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Discover decades of Jacksonville’s triumph, glory and decay.
The Laura Trio is one of 14 sites covered by "Reclaiming Jacksonville".
The City of Jacksonville has hundreds of buildings that have withstood the test of time. Yet, these lasting landmarks tell only a portion of Jacksonville’s history. Dozens of other buildings have been abandoned and left to wither, turning into shadows of their former grandeur. Each place has a rich and storied history that belies modern appearances, like the Annie Lytle Elementary School, now known as the most haunted landmark in the city, and the Jacksonville Brewing Company, which had to come up with a creative way to stay afloat (think ice cream) when Prohibition hit. Join Metro Jacksonville writers Ennis Davis and Robert Mann as they go behind the scenes of 14 crumbling but ethereally beautiful structures to reveal their true pasts. Enhanced with stunning color photography, "Reclaiming Jacksonville" is a must-have for every resident of the River City.
Inside the Marble Bank in 1978.
"Reclaiming Jacksonville" Table of Contents
Foreword, by Gloria Devall
1. Ambassador Hotel
2. American Motors Export Company
3. Annie Lytle Elementary School
4. Barnett Bank Building
5. Florida Machine and Foundry
6. Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant
7. Gateway Shopping Center
8. Hogans Creek Improvement Project
9. Independent Life Building
10. Jacksonville Brewing Company
11. Jacksonville Terminal Subway
12. Laura Street Trio
13. Seminole Club
14. W.P. Sumner Company
Bibliography
About the Authors
About the Photographers
What's Next
The next Reclaiming Jacksonville book signing will he held at the Jax Truckies Food Truck Rally. The event is scheduled to take place at 21 West Adams Street in downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, June 9, 2012 from 11am-5pm. It's a great opportunity to learn more about Jacksonville while also trying out some of the best local gourmet cuisine our community has to offer.
More Themes On The Way
With "Reclaiming Jacksonville" now complete, look for more books from Metro Jacksonville to be released in the near future.
For questions, please contact Ennis Davis at edavis@metrojacksonville.com.
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Noone
April 02, 2012, 03:06:51 AMCongratulations to all involved. Looking forward to it.
nomeus
April 02, 2012, 03:30:45 AMvicupstate
April 02, 2012, 05:46:32 AMCongratulations to all involved. I like the new title much better. Sounds hopeful, rather than pessimistic.
I've never seen a picture of the Marble Bank with the large tree planters. Looks even better. It is depressing that a building that is SO incredible, that was fully renovated not that long ago, yet it is in total disrepair now. It is an understandable challenge to re-purpose a building as large as say Annie Lytle, but Marble Bank is smaller and thus has multiple options for a new use. It seems so 'no brainer', yet it continues to sit unrenovated.
This is like waiting for my High School yearbook !
What the price btw?
thelakelander
April 02, 2012, 06:23:34 AMThanks, vicupstate. I was shocked as well to see how fast the Marble Bank has deteriorated since its complete makeover 34 years ago. The price of the books are $24.99 each.
JeffreyS
April 02, 2012, 07:01:33 AMCan't wait to get one.
jcjohnpaint
April 02, 2012, 07:10:58 AMcongratulations and I can't wait to get one.
billy
April 02, 2012, 07:44:49 AMCan't wait! Congratulations.
WmNussbaum
April 02, 2012, 07:54:18 AMThis looks like a very worthwhile publication and kudos are definitely due the authors. As far as the likelihood of success goes, however, I just hope the city can first find enough money to fix the non-functional water fountains along the northbank riverwalk.
vicupstate
April 02, 2012, 08:13:38 AMIf the Marble Bank was renovated 34 years ago, does anyone know when it was last OCCUPIED, since I would assume that iswhen the deterioration began.
thelakelander
April 02, 2012, 08:38:32 AMIt was last occupied somewhere in the early 1990s.
Wacca Pilatka
April 02, 2012, 08:44:11 AMI want to say that I saw 1994 was when the Trio was abandoned...shortly after NCNB was absorbed into NationsBank.
