Islamorada in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Helen Wadley Branch Library

Photographed by James Hulse, January 10, 2026

1. Helen Wadley Branch Library Marker

Inscription. The public library building was constructed originally by the Red Cross and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) three years after the "Great Hurricane” of 1935, to serve as a community hurricane shelter. Prior to that time no protective buildings existed in Islamorada; consequently, hundreds of veterans and local citizens died with little or no protection from high winds and water. The poured concrete and steel walls of the shelter are 18 inches thick at the base. Additionally, it served as the local school, replacing the previous school destroyed by the storm. Later it functioned as a church and a U.S. Coast Guard facility before becoming a library in 1966. A library addition was built onto the rear of the original structure in 1983.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Disasters. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.

Location. 24° 55.033′ N, 80° 38.194′ W. Marker is in Islamorada, Florida, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) and Johnston Road, on the right when traveling south on Overseas Highway. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 81830 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada FL 33036, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Florida Keys Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1935 Hurricane (within shouting distance of this marker); Hurricane Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sweeting House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Matecumbe Methodist Church (about 300 feet away); Hurricane Houses (about 400 feet away); Pioneer Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Green Turtle Inn (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Islamorada.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 10, 2026

2. Helen Wadley Branch Library Marker

Photographed by James Hulse, January 10, 2026

3. Helen Wadley Branch Library Marker

The view of the marker with the library building in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 63 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 6, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.