Name: Carlon Robinson

 

Age: 55

 

Status: Widowed, with 4 children, and 6 grandchildren

 

Location: E. 5th Street

 

Occupation: Crossing guard for R.L. Brown Elementary

 

Fun Fact: Ms. Robinson has collected over 400 individual recipes from friends and family, but not one of them is for carrot cake (She’s taking suggestions).

 

Q: What brought you to Springfield? 

A: Well, it was the early 80’s and we were living in Boston, Mass. “We”, meaning my husband and me. We went on vacation down to Jacksonville. He’s from the North, so anywhere in Florida was good enough for him. It was winter, freezing cold up in Boston, but still balmy down here in Jacksonville. When he saw a guy cutting his front yard, that was it, he was sold on Jacksonville. He just thought that was the greatest thing, to be cutting the lawn in winter.  

 

But that was in Arlington. That was a “nice” neighborhood at the time. So how did we end up here? Good question. I didn’t quite get it at first, either. 

When my husband said he bought a house in Springfield, I said to him, “Why are we moving to Harlem?” 

But we could have more space here in Springfield, the houses are bigger, and it was less expensive, so it made practical sense, I guess.  

We first moved here in 1982, when I was pregnant with my third child. I bought this house in 1988 though, just after my husband passed. It was built in 1916. 

 

 

Q: Looking back, what are some things that come to mind during your first few years here? 

A: I did mention the part about my husband moving me to Harlem, right? 

 

I wasn’t thrilled the day we moved here, no. It wasn’t what I wanted. But the next day, I took a walk into Downtown. I walked past the stores and people. Walked into the city a little bit, and thought to myself, “I could get used to this.”  

 

You see, I was at home all day while my husband worked. I saw things that he didn’t see. You see a lot during the day, at home. You see things that others don’t see. I took advantage of that opportunity to learn more about the neighborhood, and my neighbors.  

 

When we first moved in here, “White Flight” was taking place, or had taken place. There were proud people still here that didn’t sell quickly enough, or that were too stubborn to leave. And, of course, there was the blight.  

I made a conscious effort to break down the barriers between me and my new neighbors though. I said “Hello” to everyone passing by my house, as I still do today. I used to use flowers and trees and gardening as a way to talk to people, people that weren’t comfortable talking to me. After people talk about flowers and trees, it’s an easy transition to recipes, and then children and family. That’s how I did it. 

 

I enjoyed raising my children here too. They’re all grown up now, with children of their own. It was a good experience for them. The diversity, being exposed to different walks of life; I think it helped them grow. And you should have seen the proms! Springfield is the place for prom dresses. We have the grand staircases, the chandeliers, and creativity to really show them off. I enjoyed those times especially. 

 

But what I liked about the neighborhood the most, and still do, is that my neighbors came in all different colors and have all different histories. It was exciting to meet new people. My husband would come back from work and I would tell him who I met that day, their story, etc. I think he thought I was a little crazy. 

 

Q: Do you have a favorite neighborhood memory from that time in your life? 

 

A: In 1988, I think, the Springfield Woman’s Club organized a block party. It was a real, New York-style block party, with a live DJ and everything. People were dancing and laughing in the streets, and everyone, even the troublemakers, were on their best behavior that night. The funny thing is, and not everyone knows this, is that I had to convince the DJ to show up. The DJ was so worried about being in Springfield that she brought her mother along with her.  

 

Q: Have you noticed any changes to the neighborhood over the years? 

 

A: Yes, some good and some that I don’t understand. The neighborhood has had its ups and downs, like any area, but it’s steadily improved to where it is today. That’s great news. It is. 

 

But there are also some things I can’t quite understand. Like having a keyed lock on your front gate. Call me old fashion, but that’s a bit much for me. Another interesting phenomenon is that people have become very territorial about Springfield. It’s suddenly a popular place to be from now, even if you’re not. I talk to people and hear them say that they’re from Springfield, when their really in the Eastside, for example. I have a more holistic view of things, and don’t think that that should matter. I’m a school crossing guard on the Eastside, but I live in Springfield. And that’s ok; both communities share many of the same issues and same dreams. 

Q: Do you take part in any neighborhood organizations or events? 

 

A: Honey, I’m burned out.  

I was the Springfield Woman’s Club president for a few years, starting in 1996, I believe. It was a stretch, but a fun stretch. I also was active in Greenscape, the Urban Core CPAC, Jax Pride, and a few others. But I’ve expanded my horizon’s a little bit since then. It’s not all about Springfield for me anymore. I love all of Duval County. 

 

Q: How do you see the neighborhood evolving into the future? 

 

A: That’s a tough one. I’ve watched the ups and downs. I’ve seen places like Pittsburgh boom, then bust, then boom again. But Springfield is on the right track. Things have definitely been changing. 

 

But the City of Jacksonville has been known to foul up a good thing though. We got so much housing stock already in existence, yet they continue to build out and sprawl. They aren’t the best planners.  

 

Q: What advice would you have for someone thinking about moving into the Springfield Historic District? 

A: I have two pieces of advice. 

First - Get to know your house, your neighbors, and your neighborhood first, before you jump head into anything else. It’s easy to see a house and say, “I like it!”, but it takes more that to really get comfortable with it and settled into a neighborhood. Springfield can keep you busy if you want it to.  

Second - It’s all about the people. The people make up the neighborhood. Your neighbors are the ones that will make or break a neighborhood for you, and this goes for any neighborhood, not just this one. It’s not all about the structures, no matter how unique or historic they are.  

 

Your neighbors are the ones that will mind after your children, whether you know it or not. They’re the one’s that will find your lost dog with you. They’re the ones that will keep an eye out for you when you’re gone. They’re the ones that you’ll stop and chat with on the front porch or sidewalk.  

And I think we have the best neighbors in all of Duval County.