Dog Walker
April 02, 2012, 08:47:35 AMGreat title! Can't wait to buy one to put next to Dr. Wood's books.
wsansewjs
April 02, 2012, 09:17:45 AMCan someone fix the distorted image on the homepage? Its an OCD of me as a graphic designer. It can be embarrassing for MetroJacksonville to have a huge distorted image on the homepage.
I can help fix it if you need me to.
-Josh
thelakelander
April 02, 2012, 10:12:20 AMThere's a glitch with the new server. It's something we'll have to work on.
ben says
April 02, 2012, 10:28:00 AMJust pre-ordered the book.
wsansewjs
April 02, 2012, 10:28:54 AMThat's something I can help out.
<--- Web Developer / Multimedia Designer.
-Josh
thelakelander
April 02, 2012, 10:30:44 AMThank you sir. Btw, I just got confirmation from History Press that they'll be in April 16th instead of the 20th.
Tacachale
April 02, 2012, 10:31:04 AMExcellent. Can't wait to get a copy.
thelakelander
April 02, 2012, 10:31:38 AMI'll mention this to the guys.
MikeMac
April 02, 2012, 11:37:24 AMI just ordered a copy. Even though I now live in Metro Atlanta I consider Jacksonville my spiritual home. Evergreen Cemetary has many of my ancestors dating back to post Civil War. My ancestors from Scotland had Spanish Land Grants on Amelia Island. I love Jacksonville history as I remember some of these buildings from my childhood in the 60's and 70's. I have been reading posts on MJ for several years but finally registered today. Can't wait for the book.
nomeus
April 02, 2012, 01:10:13 PMsuper awesome! thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement. i hope you all enjoy reading the book as much as we did putting it together
Timkin
April 02, 2012, 01:48:44 PMCan't wait to read it !!!
Timkin
April 02, 2012, 03:19:39 PMOrdered 3 online today. Will get 4th at signing. Thank you Ennis, Ock, Nomeus and everyone for making this a reality.
ben says
April 02, 2012, 03:37:07 PMWelcome! And good timing!
Gunnar
April 02, 2012, 05:11:12 PMHi,
just a quick question - will you also offer intl. shipping ? It seems like the charges are fixed for US domestic shipping.
Thanks,
Gunnar
nomeus
April 02, 2012, 05:36:02 PMi dont even know how to read, i just like the purdy pikashurz
Know Growth
April 02, 2012, 09:42:02 PM10/4!
Top Shelf perhaps.
I may grant it more worldly bookshelf status;
Place next to "Naked Emperors" (Garett Hardin-signed copy,supportive letter), Hiassen "Kick Ass" ( Jacksonville's Millionth Mania, North Miami/MJ),"Egotopia"/Miller,"Edge City"/Garreau,"Charlevoix"/Bob Miles,special limited edition Forward,"Parade of Memories"/Clay Chamber of Comerce,"Fairy Spells "/Nahmad, "Clay county- From Woodlot to Parking Lot in Ten Years"/ Captain C.S. Webster,"Old Hickory Town"/Ward,"Decadence"/Morrow,"Fearrless Change"/Rising,"Loving Each Other"/Buscaglia
Second shelf:
Onward
Bookshelf
ben says
April 02, 2012, 09:44:11 PMIf I were you, I'd just go through Amazon. It's for sale there, and pre-order is available (will ship when ready). Furthermore, they deal with all the shipping business.
tufsu1
April 02, 2012, 10:17:57 PMyeah, but the authors get less royalty money through Amazon that through the MJ PayPal page
thelakelander
April 02, 2012, 10:19:19 PM44% through MJ, 7% through Amazon......which is why I haven't mentioned it.
tufsu1
April 02, 2012, 10:24:36 PMand why I bought my copy through MJ today....great job Lake!
thelakelander
April 02, 2012, 10:32:48 PMThank you everyone! As Nomeus has stated, it was a fun project to research and put together.
