Hidden History of Fort Myers

Hidden History of Fort Myers PDF Author: Cynthia A. Williams
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
ISBN: 1439662967
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 144

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Book Description
Although best known as the winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Fort Myers has one of the most engaging and extraordinary histories of any city in Florida. The spawn of a hurricane, Fort Myers began as a U.S. Army post during Florida's Seminole Wars. During the Civil War, it became a battleground between Confederates and Yankees for cattle and, after the war, a gun-slinging cowboy town. New York cartoonist Walt McDougall blew into the area on a fishing trip, and his glowing description lured down other wealthy Yankee sportsmen who helped turn this isolated frontier town into a modern tourist destination. Historian and author Cynthia Williams explores the hidden stories behind the growth of this beautiful city.

Hidden History of Fort Myers

Hidden History of Fort Myers PDF Author: Cynthia A. Williams
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
ISBN: 1439662967
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 144

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Book Description
Although best known as the winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Fort Myers has one of the most engaging and extraordinary histories of any city in Florida. The spawn of a hurricane, Fort Myers began as a U.S. Army post during Florida's Seminole Wars. During the Civil War, it became a battleground between Confederates and Yankees for cattle and, after the war, a gun-slinging cowboy town. New York cartoonist Walt McDougall blew into the area on a fishing trip, and his glowing description lured down other wealthy Yankee sportsmen who helped turn this isolated frontier town into a modern tourist destination. Historian and author Cynthia Williams explores the hidden stories behind the growth of this beautiful city.

The Story of Fort Myers

The Story of Fort Myers PDF Author: Karl Hiram Grismer
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fort Myers (Fla.)
Languages : en
Pages : 368

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Book Description


Fort Myers

Fort Myers PDF Author: Gerri Reaves
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
ISBN: 9780738553542
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description
In these photographs, the neighborhood service station, the drugstore soda fountain, and steamboat mail-delivery live on. Nineteenth-century storefronts stand amid condo towers. Cattle stroll to market, and post-World War II newcomers transform the paradise of Gilded Age millionaires and tin-can tourists. Fort Myers continues to reinvent itself, maintaining the treasures of its richly storied past.

The Edisons of Fort Myers

The Edisons of Fort Myers PDF Author: Tom Smoot
Publisher: Pineapple Press
ISBN: 1561644986
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 385

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Book Description
In 1885, Thomas Edison, age thirty-nine and already a world-famous inventor, met the two great loves of his life: Mina Miller and Fort Myers, Florida. Mina soon became his second wife, and Fort Myers—a remote, almost inaccessible, village on Florida's southwest coast—became their winter home. Other tomes tell the global account of Thomas Edison, the American icon named by Life magazine as the "Man of the Millennium." This book offers a look at his life in his tropical retreat, his "jungle," where for forty-six years he and his bride sought refuge from the cold winters and the demanding lifestyle of his New Jersey home, laboratory, and business complex. While in Fort Myers he watched over his extensive botanical gardens, fished from both his boat and his long dock, interacted with the locals, and labored for many hours in his laboratory. Henry Ford and his family lived next door and many dignitaries came to visit, including President-elect Hoover and Harvey Firestone. The Edisons became an essential part of the Fort Myers story. They made lifelong friendships with townsfolk and joined in local activities until the love affair of the Edisons was cut short by the death of Thomas in 1931. Mina continued to live out her love for Fort Myers and its people until her death in 1947. She gave their winter estate, Seminole Lodge (Thomas' "jungle"), to the grateful citizens of Fort Myers.

Fort Myer

Fort Myer PDF Author: John Michael
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
ISBN: 9780738587356
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 132

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Book Description
Overlooking Washington, DC, Fort Myer holds a commanding view of America's capital. Built in 1863 from the Custis-Lee estate, one of 70 defensive Civil War fortifications of the capital, this historic US Army post was known as Fort Whipple. As the war ended and reconciliation began, only this fort remained and was later renamed to honor the US Army's first signal officer, Brig. Gen. Albert J. Myer. These acres of Arlington Heights are distinguished by unique events, including the beginnings of military aviation, the Army Cavalry showcase, "The Three Sisters," and the National Weather Bureau. During World War I, Army officers trained here to fight "Over there," and today two units call Fort Myer home: the Army Band ("Pershing's Own," since 1942) and the 3rd Infantry ("The Old Guard," since 1948). Photographs and text present the evolution of this national landmark in its first 100 years, including its buildings, people, and events.

