1949 St Petersburg Florida "The Green Benches" Postcard

The first of St. Petersburg's sidewalk benches were painted with advertisements for a real estate dealer and placed near his business. In 1916 a city ordinance was passed making all the benches green and of a standard size. Eventually there were more than seven thousand benches providing seating for both residents and tourists. St. Petersburg was known both as the "Sunshine City" and the "City of Green Benches." By the 1960s St. Petersburg had acquired a reputation as a place for retirees, and the city council wanted a more youthful image. First the benches were painted in pastel colors which were thought to be more youthful. Then an ordinance was passed in 1967 to remove the benches. The last of the benches were removed in 1969. In the last twenty years, however, some benches have returned.