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 differences. These are some of the top stories published in the Florida Times-Union 50 years ago this week. The items were compiled by Staff Writer Max Marbut from the Jacksonville Public Library’s periodical archives.
• Attorney Lawrence D. Fay of Glickstein, Crenshaw, Glickstein and Hulsey was named “Boss of the Year” by the Jacksonville Chapter of the National Secretaries Association. He was selected for the honor “because of 100 well-chosen words of praise” written by his secretary, Mrs. Judy Koivisto. Fay was described by his secretary as, “courteous, considerate, God-fearing and a man of irreproachable character. If a problem arises, we discuss it in a friendly manner. His instructions are complete and his dictation is clear and concise. He appreciates my efforts and my human errors are never trumpeted before an audience.” Fay received a marble-based desk set from the National Secretaries Association.
• A lone gunman robbed Horace Duncan, the manager of Howard’s Bar at 238 W. Adams Street, and made off with $3,563.76 in cash and $1,500 in checks. The manager was tied and gagged and two other employees were locked in a storeroom before the bandit left the scene. The police investigation conducted by Patrolmen J. T. Lowe and H. W. Keeler determined the thief fled carrying about 60 pounds of coins.
• A mistrial was declared in the case of a former University of Florida football player charged with receiving and concealing stolen jewelry in the burglary of a Jacksonville pawn shop. Following two days of testimony before a jury, Duval County Criminal Court Judge William T. Harvey halted the trial of Marion Eugene (Bull) York, 26, on the grounds York should be tried in Nassau rather than Duval County. Defense attorney Carlton Maddox moved for the mistrial, citing the fact all the evidence showed York was handed the stolen jewelry in Nassau County. Harvey said the law on the question raised by Maddox was “hazy” and felt it was “a close question” but he felt the prosecution should be in Nassau County.
• In an effort to publicize National Fire Prevention Week, two of the City’s fireboats cruised under the John T. Alsop (Main Street) Bridge during the afternoon rush hour. The vessels sprayed tons of high-pressure water up through the grate as vehicles went over the span. Fire Chief Frank Kelly said he and his men would rather prevent a fire than put one out, especially since a waterfront fire is, “usually a big, bad one.”
• The Circuit Court was hearing arguments over the constitutionality of a City law designed to close businesses on Sunday. Pierce Fleming, manager of the 7-11 Store on Brentwood Ave., had been found guilty on three counts of violating the ordinance against hiring “servants” to work in business establishments on Sunday. Each conviction carried a $10 fine. The state law that was being tested (Sect. 855.03) dated back to 1832 and stated, in part, that it is unlawful to employ “an apprentice or servant in labor or other business on Sunday.” Under Sect. 27.43 of the City ordinance code, it was a misdemeanor to violate any state law. Fleming was arrested and charged under Sect. 27.43 by order of Mayor Haydon Burns who wanted to close the store on Sunday.
• People who enjoyed fishing off the wooden bridge over the Arlington River at Chaseville Road were put on notice the aging span would be demolished in a few weeks. It was noted the new concrete bridge was almost finished and was designed with ample space along its sidewalk for anglers. County Engineer John Crosby told the County Commission he thought the old bridge contained good timber “worth $10,000” that could be used for other projects such as playgrounds and small bridge repairs.
• The County Commission ordered steps to reduce air pollution in west Jacksonville. Residents in Murray Hill were complaining about “sickening odors and filth-carrying smoke” that was permeating their neighborhood. J. Y. C. Gaillard, representing the citizens’ club, said the odors were coming from a petroleum plant near Edgewood Avenue and Beaver Street. He also reported that chemicals in the smoke were deteriorating the paint on houses. County Attorney J. Henry Blount said if evidence showed that a public nuisance was being maintained, court action could be taken by the County against the responsible party. He also pointed out the condition could be a State Board of Health problem or a case whereby neighbors might bring action in court to abate a localized nuisance.