A Story of Forgotten Jacksonville Coming Soon
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1614823701_bHVS9Fn-M.jpg)
After receiving requests from our readers and being approached by a national publisher, we've decided to develop our first book about the city we call home. However, this won't be your average story about Florida's oldest major city. We've decided to team up with professional freelance photographer Nomeus to share the stories behind 15 historically-significant and forgotten landmarks in Jacksonville.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-dec-a-story-of-forgotten-jacksonville-coming-soon
In the Dark.
In the Light.
Jacksonville.
Can you share the list of structures?
I like where Noone is going with his suggestion. If you are going to incorporate something negative in the title, such as words "lost", "abandoned", "dark" then also bring us something positive to demonstrate the way forward, such as "light".
Sure to be a tearjerker.
Jacksonville Lost (and Found) :D
Jacksonville: Abandoned and Reclaimed
Forgotten Jacksonville has a great ring to it.
REALLY looking forward to seeing how this comes together.
Quote from: dougskiles on December 09, 2011, 06:44:47 AM
Can you share the list of structures?
My current plan is to get down to 15. As of this morning, here is what remains on the list. Those in bold have already made the cut.
1. Ambassador Hotel
2. American Motors Export Company
3. Barnett Bank Building
4. Barrier's Ice Cream Company (516 Houston/521 Forsyth)
5. Florida Machine & Foundry
6. Ford Motor Company assembly plant 7. Furchgott's
8. Independent Life Building (old JEA Building)
9. Jacksonville Brewing Company
10. Jacksonville Terminal Tunnels
11. Laura Street Trio12. Moncrief Springs/Moncrief Park
13. Mount Olive Cemetery
14. Seminole Club
15. Springfield Park (Hogans Creek)16. Annie Lytle School
I'll also say, doing the research for this has been a pretty great experience. The best part has been learning the story behind why these places were built and the story of the individuals, families, the companies behind them, and their impact on the Jax we know today. The combination of those stories, historic, and present day imagery helps someone like me (who wasn't around during Jax's heyday) get a strong vibe of what life was like in old time urban Jacksonville and what it can be like with good planning.
Sounds absolutely awesome. Congratulations.
The Lost City of Jacksonville.
Jacksonville: The City that Was
Bolles School - was a hotel originally. San Jose Episcopal Church was a filling station and offices. Masonic Temple building downtown, now an insurance office.
I want something hopeful: at least some of these structures can be saved and contribute to the revitalization that we all know can happen here. "Jacksonville Forgotten but Not Gone: Historic landmarks in the River City by the Sea".
Congrats, btw.
Quote from: Tacachale on December 09, 2011, 11:10:21 AM
I want something hopeful: at least some of these structures can be saved and contribute to the revitalization that we all know can happen here. "Jacksonville Forgotten but Not Gone: Historic landmarks in the River City by the Sea".
Congrats, btw.
I really like that title.
^+1
And I like the list. Who will be doing most of the writing? Editing?
I'm doing the lion's share of the writing and research (btw, I just left the planning department with a chunk of files to comb through) with cameos by Ocklawaha and Stephendare. Interior images are being taken by Nomeus and exterior by Lunican. Historic imagery, maps, etc. will primarily come from the state's archive collection and Jacksonville's historic preservation commission. Editing will be done by Beth Slater and Sarah Gojekian.
Sounds like the Dream Team to me.
(The real kind, not the Philadelphia Eagles kind)
I would like to see a nationally televised documentary about Jacksonville aired. People really dont know how much history this city holds. This was the place to be a for a very long time.
Quote from: duvaldude08 on December 09, 2011, 05:33:53 PM
I would like to see a nationally televised documentary about Jacksonville aired. People really dont know how much history this city holds. This was the place to be a for a very long time.
It's not national, but the Historical Society is selling a 60-minute documentary with oral histories of the city from the 20s to the 70s. Just bought a copy at the gingerbread house festival on Monday, but haven't watched it yet.
I look forward to this...it's a great idea and I'm sure y'all will do a fine job as you do with this website. I like Forgotten Jacksonville as a title because that sums up what has happened with so many of these places. But whatever you call it, I will be eager to see and read it.
Jacksonville "the lost old city of the south".
This is an awesome idea. Any word on how you are going to market the story? So many great things that so many people are unaware of. I would love for this to become common knowledge for all peoples living in the Jax metro area
Quote from: JeffreyS on December 09, 2011, 06:28:35 PM
Jacksonville "the lost old city of the south".
Perhaps it is better Jacksonville "The Bold old city of the South".
"Jacksonville's Crumbling History: Forgotten Landmarks"
Jacksonville: Unfilfilled dreams, plans, and expectations
Heights Unknown
Jacksonville: From Out of the Ashes, a Phoenix Shall Rise.
Quote from: thelakelander on December 09, 2011, 09:15:46 AM
Quote from: dougskiles on December 09, 2011, 06:44:47 AM
Can you share the list of structures?
My current plan is to get down to 15. As of this morning, here is what remains on the list. Those in bold have already made the cut.
