Some of the Seminole Lodge Staff
Queenie Adams · J.F. Anderson · Mr. Bassler · Mr. & Mrs. Black · Ellen Carr · Michael & Tina Doyle · James Evans · Harvie Heitman · William Hibble · Henry Horsey · Noah Keen ·
George Kinze · Fred Ott · Sidney . . . — — Map (db m90273) HM
Edison created a large domestic support area for the Estate on the east side of McGregor Boulevard. Storage buildings, equipment, a truck garden, and even a horse were located there. On the west side, retaining and expanding the Caretaker’s House on . . . — — Map (db m90275) HM
The Edison Estate riverside buildings were originally built in 1886 and remodeled slightly throughout the years.
The sprawling Edison Seminole Lodge is made up of the Family Home, connecting pergola and Guest House. The Edison Moonlight Garden . . . — — Map (db m89873) HM
Edison’s plan of a “Floridian bower in the lowlands of the peninsular Eden, with that charmed zone of beauty” was realized as he completed the Seminole Lodge Estate.
By the fall of 1885 designs were completed and materials for . . . — — Map (db m89863) HM
Entry in Seminole Lodge Guest Book
—Harrie Monkhouse, Guest
March 21-April 3, 1916
Have you ever dreamed a dream of Heaven?
Where the Garden of Eden grows?
Well, come down with me to the Florida Coast
Where the Caloosahatchee . . . — — Map (db m90284) HM
This garden area has been created to reflect the Edison original plan for the Estate landscape. It commemorates the legacy of Thomas and Mina Edison and other groups and individuals involved in the cultural landscape of the Edison & Ford Winter . . . — — Map (db m89866) HM
Historic Edison Park School, a public elementary school, is one of the oldest in Southwest Florida. It has played a prominent role in the cultural as well as the educational life of this community.
Started in 1926 and opened on March 30, 1927, it . . . — — Map (db m101017) HM
The pier was originally called “the wharf.” It was used as a working area to off-load boats carrying materials and contents for the homes and laboratory, beginning in November 1885. After the Estate buildings were complete, the pier’s . . . — — Map (db m90285) HM
“Madeleine, Marie, Theodore and the two maids have gone bathing in the hotel pool—so everybody is happy," wrote Mina to family, April 7, 1909.
By the 1911 winter season the family and staff no longer had to travel downtown to the . . . — — Map (db m90287) HM
Famous inventor and businessman Thomas Edison visited Forty Myers in early 1885. He planned to find a warm retreat to escape the cold winters of his home base in West Orange, New Jersey. Along with friends, he made his way to Fort Myers from the . . . — — Map (db m89878) HM
When Edison created plans for his Florida retreat in 1885, water was a major concern to supplement the shallow well at the existing Caretaker’s House. This may have been dug for the Summerlin family before Edison purchased the property.
