Historic LaVilla in color

Designated in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, June is recognized as African American Music Appreciation Month. To celebrate the African American musical influences and events that are locally tied to Jacksonville, The Jaxson shares historic color images of LaVilla. Also known by many as Uptown, LaVilla was winter headquarters of what eventually became known as the Chitlin Circuit.

The Jacksonville Terminal in 1921. (State Archives of Florida)

The Black waiting room at the Jacksonville Terminal in 1921 (State Archives of Florida)

The concourse of the Jacksonville Terminal in 1921, during the height of the first Great Migration. (State Archives of Florida)

The dedication of the Clara White Mission on West Ashley Street on July 13, 1947. (University of North Florida Eartha White Collection)

1930s aerial of LaVilla and Downtown Jacksonville.

The Hotel Flagler, at the intersection of West Adams and Davis Streets. (State Archives of Florida)

Looking north on Broad Street from West Forsyth Street during the early 20th century. (State Archives of Florida)

Looking west at the intersection of West Bay and Broad Streets during the early 20th century. (State Archives of Florida)

The intersection of West Bay and Broad Streets during the early 1980s (Courtesy of Melanie Homer)

An early 20th century aerial of Broad Street and LaVilla (Library of Congress)

P. Mendez Cuban Tailor at 408 North Broad Street (City of Jacksonville)

Duke Ellington playing a game of baseball at the intersection of Kings Road and Cleveland Street in 1955. John E. Ford Pre K-8 School occupies the site of the Astor Motel today. (Library of Congress)

The Strand Theater on West Ashley Street. (My Heritage)

The Fiesta Motel was a motel for Black travelers when it opened in 1961 with 26 air conditioned rooms, each with television and telephone. Once listed in the Greenbook, the old motel is now the 1251 Efficiency Apartments at 1251 Kings Road. (Jacksonville Public Library)

The Knights of Pythias Building on West Ashley Street during the 1940s. (Gordon Parks/Library of Congress)

Gross Bar and Wine at 749 West Ashley Street in 1943. (Gordon Parks/Library of Congress)