1. Ambassador Hotel
2. American Motors Export Company
3. Barnett Bank Building
4. Barrier's Ice Cream Company (516 Houston/521 Forsyth)
5. Florida Machine & Foundry
6. Ford Motor Company assembly plant
7. Furchgott's
8. Independent Life Building (old JEA Building)
9. Jacksonville Brewing Company
10. Jacksonville Terminal Tunnels
11. Laura Street Trio
12. Moncrief Springs/Moncrief Park
13. Mount Olive Cemetery
14. Seminole Club
15. Springfield Park (Hogans Creek)
16. Annie Lytle School
I'll also say, doing the research for this has been a pretty great experience. The best part has been learning the story behind why these places were built and the story of the individuals, families, the companies behind them, and their impact on the Jax we know today. The combination of those stories, historic, and present day imagery helps someone like me (who wasn't around during Jax's heyday) get a strong vibe of what life was like in old time urban Jacksonville and what it can be like with good planning.
Lake... I posted earlier and then retracted my post because I did not want to lead anyone to think I was trying to pick a fight.
Whichever buildings you and your team elect to represent , I salute the effort to put this into a publication. I am sure with the talent involved , the end product will be a masterpiece.
I completely concur that all of these places are significant and should some how be re purposed.
From a stand point of historic, IMO The old JEA building is somewhat newer, probably in better shape than any of the other places. Probably of all of the BUILDINGS you mention in your list in the downtown core, it would need the least amount spent on it , to re purpose it. If it came between the Laura Trio and the JEA building being saved and re purposed, clearly I think most would agree the Laura Trio should be spared. It is historic , and prominent and has great potential to help restore downtown vibrancy. Maybe the JEA building does as well, but I doubt it has quite as much to offer.
I saw that the Annie Lytle School was not highlighted... accordingly I presume for what ever reason (?) It does not make the cut.
I have no idea , why a prominent 1917 School house Structure in Brooklyn ( last time I checked , Brooklyn is part of "downtown" , just not part of the CORE of downtown" ) Would not be represented as clearly one of the most endangered and forgotten pieces.
It is the mindset, clearly of some on this Forum that the Annie Lytle Should be demolished, and that its context with the interstate kills its possibilities, and so on and so forth. I , Respectfully disagree strongly . I personally think it is every bit as important as any one of the other places you have named, not to mention when it comes to cost to renovate and adapt to reuse, among the least expensive of the Structures you name on your list. It lies in close proximity to complementing vibrant areas. The others, in downtown, not only are endangered aned very expensive to bring to life but still lack much in complementing connections to them. That said, I truly want to see ALL of these places spared, as well as Genovar's , Fire Station 5, even the now vacant Kyle funeral home building...definitely a landmark, probably as endangered as any of these other places.
That Annie Lytle School would not make this cut is disappointing. However this plays out, I have to be okay with it . I will still continue to seek a way to save it, despite ridicule , and opposition of saving it.
So this post replaces my previous post. All can feel free to fire away at me , or agree. Whichever is fine.
Fantastic! I think you ought to stick with the title you've used so far "Forgotten Jacksonville."
QuoteThat Annie Lytle School would not make this cut is disappointing. However this plays out, I have to be okay with it . I will still continue to seek a way to save it, despite ridicule , and opposition of saving it.
Timkin, if the Annie Lytle doesn't make the list, it doesn't mean that we didn't deem it as important or not being a landmark. It would be because we couldn't get interior access into the building to photograph it. Nevertheless, I may also choose to get around this issue by using a combination of exterior and historic imagery, along with graphics from a failed redevelopment plan I still have.
Annie Lytle would be good because of it's location many people who have seen it but do not know about it might draw interest to the book.
a) Congrats!
b) Slumber: A journey into Jacksonville's forgotten glory
Quote from: AbelH on December 10, 2011, 01:37:19 PM
a) Congrats!
b) Slumber: A journey into Jacksonville's forgotten glory
^^ *like
Very exciting time to be working with the Metro Jacksonville team. The past few weeks have been fun shooting in Jax and I've met some great people. Here's to the future!
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Photography/Nomeus/i-DLkcDf9/0/M/IMG2875-copy-M.jpg)
Photo by Nomeus
You all have come up with some great title names. I think the best thing to do may be for me to set them up to be voted on.
Hey that photo looks familiar...smells like a teaser to me! ;)
Quote from: thelakelander on December 10, 2011, 07:54:45 AM
QuoteThat Annie Lytle School would not make this cut is disappointing. However this plays out, I have to be okay with it . I will still continue to seek a way to save it, despite ridicule , and opposition of saving it.
Timkin, if the Annie Lytle doesn't make the list, it doesn't mean that we didn't deem it as important or not being a landmark. It would be because we couldn't get interior access into the building to photograph it. Nevertheless, I may also choose to get around this issue by using a combination of exterior and historic imagery, along with graphics from a failed redevelopment plan I still have.
Lake, Tim and I have lots of interior shots of Annie Lytle. They are only a bit over a year old. PM me an email address and I can send some to you so that you can see if they are useable for your project.
Im working on getting the Lytle interior shots.
^ +1 good luck.
