For real. If you book a dinner at the now known “longest running dinner theatre in the Nation”, the Alhambra you can hear the work of the 1960’s singer, Patsy Cline. You’ll think you’ve seen her. For sure, you will have heard her famed music. You’ll find yourself singing along.
Alhambra Theatre since 1974
Gail Bliss stars as the famed singer in “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline” from January 5 to February 5th. This is to be her “Farewell Tour” so don’t miss this opportunity. There are other shows up and coming as well, so give it a try. It will not disappoint.
So, yesterday and based on author, Tim Gilmore’s 2015 article about Jacksonville founder, Isaiah D. Hart’s “Tomb Tower”, my grandson and I set out to find where Hart was first buried before being moved to Evergreen Cemetery. Truly, it was a little scary as there were drifters and obviously noticeable people both White and Black, on some type of substance in the area. It was early in the morning and as many as 10 homeless were in and about the carcass of what is left of history where the old 1966 Heart of Jacksonville Motel once thrived. Some were sleeping beneath the walls of the old block building and others gathered in a small group talking. Some were literally “out of it” and others actually showed friendly to my 9 year old grand and myself. They saw us with cameras and for once I did not click when I saw them, out of respect I suppose.
Laura, State and Orange Streets
At the borders of “Laura Street between State and Orange Streets”, the place remains a morass of “social rot and desperation” as described by Gilmore on 9/26/2015. So, man’s life without God has not changed. It is a reminder, I told my grandson that “we all need a Savior to save us from ourselves. “
It’s hard to envision but it was there the 35 foot tall “Old Hart Monument” as described in the 1992 Jacksonville Historical Society journal once stood. By the photograph in the journal, it appears brick and was fenced.
Jacksonville Historical Society, 1992
After spending time on this old motel block near Confederate Park, we drove to Evergreen Cemetery where we saw the now approximate 12 x 30 x 60 inch flat tomb where Hart and his family were moved. It says “ The Family Tomb of Isaiah David Hart The Founder of Jacksonville”.
Speaking of life without God. Hart owned slaves and was constantly working in an effort to make money. It is said that he became “respectable” after founding Jacksonville. I hope that meant he found Christ because while there is still a tomb no matter its location, he’s not there. ( If you know what I mean).
See you tomorrow,
Sources: Jacksonville Historical Society Journal, Jaxpsychogeo.com, personal visit.
