The island chain’s first newspaper was The Key West Register, and Commercial Advertiser and was first printed on Jan. 8, 1929. The operation was managed by Thomas Eastin, who later became a U.S. marshal overseeing Florida’s Southern District.
The weekly newspaper was delivered to the public every Thursday. The following stories and advertisements were published in the paper between Feb. 12 and April 23, in Volume 1, Nos. 6-16.
For Sale or Rent: “The house occupied at present by Mr. Felippi, on Whitehead street [indecipherable] save trouble, the rent in $20 per month. Apply to P.C. Greene.
Jackson Hotel: Mrs. Ellen Mallory has the pleasure to inform her friends and the public, that she occupies the above establishment, and pledges herself to use her best exertions to give satisfaction to those who may favor her with their custom.
Key West Academy: Will be opened on Monday the 2nd day of March, on Whitehead Street, a few doors above the residence of Col. P.C. Greene, and under the superintendence of Ede Van Evour, where will be taught Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, English Grammar — Surveying, Trigonometry, the higher branches of Mathematics, and Navigation if required.
Stolen: From on board the sloop Emeline, between the 11th and 13th inst. a Camelot Cloak, lined with red, a fur collar, two capes, and a mark, or stain, under the cape, by which it may be known. A reasonable reward will be given for its recovery. Thomas Taylor (Captain of the sloop)
$25 Reward: Will be given for the apprehension of the Villain or Villains, who, on Monday night last, cut and stole the running rigging of the Brig Alliance, lying in the Stream. F.A. Browne & Co.
Fire Company, &c: We are informed that a number of our citizens have resolved to form themselves into a Fire Company, and that a subscription sufficient to purchase an Engine and Hose, will be raised. As this is for the public benefit, and a matter in which the corporation is concerned, it may not be amiss to suggest the propriety of the Town Council lending its aid for the promotion of so laudable purpose. The prosperity of the place is vitally connected with the commercial advantage which it affords, and when it is remembered the immense value of goods occasionally in the ware houses here, it must be evident that the formation of a Fire Company, regulated by proper rules, will be of great importance. The last reports of the finances of the town of Key West, showed that we were not involved in debt, and as there is every reason to calculate upon a considerable increase of revenue during the present year, the Council may with propriety advance two or three hundred dollars for the promotion of this undertaking.
Lightship: We understand that after a diligent and careful survey held upon the Light-Ship upon the Carysford Reef, which has been towed into this port for repair, the surveyors have reported her wholly incapable of being at all repaired, and have condemned her. She is a mess of dry rot from her keel to the upper works. A new vessel, it is hoped, will soon be provided in her place.
His Catholic Majesty’s brig Curreo No. (1?) was wrecked on Carysford Reef on the 3d inst. The following particulars were given by Capt. Grover of the sloop Native, who brought the Captain, passengers, and crew to this port.
“Black Caesars’ Creek, April 3, 1829 — Two boats, with the Captain and 18 [unintelligible] on board the Native in co. with the splendid Qoreau, from his C.M. brig Curreo, she having run ashore the night before on Carsyford Reef. The Native and Splendid got on her way and proceed to the wreck & on going aboard, was informed by the captain that 23 passengers were on a raft – dispatched the Splendid after them — came up with them almost twenty miles to the northward, in the Gulf, and rescued them from their perilous situation. The two vessels lay along side the wreck until Sunday morning, using every exertion to save the cargo, at 3 o’clock took the Captain, passengers and crew, and such of the effects as could be saved, and set sail for Key West — was shortly after informed by the Captain that his crew intended to revolt and carry the vessel to Matanzas, he requested, with a praiseworthy promptitude, to be armed to assist to defend the vessel — we armed ourselves accordingly, hoisted our colors upside down & was soon joined by the sloops Energy, Capt. Collins, Emmeline, Capt. Taylor, and Pizarro, Captain Hoxie, with their boats, who towed us into Key Rodoregas, where we lay all night, and were reinforced next morning by the Thistle, Capt. Brown, and Florida, Capt. Whatlington, and conveyed to Indian Key — there armed the sloop Capital, Captain Walker, and proceeded to Key West, where we arrived in safety on Tuesday the 7th April. The passengers and crew of the Curreo consisted of 45 men, all Spainards. The cargo saved consisted chiefly of specie.
Matrimony: To render the married state more happy, the wife ought to make herself more amicable in the eyes of her husband as it is in her power; the pains she took to charm him before marriage, ought to be doubled now, to receive him with open arms and cheerful looks. From the day they leave the altar of hymen, wretchedness or felicity is placed in their hands. It is at their own option to be happy or miserable. They become from that period a little world of their own; a society consisting of love mutually connected with love.
