USA > Florida > Lee County > Fort Myers > Polk's Ft. Myers city directory, 1923-24 > Part 1
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FT. MYERS GARAGE ---- Phone 174
CHEVROLET SALES and SERVICE Main and Monroe
Pure Drugs, Toilet Articles, The Best Ice Cream in Town. Stationery and Confectionery. Eastman Kodaks and Supplies
EVANS PHARMACY
G STORE and 270
F. 2 F74 A 1923- 1924 V 3
Bank of Fort Myers
FORT MYERS, FLA. Depository of the State of Florida, County of Lee, City of Fort Myers
Total Resources $1,250,000.00
J. E. FOXWORTHY, President G. M. HEITMAN, Vice-Pres. J. K. WOOLSLAIR and S. O. GODMAN, Asst. Cashiers
K. C. ROBERTS E. R. PAGE
ROBERTS & PAGE
Insurance --- Real Estate RENTS, LOANS AND BONDS
Hendry St. (Pythian Bldg.) Phone 278 Fort Myers, Fla.
DUNHAM, BOLICK & WILLIAMS
FORT MYERS, FLA. REALTORS GROVES, TRUCK FARMS, CITY PROPERTY, SUB-DIVISIONS, LARGE'ACREAGE TRACTS
Offices, 122 Hendry St. Telephone 72
THE LEE COUNTY BANK, TITLE and TRUST COMPANY FORT MYERS, FLORIDA CAPITAL AND SURPLUS, $150,000.00 4% on Savings and Time Deposits Abstracts of Title Furnished
FORT MYERS REALTY CO.
L. C. CURTRIGHT, Pres.
Bank of Fort Myers Bldg.
PHONE 376
2
PARKER'S BOOK & MUSIC STORE
J. B. PARKER, Owner
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA LIBRARY
AINN VIUM.IN . MORIAL
LICAK . SAL
RIDA
....
....
1905
PARKER'S BOOK & MUSIC STORE
(1923-24) R. L. POLK & CO.'S
3
The Franklin Arms Hotel Fort Myers, Florida
AN ABSOLUTELY MODERN FIREPROOF HOTEL ACCOMMODATING 200 GUESTS ON THE
EUROPEAN PLAN Catering to the Refined Tourists and the Commercial Trade
OPEN ALL YEAR
W. P. FRANKLIN Owner
H. EDWARD LUNT Manager
Franklin Hardware Co.
W. P. FRANKLIN, President
Cor. First and Hendry Sts. TELEPHONE 32
GENERAL HARDWARE
SPORTING GOODS FARMING IMPLEMENTS
Field and Poultry Fencing, Galvanized Iron Pipe and Fittings, Paints and Oils of Any Kind, All Sizes Manilla Rope, Gasoline Engines and Pumps, Beeman Tractors and Plows, Fondulac Ford Tractor Attach- ments, a Complete Line of Shelf Hardware, Cook Stoves and Kitchen Ware, Fruit Jars, Jelly Glasses, Fruit Presses, Churns, Milk Pails. etc.
We are also Agents for the LAMBERT TROUBLE PROOF AUTO TIRES- more popular every day
FORT MYERS DIRECTORY (1923-24)
4
THE Business COLLEGE
TAMPA
TAMPA.FLA.
The Largest All-Year College in the State We help each student to a good position No entrance examinations required Graduating courses in
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, BOOKKEEPING, ACCOUNTING AND BANKING, SHORTHAND AND TOUCH TYPEWRITING, TELEGRAPHY AND RAILROAD AGENCY, PENMANSHIP, MATHEMATICS, ETC.
600 Annually Enroll Large Faculty of Expert Instructors Enter Now and Be Prepared All Students Met at Union Depot Catalog Free L. M. HATTON, President
TAKE THE GRAND CENTRAL AVENUE CAR ACROSS THE NEW BRIDGE
(1923-24) R. L. POLK & CO.'S
J. WIGGINS
R. L. POLK JR.
POLK'S FT. MYERS CITY DIRECTORY 1923-24
Containing an Alphabetical List of Business Firms and Private Citizens, a Directory of the City and County Officers, Churches, Public and Private Schools, Benevolent, Literary and Other Associations, Banks, Etc., an Improved Street and Avenue Guide and Directory of Householders of the City, and a Complete
CLASSIFIED BUSINESS DIRECTORY "THE BUYERS' GUIDE"
"The
DIRECTORY
IS THE COMMON
INTERMEDIARY"
Price
$7.00
BETWEEN
BUYER AND SELLER
Volume III.
