Saving and sharing the city’s history is exciting work

One of the more rewarding aspects of the Jacksonville Historical Society’s mission is collecting city history. We rely on the generosity of individuals for these donated treasures. For the staff and archive volunteers, it’s repeatedly “Christmas morning” as we celebrate the arrival of documents, photos and objects. It’s particularly thrilling to receive these pieces of history that otherwise might end up tossed aside.

Friends, supporters and complete strangers, feeling a sense of duty, take the time and trouble to find a good home for items they discover in their closets, attics and family safes. The Jacksonville Historical Society is that good home.

Researchers the world over use and access this material—some on-line. This past week, individual researchers, the media, the government and more used information and objects carefully maintained in our archives. Particularly exciting was the out of town “walk-in” visitor who was researching his ties to the area’s Spanish period and Florida’s earliest days as a U.S. territory. He connected his family tree to Jacksonville founder Isaiah Hart and to the Richard family.

We ask you, our supporters, to remain vigilant to this “all important” cause to collect area history. Do you have an old piece of local film footage in your closet? Someone must have film of a Jacksonville presidential visit or two! What about some photos of downtown street scenes, your neighborhood or the zoo? Have you tucked away Jacksonville menus, programs, maps or campaign pieces? Polk City Directories for Duval County are real treasures. Please let us know what years you’re willing to provide. What about objects? We’re currently seeking hats, helmets, hatboxes and other paraphernalia with a Jacksonville relationship. And we actively seek area school yearbooks that we don’t have. All of these items and objects build strong and meaningful archives.

Please phone, 665-0064, if you have an item or a collection to donate. As always, thank you for your support in this all-important mission.

JHS receives local school spirit

Recently, the archives received a collection of “time capsules.” Yet, these are not the type of time capsules that most would think of. These time capsules are full of memories, signatures, and school spirit; and most memorable of all, are the senior pictures.

In the past, the archives has housed a number important school yearbooks, but never as vast a chronology. The archives was contacted by a former band director about a collection of yearbooks from Robert E. Lee Senior High School and Lakeshore Junior High School. These yearbooks came with a story; his in-laws were administrators at these schools, and the yearbooks, dating from the 1930’s to the 1950’s, were a family treasure for a number of years.

Yearbooks are cherished by those who have them, but most do not see their historical significance. These yearbooks are a treasured resource for researchers; they are used for family histories; they are cross referenced with city directories; and they provide photos not seen before! Yearbooks get just as much research mileage as our city directories.

We invite you to come in and take a look at these rare gems, but we also encourage you to donate your Jacksonville-area yearbooks!

JHS Merrill Museum House open for tours!

Our new, excited and energetic volunteer docent team keeps the house open selected days each week.

Take a trip back to Victorian-era Jacksonville with your family, friends or co-workers and learn about one of the most important eras in city history.

Please check the website for available tour days and to reserve your spot.

Seen by all commuters who exit into downtown from the Main Street Bridge (John T. Alsop Bridge), the Bostwick building is an iconic staple of the area. Located at 101 East Bay Street, the Bostwick building has a 113 year history worth reading.

Built in 1902, later expanded in 1919, the Bostwick building is remembered by many in a variety of ways. Most might remember that it once showcased the city’s NFL spirit with its Jaguar spotted windows. Older residents remember the days when it housed the offices of architect Henry J. Klutho. Yet, it was in the building’s earliest days that it housed three different banks and received its name.

In 1880, this site was home to First National Bank. Founded in 1874, it was one of the earliest national banks in Florida. One of First National’s first directors was Dr. William M. Bostwick, who later served as the Mayor of Jacksonville. The original structure perished in the Great Fire of 1901, was re-established by 1902, but failed in 1903. In the same year, the bank and the building were purchased by Guaranty Trust and Savings Bank. The reorganized bank’s first vice president was William M. Bostwick Jr., Dr. Bostwick’s son. Guaranty Trust expanded the building to its present size in 1919, and closed in 1922. Another bank, Brotherhood State Bank, quickly took Guaranty’s place, but failed in 1924. The building’s banking days ended, but it housed a number of other businesses, including Henry Klutho’s offices from 1944 to 1960.

The building, vacant and in fragile condition for many decades, is now undergoing an extensive restoration/renovation and will open next summer as a restaurant, The Cowford Chophouse. Preservationists, rejoice!

July 1, 1921: The St. Johns River Bridge, later known as the St. Elmo W. Acosta Bridge opened on this date. In 1904, St. Elmo "Chic" Acosta began an active campaign to build a bridge. His efforts were opposed by many—the railroads, and the ferry boat companies, to name a few. After many years, Acosta and his allies prevailed. In 1917, Jacksonville citizens approved a $950,000 bond issue to build the bridge. When it opened, it was billed as “Jacksonville’s gift to Florida.” On August 17, 1949, two years after “Chic” Acosta’s death, the bridge was renamed in his honor. The bridge was demolished and replaced by a new Acosta Bridge in 1994.

July 28, 1910: This date marked the formal opening of Atlantic Boulevard. The "Beach Road" provided city dwellers a route from South Jacksonville to the beaches. It’s reported that more than 100 decorated cars gathered in South Jacksonville to make the trip to the beach. Historian T. Frederick Davis later wrote that the road’s construction “marked the beginning of highway development in Florida.” In 1910, the population of Pablo Beach (renamed Jacksonville Beach in 1925) was only 249 people! Jacksonville’s population was nearing 60,000.