lies at the southeastern point
of the Unitea States in fact at the south,
eastern point of North America. It lies
on the route of trade between Europe and
the eastern part of North America on the
one hand and the Panama and Nicaragua
Canals on the other, and also on the trade
route between all of North America on one
side and AL of South America on the other.
Only two other cities in the world are
similarly situated with respect to conti-
nents. The one is Gibraltar at the south
western point of Europe lying on the trade
routes between Europe and the Suez Ca
nal and between Europe and Africa The
other is Singapore lying at the southeast
ern point of Asia and on the trade routes
between the Suez Canal and eastern Asia
and also between eastern Asia and Aus
tralasia. This similarity in position with
relation to continents and major trade
routes should focus upon Key West the at
tention of all those who pretend to the
broader view of world affairs and pro-
gress.
Key. West lies on one of the chain of
keys extending in southwesterly direction
from Florida. Cape Sable and Miami lie
directly northeast of Key West at dis
tances of 60 and $50 miles respectively
while Havana lies to the south-southwest
at distance of 80 nautical miles.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05

quately preserving fish and similar pro-
ducts. Consequently the market for sea
foods has scarcely been touched. The time
is far distant when markets must actually
be sought. Today it is a case of the mar
ket seeking the product.
1t is we'll known that Key West is the
center of region that abounds in fish
Over six hundred varieties are found in
the immediate vicinity. Aquariums all
over the United States are stocked from
Key West and the large aquariums obtain
their water from the vicinity. A great
deal of fishing has been done in these wa
tiers and shipments amounting to five mil
lion pounds annually are being made, with
out any influence upon the supply. The Sc
curing and handling of sea foods is the
greatest potential industry Immediately
available to Key West. The supply is more
than adequate. the means of securing the
products are available on small scale
and can readily be developed. What is
required is a modern cold storage plant
for handling and storing sea products in
order that they may not be forced upon
the market suddenly but can be released
as the market absolbs them. In addition
there is reqU red a plant for the packing of
sea foods according to modern methods. If
these facilities could be secured on a scale
corresponding to the amount Of the supply
of raw material there would be no queS-
ton of the prosperity Of the community.
My advice is to develop the present indus
try in Key West to the greatest possible
extent
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05
INTRODUCTION

In preparing the following report to the
P0rt-Industrial Committee of Key West,
Florida, have included much general in
formation with which the citizens are
more or less familiar. This information is,
however, considered necessary in order to
summarize the advantages of Key West
and to present accurately its future pos
sibilities.
The following report is general in nature
covering a broad field. In the body of the
report many different subjects are touch
ed upon. In report of this character it
is entirely impracticable to include all of
the data upon which my conclusions are
based and to develop each subject to its
final conclusion Such development must
come as result of general interest in the
possibilities of Key West and of an active
particular interest in one or more of the
phases mentioned.
While much of the information contain
ed in this report was obtained during a
recent visit to Key West made at the re-
quest of the Port Industrial Committee, yet
my interest in Key West dates back a num-
Der of years. This interest was aroused
through intensive study of world COM
merce and consideration of the causes of
changes in world commerce and their eff
fects upon ports similarly situated.
am gratified with the interest display
ed and the cordial reception rendered by
the citizens of Key West during my recent
visit and particularly gratified with the
endorsements of my preliminary report
by the prominent organizations of the
City.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05
HISTORICAL SKETCH

The harbor of Key West was probably
discovered by some of those hardy adven-
turers who extended the limited geogra-
phical knowledge of the time by adding
that area lying between North and South
America. The vicinity of Key West was
visited frequently by those pioneers who
made the Spanish Main famous in fact and
legend. IL was not until early in the nine
teenth century, however. that Key West
was permanently settled. At the time
many people from along the Atlantic
coast and from the Bahamas came to
make their homes and it is largely the de-
scendants of these people with consider
able proportion of Cuban families that now
make up the population of Key West.
AS the years passed, much commerce
flowed through the Florida Straits. Ow-
ing 10 the physical conditions and the diff
ficulties of navigation at that time, por-
ton of this commerce met with disaster
and In consequence tremendous salvage
business centered in Key West and flour
ished for many years. During these times
and before the days of modern means Of
communication Key West was isolated and
the people accordingly were not brought
so frequently into close contact with other
communities. Their livelihood has al
ways come directly or Indirectly from the
sea and under the conditions the people
have lived as one large family.
With this very brief historical back
ground. II i not difficult 10 understand
the many worthy characteristics OF the
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05