Timkin
April 02, 2012, 10:55:52 PM+1
Tacachale
April 03, 2012, 08:26:14 AMben says
April 03, 2012, 08:59:32 AMHad no idea. Oops. Wait...authors only get 7% of cover price through Amazon?!
thelakelander
April 03, 2012, 09:23:20 AM^Depends on the publisher and number of copies sold. Once 2,000 copies are sold, our royalty rate spikes up to a lifetime max of 10% of the retail price.
ben says
April 03, 2012, 09:37:34 AMJesus f'ing Christ! Wish I knew. I'll try to cancel and reorder through MetroJax. Highway robbery!!!
thelakelander
April 03, 2012, 09:45:18 AMIt's all good. Nobody is expecting to retire from this.
ben says
April 03, 2012, 09:47:16 AMFigured, but at this point, I'd like to cancel and reorder on principle alone.
jcjohnpaint
April 03, 2012, 10:01:05 AMJust ordered mine. Can't wait to get it! Thanks for all the hard work!
Timkin
April 03, 2012, 04:48:11 PMRETIRE?
nomeus
April 03, 2012, 06:20:04 PMi retired...not working anywhere, not even going to shoot anymore. sold my camera on craigslist. i already put a down payment on a yacht and i have a captain on payroll.
AbelH
April 03, 2012, 10:30:02 PMHave you talked to Chamblins about stocking it? I'd prefer to purchase either through you guys or via a local bookstore. Prefer to pay the sales tax and support the local economy.
thelakelander
April 03, 2012, 10:39:58 PMYes.
nomeus
April 03, 2012, 11:50:55 PMin other news... an interview of me by laura lavernia from restore jacksonville.
http://restorejacksonville.com/2012/04/04/nomeus-secrets-of-abandoned-fl/
thelakelander
April 03, 2012, 11:52:40 PMGreat interview!
Timkin
April 03, 2012, 11:57:48 PMsure was! +1
Purplebike
April 04, 2012, 12:03:58 AM+1
ronchamblin
April 04, 2012, 12:36:40 AMEnnis showed me a look at the pre-published book. It looks great. Super photos. I have ordered two dozen for a start from the History Press.
We will have copies in stock long term because this kind of book will have continued interest, not only for locals, but for visitors to Jax.
nomeus
April 04, 2012, 01:01:53 AMthanks for the words everyone and thanks for the support ron
bornnative
April 04, 2012, 12:05:35 PMJust pre-ordered my copy through MJ. Thanks to all for putting this together. Can't wait to get it in my hands...
nomeus
April 05, 2012, 10:45:26 PMnomeus
April 09, 2012, 10:43:38 PMIve been getting quite a few emails from people inquiring about prints of the school. I thought I would make a post here and in the history forum about it. Here are the prints I have available. Some are in the book and some are not.
book centerfold 2 page spread
book photo
book photo
book photo
book photo
print I made for Tim, not in book
not in book
not in book
not in book, this is my favorite from PS4
not in book
Canvas prints can be made any size. Paper prints can be made as well but of course these look better on canvas.
Please contact me for pricing if interested!
Ocklawaha
April 09, 2012, 11:04:17 PMJust popped in to add my sincere 'THANK YOU' for all of the kind words... Makes it worth doing things like breaking into extinct tunnels and wading around in 5 feet of dirty ice water.
OCKLAWAHA
Timkin
April 09, 2012, 11:32:24 PM=) Great project and great group of people that made it happen !!
ben says
April 10, 2012, 07:31:52 AMHow much for the print you made for Tim?
ChriswUfGator
April 10, 2012, 09:42:15 AMWhat are the sizes and pricing? I suspect you'd get quite a lot of interest on this.
nomeus
April 10, 2012, 10:33:49 AMTim's print is 3ft x 2ft canvas, stretched on a gallery wrap frame which is a wooden frame ready to be put into your own frame. It can be any size you want however. Please pm me for custom sizes/prices or email me at nomeus@gmail.com
nomeus
April 10, 2012, 10:35:17 AMPlease pm me or email me at nomeus@gmail.com for requests.
mbwright
April 10, 2012, 11:02:20 AMThe picture with the auditorium reminds me of the ruins of cathedrals in europe, and the old missions in California. Very interesting perspective. Thanks for the hard work on putting the book together.
