Historic scenes of Downtown Jacksonville in color

[thelakelander]

A collection on historic scenes from Downtown Jacksonville's past in color.

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/historic-scenes-of-downtown-jacksonville-in-color/

[BridgeTroll]

It's hard to imagine life back then without the modern miracle of air conditioning...

[thelakelander]

I can only imagine that people were simply used to the heat because they didn't know any better. We are wusses in comparison.

[BridgeTroll]

I can only imagine that people were simply used to the heat because they didn't know any better. We are wusses in comparison.

Lol... agreed.

[fieldafm]

I own a Cracker-style, dogtrot home built in the 1890's in the Panhandle. Window units were added to the home in the 1990's (a newer, ranch-style home was built on another part of the property in 1967).   

There are times during the summer where I'll not run the AC, and its bearable inside (particularly if you've been working outside all day and already have your body temperature up). Shade tobacco was harvested just down the street until the early 1970's. After working on your hands and knees picking tobacco leaves, or spending all day climbing up rafters to place leaves to dry in massive barns, you'd then leave the fields when the sun goes down to a slightly-less hot home.  We've certainly been spoiled by the comforts of air conditioning 

[Wacca Pilatka]

Really cool to see these images in color.  Thank you for posting.

[jaxlongtimer]

I can only imagine that people were simply used to the heat because they didn't know any better. We are wusses in comparison.

I grew up here with an elementary school that had no A/C.  Nor did places like Union Terminal.  And Imeson Airport had open walks out to the planes so lots of exposure to weather there.  And, in the years before Regency Mall, shopping stores downtown involved extensive outdoor walking. We all survived thanks to fans, and, as noted above, by "not knowing" anything else.  Just got used to it.  And, in those days, people dressed much more formally so clothing was not all that accommodating.

I actually find it a bit refreshing to be outside, such as eating on a restaurant patio, as long as it is shaded.  COVID has certainly made that more common.

[BridgeTroll]

I am a self admitted heat wuss... I can eat outside at 80 or below and will do so in the winter... summer... no effing way...

[jaxlongtimer]

I am a self admitted heat wuss... I can eat outside at 80 or below and will do so in the winter... summer... no effing way...

Actually, the humidity is what does more people in than the temperature.  Lower it and you can tolerate a good 20 degrees more