R. L. POLK & CO., Publishers Jacksonville, Florida
Member Association North American Directory Publishers
Copyright, 1923, by R. L. Polk & Co.
2
F.2 F14
MORE GOODS ARE BOUGHT AND SOLD THROUGH THE CLASSIFIED BUSINESS LISTS OF THE DIRECTORY THAN ANY OTHER MEDIUM ON EARTH
INTRODUCTION
The 1923 edition of R. L. Polk & Co.'s Fort Myers City Directory being their second issue, is herewith presented, with the assurance of the publishers that its contents are practically complete in every feature that serves to make a first-class work of its kind. The unrivalled facilities of the publishers and their many years of experience in directory making have been utilized, and the same care exercised in the production of the volume as in the making of their larger metropolitan directories.
The Directory is arranged by Departments as follows:
THE BUYERS' GUIDE, pages 13 to 28, is an invalu- able feature in this Directory. It contains the advertis- ments of prominent and progressive business men and concerns printed on tinted paper and arranged alphabet- ically by Departments according to the nature of the business.
THE MISCELLANEOUS DEPARTMENT, pages 29 to 35, includes data concerning city and county officials, banks, cemeteries, churches, courts, hospitals, libraries, societies, newspapers, public buildings, halls, postoffice data, secret and benevolent societies and information covering every phase of industry and activity in the territory covered by the Directory.
THE STREET AND AVENUE GUIDE is included in pages 37 to 60.
THE ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES of citizens, business firms and corporations is embraced in pages 61 to 156.
THE CLASSIFIED BUSINESS DIRECTORY is em- braced in pages 157 to 204 and shows the various manufacturing, mercantile and professional occupations compiled under headings appropriate to the class of business pursued.
92530
FORT MYERS
The Gate City of the Tropics
Fort Myers, The Gate City of the Tropics, is the judicial seat of Lee county and is situated on the southern bank of the beautiful Caloosahatchee river, fifteen miles from the Gulf of Mexico. It is 311 miles southwest of Jacksonville, 147 miles south of Tampa, and is 400 miles further south than San Diego, California.
Historical
The first historical account of Fort Myers on record is when it was occupied by United States troops on November 4, 1841. It was abandoned March 21, 1842 and until 1850 there was nothing known of the place and it was apparently forgotten. On February 14, 1850, Major Ridgely was ordered to the mouth of the Caloosahatchee, to select the most eligible point on its southern bank, establish a military post and name the place Fort Myers in honor of Col. Abraham C Myers, a distinguished veteran of the Mexican War and at that time the chief quatermaster of the War Department of Florida. Fort Myers was occupied by the militia for eight years, on account of disturbances by the Seminole Indians. In May, 1858, the troops were removed from Fort Myers and the name and a few stone relics are all that remain as mementoes of its former military importance. Fort Myers has grown from an army post, established in 1841, into a beautiful and thriving city.
Climate
The rapid growth of the city and the surrounding territory is due primarily, to its ideal climate. Because of it one sees in mid-winter a profusion of tropical growth similar to that in the West Indies. Many people labor under the impression that because of the extreme south- ern location of the city, the heat would be oppressive during the summer months, but this in an error. On account of its proximity to the Gulf-the cooling breezes that sweep across the peninsula from ocean to gulf. therby mitigating, in a great measure, the disagreeable sequence of warm days and high humidity, and the showers which occur almost daily through the summer- the temperature in this semi-tropical region is wonderfully mild and delightful. The warmest weather occurs during July and August. The mean summer temperatures range from 80 to 82 degrees, continuing at about 80 degrees during September.
5
INTRODUCTION
Malaria and many of the common diseases of the North are practically unknown in Fort Myers. The region is practically free from mosquitoes and other insects commonly imputed to Florida. People suffering from overwork and nervous diseases are restored to health by living out in the open among the flowers, fruit and birds. Pure artesian water for drinking water can be obtained in any quantity.
Tropical Vendure
It is not until one crosses the broad Caloosahatchee river and enters Fort Myers that the stranger finds himself within the real tropics of Florida, where all manner of plants and flowering shrubs of a tender nature are found growing in riotous profusion, in the open without any protection whatever. There are more than fifty varieties of palm grown at Fort Myers, including the rare Traveler, Date, Fishtail, Corkscrew, Fan Palm, India Sugar Palm, Royal Palm, etc. Many residences in the city are sur- rounded with grounds that are rare botanical gardens, rich in tropical color and fragrant with the perfume of many flowers. The golden Alamanda, red and purple Bouganin- villea, Royal Poincianna, red and pink Hibiscus and a multitude of other flowers blossom in wonderful profusion.
