For much of the century, no single object was more closely identified with St. Petersburg than the ubiquitous green bench. For some, it bespoke a quiet and restful place, a haven for the weary; for others, it symbolized a city going nowhere, a dreary parking lot for old folks and old Fords. This picture manages to capture both images. Taken on Fifth Street N looking south toward Central Avenue, it shows the folks, the Fords, the Florida Power Building, La Plaza Theatre and Rutland Brothers department store. The city got rid of the benches in the 1960s, concerned that they created a geriatric image. • BENCHED • TIMES ARCHIVES

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