American Beach in Nassau County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Evans' Rendezvous

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 9, 2022

1. Evans' Rendezvous Marker

Inscription. Evans' Rendezvous was renowned as a heartbeat of American Beach. Willie Brantley Evans was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on August 5, 1915. As a young man in the 1930s, he worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps for two years before serving in the U.S. Army as a cook during World War II. His military experience contributed to his successful future by building his ethics, shrewdness, and culinary skills. In 1948, Evans built this oceanfront nightclub, Evans' Rendezvous, with his friend Ernest Favors. It was a 200-seat establishment with a long beachfront porch that served food and drinks, and provided musical entertainment and dancing. In its heyday, the club hosted notable celebrities, but the music from the jukebox kept customers in constant motion. Patrons traveled by the busload from areas throughout the Southeast and beyond. It was a venue where one could go and be treated with dignity and respect. One did not need prominence to get in the door but rather the ability to maneuver inside when the house was at full capacity. After nearly forty successful years, Evans sold the Rendezvous in 1980. Willie B. Evans

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passed away on August 9, 1996, at the age of 81.

Erected 2019 by The Friends of American Beach, Inc., The American Beach Property Owners Association, Inc., and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-1079.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.

Location. 30° 34.399′ N, 81° 26.654′ W. Marker is in American Beach, Florida, in Nassau County. It is on Gregg Street just south of Lewis Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fernandina Beach FL 32034, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s First Coast,

in Greater Jacksonville,

and on the Sea Islands.

It is also in the American South

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is 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

Evans' Rendezvous and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 9, 2022

2. Evans' Rendezvous and Marker

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: A different marker also named Evans’ Rendezvous (here, next to this marker); A Dune System Called "NaNa" (within shouting distance of this marker); American Beach at the Crossroads (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic American Beach (about 300 feet away); First Home on American Beach (about 400 feet away); Ervin’s Rest (about 600 feet away); The Guzman House (about 700 feet away); The Stewart House (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in American Beach.

Also see . . .
1. Evans' Rendezvous. (Submitted on September 3, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
2. Abandoned Florida - Evans' Rendezvous. (Submitted on September 3, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 9, 2022

3. Evans' Rendezvous Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 951 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 3, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.