First Congregation Sons of Israel

 First Congregation Sons of Israel

April 7th, 2022

Acording to the their website, the "First Congregation Sons of Israel is the oldest Synagogue in “The Nation’s Oldest City”, St. Augustine, Florida. Located in the beautiful historic district at 161 Cordova Street... who believe  "that it is incumbent upon the Jewish people to shape Judaism in every generation by grappling with traditional values and ideas within a contemporary context."

Source Link: Website

                                                                        

                                                                        Interior Images:

This first image shows up close and personal, the detail behind the antique stained glass windows located in the temple. Originally, these windows were located in a different place of worship, however when that place was torn down, the artwork was brought to the First Congregation Sons of Israel to continue its legacy. 

This image shows the Torah books all lined up. the Torah (also known as the Pentateuch or five Books of Moses) is a sacred reading in the Jewish faith and similar to a bible is read during services. 

Exterior Images:

this first image shows the stained glass mosaic that was made in front of the building with extra pieces of the windows.

this image shows the amazing detail on the building, including the lion above the address.

In Conversation:

Website

This temple, located in Rochester NY is quite the excentric design. Similar to the First Congregation Sons of Israel, they are all about bringing people together and educating people on the history and importance of the jewish faith. 

Website

While there aren't many Jewish memorials in America, this one shows George Washington, Robert Morris and Haym Salomon, an American Jew who played a key role in the Revolutionary War. This monument entitled, The Three Patriots highlights the importance of judaism in American History.

Literary In Conversation:

Craig Santos Perez - Habitat Threshold

who age who change who language who pain who play who pray who save

This line in Perezs' poem entitles "We Aren't the Only Species" shows the importance of coming together. Something that not only the First Congregation Sons of Israel, but the entire Jewish faith holds dearly. The lines "who language" and "who pray" are especially important, because they show that no matter who you are or where you are from, that you communicate with others.

Creative Component:

Website 

Although the two doors no longer line up, this before and after, shows how the First Congregation Sons of Israel changed after the flood damage, and introduction of the stained glass windows. 

Castillo de San Marcos

 Castillo de San Marcos

March 31st, 2022

the Castillo de San Marcos, which stands today as a national park, was once a place of safety for the early Spanish settlers of St. Augustine against pirates, and local Native American tribes. This long standing stone fortress stands testament to the nations early latino heritage, and to their cultural groups who stayed at the fort, either by choice, or by force.

Source link: https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm 

Interior Images: 

This first image, shows the coquina stone that the fort is built out of, Like much of Florida, St. Augustine is often flooded and under water. Without this durable stone, the city would have crumbled, and this 400 year old fort would be long gone. 

This image shows the watch tower located on top of the fort. Due to the building having several blind sports, these towers were a safe and effective way to ensure the the fort was always protected and secure from enemy attackers. 

Exterior Images: 

This image shows the beautiful stone that surrounds the outside of the fort.

This shows the outside of the building, and really give a clear view of just how slanted the walls of the fort are. 

Literary In Conversation:

Website

This fort is located in Ticonderoga New York, near Lake Champlain. Although this fort did not contribute to a win for America, it does show the dedication the American army had against the British during the battle of 1777. 

Website 

This landmark, located in St. Augustine, is dedicated to the Menorcan people, and religion (Catholicism)  they held so close to their hearts. The Menorcan people were mistreated in the Untied states, however were able to find refuge in St. Augustine, more specifically, in the Castillo de San Marcos. 

Literary In Conversation:

Ann Browning Masters - "Floridinos, Menorcans, Cattle-Whip Crackers"

Some Floridanos retuned to St. Augustine from Cuba, Spain, and other Spanish holdings, Menorcans remained in St. Augustine after the British Period ended. Intermarriages between Floridanos and Menorcans began during this period.

Durring much of American history, there has been unrest, The Castillo de Sam Marcos, was built as a way to bring Florida settlers safety, during a time of panic. Although many left after the initial settling of the town, The Menorcans stayed, and just like the fort, their history has shaped this town since.

Creative Component:

(from the perspective of the Native Americans who were held captive at the fort)

As we walked through the gates, there was a burst of stale air

then men from far lands, sat us down and cut our hair,

 told us what we must wear

and to whom we send our prayer

the land which was once ours 

now has us behind metal bars

its been weeks since we've been able to see the stars

as they continue to take what is really ours 

Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

March 24th, 2022 

The lincolnville Museum, which once served as the first public black high school in St. Augustine,  is now a home for the rich history of not only the black experience in St. Augustine, but in America as well. According to their website, "the LMCC’s mission is to preserve, promote and perpetuate over 450 years of the African American story through the arts, educational programs, lectures, live performances and exhibits".

Source Link: https://www.lincolnvillemuseum.org 

Interior Images: 

This first image is a large wooden block located in the front of the museum and is host to hundreds of nails. The further the image goes up, the more disperse the nails become. This piece, lacks much information, however in a strange way seems to tell a story about the oppression that has lingered in St. Augustine. 

These chairs, located in the museum, were once located in the Woolworth Diner. In 1960, four young African American students sat down at the counter, and politely asked to be served. What followed would go down in history, and is now a symbol for the racial inequality in the south. 

Exterior Images:

This image shows the front of the building that was once the only black school in St. Augustine.

Although this image doesn't show the building, it shows the stunning greenery that surrounds the building.

In Conversation:

Website

From the moment I saw the small MLK monument at the Linconville museum, it reminded me of the Fredrick Douglas one located back home in Rochester NY. This stature is in honor of an abolitionist who escaped slavery himself, and made it his life work to help others, and is thought to be the first public monument dedicated to an African American in the United States.

Website

 A large part of not only Florida history, but southern history as a whole is slavery. Before the emancipation of African Americans, this now historical landmark was used as a slave market, which similarly to the Linconville Museum, shows just how deep routed the racism is in St. Augustine. Something that still persists today. 

 

Literary In Conversation: 

Ann Browning Masters - Floridanos, Menorcans, Cattle-Whip Crackers

 

But that kindness was circumscribed by race, religion, when one's family moved to the country, and into whose family one married. There was, therefore, no anonymous crowd from which cruel acts could be brazenly committed. Any victims certainly knew their tormentors. 

I chose this piece, because it takes on the topic of race in Florida. Since the first settlers made their mark in this town, racism has been a problem. The Linconville Museum, just like this poem take this problem head on instead of burying it deep down.

Creative Componet:

(from the perspective of the young African Americans sitting at the lunch counter) 

we came in for lunch, and nothing more.

we sat there in silence, just us four.

we were polite, and kind, not there for war.

but just us being there, caused quite the uproar.

we came in for lunch, not to start a fight.

we were there for a meal, which is a basic human right.

we are four human beings, but us not being white,

caused the people of Woolworth, to not be polite.