About the Mandarin Store and Post Office
The city of Jacksonville in the state of Florida is a popular destination for those traveling along the Atlantic coastline of the United States. Situated near the North-East border between Florida and Georgia, it is a very popular destination.
Of all of the large cities in Florida, Jacksonville is the most populous one in the state. It is known for many popular destinations including Jacksonville Beach, the Friendship Fountain, and many other attractions.
However, before Jacksonville became the robust city that it is, it was a very different place at the turn of the last century.
One of the best locations to visit that embodies this much simpler time is the Mandarin neighborhood.
Introduction
If you reside in the Jacksonville, Florida area, you may have heard of the Mandarin Store and Post Office. People that see this structure are reminded of the small-town atmosphere that America once embodied.
It was built in the early 1900s and subsequently closed in the middle of the 1960s. It sold canned goods, some of which originated from South America.
Locals could also purchase soda, penny candy, fish, animal feed, and various types of meat. It was a popular location for children that would visit after departing the local school bus.
It is the history of this unique combination of the post office and store that many people find intriguing. The structure has been renovated to resemble its appearance in the early 1900s.
In Jacksonville, Florida, the Mandarin Store and Post Office is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is a constant reminder of the rich history of the city.
Brief History
The history of this store begins in 1911. It was part of a building complex owned by the Mandarin Community Club.
The original proprietor, Walter Jones, along with his daughter Aggie, ran the store which provided mail and goods for the community. When Walter died in 1928, Miss Agnes took over, until the store closed in 1964. For many decades, it lingered in disrepair, with many people hoping to restore this structure. It was not until the 1990s that definitive plans were made, and the eventual restoration of this building actually occurred.
The Mandarin Store and Post Office is a veritable time capsule that has been restored to its original appearance. It is a perfect example of the humble beginnings of one of the most important cities in the state of Florida.
Current Status
In 1998, the restoration of this building was made possible through a grant from the Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources. This money was used to restore this iconic structure to its original appearance. Private donations also assisted in this process.
There are several buildings on the property, including the original two-story house that was built in 1875. The house, as well as the store, were built by Walter Jones.
Now part of the National Register of Historic Places, it is a location that many tourists stop by and visit in the Jacksonville area.
Today if you visit the Mandarin Store And Post Office, you can see this restored part of Jacksonville history.
Although patrons no longer visit to purchase groceries or pick up their mail, it is still a beautiful location to see.
Inside, there are displays that you can observe, including memorabilia and some of the original furnishings. If you would like to experience a definitive part of Mandarin’s history, take some time to visit the Mandarin Store And Post Office when you are in this region of Florida.
Farnham Dentistry is a proud sponsor of this historic destination and invites you to visit.