Legendary Locals of Fort Myers

Legendary Locals of Fort Myers PDF Author: Gerri Reaves
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
ISBN: 1467100188
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 130

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Book Description
A pictorial history of Fort Myers as exemplified by its citizens and their accomplishments.

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison PDF Author: Irvin D. Solomon
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
ISBN: 9780738513690
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 132

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Book Description
Thomas Edison's love affair with the growing frontier town of Fort Myers, Florida is a little-known, but intriguing part of the Edison legacy. The man whose inventions changed the world and defined the future course of American life first visited the young and still untamed town in 1885, purchasing a winter residence known as Seminole Lodge that he and his family would use until his death in 1931. His Fort Myers home subsequently provided the setting for the many notables who would visit Edison, including automobile magnate Henry Ford, rubber baron Harvey S. Firestone, and writer and naturalist John Burroughs. Today, the Edisons' mutual bonds with the community are perhaps the defining feature of Fort Myers' history. The city has named numerous streets and public venues, its community college, a mile-long bridge, and its major shopping mall after Edison, and Fort Myers has recognized the annual Edison Festival of Light and Pageant as its premier social and winter events. Because of Edison's long association with Southwest Florida, his memory and persona hold an unparalleled significance for the entire region.

History of Fort Myers Beach, Florida

History of Fort Myers Beach, Florida PDF Author: Rolfe F. Schell
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780872080218
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Book Description


River & Road

River & Road PDF Author: Jared Beck
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780813054384
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
"A fascinating tour of the historic neighborhoods along McGregor Boulevard, blending local history and documenting Fort Myers's architectural legacy with lavish photographs."--Gerri Reaves, author of Legendary Locals of Fort Myers"With its striking photographs and engaging stories of past and contemporary characters, this book captures the architectural and historical significance of houses in Fort Myers."--Linda Stevenson, principal architect, Stevenson Architects, Inc."Covers a unique historical precedent by using architecture as snapshots of time during Fort Myers's growth and development to show how it has become the dynamic and successful city it is today."--Guy W. Peterson, FAIA River & Road is a visual and narrative history of the architectural evolution and urban development of Southwest Florida as shown in Fort Myers, Florida. A top tourist destination to this day, the Gulf Coast city has been home to the winter estates of the rich and famous, including Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and oil tycoon Ambrose McGregor. The city's famed McGregor Boulevard continues to draw visitors with its eclectic blend of houses and unique histories dating back to the nineteenth century. As the twentieth century dawned, the reputation of Fort Myers as a haven for health cures, business opportunities, and tarpon fishing lured adventurers and opportunists. Hundreds of attractive homes of varied styles were designed for millionaires and magnates during the boom of the Roaring Twenties and beyond, and today houses representing every significant architectural period--including the Spanish, Mediterranean, Italian Renaissance, Greek, and Colonial Revivals--line the roadway along the Caloosahatchee River. Jared Beck and Pamela Miner share stories about the creators and owners of these one-of-a-kind properties, accompanied by striking photographs. Historic places have been carefully preserved and creatively renovated according to the visions of their owners, and modern designers have been drawn to the neighborhood to build masterpieces of their own. These dream homes showcase the work of nationally renowned and local architects, including Henry Van Ryn, Gerrit de Gelleke, Nat Gaillard Walker, William Frizzell, Robert Matts, Bruce Gora, Kathryn Kelly, and Jeff Mudgett. With privileged access into many of the private residences, Beck and Miner unveil the historically and culturally vibrant neighborhoods at the heart of Fort Myer's past and present. Jared Beck is an urban planner with a focused background including urban redevelopment, historic preservation, and community development. Pamela Miner is a historian with experience in historic preservation, museums, and education and is the former curator of collections and interpretation for the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

100 Things to Do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Before You Die

100 Things to Do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Before You Die PDF Author: Nancy Hamilton
Publisher: Reedy Press LLC
ISBN: 1681061279
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 160

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Book Description
Visitors come to the Fort Myers/Sanibel coast of Southwest Florida for its pristine white sand beaches, warm blue-green waters, and fabulous year-round weather, but much more awaits discovery. 100 Things to Do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Before You Die proposes opportunities to explore not only the renowned beaches, waterways, and recreational activities, but also the historic and offbeat locales. Paddle the calm waters to follow in the wake of the people of the Calusa tribes. Get inspired at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Take time to go fishing, shelling, birding, or island hopping and fully appreciate this natural haven. Marvel at dolphins jumping in the rolling waves and pelicans diving in the surf for breakfast. Spot endangered West Indian manatees meandering through the mangrove-lined back bays and estuaries. 100 Things to Do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Before You Die will help point your life list in the right direction.