Dr. Eartha White and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in front of the Clara White Mission during the 1940s. This photograph was taken in front of a storefront in the Clara White Mission building that was occupied by F.R. Davis Jewelry Store. (Clara White Mission)
The dedication ceremony of Clara White Mission on July 13, 1947. (University of North Florida Digital Commons)
The dedication ceremony of Clara White Mission on July 13, 1947. (University of North Florida Digital Commons)
Scene from the Patriotism Parade on Broad Street. Dr. Eartha White of the Clara White Mission, lead the parade. (University of North Florida Digital Commons)
Photographer Ellie Lee Weems arrived in Jacksonville in 1928 and captured life in the community for the next five decades. This photograph and the following five were captured by the camera of Weems.
The Hollywood Music Store was established in 1924 by Joe Higdon. Born in 1878, Higdon was responsible for bringing several well known musicians to Jacksonville. One of LaVilla’s most popular destinations, individuals that visited the music store on their walk to fame include Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Sarah “Sassy” Vaughn, Nat King Cole, Bill Daniels, Ray Charles, James Brown, The O’Jays, Al Green, Sam Cook, Sam and Dave, and The Temptations. Here are a few Hollywood Music Store photographs on display in the lobby of the Clara White Mission.
Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com