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Jacksonville circa 1910. "Bisbee Building on Bankers' Row." The city's first skyscraper, still standing on Forsyth Street. 8x10 glass negative. View full size.
I'm surprised that by 1910-ish, all horse-drawn traffic is gone, (or "evidence" of it) I suppose "banker's row" is more modern, --the early motorbike is interesting.
There is not much info on the Southern Mutual Aid Society. The various aid societies were usually temporary and ethnic in nature and from the looks of the fellow relaxing on the balcony this one won't be open much longer.
The Bisbee Building was designed by Henry John Klutho and built in reinforced concrete in 1908-1909 - but it was originally only half as wide as it is today. The left-hand bay was the original portion of the building to be built. The building's owner then asked Klutho to double it in width, adding the right-hand bay. Klutho designed several important buildings in Jacksonville in this period, in something similar to the "Chicago School" style. His most graceful Jacksonville skyscraper, the even thinner Florida Life Building, was built just around the corner on Laura Street in 1911-1912. It was not yet constructed when this photograph was made. Both skyscrapers still stand, and I believe that both are still empty.
or at least in May. I hope its being restored. I wonder what was in the cage in the front entryway.
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