 |
• |
 |
• |
 |
• |
 |
• |
 |
• |
 |
• |
 |
• |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| • | |
| Lee County Page 4 of 6 | ||
 |
|
|
Useppa
Museum |
• |
This museum contains historical information about all periods of occupation
in this area, and has been open since 1994. Useppa contains some of the
earliest evidence of Native Americans in this region and some forensics
reconstructions of individuals are on display here. This public museum
on private land is only accessible by boat (239) 283-9600 This website
relates some of the history of the area, and describes the functions of
the island’s historical society. www.useppa.com/society |
Everglades
Wonder Gardens |
• | Primarily a nature display, this is one of the earliest wildlife attractions in Florida. It has been an attraction for 71 years and running! It was founded by Thomas Edison, and started as a facility for injured animals. Before long, things changed at the gardens, and they produced crowd favorites, including bears who drank Pepsi from glass bottles, and some animals that would be featured in major Hollywood productions (such as a beloved black bear called Tom who was featured in the movie “The Yearling”). It is located on Old 41, along the Imperial River. A brightly painted white structure and vivid mural mark the entrance. In that sense, it is an important historical site and worthy of note here. It is located along U.S. 41 and the Imperial River, and several historic buildings are located on the property. Visitors will see panthers, black bear, alligators, deer, trained otter, and other wildlife. Also, there is a unique history museum that contains a variety of ancient artifacts. 7180 Old U.S. Highway 41, Bonita Springs 34135 (239) 992-2591. |
Everglades
Wonder Gardens |
This unofficial website traces the early days of this attraction since it was started by brothers Bill and Lester Piper. Bill was known for his work training bears (and later, for his role in saving the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Collier County), while Lester worked mostly with panthers. Bill sustained many injuries during his work, and Lester apparently was never injured. Visitors to this web site will be treated to some interesting stories about colorful characters in this area, many of whom are gone, but whose descendants are very involved in this area in other ways. sanibel.com/everglades_wonder_gardens | |
Everglades
Wonder Gardens |
(this page
is often updated so visitors should check back periodically) In the “old
days,” animals at this park were trained, and the spot was considered
a sort of “roadside zoo.” In the days before large Florida
theme parks, such places were few and far between. The park first was
called the Everglades Reptile Gardens when it opened in 1936, and the
name was reportedly changed within the decade so as to avoid scaring people
who may be afraid of reptiles! Another website which relates information
about the Everglades Wonder Gardens focuses more on its continuing role
in American road trips; specifically, as an offbeat attraction. This site
is humorous, and relates many of the historic and unusual features of
this park that make it unique.
roadsideamerica.com/sights/ sightstory.php?tip_AttrId=%3D13422 |
|
Everglades
Wonder Gardens |
The oldest
buildings on the property are not accessible to the public, and are part
of the management buildings. A small gift shop is at the site, and a natural
history museum also is housed in the main building where tickets are purchased.
Stories about wildlife in the region, as well as about the gardens, line the walls, and a case of stone tools from all over Florida also is on display. The site sustained some damage from Hurricane Wilma in 2005, but only one animal was lost, and the unique site has now been restored. |
|
Lee
Trust for Historic Preservation |
• | The mission of this organization is to preserve the architectural history and character of structures, and also to protect the archaeological resources, throughout Lee County. Current efforts include making comments about renovations being done to buildings at Koreshan State Park (especially the Art Hall), and opposing proposed demolition of the very few historic structures in Cape Coral. The Lee Trust is also concerned with keeping some level of public access for people who visit the Fort Myers riverfront. This group has one meeting a year, and produces two annual newsletters (PO Box 1035 Fort Myers, FL 33902-1035) (239) 344-0100/ leepreservation@aol.com |
| Back to Page 3 | Go to Page 5 | ||
| Thanks to M. C. Bob Leonard, Professor of History, Hillsborough Community College for information from unofficial websites. | ||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
Florida
Public Archaeology Network |
 |
|
|||
| . | |
||||||
| GGGGGGGGGGGGGGG | G | G | GGGGGGG | |
Web
Design, Hosting and Maintenance
by  © 2007 Ad&PrintCraft of S.W. FL (239) 283 - 0777 |
||||