June is Black Music Month, an annual national celebration of the ways that Black music movements, genres and contributions have shaped America’s history and culture. Today, The Jaxson takes a look at the long and vibrant tradition of Black music-making in Jacksonville. Read More
While Jacksonville has long been associated with the pungent odor of paper mills and the rich aroma of roasted coffee, much of the city was once defined by a different scent, the comforting smell of freshly baked bread. Due to its strategic location as Florida’s logistics center, the city was home to several wholesale bakeries that relied on specialized production techniques and expansive distribution networks to serve a wide range of commercial clients. What follows is a look into the history of Jacksonville’s largest and most influential early wholesale bakeries. Read More
From Timucua two-spirits to bisexual blues musicians to the continued celebration of River City Pride, Jacksonville has a long and storied LGBTQ history. In honor of Pride Month, The Jaxson takes a look at six stories from the city's past with special significance for the LGBTQ community. Read More
The rich aroma of roasting coffee has long been woven into the fabric of Jacksonville’s identity. While many associate that familiar scent with Maxwell House, it was neither the first nor the only company to fill the city’s air with the fragrance of fresh-roasted beans in the early 20th century.
In fact, Jacksonville was once home to a vibrant coffee roasting industry, with several pioneering businesses contributing to its legacy. What follows is a look into the fascinating history of the city’s early coffee roasting plants, and the people who helped shape this enduring tradition. Read More
While most states recognize Juneteenth as either a state holiday, ceremonial holiday, or day of observance, many things we take for granted today such as the coffeehouse, tea rooms and the international city of London are examples of things that once flourished off the backs of enslaved labor through the transatlantic slave trade. Read More
