St. Petersburg is universally known for its famous Green Benches that offer the pedestrian a place to sit and rest. It is estimated that there are close to 1,600 of these benches available in the city.
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - THE SUNSHINE CITY
RE-INCORPORATED A.D. 1903
FABULOUS
FLORIDA FAVORITES
Taken from;
http://stpete.patch.com/
Where Did St. Pete's Green Benches Go?
The city of St. Petersburg was once known for its famous green benches that lined the sidewalks downtown and served as popular hangout spots for natives and tourists.
The first benches appeared as far back as 1908 but differed in style and color. In 1916, Mayor Al Lang held a town hall meeting to establish continuity. A dark, hunter green was the decided upon color and a curved contour shape for the style.
More than 7,000 benches were born, and St. Pete became known as the “City of Green Benches.” For years to follow, the green benches became a symbol of the city’s hospitality. Old postcards show them lining the streets and packed with people.
By 1960, St. Pete was partially a tourist city with a growing influx of retirees. Wanting a more youthful image, the city decided to paint the green benches a "youthful" pastel color.
Efforts to change the image failed, and the benches began to disappear beginning in 1967 following a city ordinance, according to the book "St. Petersburg, Florida: A Visual History." By 1969, they were all gone.
FABULOUS
FLORIDA FAVORITES
Taken from;
http://stpete.patch.com/
Where Did St. Pete's Green Benches Go?
The city of St. Petersburg was once known for its famous green benches that lined the sidewalks downtown and served as popular hangout spots for natives and tourists.
The first benches appeared as far back as 1908 but differed in style and color. In 1916, Mayor Al Lang held a town hall meeting to establish continuity. A dark, hunter green was the decided upon color and a curved contour shape for the style.
More than 7,000 benches were born, and St. Pete became known as the “City of Green Benches.” For years to follow, the green benches became a symbol of the city’s hospitality. Old postcards show them lining the streets and packed with people.
By 1960, St. Pete was partially a tourist city with a growing influx of retirees. Wanting a more youthful image, the city decided to paint the green benches a "youthful" pastel color.
Efforts to change the image failed, and the benches began to disappear beginning in 1967 following a city ordinance, according to the book "St. Petersburg, Florida: A Visual History." By 1969, they were all gone.
