This image was in a binder of of radio station photographs in the Loyd Sandgren collection simply entitled WMBR, WPDQ, WFGA, WJXT. No information about the particular photograph was attached so all I know for sure was that this was the Northeast corner of Hemming Park looking East with the Haverty’s furniture store, now the Jake M. Godbold City Hall Annex and the Western Union building, with retail stores on the ground level in the background. The Western Union building now houses the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville. It was obviously a promotion for WMBR which had a long history in Jacksonville (learn more from this previous post). The woman is dressed as a flapper is carrying a portable radio along with her sign promoting the station. What I find most fascinating is the group of men passing the time on the benches. Most are elderly, several have canes the youngest looking member of the group in the white shirt and ball cap is using two crutches and is missing his left leg. I’m sure there is a story but only the image exists, not the context. I’d guess by the dress this is the late 1940’s or early 1950’s. Hemming Park looks like a park with lots of trees and lots of places to sit and pass the time.
I’ll save you the time looking up Perspicacious. According to Merriam-Webster it means “Of acute mental vision or discernment: Keen”.
Tags: 013068, advertising, costume, downtown, Hemming Park, historic photograph, men, park, promotion, radio, sign, vintage photography, WMBR, women
