Gumbo was in the Jacksonville neighborhood of Panama Park. Congratulations, in order received, goes to George G and PortMoresby for solving this weeks very tough photo puzzle. Urban planners could learn a lot by seeing how industrial, residential and recreation mix in this working class neighborhood.
Panama Park was first plotted in 1879. It is in between the Trout and St. Johns Rivers, Cummer Lumber Mill was established in 1896 and drew people to the area. It became Jacksonville’s largest employer for many years. There are still large employers, like Shaws Southern Belle Frozen Foods, a seafood processing plant and United States Gypsum, a drywall manufacturing facility in the neighborhood .
Most of the residential growth happened after 1910, when George W. Clark Sr. began selling improved lots on fifty acres that people built homes on . There are still some neat homes in the area, some acting as businesses today.
In 1916, Lola Culver Elementary School was built, now the North Florida Educational Institute. It was one of architect Henry Klutho’s last great Prairie-style designs and it’s stunning. The building has two terra cotta eagles
Joseph’s Pizza was established in the neighborhood in 1956 and is Jacksonville’s oldest pizzeria. It draws in residents ,workers and others and has really good food.
Panama Park was and still is a popular destination for fishing and boating. The old bridge across the river now acts as a fishing bridge. There is also a commercial dive school.
