A SIGN OF WEST TAMPA TIMES
 We pause and take a moment to glance back to a time in West Tam- resolution photographs of signs taken throughout the bay area in the
pa when things were a bit different. The collage of pictures below 1950s and 60.
features several photographs from John V. Cinchett's recently pub- The photos selected all come from West Tampa, where the heart of
lished book of historic pictures, Images of America: Vintage Tampas the neighborhood seems to have always beaten to a rhythm in sync
Signs and Scenes. Cinchett's publication includes hundreds of high with its Latin population.














 This giant neon wheel is surrounded by flashing
 arrows for the Safety Motor Company at 3700 W. Co-
 lumbus Drive, in 1959. This picture was taken looking
 west toward Dale Mabry Highway, which was only a
 two-lane road at the time.

 King Arthur's Inn was built in the late 1960s across the street from Tampa Stadium
 and right next door to West Tampa. The hotel's nightclub achieved notoriety in the
 early 1970s with many locals, and is still fondly remembered today for the music,
 dancing and all around revelry that was enjoyed there.









 Snack City's drive-in was a fashionable West Tampa
 hangout in the 1960s for young people and especially
 for those looking for a quick, affordable meal. Located
 Proud o the Past Iat 2506 W. Columbus Dr., the small shop served clas-
 Pr oud of the Past sic American food like milkshakes, sundaes, French
 -fries and, of course, the hamburger. It still stands in
 Com m itted to the Future the same location today, but gone is the vintage sign
 featured here.



 From









 Daniel M. Hernandez, P.A....

 Attorney at Law

 "Proud to be part of ,
 West Tampa's Renaissance"

 The Holiday House was a West Tampa dance hall
 S902 N. Armenia Ave. Office: (813) 875-9694 [ that enjoyed widespread popularity in the 1960s. It
 ',, Tampa, FL 33609 Fax: (813) 876-4155 was located across the street from the Hillsboro Drive-
 I "h In Theatre at 3335 W. Hillsborough Ave. and served as
 home to a number of establishments, including The
 Rickshaw, a Chinese restaurant whose signage is pic-
 ADUERTISE TODAV! 813.248.3921 I turedhere.
 LA GACETA/Friday, May 8, 2009/Page 13 Section B


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