This article is the second in a series of articles that chronicles my experiences filming my hometown of Jacksonville for History Jacksonville.
On December 28, 2013 I was waiting for a protest in Hemming Plaza to start (it ultimately became more of a conversation among activists) when I decided to use my early arrival to film an impromptu episode of History Jacksonville. During my experiences in Occupy Jacksonville, The Old Seminole Men’s Club was part of the backdrop of the times. I marveled that an abandoned, obviously historical building stood directly across from The City Hall (previously known as The St Johns Building-designed by architect Henry J. Klutho) which was a May Cohen’s Department Store from 1914 until the 1980s and also the modern Federal Courthouse. The building stands in the shadow of The Skyway Express on Hogan Street – the segment of which was constructed in the 1990s. I had the opportunity to film and talk about this unique treasure built around 1902 after The Great Fire of 1901. It opened as a Men’s Club called The Seminole Club which thrived in the times when Men could exclude Women from enjoying the restaurant and sports facilities. It had the distinction of hosting President Theodore Roosevelt as he delivered a campaign speech on the balcony of the large veranda. President John F. Kennedy stopped by for a cup of coffee after a 1960 rally in what was then called Hemming Park. Over the years, people became more interested in gathering in other venues and so the club closed in 1990. It then became a restaurant which later itself closed.
In the episode, I expressed my disappointment in the city leadership’s failure to address the decay and abandonment literally across their street. This film displayed quite vividly the bizarre contrasts that are quite common in downtown today. I was heartened to hear months later that the building was to be renovated and renovated as Sweet Pete’s a candy confectionary with a separate restaurant cocktail
It is with great happiness that I can announce that a future episode of History Jacksonville will be a return to 400 Hogan Street to celebrate with a lunch, cocktail, and a sweet 🙂
George Farrar,
December 6, 2014