Dorinda Gonzales opened her Dorinda’s Yarn Shop at 1714 E Broadway (now 7th Ave) in 1952, when knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint were popular pastimes. The shop offered supplies and free instruction to those who wanted to try these skills. She enlarged the shop and reopened it in 1956 when this photo was taken. The store, with all-glass counters filled with buttons and sewing implements and high shelves stocked with colored yarns, was often a social gathering place where women sat at a round table in the back, learning the craft and discussing the events of the day.

Gonzales was an active member of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce; she retired and closed the shop in 1981. Dorinda Gonzales died in 2007 at the age of 94.
Arnold’s Gallery, an art exhibition house, opened in the space in 1984. Chillum Mushroom and Hemp Dispensary opened here in 2022. Notice the tile work on the left side of the image remained the same.

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