Panama Park, Jacksonville: Where Gumbo Was (#239)

Gumbo was in the Jacksonville neighborhood  of Panama Park. Congratulations, in order received, goes to  George G and PortMoresby for solving this weeks very tough photo puzzle. Urban planners could learn a lot by seeing how industrial, residential and recreation mix in this working class neighborhood.

Panama Park

Panama Park was first plotted in 1879. It is in between the Trout and St. Johns Rivers, Cummer Lumber Mill  was established  in 1896 and drew people to the area. It became Jacksonville’s largest employer for many years. There are still large employers, like  Shaws Southern Belle Frozen Foods, a  seafood processing plant and United States Gypsum, a drywall  manufacturing facility in the neighborhood .

Panama ParkMost of the residential growth happened after 1910, when George W. Clark Sr. began selling improved  lots on fifty acres that people built homes on . There are still some neat homes in the area, some acting as businesses today.

Panama Park

Panama ParkIn 1916, Lola Culver Elementary School was built, now the North Florida  Educational Institute. It was one of architect Henry Klutho’s last great Prairie-style designs and it’s stunning. The building  has two terra cotta eagles

Panama ParkJoseph’s Pizza was established  in the neighborhood in  1956 and is Jacksonville’s oldest pizzeria. It draws in residents ,workers and others  and has really good food.

Panama Park

Panama Park

Panama Park was and  still is a popular destination for fishing and boating. The old bridge across the river now acts as a fishing bridge. There is also a commercial dive school.

Share the Post:

Comments

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Featured Destination

recommended by Travel Gumbo

Gumbo's Pic of the Day

Westward Reflections

Sometimes the fishing ain’t that great, but you still get quite a reward. On a calm evening, with only a few bites, I watched as the sunset turned incredible before my eyes. The smooth lake created a perfect reflection of the sky above.

Read More

Posts by the Same Author