Dog Walker
April 10, 2012, 01:16:06 PMWhen you haven't been in the old school for a while, you forget what great bones that building has; human scaled, tasteful details, great natural light and ventilation.
Timkin
April 10, 2012, 11:12:31 PMnomeus
April 10, 2012, 11:15:50 PMtoo early to tell but we shall see!
Timkin
April 10, 2012, 11:19:14 PMIts an amazing old building that needs a lot of love, and has enormous potential .
nomeus
April 12, 2012, 05:19:52 PMPeople have been inquiring about prints from different locations such as the Laura Trio, Barnett, JEA, EHT/Cadillac and others so just to let everyone know, ive shot a lot of locations in Jacksonville and beyond and any image can be made into a canvas or paper print of any size.
Also check out www.nomeus.tumblr.com and let me know if there is something you want printed!
nomeus
April 13, 2012, 01:23:34 PMGunnar
April 16, 2012, 03:07:55 PMThanks for the info ! I had just checked the German Amazon site but not thought of checking the US site, as well - they do ship internationally.
I'd rather have the author make 44% than the 7 they will through Amazon, but then again, if I don't (can't) buy it, that would be 0 %
Gunnar
thelakelander
April 16, 2012, 03:20:00 PM^Gunnar, check your email.
nomeus
April 17, 2012, 11:49:33 PMsolutions
nomeus
April 21, 2012, 07:49:24 PMIf anyone wants prints, they have to request them before this coming up Wednesday if you want to have me bring it to the May 2nd event. Otherwise other arrangements will have to be made if you want one after that.
ChriswUfGator
April 25, 2012, 08:01:13 AMDidn't realize that, just canceled my amazon order and ordered through your MJ PayPal link.
thelakelander
April 25, 2012, 08:26:40 AMThank you, Sir. History Press' printer was backed up on orders last week, pushing our release date to this upcoming weekend. So everyone who has pre-ordered should be receiving their signed copies next week.
ChriswUfGator
April 25, 2012, 09:08:35 AMWell I pre-ordered on amazon, but that was before I realized that meant you made no money. I don't guess my order now counts as a pre-order, but then again you guys aren't hard to find if I wanted a signed copy. I'm especially fascinated with the wood paneled boardroom in the bank building, I thought all that was torn out of there during the recent, I dunno what you'd call what they did, a half-ass attempt at making his lenders think he was renovating I suppose. Was that pre-Kuhn?
Timkin
April 25, 2012, 04:14:10 PM02roadking
May 02, 2012, 10:20:26 AMSorry if I missed this post somewhere.....Will copies be availiable this evening? Exactly where at Artwalk will you guys be?
thelakelander
May 02, 2012, 12:04:06 PMThe book is now available for $25. We will be selling and signing copies tonight at Art Walk from 5 to 8pm. We'll be located in the Main Library's entrance near Hemming Plaza (in front of the old Shelby's Coffee location).
cline
May 02, 2012, 12:10:06 PMIf I didn't pre-order the book can I show up tonight with $25 and still get one?
Bridges
May 02, 2012, 12:17:41 PMAre we supposed to have received the pre-order by today or the end of the week? Just curious if I'll have it for tonight or not.
thelakelander
May 02, 2012, 03:13:56 PMThe first shipment of books were sent via air yesterday, so pre-orders should be to each individual by the end of the week. However, if you want to stop by tonight, I'll give you your preorder copy.
thelakelander
May 02, 2012, 03:14:49 PMYes. Anyone can get a signed copy tonight. Both pre-orders and random purchases.
nomeus
May 08, 2012, 05:15:06 PMphotos by adamthewoo
jcjohnpaint
May 08, 2012, 09:18:01 PMGot mine and love it! Thanks so much guys!
thelakelander
May 08, 2012, 10:16:24 PMGlad you love it. Sales have been brisk this week. It still has not been released to retailers yet but we're down to having a copy of autographed copies still available from our initial order.
