Contestant in the Miss Jacksonville Pageant held in the Palace Theater in downtown Jacksonville. 1950’s. I’m sure the extension cords stringing the stage lights together were up to code.
The Palace was one of almost two dozen theaters located along Forsyth Street, Main Street, Bay Street and a few other locations around downtown Jacksonville during the early 1900’s. The Palace and the Imperial Theater stood side by side on Forsyth Street at the corner of Ocean Street. Both were demolished in 1956 and a parking lot stands at their location today. Only the Florida Theatre remains from Jacksonville’s former theater district.
Tags: audience, beauty pageant, downtown, Forsyth Street, historic photograph, Jacksonville, Miss Jacksonville, Ocean Street, Palace Theater, Theater district, Theatre district, vintage photography
The Palace and Imperial were not demolished in 1956, it was much much later, and both were in play in ’56. I was an usher at the Florida Theatre and we went over to help out with the Miss Jacksonville efforts. Betty Seay, from Landon HS, was one of the participants, she was a dancer. The decision to put the parking lot on that site had to do with the building of the Independent Life bldg, and a trade of their old building to the City.
Richard, I appreciate your additional information. I try to cross reference dates as much as I am able but don’t claim to be an expert on my own. I welcome those with more knowledge who can set the record straight. Bob Self/Vintage Jacksonville
Is it possible to find a list of participants and/or winners of the Miss Jacksonville Pagent between 1936 and 1941? I am looking for participant Rosemary Dowling, 19th Street. Jacksonville, Fl