Today in History

The Naval Station with the Presidential Gates on the right.

20 YEARS AGO

Monroe County deputies flying over Upper Sugarloaf Key spotted marijuana growing in pots, and deputies on the ground confiscated 144 of the potted plants.

50 YEARS AGO

President Fulgencio Batista gave up the fight with Fidel Castro and fled Cuba for the Dominican Republic. Carlos Piedra was named provisional president.

Backers of Batista began arriving in Key West by boat and plane. Among those landing in Key West was former Cuban President Carlos Prio Socarras.

Sandra Jean Brown, born at the Navy Hospital at 12:58 a.m., was Monroe County's first baby of 1959.

 100 YEARS AGO

Southern Bell Telephone Co. announced that J.W. Atkins had been appointed commercial and traffic manager, and Mr. Andrews was named plant manager.

Emil Arner, who had been store manager for National Biscuit Co., resigned and opened a store to sell goods from an independent bakery.

 The ladies of the Naval Station held a New Year's reception and a large number of people called during the afternoon. The 9th Artillery Band played during the reception.