Hotels
Fort Myers is well supplied with a number of elegantly equipped hotels designed to afford comfort for tourists and others who visit the city.
Social Conditions
The social life of Fort Myers is highly developed and the moral tone of the city is high. The true spirit of southern hospitality reigns supreme and newcomers may rest assured of receiving a most cordial welcome.
Churches
The leading religious denominations have churches in the city.
Schools
Fort Myers has an excellent school system, being recognized as one of the best in the State. At the present time there are three schools, a grammar school known as the Andrew D. Gwynne Institute; an accredited High School known as the Gwynne High School and the Bun- galow School for the use of primary grades. These schools have thoroughly modern equipment. A new High School building has been completed costing $100,000.
Recreation
Opportunity for recreation invites the stranger to riding, motoring, tennis, golf, boating, bathing, hunting, fishing, trap-shooting, roaming through the primeval forests, associating with congenial people under sunny skies and revelling in tropical gardens of entrancing beauty.
6
INTRODUCTION
Yachting
For yachts and launches there is probably no other city or town in Florida whose waters ofler more delightful opportunities along its tropical bays and rivers. The route up the Caloosahatchee river from the Gulf of Mexico to Fort Myers and eastward is one of the most beautiful trips in Florida, and the tourist, coming south for the purpose of enjoying its beauties should include the Caloo- sahatchee river in his itinerary, as it presents one of the grandest tropical trips in the State.
Caloosahatchee River
The Caloosahatchee (Carlos-a-hat-chee) river was named after Carlos V. of Spain. It has the distinction of being the most beautiful river in Florida and is also the deepest stream in Florida. The river has its headwaters . in the Everglades section of Lake Okeechobee, and it is the only outlet for that immense body of water to the Gulf of Mexico. It flows 73 miles in a southwesterly direction, emptying into San Carlos Bay near Punta Rassa. From Punta Rassa to Fort Myers the river has an average width of one and one-half miles. A few miles east of Fort Myers it suddenly contracts to a narrow stream, not over a quarter of a mile wide, and its width gradually narrows until long before Fort Thompson is reached, the width from bank to bank is scarcely more than 150 feet and indeed in places less than this. Sea-going vessels are operated to Fort Myers and light draft boats operate to Lake Okeechobee via Caloosahatchee river and State canals.
LEE COUNTY
Lee County with its 70 miles of Gulf coast line is indented by bays and streams and possesses innumerable islands in the Gulf. Along this sea coast are many beaches equal to those of the Atlantic sea shore. The county contains about 500,000 acres and its assessed valuation is about $5,000,000. It has a population of 9,540. The resources of the country are comparatively undeveloped and the opportunities offered for the investment of capital in all lines of endeavor is one of its strong features. The county contains some of the richest land to be found anywhere. There is no county in Florida and certainly none in any other State in the Union that offers as tempting attraction to the prospector or can compare with it in luxuriant vegetation, natural beauty and fertility of the soil. Lee County has the distinction of being one of the most healthful counties in Florida. The official death rate is one-third of one per cent annually.
Industries-Fruit, Vegetable and Cattle Raising
The soil of Lee County is most varied, ranging from poor, white sand along the sea shore with no humus contents, to that recognized as equal to any in the world in fertility. The soil is adapted to the growth of all agri-
7
INTRODUCTION
cultural products indigenous to the State, and many varie- ties of tropical fruits whose growth is confined solely to South Florida, have been successfully introduced here and are being raised extensively. Citrus culture and vegetable production are the two big items that have done so much to place Lee county in the limelight of prosperity. The quality of Lee county fruit is recognized everywhere as being superior to that of any county or state and brings the highest prices. The county is always awarded first prize at the Fairs for grape fruit. Truck farming is a very profitable industry because of the high prices offered by northern markets for mid-winter vegetables and for the reason that truck can be grown on the same ground where citrus fruits are developing. The main truck crops grown here are peppers, eggplant, tomatoes and cucum- bers. Staple farm crops are sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, corn, rice, peanuts, beans and oats. Lee county is especially adapted to the growing of sugar cane as it possesses all the natural conditions and advantages. The raising and shipping of cattle is one of the greatest commercial interests of the county, large cattle ranches being located in the county. The advantages that the county has to offer for the raising of live stock are: mild climate, long grazing season, vast acres of cheap lands, plenty of rainfall, numerous springs, streams and lakes and soil adapted to the growing of forage crops especially such legunes as corn, pea, velvet bean, soy bean, peanut, beggarweed and grasses.
