Stroll Through Historic Downtown

Strolling the streets of historic downtown Fort Myers on a sunny Sunday afternoon. These streets are rich in history. Once a Civil War outpost, Fort Myers was settled in 1866 by Civil War captain Manuel Gonzalez. The city would become incorporated in 1885. That was also the year that Thomas Edison stopped by while cruising the Gulf Coast and decided to establish his winter residence along the river. It wouldn't take long for his inventing colleagues Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone to join him in Southwest Florida. The railroad eventually extended south to Fort Myers in 1904 which helped the city grow dramatically. Today the city has grown to almost 90,000 residents. The historic downtown lies in the shadows of today's modern high rises and maintains a feel much like the 1900's Fort Myers and includes places either visited by the inventors like the Arcade Theater or inspired by the inventors like Ford's Garage or The Firestone. (Photo: May 8, 2020)
Location: Fort Myers Downtown Commercial District, Fort Myers, FL 33901, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Photo of the Day: Disney's Hollywood Studios

Image
  For many years, a towering, iconic Sorcerer's Hat served as the unmistakable central landmark for Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios), drawing visitors deep into the park's vibrant heart. The hat, an enormous, three-dimensional representation of the magical cap worn by Mickey Mouse in his role as the Sorcerer's Apprentice from the classic film Fantasia , was initially erected as a centerpiece for the park's 100 Years of Magic celebration, honoring the centennial of Walt Disney's birth. Its prominent placement quickly cemented its status. Much like the instantly recognizable icons of the other Walt Disney World theme parks—Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, the geodesic sphere of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, and the intricately carved Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom—the Sorcerer's Hat became the park's most famous symbol and a favored backdrop for countless visitor photographs. Its design featured bold colors, stars, and the moon...
Read more

Photo of the Day: New York City

Image
Along the perimeter of Central Park, nestled within the vibrant core of New York City, stands a collection of the city's most architecturally significant and historic luxurious apartment buildings. These iconic addresses are more than just residences; they are meticulously preserved monuments that pay homage to a bygone era of Gilded Age splendor and pre-war elegance, maintaining their original magnificence and grandeur.  A premier example of these exceptional homes is The Beresford. Completed in 1929, this legendary co-op on Central Park West is instantly recognizable by its distinctive trio of massive copper towers and is celebrated for its imposing scale and sophisticated design. Conceived by the renowned architect Emery Roth, The Beresford stands as a testament to the period's commitment to lavish detail, expansive layouts, and unparalleled exclusivity. It offers residents breathtaking panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, cementing its status not just ...
Read more

Visiting the Florida Holocaust Museum: A Powerful and Reflective Experience

Image
St Petersburg, Florida: Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, the Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the United States, dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and educating future generations about the dangers of hatred and intolerance. Founded in 1992 by Holocaust survivors Walter and Edith Lobenberg, the museum has grown into a deeply moving cultural and educational destination that encourages visitors to reflect on history while promoting a more compassionate future.  Overview of the Museum  The museum’s core exhibit, “History, Heritage, and Hope,” takes visitors on a chronological journey through the Holocaust, beginning with the roots of antisemitism and continuing through the rise of Nazi Germany, World War II, and eventual liberation. The experience is largely self-guided, allowing visitors to move at their own pace while engaging with photographs, personal artifacts, and survivor testimonies.  One o...
Read more