Friday, September 13, 2019

Hundreds in Key West Bread Line After Hurricane Strikes, Sept. 13, 1919

From The Daily Times, Wilson, N.C., Sept. 13, 1919

Hundreds of People In Key West Bread Line

Miami, Fla., Sept. 12—More than 600 people stood in the bread line at Key West this morning when one of the bakeries opened the first time since the hurricane swept over the island Tuesday. Some had not eaten since Tuesday and some had eaten a few scraps gathered here and there. This tale was brought to Miami by passengers on the first train between Miami and Key West since Monday. One Miaman said he had eaten only three times in three days.

Passengers on the train said the wrecks of four large vessels were visible from the Overseas railway, two off Long Key, one north of Long Key and one at Spanish Harbor.

The people of Key West are showing a wonderful spirit, it is said, and were rapidly clearing away the wreck of their city and preparing to rebuild.

Mayor Allen B. Clears said he thought it would not be necessary to ask for outside aid.

Private telegrams to Miami relatives of Key West citizens say it has been impossible to purchase food in Key West up to and including today, as stocks of grocery stores still have several feet of water in them.

J.T. Blackmon, acting Mayor of Miami tonight, received a telegram from the Mayor of Key West saying that “we are able to take care of the situation. Supplies of government foodstuffs there, it is understood, have been placed at the disposal of Mayor Clears.

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