F.A.M.U. in Tallahassee in Leon County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Coach Alonzo "Jake" Gaither Home

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, June 16, 2016

1. Coach Alonzo "Jake" Gaither Home Marker

Inscription. This 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,

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and neighborhood are named in his honor. Gaither’s epic life and legacy enshrined forever in this home, makes him an American hero.

Erected 2014 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. (Marker Number F-831.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list.

Location. 30° 25.365′ N, 84° 17.011′ W. Marker is in Tallahassee, Florida, in Leon County. It is in F.A.M.U.. It is on Young Street 0.1 miles west of South Adams Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 212 Young Street, Tallahassee FL 32301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Florida.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is

Coach Alonzo "Jake" Gaither Home and marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, June 16, 2016

2. Coach Alonzo "Jake" Gaither Home and marker

in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Florida A&M University Hospital (1911-1971) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wilhelmina Jakes And Carrie Patterson: Initiators of The Tallahassee Bus Boycott (approx. ¼ mile away); Florida A&M University (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named The Florida A&M University Hospital (1911-1971) (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Florida A&M University (approx. 0.3 miles away); Carnegie Library at Florida A&M University (approx. 0.4 miles away); Site of the Pittman Boarding House/Willie and Carrie Pittman (approx. 0.4 miles away); Gibbs Cottage (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tallahassee.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2019, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 712 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 6, 2019, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.