The Jaxson: Historic Durkeeville Walking Tour

1701 Myrtle Avenue North,Jacksonville FL 32209

27 February, 2021

Description

A walking tour of Jacksonville's historic Durkeeville neighborhood and JP Small Park's brand new baseball museum. Join The Jaxson's Ennis Davis, Bill Delaney and Mike Field for a tour of one of Jacksonville's most historic neighborhoods: Durkeeville. Located just west of Downtown and Springfield, Durkeeville emerged in the early 20th century as a haven for the city's African-American middle class. Today, it's a bustling, walkable neighborhood with many sites significant to Jacksonville history, Black history, and more. One Durkeeville landmark is JP Small Memorial Park, formerly Durkee Field. Built in 1912, the park was home to Jacksonville's earliest minor league baseball teams, including the color line smashing 1953 Jacksonville Braves, which featured a young Hank Aaron. It was also home to the Jacksonville Red Caps of the Negro American League, Florida's first major league sports team. The tour begins with a visit to JP Small Memorial Park and the brand new baseball museum located in the stadium. It continues with a walking tour through the Durkee Gardens Historic District before looping back to the stadium. Part of the proceeds go to support the Durkeeville Historical Society and attendees can optionally attend the famous DHS fish fry for free. Street parking is free. Please wear a facemask and practice social distancing.