Remembering Ybor City Early 1980’s
Last Saturday, I was taken back in time at the documentary film showing of “Living in America: 100 Years of Ybor” at HCC Performing Art Center. Why? The documentary filming by Gayla Jamison was the same time period as when we had just moved to Tampa in early 1980’s. Ybor City was a very different place then! A snapshot in time.
A multi- ethnic hometown suburban community made up of Cubans, Spanish, Italians, Sicilians, and Germans that was changed by the new I-4 corridor, demise of cigar companies, non interest in social clubs and a new open mindedness to America’s changing lifestyles. A mammoth attitude and residential change into where to live, work and to raise children. The growing older cigar rolling industry residents that resided here for generations stayed but the younger generation moved elsewhere. Across town, to newer suburbs and a loft left the cigar famous area. We recall boxing rinks on 7th Ave., a small fish market and sidewalk cafes. Coffee roasting was like an ambrosia to the nose. Small bodegas (shops) where still common in the 1980’s Ybor, where you went to get fresh Cuban bread, meat, sausages and produce. It was a continuance of European small boutique shopping.
David Audett, The Cuban Sandwich Event creator had a panel of locals and talked about the changes that they encountered over the years and what they remember growing up in Ybor City.
Today the recognizable buildings were the Columbian Restaurant, La Tropicana and the infamous El Goya Night Club (now Czar’s). Take in this private invested & city sponsored classic art exhibition. Thank You to the month long Art Event, The Cuban Sandwich Show.
Cuban Sandwich Show Continues through August
A month long celebration of the Cuban Sandwich
The month long Yborite’s creation of a hundred year old sandwich has its special month of fame. David Audett’s creation of what is and was the most popular sandwich in Ybor City, the Cuban Sandwich, now has a 30 day run event of art, storytelling, photography, art shows, panelists discussions and advertising the so popular delicious Cuban Sandwich fare.
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” Living in America: 100 Years of Ybor “ Film screening
Director
Gayla Jamison screened and hosted a panel discussion of her one-hour Ybor City 1982 documentary.
Panelists: Moderator
David Audett, Creator / Director of Cuban Sandwich Show Event; Filmmaker
Gayla Jamison from Atlanta, GA;
Yvonne” Yollie” Capin, Tampa City Council member;
Judith Vilavianis, artist born in Ybor City and a subject in the film
; Don Barco, owner of
King Corona Cigar Bar;
Joe Howden, artist and tour guide for Ybor City;
Michelle and
Robert Faedo, winners of the “Best Cuban Sandwich in Florida 2012”. They all brought memories of growing up in Ybor City to the attendees.
www.CubanSandwichShow.com
