Keeping the Memory of the Chitlin Circuit Alive

[thelakelander]

A look at eight Chitlin Circuit venues standing throughout the state of Florida.

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/keeping-the-memory-of-the-chitlin-circuit-alive/

[jaxlongtimer]

Lake, a great article.  Love the history as always.

How much of the original Ritz remains?  As I recall, they only saved the corner facade and not much else.

Glad the current structure stands as a testament to our past but wish Jax did more to preserve its illustrious history.  When we talk about generating tourism here, our history should be front and center with our beaches as a catalyst.  Unfortunately, we have no vision or plan to do so and have lost much of what we could be showcasing.  Sad to see the little bit that's left being destroyed to this day by a clueless mayor and city council.

[thelakelander]

Yes, basically the corner facade and sign. Everything else is new.



On the other hand, the old Globe Theatre, which I'd argue is more significant than the Ritz is still intact:



We definitely have no idea of what to do with what remains in LaVilla. It has the bones and history to be an Atlantic Coast version of Beale Street. Just about every old building still standing in the vincinity of Ashley and Broad is nationally significant for their contribution to blues, jazz, and civil rights.

[Charles Hunter]

I thought I read somewhere that the RITZ sign is a recreation. Too late tonight (for me) to try to find it now.

[ricker]

You are correct. I worked on a design team and pitched to one of the directors who also tried to declare the sign was the original but relented to the truth when I lowered my head and locked eyes over my glasses. When I informed the board I was present when the old sign was removed, and when the new one installed, she admitted it is indeed a recreation.
Glad someone else touched on this first.  I'll back it up. Eyewitness.

[thelakelander]

Thanks for confirmation on the sign. So it looks like just the corner of the old facade is original.  Were any other elements of the old theater worked into the current structure?

[Ken_FSU]

Really cool article.

I never knew about Bradfordville Blues Club in Tallahassee.

[fieldafm]

Really cool article.

I never knew about Bradfordville Blues Club in Tallahassee.

Same. Its easy to not explore all that Tallahassee and the Big Bend region has to offer when you are a full time student who also worked a job full time. Cheap beer and pretty girls also does not help one's attention span, either.

I learned of the Bradfordville Blues Club about 4-5 years ago when I saw Bobby Rush play there... which was 13-14 years after I graduated.