Here is a very rare and interesting pamphlet that I recently came across while reviewing archival material that I have been gathering for the Society. Produced by the Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys, this pamphlet was distributed in connection with a program the Preservation Society organized in March 1983 and held in Key Largo, Florida. Entitled “Treasures From the Sea” it featured a number of professional treasure divers which they called the “All-Star Treasure Divers Show”, the first of its kind anywhere. The pamphlet contains a number of well-known divers including Art McKee, Kip WagnerKip Wagner (1906 – 1972) was instrumental in the formation of the team that later became the Real Eight Company and one of the greatest salvage groups that ever explored the 1715 Fleet wrecks. He ..., Mel Fisher, and Jack Haskins, to name a few.
NOTE: The information regarding the 1715 Fleet set forth in this pamphlet was based on the current state of knowledge existing at that time. Since then more information has been uncovered which makes some of the particulars attributed to the 1715 Fleet in this pamphlet outdated. For a more accurate history of the 1715 Fleet based on contemporary knowledge please refer to “A Concise History of the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet” located on the History page of our website.
We do not know how successful the show was but from what was outlined in the program pamphlet it certainly had the makings of a very notable event. It is interesting to note that the Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys is still around and meets at the Key largo Library Community Room at 7:00 PM on the second Monday of each month.
Ben Costello
President, 1715 Fleet Society
Click HERE if you would like to view/download a full-size PDF of Treasures From The Sea.