By . . . — — Map (db m90289) HM
In his initial plans for the property, Edison included a laboratory for his Florida estate. Through he anticipated leisure time, he also needed a place to pursue inventing. Of the many experiments he worked on in this laboratory, one focused on a . . . — — Map (db m90282) HM
Nature has been good to Lee County, one of the last frontiers to be settled in southwest Florida. Nestled between the Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico, the county includes a variety of interconnected ecosystems. Careful planning has preserved much . . . — — Map (db m105731) HM
In 1909, a major project was undertaken to install a fire control system at the Edison estate. Water for the system was supplied from a well on the east side of the property (across McGregor Boulevard) and directed to three large tanks located on . . . — — Map (db m90283) HM
Fort Myers, like many South Florida communities, developed during the last half of the 19th century. First Street (once called Front Street) became the heart of the new town, In 1866, Manuel A, Gonzalez and Joseph Vivas took up residence at the . . . — — Map (db m131368) HM
In this vicinity, Caloosa Indian villages were located in ancient times. Around this site, in the Seminole War of 1841-1842, a fort was established and named for Lieutenant John Harvie. The fort was re-established in 1850 and named Fort Myers, . . . — — Map (db m183545) HM
In Southwest Florida, it is often necessary to have storm water retention areas on developed properties. At Manatee Park, this water retention area was planted with wetland vegetation to provide wildlife habitat, improve aesthetics and help filter . . . — — Map (db m106677)
The Great Blue Heron (Ardea hernias) is a wetland bird that lives in the Slough year round. It is quite adaptable and can live in habitats like marshes, streams and lakes. The heron’s range is from Florida to the coastline of Alaska. As a top . . . — — Map (db m106512)
In 1914, Thomas Edison invited Henry Ford, wife Clara, and son Edsel to the Edison Florida estate. In 1916, the Fords purchased their Fort Myers estate, The Mangoes. The Ford family visited regularly with good friends and neighbors, Thomas and Mina . . . — — Map (db m89883) HM
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford first met in 1896 at a New York conference of the Edison Illuminating Companies. Ford worked as a mechanic at the Detroit Edison plant. The two were not reacquainted again until 1910, when Edison responded to Ford’s . . . — — Map (db m89885) HM
The Henry Ford Home was built in 1911 and is an example of the “American Bungalow” architectural style. From the exterior one sees the characteristics of cedar-shingle siding, wide covered porches, gabled metal roof, and dormers with . . . — — Map (db m89879) HM
The Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia built #143 for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1905. #143 was used to switch freight cars in rail yards around Charleston, South Carolina. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad was the first railroad to . . . — — Map (db m90843) HM
Manatee Island, in the Caloosahatchee River, is hereby donated to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to inspire a renewed interest in land dedicated to the formation of the Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, established July 1, 1920, by . . . — — Map (db m106680) HM
Manatee Mating
Female manatees reach sexual maturity at age 3 but will not breed successfully until 6 to 10 years of age. Males are sexually mature at age of two. Manatee mating herds are made up of sexually mature males and female. Within . . . — — Map (db m106685) HM
Mangroves are tropical trees that grow along the coastline in mixed salt and freshwater, or estuarine environments. They live in wet soil, are highly salt tolerant and flourish in areas periodically submerged by tides. Florida is home to three . . . — — Map (db m108027) HM
Mina Miller married Thomas Alva Edison in 1886. This was the same year that the two began to create their winter estate in Fort Myers.
During their many years in Fort Myers, the Edison enjoyed creating areas for botanical research and family . . . — — Map (db m89865) HM
Motor Generator
The Hertner Electric Company
Cleveland, Ohio
Serial No. 2528
15 hp 220v 30 60 Hz
37A 1750 RPM
400 C Continuous Duty
Throughout the history of Seminole Lodge various equipment was used to supply or produce . . . — — Map (db m90288) HM
Manatees spend six to eight hours each day feeding. Manatees feed on more than 60 species of aquatic or semi-aquatic plants including sea grasses, mangrove leaves and water hyacinths. Manatee burn a great deal of energy to maintain their body . . . — — Map (db m108028) HM
Side A
Miss Eugenia Washington, great grandniece of President George Washington, was one of 3 Founders of National Society Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America, June 7, 1898; Washington, D.C. in the year of the Spanish American . . . — — Map (db m183552) HM
Orchid Lane developed as a natural path from the mango trees that formed a line down both the Edison and Ford properties. Orchids are air plants, or epiphytes, which do not require soil to grow. They receive nutrients from the air, rainwater and . . . — — Map (db m89875) HM
Manatees aren’t the only animals that visit Manatee Park. A wide range of native Florida wildlife can be seen at the park. Some are just passing through, while others are full-time residents. What other wildlife do you see?
Black vulture . . . — — Map (db m106676) HM
The story of people and plants provides a continuous thread from the Calusa to early Estero Island settlers, and to the present and future generations. With all the great advances in science and technology, people still rely on natural resources to . . . — — Map (db m90988) HM
This high and dry habitat provides food and shelter for many species of animals among the shaded canopy, fallen logs and rich decaying leaf litter.
