ernesto1535
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FLORIDA KEYS' 1733 FLEET DISASTER ANNIVERSARY
280TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1733 SPANISH TREASURE FLEET LOSS
The idea of commemorating this anniversary is borrowed from that conceived by attorney Ben Costello of Washington, PA, for the 1715 Fleet, which is gathering momentum on the Treasure Coast of Florida. He has had positive responses from libraries, treasure museums, chambers of commerce, and individuals who have expressed interest in the “project.” The Florida Keys area was the scene of a similar Spanish loss just 18 years after the 1715 Fleet disaster, and the Keys residents and visitors are known for their community involvement and celebrations.
As you know, the devastation of this treasure fleet occurred through the day and night of 15 July, and the morning of 16 July in 1733 found 22 ships wrecked or grounded along the Upper Keys. In 2013, these dates will fall on a Wednesday and a Thursday, but people in the Keys sometimes start their weekends early, don’t we!!?? I have visions of a “street fair” running those days through the weekend, July 15th thru July 19th (as a for-instance). It could even be a full-week event including those days. Vendors lined up along the coastal road (US1) or on side streets in certain areas could be selling *books, mementoes, ethnic foods, and more. The museums and other venues could be running programs and displaying their artifacts at various times. *The best coverage of the 1713 Fleet disaster is Bob Weller’s book GALLEON ALLEY, based partly on the research of Islamorada resident, Jack Haskins (second from left in the photo).
Isn’t there a 1733 anchor or cannon at every restaurant and public building in the Keys? They owe their visibility and prosperity to the relic seen looming as drivers pass by on the highway. It has been thus since the 1940s and 1950s… An anniversary of an important event doesn’t happen very often, so let’s take advantage of this opportunity and make history! In 2023, the 290th anniversary will be coming up, with the grand prize, in your lifetime, of the tercentennial in 2033.
Sign up, you “treasured” business owners, and make this 280th anniversary a time to remember. And, let’s get busy, you Chambers of Commerce!! So much to plan, so little time…!
PS: Ben Costello has built a world-class Internet web site 1715FleetSociety.com dedicated to the anniversary and the proposed events, but we need an ambitious and reliable local person or organization to “chair” this operation. Please visit the site and glean some ideas.
Any takers? Those feeling the pull to be involved please respond to this post. In a week or two, we should elect a point person and get this show on the road (so to speak)!
PPS: If someone has the original of the photo, or its negative, please contact seascribe@att.net for possible use in an upcoming edition of PLVS VLTRA Newsletter.
280TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1733 SPANISH TREASURE FLEET LOSS
The idea of commemorating this anniversary is borrowed from that conceived by attorney Ben Costello of Washington, PA, for the 1715 Fleet, which is gathering momentum on the Treasure Coast of Florida. He has had positive responses from libraries, treasure museums, chambers of commerce, and individuals who have expressed interest in the “project.” The Florida Keys area was the scene of a similar Spanish loss just 18 years after the 1715 Fleet disaster, and the Keys residents and visitors are known for their community involvement and celebrations.
As you know, the devastation of this treasure fleet occurred through the day and night of 15 July, and the morning of 16 July in 1733 found 22 ships wrecked or grounded along the Upper Keys. In 2013, these dates will fall on a Wednesday and a Thursday, but people in the Keys sometimes start their weekends early, don’t we!!?? I have visions of a “street fair” running those days through the weekend, July 15th thru July 19th (as a for-instance). It could even be a full-week event including those days. Vendors lined up along the coastal road (US1) or on side streets in certain areas could be selling *books, mementoes, ethnic foods, and more. The museums and other venues could be running programs and displaying their artifacts at various times. *The best coverage of the 1713 Fleet disaster is Bob Weller’s book GALLEON ALLEY, based partly on the research of Islamorada resident, Jack Haskins (second from left in the photo).
Isn’t there a 1733 anchor or cannon at every restaurant and public building in the Keys? They owe their visibility and prosperity to the relic seen looming as drivers pass by on the highway. It has been thus since the 1940s and 1950s… An anniversary of an important event doesn’t happen very often, so let’s take advantage of this opportunity and make history! In 2023, the 290th anniversary will be coming up, with the grand prize, in your lifetime, of the tercentennial in 2033.
Sign up, you “treasured” business owners, and make this 280th anniversary a time to remember. And, let’s get busy, you Chambers of Commerce!! So much to plan, so little time…!
PS: Ben Costello has built a world-class Internet web site 1715FleetSociety.com dedicated to the anniversary and the proposed events, but we need an ambitious and reliable local person or organization to “chair” this operation. Please visit the site and glean some ideas.
Any takers? Those feeling the pull to be involved please respond to this post. In a week or two, we should elect a point person and get this show on the road (so to speak)!
PPS: If someone has the original of the photo, or its negative, please contact seascribe@att.net for possible use in an upcoming edition of PLVS VLTRA Newsletter.
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