Tag Archives: Jacksonville University

When Artis Gilmore Led a Whole City to the NCAA Championship

Posted on May 28, 2023 | Leave a comment

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In 1970, Jacksonville University marched toward the NCAA championships, David v. Goliath, and enraptured its city in the process. Sports Illustrated called JU a “transformed junior college” and Jax the urban heart of the Okefenokee Swamp. The first page of the yearbook caught the front of one shoe, nothing more: Artis Gilmore stood 7’2″, but some added six inches for his afro.

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Tagged Art White Mike Blevins, Arthur White Mike Blevins, Artis Gilmore, Ax Handle Saturday, Blodgett Homes, Chip Dublin, Gurney Kennedy, Hank Aaron, Haydon Burns, Jacksonville Braves, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville University NCAA, JU Dolphins, Mike Blevins, Pembrook Burrows, Rod McIntyre, Swisher Gymnasium, Valerie Kennedy-Grisham

New Story: Wandering the Ruins of the Thunderbird Motor Hotel

Posted on July 4, 2020 | Leave a comment

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The Thunderbird Motor Hotel lies in ruins on 19 acres. We wander through it. It was “one of the brightest jewels in the Florida Crown,” created to “give Jacksonville a Las Vegas, New York, big-city type of night club atmosphere.” It featured multiple lounges like The Zodiac Room and The Wonderfall, dinner theatre and convention space. The stars came. For a while. Few realized its full history of financial troubles. Now a hawk flies over the abandoned swimming pool. Click below for the story.

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Tagged Al Stein, Albert Stein, Ann Sothern, Arlington Jacksonville, Ben Stein, Bethel Baptist Church, Bethelite, Bold New City of the South, Bonnie Morrison, Burger King Jacksonville, Carmen Ann Roden, Danae Clift, David Stein, Fireman's Ball, Fisher & Malone, Florida Gothic, Frances Langford, Gator Bowl, Gerry Roden, Hans Tanzler, Howard Keel, Jackie Gleason Show, Jacksonville Coliseum, Jacksonville Florida, Jacksonville Gothic, Jacksonville University, Jason Wood, jax psycho geo, Jay Leno, Jill Starr, Joann Starr, John C. Christian, Jud Ammean Orchestra, KBJ Architects, Kettle Pub, King’s Inn Lounge, Man of La Mancha, Martin Denny, Mary Lynn Brown, Mayor Hans Tanzler said, Michael Ammiano, Peter Cummings, Philip Browning, Red Carpet Inns, Regency Square, Regency Square Mall, Ricky Takacs, Rolling Stones Jacksonville, Sammy Spear Orchestra, South Pacific Orientalism, Terrace Room, The Diamonds, Thunder Resort Hotel, Thunderbird Motor Hotel, Thunderreal, Tiki Bar, Tim Gilmore, Tim Gilmore writer, Tiny Tim, white flight, William Groff, William K. Jackson, Wonderfall, Wonderfall Bar, Wonderfall Lounge, Yvonne Moray, Zero Mostel, Zodiac Room

New Story: Jacksonville University Apartment District: French Quarter Apartments / University Townhomes

Posted on January 1, 2020 | Leave a comment

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It was an optimistic time. 50 years ago this Christmas. Today Richard Minor stands where he first learned to walk. His father taught astronomy at Jacksonville University, across the street from this then-new apartment district. His mother, a stenographer, played the ukele, read thick novels and made the martinis at 5. The ’60s promised a younger, more prosperous and more educated America.

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Tagged Arlington Manor, Bourbon Alley South, Caroline Village, Cesery Boulevard, Dick Minor, Eagle Pointe Apartments, Fort Caroline Road, French Courtyard, French Quarter Apartments, Hurley Manor Apartments, Jacksonville College of Music, Jacksonville Junior College, Jacksonville University, jax psycho geo, Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, Legends Apartments, Merrill Road, Miramar Apartments, Richard Minor, Shirley Minor, Swisher Auditorium, Swisher Gymnasium, Tim Gilmore, University Boulevard, University Place Apartments, University Townhomes