careful study of the above table con-
firms the claim of Key West to the most
delightful climate in the United States.
The winter months are particularly de-
lightful and the normal heat of summer is
tempered by almost continuous breezes
from over the water. The official Weather
Bureau reports covering a period of fifty
eight years show that the temperature has
never risen above 100 degrees. nor fallen
below al degrees. Key West Is the only
city in the United States that has never
had frost and probably the only city that
has never suffered heat above loo degrees.
As consequence of these ideal climatic
excellent
There il no condition rs to climate or
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05
TOURISTS

The tourist business should by no means
be neglected in Key West With the best
climate in Florida, surrounded by the most
beautiful waters in the United States and
lying in the best fishing area available,
Key West should appeal most strongly to
large class of substantial citizens. The
neighboring resorts of Havana and Miami
need not be in competition with Key West.
Each has it's advantages and to the end
that the tourist should find in this section
that which he wants, all three should CO.
operate to the fullest extent
At the moment Key West has sufficient
hotel accommodations and they are excel
lent The lack of dust, noise and confu-
sion are features that appeal most strong
ly.
Consideration of the subject of tourists
would be incomplete without specific men,
ton of the ideal conditions for yachtsmen
at Key West. Ideal winter weather condi-
tions, interesting cruising grounds, the
most beautiful waters in the world anu
most famous game fishing should make
Key West yachting center. The people
of Key West should cooperate in the extern
sion of the Inland Waterway and plan up
on every encouragement for yacht owners.
The repair facilities now available are
sufficient for the moment but plans for
suitably located and adequate yacht har-
Dor should be given careful consideration.
Owing to the Importance of this matter ]
have shown on the accompanying sketch
plan for harbor devoted particularly to
yachts of various classes. This is located
on the south shore which in general should
be developed for pleasure and residential
purposes being kept free from the noise OF
commercial and transportation activities.
The exact location shown is not exclusive
Al hos ic
for this purpose.
In this connection, it is to be noted that
many communities with far less attraction
for yachtsmen than Key West have noted
the decided increase in the interest in this
pleasure and are planning large expendi-
lures for yacht harbors. Those communi-
ties which have already completed such
work report an unexpectedly large return
on their Investment.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05
AQUARIUM

II is a we'll known fact that nearly every
first class city in America is now provided
with "a marine aquarium and that these
exhibitions of marine life are universally
recognized as one of the most attractive
features that cities may offer to their citi-
Zens and their guests-the general travel
ling public. Not only are the various cities
interested in marine life but the Federal
Government through its Bureau of Fish
cries, a branch of the Department of Com
1nerce, is doing everything possible to en-
COURAGE and develop this branch of indus
try.
1t is unfortunate that Key West, the CEN
ter of tropical aquatic life in the United
States, is not equipped with a suitable
aquarium. AT present the sources of sup
ply for some of the principal aquariums In
the country are the waters surrounding
Key West whereas Key West itself
should be the source of all such supplies.
1t would become so if there were establish
ed an aquarium and sea garden common
surate with the value of the activity.
Anyone at all familiar with sea life in
our aquariums is certain TO be impressed
with information as TO the natural habitat
of the various specimens. Constant ref
erence to Key West, not only in aquariums
in the United States but throughout the
world, would be of infinite advertising
value
On the chart accompanying this report,
| have outlined an Enclosure on the south
ern waterfront for a sea garden and aquar-
ium which could and should be provided
by the city at fraction of the cost that
would be necessary in any other location.
Without going into detail. such an aquar-
ium should be so constructed ak TO offer
every possible opportunity for observation
of marine life by tourists and visitors. IL
should also afford special opportunities
for Photographic work Of all kinds and for
scientific study of marine life. A feature
of special value would be space in which
fishing could be enjoyed by those who
have not the opportunity to fish from
boats. Probably the most important part
Of such an institution would be the propa-
CATION feature. This part should be
source Of direct revenue for the aquarium.
q feature not common 10 other exhibits.
The construction and operation Of an
aquarium a. outlined Is so obviously ad-
vantageoas "a to REQUIRE no explanation.
II would provide profitable and pleasing
entertainm for visitors. opportunities
for scientific advancement, revenue for its
owners. sport for the angler. and most ex-
tensive advertising for Key West.
The possibilities Of this project are ~
great that g i believed that both State
and Federal support could DE readily OBJ
tanned were the projects seriously under
taken
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05

