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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"

Rights Statement

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Keywords

Taylor, George Lansing, Jr.; Lance Taylor; Photographers -- Florida –Jacksonville; Photograph collections -- Florida – Jacksonville; Historic markers – Florida – Leon County; Tallahassee; Fla.; Florida Heritage Landmark; Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University; FAMU; Florida A&M University Rattlers (Football team); College football coaches; Images

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