Pine flatwoods depend on prescribed fire to keep the canopy relative open, the understory in check, . . . — — Map (db m106686) HM
It is hard to imagine now, but when the earliest settlers arrived on the Mound the surrounding habitat was very different. Native plants dominated the landscape. Years would pass before the Estero Island settlers could profit from agriculture . . . — — Map (db m90985) HM
The Municipal Pleasure Pier, built in 1927 just west of where the Caloosahatchee Bridge is today, was part of a $300,000 recreation center which included a swimming pool, horseshoes and a dance floor. By 1943, the pilings were rotted and when the . . . — — Map (db m183549) HM
The manatee’s closest living relative is the elephant. They have a number of features in common. Manatees have a flexible prehensile lip that functions in a similar way to the trunk of an elephant. It grabs vegetation and places it in the animal’s . . . — — Map (db m106684) HM
How do I know if I can keep a fish?
Florida has more anglers than any other state. To protect our fisheries the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manage game fish using closed seasons, size limits and bag limits. Check . . . — — Map (db m106691) HM
The erection of this monument was sponsored by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Fort Myers Chapter, and completed in 1966 A.D. with the assistance of the citizens of Lee County in honor of the man for whom this county was named. — — Map (db m246210) WM
The scrub is a rare and unique habitat where ground cover is sparse due to the dry, low nutrient environment. Plants and animals living in the scrub have adapted to the harsh conditions. Gopher tortoise need sandy, dry land areas to create their . . . — — Map (db m106687) HM
The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is over 3,500 acres of wetland ecosystem, which measures 11 miles in length and averages 1/3 mile in width.
It is home to a diversity of plants and animals, a number of which are endangered. The preserve is an . . . — — Map (db m106518) HM
Wetlands like the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve were once considered to be a nuisance to “progress”. Many were drained and filled for agricultural and developmental purposes.
People have begun to realize that wetlands are valuable . . . — — Map (db m106516) HM
Manatees are large, brownish-gray, seal-shaped marine mammals.
Adult manatees can grow up to 13 feet and weigh up to 3,000 pounds.
Female manatees are usually larger than males.
Skeleton not fat
A majority of a manatee’s body weight . . . — — Map (db m106678) HM
In December 1863, the Army post of Fort Myers, inactive since 1858, was reoccupied. The fort served as a supply depot for the Federal blockade squadron. Troops from the fort often raided Confederate supply depots in the state's interior, since . . . — — Map (db m208747) HM
Why do manatees visit Manatee Park?
Biologists believe the historic winter range of the manatee was centered in southern Florida with small groups spending the winter at a few natural springs in northern Florida. The construction of power . . . — — Map (db m106672) HM
The Caloosahatchee River was the main highway for travel and commerce for many years after the settlement of Fort Myers. Even before Fort Harvie was established in 1841 (later renamed Fort Myers, in 1850) and the first permanent settlers (led by . . . — — Map (db m183546) HM
Though a manatee’s appearance is far from what you might see in your bathroom mirror, humans and manatee are more closely related than you might think.
Breathe Air
Manatees have lungs just like humans. When active, they surface every . . . — — Map (db m106679) HM
The Moonlight Garden was designed in 1928 by Ellen Biddle Shipman, one of the first female landscape architects in America. She specialized in enclosed gardens, full of drift beds where flowers of beauty bloomed in cycles throughout the year. . . . — — Map (db m90277) HM
South Florida Restoration Project:
Working to save an ecosystem at risk…
At one time, water moved through the Everglades in vast, shallow flow, which led Marjory Stoneman Douglas to call the Everglades: “River of Grass.” . . . — — Map (db m106673) HM
As the sun sets, many animals prepare to sleep for the night…and others are just waking up.
Theses two “shifts” help predators avoid competing with each other for food and space.