health that would seriously handicap any
industry in the world for the reason that
modern progress has made it entirely prac-
ticable to produce artificially and inexpen-
sively any condition as to temperature and
humidity that may be desired. Conse-
quently, if such special conditions are re-
quired, they can be obtained readily at
Key West and the total cost of securing
ideal conditions for any particular indus
try will be less in Key West than in most
locations. In general, conditions are nat
urally much more favorable than in other
locations for practically any industry.
A great deal of publicity has been given
to the storms of Florida and it is best to
treat the subject frankly. Florida occu-
pies an area which is about $50 miles in
each direction. This is equivalent to an
area bounded by New York, Cleveland,
Asheville, and Cape Hatteras. In any area
of this size there must be storms but all of
these near Florida are for various reasons
given extensive publicity as FLORIDA
storms" When it comes to facts it is
found that in fifty-eight years there have
been but seven occasions in which the
wind has risen above sixty miles in Key
West, no lives have ever been lost on this
island as a result of storms, and all dam
age due to storms has been confined to
trees and shrubbery and light structures.
The period of storms is practically con-
fined to the months of September and
October. Their presence need not adversely
influence the establishment of any indus
try or business or the investment of funds.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05
STRATEGICAL LOCATION


The Importance of Gibraltar from the
strategical standpoint is so well known as
to require no comment The British Gov
eminent recognized it's Importance many
years ago and has developed this point to
such an extent that the name itself is now
synonym for strength.
The British Government considered the
strategic Importance of Singapore so high
ly that it excepted that location from the
Zones mentioned in the Five-Power Trea-
ty as being free from further construction
of Notifications. In spite of the tendency
toward reduction of armament. the British
Government is proceeding with the forti-
fication of Singapore and with its develop
ment into tremendous base for the pro-
lection of its commerce.
The United States Government has
never considered preparedness as of so
much Importance as has the British Gov
eminent. Consequently Key West has not
been developed into strong defensive
area to be compared with either Gibraltar
or Singapore The fact that Key West has
not been extensively developed does not
alter its strategic location. The nation
that controls Key West controls all ship
ping through the Florida Straits and con-
sequently the entire traffic of the Gulf
Key West lies only 231 miles from the
Yucatan Channel and 507 miles from the
Windward Passage and therefore practi-
cally controls the Caribbean Sea and the
approaches to the Panama and Nicara-
guam Canals.
The military development of Key West
has not been neglected by the Federal
Government. The harbor is protected by
modern batteries, submarine base cap
able of berthing at least thirty-six submar-
ines and their tenders hassbeen construct
plans for aeronautical activities.
The defense of Key West and the de-
pendent trade routes obviously must be
based upon the use of submarines and
planes. Even though at this time the
thoughts of the entire world are turned to-
ward peace and disarmament, yet it is as
well to mention the advantages of Key
West as a location for submarines and
aeronautical work. The climate is such
that these activities may be carried out in
comfort. Fogs are practically unknown.
The water is as clear as any in the world
making the finding of submarines simple.
Practice grounds of any required depths
are available within few miles of a devel-
oped base. Shelter is always available
from the effects of prevailing winds. The
loss of torpedoes is insignificant. Hun
dreds of square miles with no interference
from surface traffic are available for
maneuvering. Practice with submarines
and planes can be carried on continuously
as there are practically no days during the
year when weather conditions are insult
able.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05
CLIMATE AND HEALTH

The latitude of Key West is ID 1-2 de-
grees North and the climate is semi-tropi-
cal. The table which follows shows the
normal average temperature for each
month of the year. the highest and lowest
temperatures for last year and the normal
rainfall:
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES

The cigar industry il an old established
business in Key West and needs no CON-
nlent. The cl:mate il particularly well
suited % the handling and curing Of to-
bacc0.
TIE comment upon the fishing industry
covers all Of its various branches including
turtles, er1bs and erawfish. The success
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05

people of Key West Their hospitality,
courage, and independence are unsur-
passed.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-04-05
LAND AREA

