When the left photo was taken in 1946, Ybor City was beginning to fade as an urban hub and cultural center. World War II had ended the year before, and as soldiers came home, many former residents did not return to Ybor. The cigar industry had diminished, faltering under labor problems and, even more so, the popularity of cigarettes, so jobs were scarce. Tampa was expanding, creating more regional options for businesses and residences.

Mrs. Anita Gonzalez owned the “La Casa Arte” gift shop at 1704 Broadway Street. This photo shows ceramic figurines and vessels in the shop's windows and through the large front doors. Also visible are several men congregated outside Ybor City Stand next door. The shop, run by Manual Santos, sold cigars, cigarettes, drinks, and candy. The blurriness at the top of the photo is caused by a problem with the operation of the 8 x 10 field camera used by the Robertson and Fresh photographer. This building was also the location of the Spanish Little Theater in the 1960s.

In August 2024, the frozen cocktail bar Fat Tuesdays, based in New Orleans, took over the space from Big Easy, another NOLA-inspired bar.

© Chip Weiner. All rights reserved