Marine Wealth
The waters are teeming with fine fish. Numerous fish houses are located along the coast at which the fish are collected and shipped to northern markets. The waters are stocked with various kinds of marine animal life that are not only important as food values, but are utilized to appease the more complex needs of mankind. The Ocean Leather Company with a factory on Captina island utilizes the skins of sharks, porpoises and other species of the whale family in preparing leather, oil and fertilizer for the market.
Statistical Facts and Figures Concerning Fort Myers
The city has paved streets; cement sidewalks; a public park; storm and sanitary sewers; a fire depart- ment; municipal water works; artesian water supply; two commercial piers; a municipal pleasure pier; an electric light plant; third largest ice plant in the State; three citrus fruit packing houses; six churches; three schools; three banks; Robert E. Lee Memorial Hospital; public library; two moving picture theatres; two daily newspapers; telegraph office; many civic and fraternal organizations; a Community Council; an eighteen-hole
8
INTRODUCTION
golf course; a club house; hotels and apartments; auto bus line: fifteen mile boulevard to the Gulf; $100,000 Court House; free band concerts twice daily; daily boat service; drug stores; garages; cigar factories.
Population
The Federal Census of 1920 credited Fort Myers with a population of 3,678, and increase of 1215 over the census of 1910. In both cases the enumeration was confined strictly to the city limits.
The canvass for information contained in the dir- ectory was not confined to the city limits, but was extended to include the names of all living beyond the limits in adjacent teritory whose interests are indentical with Fort Myers.
The total number of names of individuals in the directory is 2600. Using the multiple of 21/2, which allows for the names of women and children not included, we have an estimated population of 6500 for the territory covered by the Directory canvass.
Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
In every city some organization must centralize the general activity of the city in commercial and industrial lines and in civic betterment. The Chamber of Commerce is the logical organization in Fort Myers. It is the instru- mentality through which enterprising business men may cooperate to make a greater and better city. It concen- trates the best business activities of the municipality and affords an agency through which all can work for civic uplift. There must be such an organization if true civic spirit is to be kept alive and intelligently directed. The Chamber has done well, is doing well and hopes to do even better. It has been a potent factor for the advancement of the city and its unity of purpose and plans still further insure the continued prosperity of Fort Myers.
MUNICIPAL PUBLICITY Advertising Fort Myers
The City Directory is the sole medium by which information regarding the municipality, its civic affairs, commercial, industrial, social and professional interests are spread broadcast over the country, as copies of this Directory are placed by the publishers in the Directory Libraries in all the larger cities of the country, where they are readily available for reference use by the public. There they serve as perpetual advertisements of Fort Myers for business and professional men, as well as citizens generally, throughout the country realize that the City Directory represents the community as it really is, local features and prominent attractions being clearly itemized.
R. L . POLK & CO., Compilers and Publishers.
GENERAL INDEX
Abbreviations
61
Alphabetical List of Names 61
Banks
31
Board of County Commissioners
30
Board of Education
30
City Government
29
Chamber of Commerce
30
Churches
32
Classified Business Directory 157
Clubs and Societies 33
Commercial Organizations 30
County Government
30
Libraries
33
Newspapers
31
Postoffice
31
Public Buildings, Halls, Etc 31
Public Schools 30
Secret Societies
34
Street Directory
37
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
A B C Mill Work Co . right bottom lines and 24 Auto Supply Co .. .right center lines and 14
Bank of Fort Myers front cover and 16
Boston Store The left bottom lines and 18
Cagle's Garage.
. left bottom lines and 14
City Transfer Co. .right top lines and 28
Coca Cola Bottling Co right side lines and 28
Coffee Al's Bakery. right bottom lines and 17
Cox J B. left top lines and 25
Dobbins Dairy 17
Dunham, Bolick & Williams front cover and 25
Edelblut & Co. .left bottom lines and 24
Evans Pharmacy . front cover and 18
Franklin Hardware Co 3
Franklin Arms Hotel 3
First National Bank The.
back cover and 16
Ft Myers Auto Top & Paint Shop
14
Ft Myers Garage.
front cover and 14
Ft Myers Lumber Co right center lines and 20
Ft Myers Press The 22
Ft Myers Realty Co.
front cover and 25
Ft Myers Tent & Awning Works. .left side lines and 15 Ft Myers Tropical News 23
Futral Wm E. right bottom lines and 25
Gay's Laundry
right center lines and 20
Gorton Alvin.
