Grounds
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| Before Construction - 1945 | |
The Garden Club of Jacksonville was homeless for many years, meeting in members homes and
hosting their larger meetings at the Women's Club of Jacksonville.
Membership was limited by the number of chairs that could fit into a hostesses home and with the growing number of circles
it soon became apparent a larger meeting space would be needed for annual meetings. The City of Jacksonville
offered the Club a corner of Willow Branch Park but as it would only fit 150 people this space was still not big enough.
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Garden Club 2003 | |
After much searching and discussion members bought the lot on Riverside Avenue in July of 1946.
This parcel was originally part of 800 acres claimed by the King of
Spain and deeded to Philip Dell in 1801. It was cut into smaller parcels in 1869
and eventually bought by the Garden Club of Jacksonville.
The Exhibition Hall and Club Room were opened in 1948 but with the continued growth of the Garden Club
it was clear they needed an even bigger space and in 1958 the Ballroom was added.
The Club Room
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Club House
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The Club Room was built in 1948
and offers a lovely space for intimate meetings and occasions.
Beautiful hardwood floors, a working fireplace and an elegant chrystal chandelier make this a unique space for family weddings and
off-site business meetings. This room can accommodate up to 60 guests seated at tables or 80 buffet style.
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Club House Interior | |
With the rental of the Club Room you receive up to 10 8' tables, and 60 brown metal folding chairs.
This also includes a small caterer’s kitchen which has a normal stove
and refrigerator. The kitchen has two tables for set up, a double stainless steel sink and a 5' closable pass-thru for easy serving. Club Room rental includes use of the courtyard and gardens. If the rental is for a wedding we
will set up 40 chairs in the garden. There is room for 100 chairs in the garden . UNFORTUNATELY THERE
IS ABSOLUTELY NO DANCING ALLOWED IN THIS ROOM! There are no exceptions.
Ballroom
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| Interior of Ballroom | |
The Ballroom was officially opened on June 22, 1958. It is a large hall
able to fit 500 people sitting auditorium style or 350 seated at tables. Adorned with amazing
crystal chandeleirs and numerous large windows, this spacious and airy meeting hall
is an elegant venue for weddings, parties, anniversaries, etc.
The ballroom, patio, courtyard and adjacent gardens are an excellent choice for memorable indoor/outdoor events.
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Back Patio and Courtyard
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With the rental of the ballroom, you also receive use of 25 8'rectangular tables, brown metal
folding chairs, a small caterer's kitchen and use of the garden.
The small caterers' kitchen has a normal stove and refrigerator. It has two
8' tables for set up and a double stainless steel sink. This kitchen
will serve up to 200 guests served buffet style.
For larger events or sit down meals it is advisable to also rent the large kitchen.
More Rental Information
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