The island of Key West is about three
and one half miles long by one mile in
width. This limited area need be of no
great concern as the island is surrounded
on the north and west by extensive area
of shoal water which can be filled as the
necessity arises at cost that will be less
than would be the case if this area now ex-
listed as solid land Therefore the present
limited extent of Key West is no handicap
but rather offers a means of development
along most scientific and economical lines.
Any development of Key West must nee
essarily increase the STABILITY of existing
real estate and due to the fact that the de-
velopment can be proceeded with system
atically the present area will obviously in
crease in value.
The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1934-08-01

tina Jane Allison. aged Sc, who
died Monday morning after an eX-
tended illness.
The Rev. J. H. West, pastor of
Brevard Methodist church and
pastor of the deceased, had charge
of the last rites. Interment was
in Oak Grove cemetery, North
Brevard. Pallbearers were Oliver
H. Orr, Robert Neil, w. Mex. Fet-
ger. Robert L. Cash, VIM. K.
The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1934-08-01
Misunderstanding you keeps US

THANKS-Pleasing you keeps US
in business. By having modern
equipment We are in position
to serve you sandwiches and
drinks as they should be.
Minced barbecue now SC. sliced
10c. Shorty's Pig N Whistle,
South Main street. Come down
and inspect our place at your
earliest convenience. Thanks,
Shorty.
The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1934-08-01
Expert Radio Repairing
Call Joe Sargent 665-W.
HAWK LAID EGGS ON ROOF

LEWISTON, Me-. August l..
CUP).-T The graveled roof OF
Kate Anthony's home was select
ed by a night hawk as its sum-
.naer residence.o 1t laid two eggs
One failed to hatch, but from the
second came a'NouAgA night ,hawk
which is thriving in its "pent-
The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1934-08-01
Answers to Previous Questions

Answers to Previous Questions
THE bombing occurred during
l. feud between rival bootleg
factions. the Skeletons and the
Birgers. The bombs failed to ex.
plode. The King of Spain sent
Washington two jacks, the first
to arrive in America. in 1855. al
though the expectation OF jacks
from Spain was prohibited.
Edwin Hodges of West Torring.,
ton. Conn.,, started making brass.
wire, hut was unsuccessful In
business. In 1841, the Wolcott.
Vile Brass Company started the
same work succeSSfd'li
The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1934-08-01
North Blue Ridge
NORTH BLUE RIDGE, Aug. /.

NORTH BLUE RIDGE, Aug. /.
Mr.. and Mrs. William Redden
spent the week with the latterSs1s
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. Pinkney
Mccall Of this place. II
Theodore King and children, E:'
B. and James of Landrum, S. c.,
also Mrs. Reuben Pathh Of Con-
cord, were overnight guests. Fr
dav. of Mr.. and Mrs. Johnny King.
Mr.. and Mrs. Willis. Allen. to-.
gether with Mr.. and Mrs. Brown
low Merrell motored to T., Crystal
Spring Sunday and 'enjoyed@a
picnic dinner. e.. .i.fEW
Miss Minnie Boone and w. T. .
Willis motored to Spindale Sun /
day to be the dinner guests of
the formers parents. ,
Andrew Jones called at the
home of G. w. King Sunday after :
noon.
Mrs. +. A. Allen had as her
overnight guests Thursday. Mrs. .
Roy Owens and daughter, JeaH,a
of Hendersonvillc.
Mr.. and Mrs Rudolph Thomp-
son of Flat Rock. called on Mrs.
Suson Stepp Sunday.
Mrs. r. C. Garland and Mrsss~S'
Wolfe Of Gaffney. S. c., are
here in the formers home for d '",
few days. .as,
Mr.. and Mrs. Carl Burgess amt ~,
children. Walter and Billie, spent { .
a few days Of the past week .
visiting the lattpr's parcntG. Mr.. q.
The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1934-08-01
Hold Rites For
Brevard Resident

BREVARD, Aug. 1.-(SpeciaD. .
Funeral services were held Tues
day morning from the residence
of Mrs. E. II. Webb for Mrs. Mar
The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1934-08-01
Radio Service

RADIO SALES AND SERVICE
Tubes tested free. Complete
stock on hand. Midcity Tire
Co. 21O Fourth avenue west:
Phone 121.