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A Small Deposit: 1936

Florida circa 1936. "Watkins House, 52 St. George Street, St. Augustine." Keeping company with the Rogolino Dress Shop and its curiously draped display. 8x10 inch acetate negative by Frances Benjamin Johnston. View full size.

Florida circa 1936. "Watkins House, 52 St. George Street, St. Augustine." Keeping company with the Rogolino Dress Shop and its curiously draped display. 8x10 inch acetate negative by Frances Benjamin Johnston. View full size.

 

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Amber film

Many clothing stores in days of yore used a heavy plastic film hung inside the display case to protect goods from fading. An added advantage to the storekeeper was that one had to go inside to ascertain the actual color of the item, and once in the store ... well, we know the answer to that one.

Casa Rodriguez

The dress shop is gone, but the "Watkins House" is still there, only now it's known by its original name, Casa Rodriguez. It was built in 1762, just a couple years before St. Augustine celebrated its 200th Birthday. The city, founded in 1565, just celebrated Number 448 on September 8th.

Here's a screen shot of today's street view:

Curiously draped display

Probably to protect displayed items from exposure to the Florida sun, especially during peak times, which is what appears to be the case. Perhaps that dress behind the sheet is a big-ticket item?

That would also explain the deep setback to the windowed area.

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