Ever wonder what stories made headlines in Jacksonville 50 years ago? It may have been a different era of history, culture and politics, but there are often parallels between the kind of stories that made the news in 1958 and today. As interesting as the similarities may be, so are the vast differences.
The following are some of the top headlines from the Florida-Times Union printed 50 years ago this week. These items were compiled from the Jacksonville Public Library’s periodical archives.
• H.M. Shelley, executive secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, said 50 student groups were expected to arrive for spring vacations at Jacksonville Beach. He estimated the anticipated 3,000 young guests would spend $150,000 while on vacation. It was also noted that many of the hotels would be offering discounted rates for students as low as $1 per person per day.
• Mayor Haydon Burns advised the Chamber of Commerce neither he nor the City Council had any authority to force a truce in the strikes by local bus drivers and “Negro taxi drivers.” The bus strike was entering its second month, while the taxis had been parked since Jan. 30.
• The Duval County Commission approved a budget of $9,712,747 for 1958-59. The commissioners also voted to maintain the current ad valorem tax rate of 46.12 mills, which would generate $5,148,747.
• There was a public hearing on a proposed rezoning of Third Street in Jacksonville Beach. The roadway was being rebuilt for six lanes of traffic and after the project was complete, it was expected to be used for business instead of residential sites.
• Also at Jacksonville Beach, the 6th Annual Policemens’ Ball was held at the pier. There was a 14-piece orchestra for those who wanted to dance and proceeds went to the Police Benevolent Association building fund.
• Assistant State Attorney Nathan Schevitz said “tossing a bomb in a public place can put the tosser in the electric chair.” His comment was in response to recent bombings at the Jacksonville Jewish Center and at James Weldon Johnson School.
• Executives of the newly organized Tompkins-Beckwith Company were special guests at a luncheon at the Seminole Hotel. Emory Breedlove was resident manager and chief, F.J. Beckwith was introduced as president and Howard Tompkins, vice president.
• Jacksonville gained another business that week when the Paul M. Lennard Company relocated from Brooklyn. N.Y. The company manufactured safety equipment for the aircraft, electronics and nuclear industries.
• At Jacksonville University a chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa national honorary society was founded. It marked the first time a national organization had a chapter on the campus.
• Home building permits set an all-time record. The number of permits issued in April was equal to the 33 percent of the usual annual volume. Home builders wanted to beat a deadline on the implementation of new City Electric Department building codes that required wiring able to handle more current than the previous code.
• A new traffic light was installed at the corner of Lee and Monroe streets. The traffic pattern had changed when the new expressway ramp opened and it was hoped the signal would reduce the high number of accidents that were occurring at the intersection since the road improvement.
• In anticipation of Mother’s Day shopping, the House of Bargains (with two locations on Blanding and Normandy boulevards) was advertising a “large 12-inch” electric skillet for $8.99. A deep fryer would set you back $12.99.