JAX CURIOSITY SHOP: MARTHA WASHINGTON HOTEL

(Source of picture: Florida State Archives)

Dating from between 1910 to 1919, this photo shows the Riverside house that eventually became the Martha Washington Hotel.  Notice the trolley tracks that run down the brick King Street, along with ancient motor vehicle parked out front.

A SELECTIVE BUSINESS -- The Martha Washington proved rather unusual when it opened in 1938:  Only women could lodge there.  The hotel was located at 1636 King Street, about two blocks in front of St. Vincent's Hospital.  Its name was partly chosen because of the orientation toward women.  The name also played on the name of the George Washington, a well-known downtown hotel at the time. 

The mansion was originally constructed in 1911.  The founders of the Martha Washington built a large addition on the back to create more rooms for female guests.  Their female-only concept didn't last very long, though.  During World War II, the hotel housed various boarders, including the families of servicemen. 

The Martha Washington continued to operate as a residential hotel until 1977.  Fortunately, the Riverside Avondale Preservation Society (RAP) has saved this stately old structure from demolition.