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Women's history: The Rathel Houses

In honor of Women's History Month, here’s a look at the life and works of Marvel Funderburk Rathel. While not as well known as many names in the architectural world, along with her husband, King Solomon, Marvel Rathel designed and built some of the most distinctive homes in Jacksonville over a three-decade period. Read More

The madams of Jacksonville's red light district

Now known as Houston Street in the LaVilla neighborhood, Ward Street was once the epicenter of one of the South's largest bustling red light districts. Originating in the late 1880s, Jacksonville's notorious red light district was called 'The Line' and offered nearly 60 bordellos on a four-block stretch of the street between Lee and Broad streets. Since the district was shut down during the 1950s, little has been mentioned of the women associated with it. In honor of Women's History Month, here is a look into the lives of The Line's well-known madams. Read More

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