Why doesn't Jacksonville recognize its own history?

[samiam]

Here are a few questions that I have been asking myself for years


Why doesn't Jacksonville recognize its own history?
What vision does Jacksonville have of its history?
Why cant they realize that there is money to be made by embracing there history?
Why doesn't the city research there history? (I know several individuals are currently doing research)

[Joe]

Considering that Jax is a town full of people who weren't born there, I think it does a pretty good job of recognizing history. The city was raped by urban renewal, which is a horrible legacy that will always haunt us. Beyond that, Jax has plenty to be happy about in terms of historic preservation.

Some of the largest historic districts in the Southeast (Riverside/Avondale and Springfield), a large group of protected landmark buildings downtown, Ft. Caroline, San Marco Square, Walter Jones Historic Park, the Merrill House, Camp Milton Historic Preserve.

If anyone wants to become involved in preserving or promoting Jax history, I suggest the following:

1) Join the Jax Historical Society (Jaxhistory.com). Pay some dues. Attend some events. Get your friends to join.
2) Get involved with the Historical Society's attempt to convert Old St. Lukes in an historical archives. It's a great project, but they're going to need a lot more money and a lot more help.  
3) Volunteer with the Norman Studios people. The effort to preserve the old silent film studios is a great piece of Jax history. I *think* the are generally looking for volunteers and people to get involved.
4) Read a book. Seriously. Few people - even those who love Jax History - have read the most relevant books about it. You can buy some great ones here: http://www.jaxhistory.com/JHS-Bookstore.html

I particularly recommend the following, which you can find for free online:
- History of Jacksonville, Florida, and vicinity, 1513 to 1924, Thomas Frederick Davis, 1925                   
- Palmetto-leaves, Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1873

Also, if you can spend a little money, the Historical Society has some GREAT coffee-table books which are highly informative:
- The Jacksonville Family Album: 150 Years of the Art of Photography, Wayne W. Wood, Emily Lisska and Carole Fader
- The Architecture of Henry John Klutho: The Prairie School in Jacksonville, Robert C. Broward
- The Great Fire of 1901, Wayne W. Wood & Bill Foley
- Jacksonville's Architectural Heritage: Landmarks for the Future, Wayne W. Wood

[Miss Fixit]

Joe, which books on the history of Jacksonville would you recommend?

[Joe]

Miss Fixit, great question. I edited my original post with suggestions.

Basically, it couldn't hurt to order anything off Jax History's list. Honestly, I haven't read most of them, but the ones I have read were good. If nothing else, go read that T. Frederick Davis book online. It's really awesome to read a local history text all the way back from the 1920s.

[Dan B]

A few I recommend, to whet your whistle.

Architectural Heritage of Jacksonville
Old Hickory's Town
Acres of Ashes (available online)

[Coolyfett]

Here are a few questions that I have been asking myself for years


Why doesn't Jacksonville recognize its own history?
What vision does Jacksonville have of its history?
Why cant they realize that there is money to be made by embracing there history?
Why doesn't the city research there history? (I know several individuals are currently doing research)

Which part of Jax history should be promoted?
There are many stories to tell. Some even Hollywood worthy....I think History should start in the schools..Grades 4 through 8...we didnt have a Jax history subject when I went to school there....The field trips were the same old Jax Zoo, MOSH or Publix. Everyyear the feild trips were the same...Never went to Fort Caroline, Jax 1901 Fire or many spots downtown.

[Coolyfett]

Joe, which books on the history of Jacksonville would you recommend?

Anything on the reference floor of the Main Library...Just give them you ID and your in there. Some of the books with pictures are the best.

[urbanlibertarian]

Joe wrote "If nothing else, go read that T. Frederick Davis book online. It's really awesome to read a local history text all the way back from the 1920s."

I agree.  Just remember that it is written by a white guy in the 1920's who had opinions about race that some may find offensive.  If you can overlook that there's a lot of good stuff there.

[Wacca Pilatka]

In addition to Joe's recommendations (all excellent, especially Architectural Heritage since that's the book that more than anything made me fall in love with the city), I recommend:

Anna Madgigine Jai Kingsley (I'm forgetting the author, sorry)

Jacksonville, the Consolidation Story from Civil Rights to the Jaguars by James Crooks (UNF professor who posted on this forum in the past)

[mtraininjax]

Almost the entire 3rd floor of the downtown library is devoted to Florida history and that includes Jacksonville's history. If that is not enough, go see Dr. Wayne Wood, he can tell you ANYTHING, and I mean anything you want to know about Jacksonville. He's a walking history guide.

[kam311]

I would highly recommend T. Frederick Davis' book.  You can read it here: http://fulltext10.fcla.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=fhp&idno=NF00000013&format=pdf

[Coolyfett]

Almost the entire 3rd floor of the downtown library is devoted to Florida history and that includes Jacksonville's history. If that is not enough, go see Dr. Wayne Wood, he can tell you ANYTHING, and I mean anything you want to know about Jacksonville. He's a walking history guide.

Thats the reference floor I was referring to. It would be great if Wayne Woods posted on this site sometimes......

[mtraininjax]

You might be right. Thanks.

[Coolyfett]

Almost the entire 3rd floor of the downtown library is devoted to Florida history and that includes Jacksonville's history. If that is not enough, go see Dr. Wayne Wood, he can tell you ANYTHING, and I mean anything you want to know about Jacksonville. He's a walking history guide.

Thats the reference floor I was referring to. It would be great if Wayne Woods posted on this site sometimes......

Its actually the fourth floor, I believe, Mtrain.  Thats where the Florida Room is.

Yes it was the 4th floor. Its been a while since I been in there.