When downtown was the place to be

[Metro Jacksonville]

When downtown was the place to be



Sixty years ago, the Northbank street scene was quite different from what one experiences today.  During the 1950's Downtown Jacksonville was the epicenter of life on the First Coast.

Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2017-dec-when-downtown-was-the-place-to-be

[jaxnyc79]

Wow, viewer discretion is advised.  This is really a tragic tale.

[jaxrox]

Wonderful pictures, thank you! Sadly, though, I think that Jacksonville isn't the only place this has happened to. But since my home is here now and I love it here, I really appreciate your work as a great resource to help me learn the history here, thanks!!

[Gunnar]

Wow, viewer discretion is advised.  This is really a tragic tale.

+1

seeing these old photos makes me sad since Jacksonville once looked like a proper big city.

[jaxnyc79]

Wow, viewer discretion is advised.  This is really a tragic tale.

+1

seeing these old photos makes me sad since Jacksonville once looked like a proper big city.

And to see how mishapen garages have replaced these clusters of buildings is especially tragic.

[Snaketoz]

After looking at this, I am indeed melancholy.  In my youth, when all the shopping was downtown, I remember walking the crowded streets, going in the fine stores and them eating at Morrison's.  I have so many fond memories of going to the Florida, Imperial, Center, Arcade, and Empress theaters.  There was a lot to do downtown then.  The hotels had nice restaurants and entertainment, there was a great luggage shop, juice bars, and stores with great products and people who waited on you with experience and knowledge. Gateway, Southgate, and Philips Hwy. shopping centers started the trend away from shopping downtown.  I wish it was like the it was up until the 60s.

[jaxrox]

I think the luggage/leather/shoe repair place is still there. I think I went in there last fall to get a price quote to repair my favorite leather boots

[Snaketoz]

I think the luggage/leather/shoe repair place is still there. I think I went in there last fall to get a price quote to repair my favorite leather boots

The Luggage Shop was facing Hemming Park.  There was a Gus and Co. shoe repair shop also.  It may still exist.

[Steve]

I think the luggage/leather/shoe repair place is still there. I think I went in there last fall to get a price quote to repair my favorite leather boots

The Luggage Shop was facing Hemming Park.  There was a Gus and Co. shoe repair shop also.  It may still exist.

Luggage Shop is gone. Gus and Company was on Laura until a few years ago, when they moved to W Adams.

[acme54321]

Strange to see the view looking south across the river to the Main St Bridge leading to seemingly nothing.  The southbank has really changed in that time too.