While we are at home sleeping, night time at the . . . — — Map (db m106523)
Protecting, conserving, and enhancing our nation’s priceless fish and wildlife resources are the primary responsibilities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service oversees marine mammal protection, wildlife law enforcement , migratory . . . — — Map (db m106674) HM
Named the 20th century “Man of the Millennium” by LIFE Magazine, Thomas Alva Edison is best known for perfecting a commercially viable incandescent light bulb. However, Edison was also a newspaper printer, telegrapher, inventor, . . . — — Map (db m89864) HM
Discovering travel patterns and habits of manatees helps researchers understand them and helps State and Federal Agencies protect them. There are several different ways researchers track manatee travels.
Photo Identification . . . — — Map (db m106682) HM
Leaves changing color and cooler weather let humans know when seasons are changing. In Florida the seasonal changes are more subtle, but recognized by the Florida manatee.
Manatees are usually found in shallow, slow-moving water. They are . . . — — Map (db m106675) HM
Williams Academy, originally located between Lemon Street and Anderson Avenue (later MLK Boulevard), was built in 1913. Named for J. S. Williams, the Lee County Supervisor of Colored Schools, it was Lee County's first government-funded school for . . . — — Map (db m160805) HM
During World War II, nearly 50,000 soldiers earned their wings as aerial gunners at the Buckingham Army Air Field’s (BAAF) Flexible Gunnery School. As one of only six gunnery schools in the United States, BAAF was in operation from 1942 until the . . . — — Map (db m127515) HM
This beachfront cottage was built in 1921 by Joseph A. Davidson and was the 4th house built on the island.
It was located on Mango Street and nearly demolished by the 1944 hurricane. It is long remembered as Sue Davidson’s San Castle . . . — — Map (db m246382) HM
Early in 1942, the United States Government leased 6,500 acres of mostly brush, palmetto trees, and in some places pine stumps left from previous logging operations, to establish a flexible gunnery training school on this site. Construction of the . . . — — Map (db m127516) HM
The first permanent English-speaking settlers on Sanibel Island arrived from New York in 1833 as part of a colony planned by land investors. Although that settlement was short-lived, the initial colonists petitioned the U.S. government for the . . . — — Map (db m80475) HM
Do you know how mollusk babies are born? Sexes are separate in most mollusks, but some will have both sexes in the same individual (hermaphrodites).
In other cases, such as in quahog clams and slipper snails, the mollusk undergoes sex . . . — — Map (db m106276) HM
Shells are made by mollusks. A shell is the main source of protection from predators and the environment. There are more than 300 species of mollusks living in the shallow waters around Sanibel and Captiva Islands. These mollusks can be found living . . . — — Map (db m106278) HM
Gopher tortoise Gopherus polphemus
Adult
Identification
Length 8-15 inches (20-38cm)
Weight: Up to 30lbs (14 kg) average 8-10lbs (4-5kg)
Color: Adults are grayish brown, and juveniles area a yellowish brown.
Legs and feet: . . . — — Map (db m106271) HM
Sanibel’s bay waters, where freshwater of the Caloosahatchee River meets the Gulf of Mexico are some of the richest fishing grounds in the world. But our local waters need our help. Caloosahatchee restoration is not possible without Everglades . . . — — Map (db m106280) HM
Sea turtles have been swimming the Earth’s oceans for more than 100 million years. They are air-breathing reptiles adapted to life at sea. They vary in size from the small Kemp’s Ridley turtle that weights 100 pounds to the enormous leatherback . . . — — Map (db m106275) HM
The coast provides nesting habitat for sea turtles and shorebirds. Sanibel is a rest stop for birds flying thousands of miles and seeking out some time to rest and feed along their way.
