Preview
Creation Date
6-9-2016
Description
The marker reads: "COACH ALONZO "JAKE" GAITHER HOMEThis brick house was the home of legendary Florida A&M University (FAMU) football coach Alonzo “Jake” Gaither and his wife, Sadie, a FAMU English professor. The couple regularly hosted sports and public figures from the 1950s-1960s, including Florida governors. The Gaither residence also served as a second home for many FAMU football players. Jake Gaither’s career at FAMU spanned 1937-1973, with 24 years (1945-1969) as head football coach. He held one of the best records in the history of American college football with 203 wins, 36 losses, and 4 ties. Gaither, in his own words, conditioned his players to be “mobile, agile, and hostile.” He and his loyal coaching staff produced 36 All-Americans and 42 of “Jake’s Boys” played in the National Football League. He was a coach, teacher, mentor, father figure, and friend to his players and students. Using sports to champion civil rights, Gaither advised state and local leaders on racial matters. The award-winning coach was inducted into the National Football Hall of Fame in 1975. In Tallahassee, a gymnasium, golf course, recreational center, and neighborhood are named in his honor. Gaither’s epic life and legacy enshrined forever in this home, makes him an American hero. F-831 A FLORIDA HERITAGE SITE SPONSORED BY CORNELIUS AND RECHE JONES THE MEEK-EATON BLACK ARCHIVES RESEARCH CENTER AND MUSEUM NIKI P. JOYCE, LATANYA WHITE, THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE THE FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC. AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE"
Latitude, Longitude
30 deg 25' 21.68", 84 deg 17' 0.52"
Recommended Citation
Taylor,, George Lansing Jr., "Coach Alonzo Jake Gaither Home Marker, Tallahassee, FL" (2016). George Lansing Taylor Collection Main Gallery. 7362.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/historical_architecture_main/7362