Timkin
May 08, 2012, 10:31:01 PMGreat pics, and looking forward to copies.,. Lake ,,for sure one more, possibly 2-3 . Thank you
Dog Walker
May 09, 2012, 11:07:30 AMGuys, the book is fantastic. The pictures are just stunning. Great information and history.
I found one tiny typographical error. Not significant.
thelakelander
May 09, 2012, 11:10:00 AM^What was that? I noticed the HP editor left off a "Y" on the number of units in the Ambassador Hotel. So it reads as eight instead of eighy rooms.
thelakelander
May 09, 2012, 11:10:33 AMI have those copies autographed and set aside for you.
Dog Walker
May 09, 2012, 11:14:13 AMDate that read 1969 instead of 1869. Context makes the real date obvious, so no big deal.
nomeus
May 15, 2012, 09:13:52 PMerror in the back regarding my "bio".. i think it says nomeu's instead of nomeus' or something like that
Timkin
May 15, 2012, 10:22:26 PMRecall !!!
Dog Walker
May 16, 2012, 01:33:31 PMI'll bet that all of you guys looked at that copy so many times that you couldn't see it anymore. Proofing reading is hard!
Timkin
May 16, 2012, 04:02:19 PMAbsolutely! .. I have no problem with the finished product. It is a good read and was well done!
thelakelander
May 16, 2012, 04:20:17 PMWe did an internal proofread before sending the script to HP. Once sent to HP, their editorial team did additional proofreads! At this point, I still have not read through the final published product.
Debbie Thompson
May 16, 2012, 05:45:18 PMI saw that date boo-boo too. But like Dog Walker said, true date obvious from context. When the 2nd edition of this best seller comes out, they can make the corrections. :-)
Ocklawaha
May 16, 2012, 08:15:27 PMWe probably won't make the New York Times Best Seller List, but then the readers of MJ are probably the only people in Jacksonville that have ever heard of the New York Times Best Seller List!
Timkin
May 16, 2012, 09:41:58 PMThe what ?
Hopefully it will bring attention to the right people to help us "Reclaim" and save our historic places.
cracklow
May 18, 2012, 10:05:16 AMordered! yay!
KenFSU
May 29, 2012, 11:16:27 AMPicked up a copy at the Town Center Barnes N' Noble over the weekend.
Fantastic read.
Truly great job Ennis.
I thought the pictures would be the best part of the book, but I found myself enjoying the detailed histories even more. Jacksonville doesn't seem particularly great at recording and preserving its own history, so it's always great to see something like this come along.
There are certainly more than enough locations for a sequel as well
There are about a half dozen more copies at Barnes if anyone is in the area.
Timkin
May 29, 2012, 05:38:54 PMGreat Job everyone ! +1
sandyshoes
May 30, 2012, 08:04:28 AMI will volunteer my two old eyeballs to help with proofreading if I can, when you need it.
Barnaby808
June 03, 2012, 06:07:46 PMSorry if someone already asked but will the book be available for the iPad any time soon?
simms3
June 03, 2012, 06:29:20 PMTo echo the news reporter on First Coast News: "Thank you guys very much for putting together such an interesting work."
I will be ordering my copy soon!
thelakelander
June 03, 2012, 06:37:22 PMThanks, simms3. Barnaby808, I'll get the answer to your question tomorrow from the publisher.
Ocklawaha
June 03, 2012, 07:12:44 PMThank you one and all...
OCKLAWAHA
I-10east
June 04, 2012, 01:14:07 PMI just came back from MJ's favorite place the SJTC, to Libretto's to get a pizza, and most importantly to Barnes & Noble and I purchased the book. Congrats Ock, Lake, and everyone else involved!
thelakelander
June 04, 2012, 02:05:40 PMThanks, I-10.
Barnaby808
July 04, 2012, 10:57:44 AMHappy 4th! Never heard back if the book was coming out on digital format for the iPad....really want to read it but really want digital if possible. Crossing my fingers