Vintage St. Augustine Architecture Photo, Florida 1953

This vintage photograph, created by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a historical scene in St. Augustine, Florida, located in St. Johns County. Renowned for its rich architectural heritage, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document significant architectural styles across the region.

The photograph features a house with distinct architectural elements typical of the area, including a spacious porch that reflects the lifestyle and cultural influences of the time. The house serves as a testament to the craftsmanship and design that characterized early 20th-century Southern architecture.

Taken during a period of growing interest in preserving American history and architecture, this image contributes to our understanding of St. Augustine’s unique historical landscape. It was purchased from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953 and is preserved in the Library of Congress.