Quote from: nomeus on December 11, 2011, 11:54:50 AM
Im working on getting the Lytle interior shots.
nomeus, do NOT go inside if you don't already have the photos. Not only can/will you get arrested, it is dangerous.
I was in there a few years ago but didnt get any shots. A few of my friends have very recently been inside. Thank you for the tips!
(http://i.imgur.com/dlKqs.jpg)
You know I would love it if there were a blip in there about Springfield beyond the park. Dancy Terrace? I have access to the interior of one of the 24 homes, and could likely get access to 2 more homes. I can offer pictures I took from Nov. 2010 of the exterior.
Love this stuff. Hurry up and get 'er done so I can buy it. LOL.
Jacksonville
In The Shadows
I can't think of anything better than Forgotten Jacksonville, with a forward about how the urban renewal craze of the 1960's and 1970's destroyed or changed so many of our historic buildings, and how we'd like what we have left restored to their original configuration. Information on how to contact someone if there investor interest in doing so. I agree Annie Lytle should make the list. How about the Claude Nolan Cadillac Building by Confederate Park? I've seen pictures of the original facade posted. It was amazing. They make have come from you, Lake. You may need to make your list a little longer. LOL
Honestly . there are so many buildings that should make the list, Ennis and Company could have book the size of a few Phone directories . CNC, Genovars, FS#5 , Nearly any building over 50 years old and abandoned has character. What gets constructed today is a feeble attempt at best, if even having any resemblance to anything designed in days gone by.
In the future of building in Jacksonville, I hope we replicate, as much as possible, some of the masterpieces that a few people , relatively, decided should become surface parking , blighted empty lots , or one of the lovely parking garages that have about as much in the way of Architectural features , as a busted up pile of concrete.
:o
Quote from: nomeus on December 11, 2011, 02:56:03 AM
Hey that photo looks familiar...smells like a teaser to me! ;)
IT DOES! Tease away!!! ;)
QuoteI did not want to lead anyone to think I was trying to pick a fight.
Really? ::)
Quote from: mtraininjax on December 12, 2011, 10:20:53 PM
Really? ::)
"What would the world be, if everyone thought of everyone else as brothers and sisters?"
Some scans collected during continued research for the book....
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/History/Jacksonville-Historic/i-HZnQ2sF/0/M/Jax-Beer-1-M.jpg)
Jax Beer letterhead during Prohibition.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/History/Jacksonville-Historic/i-5P9Z2vv/0/M/Jax-Beer-2-M.jpg)
Jax Beer letterhead during the 1940s.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/History/Jacksonville-Historic/i-5qwcvrf/0/M/Barnett-Bank-M.jpg)
Lobby of the Barnett Bank Building.
look at the lobby pic. How awesome. If only it could one day be opened back up to its original grandeur!
I'm sure you have seen them already, but the library has some pictures from Lloyd Sandgren's collection of the old Barnett Building.
@FSU. The lobby used to have a grip of brass, brass was everywhere. It was really a grandiose building in it's time.
That 1940's Jax Beer letterhead is really cool.
If all of these places could be restored to their Grand beginnings.. we would have some REAL destinations in our downtown :)
I have been inside the old Barnett lobby. It does still have a lot of the brass, unless of course it has all been removed.
I am looking forward to this book if it hasn't already hit the presses. My suggestion for a name is "Jacksonville--Our Formative Foundations".
Hi Postcardbuff, it has already hit the presses. The final name ended up being "Reclaiming Jacksonville." You can order a copy online by clicking here:
http://metrojacksonville.storenvy.com/
I'm not sure if this would be considered "off topic" or not...but considering this is about forgotten landmarks, it begged the question, for me, if metrojacksonville.com has ever done or considered a write up on forgotten/dead projects...a "what might of been" piece. It could be really interesting with the right photos/renderings etc. Just a thought. Keep up the great work!
Quote from: thelakelander on September 04, 2012, 10:49:21 AM
Hi Postcardbuff, it has already hit the presses. The final name ended up being "Reclaiming Jacksonville." You can order a copy online by clicking here:
http://metrojacksonville.storenvy.com/
Is it available in any local stores?
Chamblins, Cowford Traders and San Marco Bookstore have it for sure (just saw it in all three in the last week).
I believe Borders at the Town Center and Book Nook in Lakewood have it for sale as well.
^ barnes & Noble at SJTC did have it...and probably still do
^Thanks guys. After my post, I saw it on Amazon, but I'd rather get it from an actual shop, if possible. Might have the in-laws pick me up a copy.
I looked for it when I was in Jax in May, but didn't see it anywhere - not sure it was out yet. I really look forward to getting my mitts on one!
It hit the stores in June.
As a postcard collector with emphasis on Jacksonville/Duval County, I have found many vintage cards which contain interesting tidbits of our history. I recently acquired one in which a teacher is touting the virtues of her school...apparently the relatively new Duval High School in 1914. She describes the attractive buildings, a sleeping porch, a roof garden on the gym, tennis courts, basketball, etc. This seems to be the school that was built in 1908 and operated until 1928 when it was replaced by 3 newer schools at the beginning of the urban flight. This school still exists at 605 Ocean Street as apartments. If walls could talk....