A. Maitland Adams

A. Maitland Adams. Maitland Adams began working as secretary for the Key West Box Company on February 21, 1914. The Box Factory, owned by Norberg Thompson, made cedar boxes for the cigar industry. When the cigar industry faltered as Americans started smoking cigarettes, Thompson Enterprises turned to commercial fishing. Martand Adams continued to move upward in the company. To support the fishing industry boats, an ice plant, a hardware store, barges and tugs were added to the growing enterprises. After the railroad was destroyed by the hurricane of 1935, another Thompson company, the Overseas. Transportation Company, was hurriedly conceived to meet the shipping needs of the Keys. At the same time, a pineapple cannery in Key West and a farm in Cuba was added to Thompson Enterprises. Much of this was accomplished by Norberg Thompson and Maitland Adams working hand in-hand. Maitland Adams continued as general manager after Mr. Thompson’s death in 1951. After World War II, when the local fin fish market was practically destroyed by new technologies employed elsewhere, Adams was instrumental in establishing the local shrimping industry. He remained with the company until September 1968, when Thompson Enterprises was sold to Sea Farms. During his career, Adams was active in politics serving on the Key West Commission from 1947 to 1951, the Monroe County Commission from 1958 to 1962 and Mayor of Key West from 1947 to 1949. , Donated by , Barbara Adams Lipchak, Daughter and Faye Adams Saunders, Daughter , The Florida Tobacco and Candy Association , The District I Advisory Committee of The Monroe County Tourist Development Council.