Old Ortega Historic District
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/906361167_PdWH2-M.jpg)
Metro Jacksonville explores a neighborhood that was designed by prominent architect, Henry J. Klutho and recently designated as Jacksonville's third nationally recognized historic district: Old Ortega.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-jun-old-ortega-historic-district
Did your arouse the interest of the Ortega Security Patrol, driving around and taking pictures?
Actually no. Instead of driving, I've switched to using a bicycle. I figure I might as well get some exercise while working on some of these articles. The mode switch also allows me to see and feel the atmosphere of the neighborhoods from an entirely different view point.
Some friends and I did fun ride from Robert E. Lee down through Ortega last year. That really is one of the best ways to experience the area.
Hey, where's the school?
I love this part of town. I remember as a kid, mom would drive us through there around Christmastime to see the beautiful mansions with their lights on. (when you grew up in Jax Heights, anything on the river is a mansion)
You captured my dad's house in one of the pics. Nice representation of the neighborhood Lake!
Seminole Park is one of the few unspoiled and underappreciated treasures in Ortega. River views, plenty of shade and room for the dog to roam.
Stockton Park has some of the best mullet fishing in the city, hands down!
You also have a pic of the infamous Charles C. Bettes residence. I live across the river in Lakeside and the Bettes residence is on my running/biking route. The night I came home from work to go for a run, only to see that fire had gotten to the house was heartbreaking(you can see the rebuilding in the pictures above). They have some of the oldest and coolest oak trees on their lot in all of Jacksonville.
I can't get why a mullet would swim anywhere near Stockton park. On any given Saturday, there are $100 hooks in the water off of the park. It's a death trap for the fish, but a great time for the anglers.
Great photos. I have a friend whose family lives on Bettes circle, and that is one of the nicest areas in the city, imo. Quiet, pleasant park filled with wonderful old oaks and surrounded by lovely and diverse architecture.
Another example of the fact that the best places were placed on the best locations long ago.
For what it's worth, I drive around Ortega, Springfield, San Marco, and (especially) Riverside/Avondale taking pictures on all my trips to Jax--mostly of buildings from Architectural Heritage--and have never had anyone look at me suspiciously. Only reaction I ever got was from someone who generously got out of the way for me to photograph the gate tower at the north end of San Jose.
I've been stopped twice in my years of doing this. Once for taking a picture of the Main Street bridge Super Bowl week and in Birmingham a few years ago by a building security guard. In both cases, since I was on public ground, I went about my business and kept snapping.
Jacksonville is so beautiful...I miss the lush foilage, big trees (trees are much bigger and broader in North Florida than Central and South Florida), and the lush overall greenery in the spring, summer and early fall. Ortega is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Jax. I used to love leaving area from my apartment in Riverside, when I was in the Navy, and just driving through Ortega on my way to work at the Naval Air Station. (sigh from homesickness); I sure do miss North Florida and especially Jax. Can't leave West Central Florida just yet though, but I know the time is rapidly approaching!
"HU"
You forgot one house in Ortega ;)
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I had a run in once with a policeman in Miami while taking pictures near the government district. He said I was not allowed to take pictures there because of the terrorist threat and I could actually be arrested and have my camera confiscated if I continued. I could be standing in the government district (which was barricaded btw) and take pictures of any of the other buildings except the courthouse and government buildings. I had to delete the pictures I had already taken too. The officer was very nice about it and I complied, but it's sad that it has to come to that. Oh well.
I forgot about insides of buildings...
I've learned that the Bank of America and Modis buildings do not allow photos of the interior unless you are part of a special event such as a book fair. But in the St. James I asked a security guard and got no objection to my taking pictures.
I'll be in Birmingham in a few weeks, so I'll be on guard for anti-photographer security people.
If you are on public property... you can take a picture of anything. I used to be a freelance photographer for a few magazines, and I put up with my fair share of overzealous police officers or security guards. On private property, you have to abide by their rules(you'd be amazed how difficult it is to get permission to photograph anythinig at a port)... but on public grounds anything is fair game.
I've taken images in MODIS before. You just snap when the guards aren't looking.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 22, 2010, 12:37:50 PM
I've taken images in MODIS before. You just snap when the guards aren't looking.
I was wondering how you got all those good pictures of the inside of Modis for the Independent Square article...I figured photos were permitted that day since a Historial Society exhibit table is in place in one of them.
One of the homes pictured in this was my Grandparent's Home at the Corner of Arapahoe / Angelo in Ortega. Thank you for getting this picture included in the presentation. When my Grandmother passed in 1999, the House was literally falling apart. I sought out a buyer for it, and my Mother nearly gave it away, so that it would be restored. They did a wonderful job with the home. Looking at it now brings tears, as it was my childhood playground..but I am so glad it was saved, and I know my Grandparents and my Mom would be extremely proud that it was presented in the Ortega Neighborhoods showcase of homes. Thank you so much !!! :)
When my Grandparents bought the house in 1941, I believe my Grandmother stated they paid $6k for it. It has significantly gone up in value now. Again thanks for including it !!! :)
Lakelander, Ocklawaha, when was the community shuttle service discontinued?
It sure made taking the children about more fun.
I am only in town for a few weeks sporadically throughout two seasons.
Perhaps I am wrong and the shuttle IS still running and the route has changed?
Thanks in advance for any info.
Quote from: Spence on December 06, 2012, 03:01:09 AM
Lakelander, Ocklawaha, when was the community shuttle service discontinued?
It sure made taking the children about more fun.
I am only in town for a few weeks sporadically throughout two seasons.
Perhaps I am wrong and the shuttle IS still running and the route has changed?
Thanks in advance for any info.
Ortega Community Shuttle runs 6 days week. Here's a schedule pulled from the JTA website.
http://www.jtafla.com/Schedules/12.05.11/OrtegaCS.pdf
I wonder who makes these decisions about changing the names of things. McGirt's Creek is still called McGirt's Creek by everybody in Ortega/Ortega Forest, as far as I know, and it extends way south, to the swampy bits of Orange Park, and beyond. The Ortega River was the part north and east, at the confluence of the Cedar River and the Creek, and passing under the Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge (aka New Ortega Bridge) and Old Ortega Bridge. I've never heard anyone call the latter the Grand Avenue Bridge.
People really don't give Jacksonville enough credit for having so many cool neighborhoods like this.
We have friends over there with a beautiful home right on the water.
People there seem to be very low key and down to earth.
They don't seem to like to show off, they leave that to beaches people and perhaps San Marco people.
The bridge connecting Ortega has the finest panoramic view of downtown Jacksonville.
It's beautiful during the day and breathtaking at night where downturn buildings shimmer like jewels across the water.
Equality Florida will have their 2014 gala at the Florida Yacht Club ! Can't wait.
Quote from: BoldBoyOfTheSouth on June 20, 2014, 02:21:41 PM
The bridge connecting Ortega has the finest panoramic view of downtown Jacksonville.
It's beautiful during the day and breathtaking at night where downturn buildings shimmer like jewels across the water.
You're right; due to the way the river curves, this just happens to be the most panoramic view in town. It's awesome. I've always enjoyed it.
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on June 22, 2010, 11:47:03 AM
I forgot about insides of buildings...
I've learned that the Bank of America and Modis buildings do not allow photos of the interior unless you are part of a special event such as a book fair. But in the St. James I asked a security guard and got no objection to my taking pictures.
I'll be in Birmingham in a few weeks, so I'll be on guard for anti-photographer security people.
I suspect the following likely happened. The Google Earth car came by taking street shots.