Jacksonville Walk of Fame

Wacca Pilatka · July 01, 2009, 12:22:28 PM

A while back Ocklawaha's daughter suggested the idea of a Jacksonville Walk of Fame with plaques recognizing stars or other culturally significant people from the area. This came up again during the Nashville discussion when the topic turned to Jacksonville's musical heritage.

I sent an inquiry to CSX Corporate Citizenship regarding whether CSX would be interested in assisting with a music-themed Walk of Fame plaque concept, since CSX had funded a couple of informational plaques on the Northbank near their building. Unfortunately, CSX said that this was outside the scope of its giving programs.

Any other ideas on how to start a project like this? Other companies you would consider contacting? (Modis was the next one I had in mind.) Any good way to get Terri Lorince or a city official's attention?

Thanks in advance for your input!

copperfiend · July 01, 2009, 12:37:52 PM

It could be incorporated with the Freebird Live downtown and Southern Rock museum/Hall of Fame. Oh wait...

brainstormer · July 01, 2009, 01:04:09 PM

^all of the above would be great additions to the "New Shipyards" complex right next to the docked museum ship another hotel, the aquarium and more restaurants.

Realistically, corporations have really scaled back sponsorships and community giving. I'm still having a hard time picturing a good location. The key to its success and tourist draw would be thoughtful placement and clustering near other attractions, something the city traditionally has been terrible at. This might be something that could fit into upgrades at Met Park or Friendship Fountain. You might contact the city planning department for committee contacts for the group working on those plans.

copperfiend · July 01, 2009, 01:18:03 PM

Hemming Plaza?

Shwaz · July 01, 2009, 01:21:49 PM

Quote from: copperfiend on July 01, 2009, 12:37:52 PM
It could be incorporated with the Freebird Live downtown and Southern Rock museum/Hall of Fame. Oh wait...

Brilliant!

mtraininjax · July 01, 2009, 05:07:51 PM

What about acknowledging Leaders of Jacksonville? Ask Jerry Spinks at the Historical Society if they can apply for a grant from the State on records or if Joel McEachin, COJ Historical Planning manager, if they know of grant money.

What about the folks who built the manatees or turtles all over town, perhaps they can auction off the downtown "stars" and the City can assist with the installation. After all, it spruces up downtown and makes a walking tour more fun.

Wacca Pilatka · July 05, 2009, 11:58:41 AM

Thank you all for your ideas. I apologize for my delay in responding.

I'll try contacting the Historical Society and Joel McEachin.

If the "stars" route rather than plaques were to be incorporated for this, what do you think about the possibility of coordinating with the planned Laura Street improvements? It could be part of an already scheduled project, and could improve connectivity between the riverfront and Hemming. I also wonder whether Modis and Regency Centers might consider contributing to that plan, since they occupy an anchor building on the corridor and both apparently contributed to the turtle project.

heights unknown · July 05, 2009, 05:06:25 PM

Since Jacksonville is not at or with the Caliber of Los Angeles, Nashville, Hollywood, etc. relative to music celebrities, why not just have a "Stars Walk of Fame" which would cover musicians, actors, sports figures, anyone who was famous and was from Jacksonville. You'd probably have many more stars than just music figures.

Heights Unknown

Adam Hollingsworth · July 05, 2009, 08:59:52 PM

I love this idea. You're right, it should be privately funded...but a great way to honor Jacksonville and the folks who have helped make it so. Not sure who my top five would be, but quick thoughts include Hank Aaron (who played for the Jacksonville Tars), Laurel and Hardy (who made movies here), A Phillip Randolph (civil rights leader) and Prime Osborn (CSX Chairman).

blizz01 · July 05, 2009, 09:45:08 PM

Isn't this - or something like it already happening/planned @ the Florida Theatre?

Ocklawaha · July 05, 2009, 11:58:43 PM

Quote from: heights unknown on July 05, 2009, 05:06:25 PM
Since Jacksonville is not at or with the Caliber of Los Angeles, Nashville, Hollywood, etc. relative to music celebrities, why not just have a "Stars Walk of Fame" which would cover musicians, actors, sports figures, anyone who was famous and was from Jacksonville. You'd probably have many more stars than just music figures.

Heights Unknown

Yes, and she is still pushing me to "do something," the stars she has in mind are indeed ALL of the famous folks from Jacksonville or who claimed Jacksonville residence at some time. It should be remembered the Margret Hamilton (the Good Witch from OZ) claimed residence, partied in St. Augustine, and chartered Jacksonville Streetcars for family and friends. Likewise none other then BABE Hardy, aka: Oliver Hardy, said the best moments of his life were spent in Jacksonville. Then we have the "other" group such as "The Creature From The Black Lagoon."

Her idea was to string them like pearls along the Northbank Riverwalk. She thought a life size bronze in typical poses (cost about 8,000 - 10,000 dollars each) with a walkway mounted story in lexan. Each figure illuminated at night by a star shaped, sidewalk mounted color light fixture.

I've got to say that seeing that "Creature" climbing over the railing in front of the Landing would be cool. As would Babe Hardy wiggling his necktie... Clusters? Why not? The Lynyrd Skynyrd band?

OCKLAWAHA

jeh1980 · July 06, 2009, 02:38:54 AM

How 'bout this? How would it be like if the city were to replace the old Southbank Riverwalk with something made of concrete and granite and place the walk of fame all along the way?

Something to think about!

brainstormer · July 06, 2009, 09:09:45 AM

^ I was thinking this could be a neat addition to the plans to redo the area surrounding a restored Friendship Fountain. Another attraction along with MOSH and the fountain. I would like to see less concrete surrounding the fountain and lots of picnic tables, perhaps promoting a "picnic with the stars" theme for the area.

L.P. Hovercraft · July 08, 2009, 12:41:13 PM

I'd add Merian C. Cooper to the list of Jax luminaries--he directed, produced, and/or wrote a bunch of classic films--The Quiet Man, The Searchers, She, The Most Dangerous Game, and a little movie called King Kong (the original one of course).

Wacca Pilatka · July 08, 2009, 05:02:29 PM

Also--

James Weldon Johnson

Mae Boren Axton (prolific songwriter, including "Heartbreak Hotel")

Rene de Laudonierre, of Ft. Caroline

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Stephen and Cora Crane

I really like the sculptures idea--and of course, Ock's daughter was the creator of the concept in the first place--I wonder how I can get in contact with the sculptors of the manatees/turtles because it might take a similar process to fund this. Isn't Wayne Weaver's daughter a sculptor too? I think she created the jaguar outside the stadium. I wonder if she would participate. In the meantime, I'll try to contact other parties mentioned earlier in the thread.

Either of the riverwalks sound like great locations to me. Had we been going with the stars-in-the-pavement approach I'd have been more inclined toward Laura or Bay.

I think the stars in the pavement outside the FL Theatre are just decorative and possibly recognize donors, not entertainers of Jacksonville.