Snowy Egret
Ghost Crab
Ghost crabs burrow . . . — — Map (db m106273) HM
Palmyra, Georgia “ghost town,” was incorporated in 1840 with John Woolbright, John Mercer, Burch M. Roberts, Edward Janes, George S. Oglesby as Commissioners. Among the prominent residents were: Doctors Jeremiah Hilsman, Leonidas Mercer, John B. . . . — — Map (db m40529) HM
Large Indian town home of the Chehaws. A friendly agricultural people of the Creek Tribe who aided our early settlers. They contributed men, food and horses to subdue the hostile Seminoles. Here Andrew Jackson rested with his starving army and was . . . — — Map (db m197060) HM
The Southern People, both Black and White, endured great hardships in their struggle for self determination during the War Years, 1861-1865. After the war they faced a harsh and bitter Reconstruction Period with dignity and fortitude. In . . . — — Map (db m197007) WM
Lee County was created by Acts of June 9, 1825 and Dec. 11, 1826 from Creek cessions of Jan. 24, 1826 and March 31, 1826. Originally, it contained all land in Randolph, Stewart, Quitman, Sumter, Terrell, Webster and part of Marion and Clay . . . — — Map (db m40125) HM
Kennard's Settlement and Cowpens, a major Creek Indian center of Southwest Georgia, was located three and three-fourths miles west of here, on the east side of Kinchafoonee Creek. The site was named for Jack and William Kennard, two Lower Creek . . . — — Map (db m9844) HM
Early in May, 1865, Federal cavalry under command of Col. R.H.G. Minty, U.S.A., passed through Smithville in pursuit of Jefferson Davis. They camped for one night near this spot, moved west to Cuthbert, then to Eufaula, Ala., south to Fort Gaines, . . . — — Map (db m40013) HM
Amboy Illinois
Central Depot
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
1876 — — Map (db m209420) HM
On this site on 1854 John T. Pirie and Samuel Carson established the store dealing in ladies' and gentlemen's dress which later developed into Carson Pirie Scott a & Co. — — Map (db m209419) HM
One hundred years ago near this location, T.J. Wright and fellow Illinois Central Railroad conductors founded Division No. 1 Conductors Brotherhood later to become The Order of Railway Conductors and Brakemen, the second oldest railway labor . . . — — Map (db m209422) HM
The largest child migration in United States history, also known as "the Orphan Trains",
took place from 1854 to 1929. Originating from the New York ghettos and orphanages,
they came west over the rails. Amboy was a stop on this migration which . . . — — Map (db m209421) HM
William J. McAlpine built this, Dixon's first
“skyscraper”, for occupancy by Dixon National
Bank in 1914. During the Depression, Board
Member Charles Walgreen personally
guaranteed all deposits with no loan
foreclosures. In 1992 Dixon National . . . — — Map (db m230682) HM
In 1854 E.B. Stiles established the Exchange Bank here, which was replaced by the Lee County Bank in 1865 and later the City National Bank. In 1926 the exterior was rebuilt by William J. McAlpine and would more recently feature additions such as . . . — — Map (db m230774) HM
Originally the Rosbrook Livery,
this building has housed a
milliner, an ice cream maker, a
baker, a poulterer, a fruit dealer,
and the Gambles Store.
