LaVilla: Difference between revisions

Settled by John Jones under Spanish [[land grant]] in 1801, the area remained independent until annexed to Jacksonville in 1887. During the Civil War years from 1861 until 1867, many positions in its government were held by African Americans. It was the source of the [[Great Fire of 1901]]. The area became culturally important beginning in 1929 with the opening of the [[Ritz Theatre (Jacksonville)|Ritz Theatre]], an important point on the [[Chitlin' Circuit]].<ref> [http://www.downtownjacksonville.org/detail/?loc_id=1904&page_id=12 downtownjacksonville.org - Location Detail: Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum]</ref><ref name=Frommers>[http://www.frommers.com/destinations/jacksonville/A29920.html Frommers Destinations]</ref> At the time, the area on Ashley Street west of Broad Street to and including Davis Street was known as the ''"Harlem of the South"''. Landmarks included ''Nick’s Pool Parlor'' or the ''Strand'', the ''Frolic'' and the ''Roosevelt'' Theaters for a diversion. The ''Wynn/Egmont Hotel'' provided the best accommodations for travelling entertainers; the ''Boston Chop House'', ''Mama’s Restaurant'' and ''Hayes Luncheonette'' provided good food; the ''Lenape Bar'' and ''Manuel’s Taproom'' were the favorite watering holes. The Ritz Theatre and ''The Knights of Pythias Hall'' hosted numerous famous performers. The [[Clara White Mission]] is located in LaVilla. <ref>[http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-may-ashley-street-the-harlem-of-the-south "Ashley Street: The Harlem of the South"] Metro Jacksonville, History</ref>