Rosbrook Hall, a popular social
venue, has occupied the upstairs
since the 1890s. The . . . — — Map (db m230777) HM
The third floor of the “Union
Block” served as a meeting hall
for recreational and community
organizations. An early
Walgreen's was briefly at 105,
while the Boynton Richards
Men's Store provided quality
men's clothing and shoes at 107
from . . . — — Map (db m230710) HM
Construction of this City Hall, with the City Jail in
its basement, began in 1906. The east half of
the building also housed the Fire Department,
complete with sleeping quarters on the second
floor and a brass pole for sliding down to the
first . . . — — Map (db m230772) HM
Four pharmacies have occupied
this building. First Tillison and
Son, then Thomas Sullivan, and
from the 1940s until the 1960s
Joe Villiger, a pharmacist in the
classic style of a Briash
“chemist”, compounded
medicines in house and . . . — — Map (db m230714) HM
Over its history this impressive building has
been the home of the Moose Hall, YMCA, Dixon
Public Library, Preston Funeral Parlor, McLane
Architects, Lee County Health Department, the
American Red Cross, Dixon Water Department,
a driver . . . — — Map (db m230765) HM
A huge downtown fire in 1859 leaped across the street from the north and destroyed the interior of this, one of Dixon's oldest buildings. After it was restored, it was used for many decades for offices, most notably those of F.X. Newcomer real . . . — — Map (db m230771) HM
Violinist Orville Westgor came to
Dixon in the 1920s to direct the
pit orchestra at the new Dixon
Theatre. He later taught music at
Dixon High School, composed the
DHS Loyalty Song, and
established a general music store
at this location in . . . — — Map (db m230769) HM
The colorful history of this building includes a
cigar maker, a farm implement store, the Dixon
Sun, a popcorn vendor, the Princess Theatre,
and a shoe repair service. Its best-known
occupant was the Snow White Bakery in
business on the main . . . — — Map (db m230767) HM
Was stationed here during the Black Hawk War in 1832, as captain of volunteers. On April 21, 1832, he enlisted at Richland Creek, Sangamon County, and was elected captain. He was mustered into state service at Beardstown on April 22 and into United . . . — — Map (db m78271) HM
[Top tablet:]
In memory of the 241 United States Marines who died in service to their country, in the cause of peace, Beirut, Lebanon, October 28, 1983. The people of the Rock River Valley dedicate this marker and trees throughout the Dixon Park . . . — — Map (db m239055) HM
General Secretary Gorbachev,
if you seek peace--
if you seek prosperity
for the Soviet Union
and Eastern Europe--
if you seek liberalization.
come here, to this gate.
Mr. Gorbachev. Open this gate.
Mr. Gorbachev. Tear down this . . . — — Map (db m78278) HM
The Dixon Historic Center, in Dixon's old South Central School building, celebrates Ronald Reagan's years in Dixon and his attendance at South Central School. Ronald attended sixth and seventh grades in this building. This building has been . . . — — Map (db m78279) HM
Original wood frame and beaverboard triumphal arch erected for June 12, 1919, celebration honoring Lee County W.W.I veterans and Dixon's Co. C, 123rd Field Artillery, 33rd Prairie Division. Deteriorating arch replaced in 1949 and then again in 1965 . . . — — Map (db m230796) HM
This Pool given by the citizens of Dixon, Illinois in Memory of the Men & Women who served in World War II. Erected & Dedicated 1950
Dixon Park District
Edward Vaile, Pres.
Commissioners
Louis Pitcher
John R. McDaniel
Esther M. . . . — — Map (db m70717) HM
Books which young Ronald Reagan borrowed from the Dixon Public Library helped him shape lifelong values. At nine years of age in 1920 he received card number 3695, becoming a frequent Library visitor and an avid reader throughout his Dixon years. . . . — — Map (db m78275) HM
Engine: J-75-P-19W with 26,500 lb. thrust
Speed: Supersonic-Mach 2 at altitude above 36,000 ft.
Maximum range: 2390 miles with max ceiling at 48,500 ft.
Armament:1 20mm M61A1 Vulcan Gatling Gun
with 1028 rounds
or 16-750 lb conventional . . . — — Map (db m239051) HM WM
On June 21, 1922, Ronald Reagan, with his brother Neil, was baptized at this church. Ronald and Mother Nelle were active members of the church from 1921 - 1937. Ronald Reagan taught a Sunday school class here. Mother Nelle taught Sunday school, snag . . . — — Map (db m78273) HM
From the 1890s until the 1920s, vitified paving bricks were the dominant choice of American towns and cities, lifting dirt streets from the deeply rutted and muddy conditions that disgusted shoppers and terrified drivers and their horses. Many . . . — — Map (db m230751) HM
This is one of a unique trio of bridges built for the Illinois Central
Rail Road by Robert F. Laing, engineer. The arching stones were cut to
fit from native Galena limestone quarried near Dixon. The first train
carrying passengers and freight on . . . — — Map (db m230779) HM
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