. left center lines and 28
Gulf Construction Co
.right side lines and 17
Harley W M Co The
right top lines and 19
Hendry Machine & Engineering Co. . left side lines and 21 Hill & Co. left center lines and 15
House Wm M left side lines and 26
Ireland George F.
28
Kaune W R. right top lines and 26 Lee County Bank Title & Trust Co .... front cover and 16 Lee County Realty & Investment Co. . left top lines and 26 McClure Carl C. .left center lines and 26 Max Photo Shop. left top lines and 24
Menge & Denham back bone and 27
11
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
Parker's Book & Music Store .. . inside front cover and 2 Parshall J Melvin 21
Poinsettia Cafe. right top lines and 27
Pollock Lumber Co left center lines and 21
Roberts & Page front cover and 19
Royal Dry Cleaning Co 18
Royal Palm Pharmacy . left top lines and 18
Seminole Lumber & Mfg Co. .right center lines and 21
Southern Utilities Co. 19
Tampa Business College.
4
Taten P Ed. left center lines and 27
Tinstman B E Insurance Agency . . . . back cover and 19
Up-To-Date Bakery left bottom lines and 17
White Alvin L .right side lines and 27
Wiederkehr Erwin L
right bottom lines and 20
Williams Boat Ways
16
Walker J DeLeon 24
Yent's Garage. 15
Association of North American Directory Publishers
Members of Directory and Reference Media Department of Associated Advertising Clubs of the World
OFFICERS:
J. Martin Gardner, Pres. 76 Church Street, Toronto, Canada. R. L. Polk, Jr., First Vice-Pres. 431 Howard Street, Detroit, Mich. H. A. Manning, 2nd Vice-Pres. 191 Main Street, Springfield, Mass. E. J. Loranger, Sec'y-Treas. 524 Broadway New York City, N. Y.
ASSN OF NORTH
PUBLICO
AMERICAN
ODY
DIRECTORY
PUBLISHERS
TRUSTEES :
R.L. Polk, Detroit.
R. H. Donnelley, Chicago. W. L. Richmond, Yonkers. Alvin B. Boyd, Reading. R. W. Lovell, Montreal. W. G. Torchiana, Philadelphia.
W. O. Foote, Atlanta.
W. H. Lee, New Haven.
D. W. Bowman, Akron.
G. D'W. Marcy, Boston.
General Offices : 524-528 Broadway, New York City
The Association of North American Directory Publishers is composed of reputable City Directory Publishers, organized for the general advancement of the Directory business. Any person, corporation or firm engaged in busi- ness as owner and publisher of a City Directory in the United States or Canada, who shall qualify as competent to gather information and compile a City Directory and furnish satisfactory references, is eligible to membership.
The objects of the Association are:
First. The advancement of the Directory business and the improvement of Directories by the interchange of ideas and the exchange of experienced employes.
Second. To provide protection to the public against fraudulent advertis ing schemes which operate under the name of Directories, and to drive unprincipled promoters of the same out of business.
Third. To provide permanent and profitable employment to competent, industrious and honest Directory canvassers and compilers.
Fourth. For the mutual protection and advancement of the established and prospective interests of all who may become members, by personal advice and assistance of members as may be mutually satisfactory, desirable or advisable, and by such other means as may, from time to time, be shown to be wise, proper and lawful.
All members of this association have subscribed to the following
STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
1. To consider, first, the interest of the user of the book.
2. To subscribe to and work for truth, honesty and accuracy in all departments.
3. To avoid confusing duplication of listings, endeavoring to classify every concern under such headings as best describe it, and to treat additional listings as adver- tising. to be charged for at regular rates.
4. To increase public knowledge of what directories and reference media contain; to study public needs and make directories and reference media to supply them; to revise and standardize methods and classifications so that what is wanted may be most easily found, and the directory and reference media be made to serve their fullest use as business and social reference books and directories of buyer to seller and seller to his market.
5. To decline any advertisement which has a tendency to mislead or which does not conform to business integrity.
6. To solicit subscriptions and advertising solely upon the merits of the publication.
7. To avoid misrepresentation by statement or inference regarding circulation, placing the test of reference publicity upon its accessibility to seekers as well as on the number of copies circulated.
8. To co-operate with approved organizations and individuals engaged in creative advertising work.
9. To avoid unfair competition.
10. To determine what is the highest and largest function of directories and reference media in public service and then to strive in every legitimate way to promote that function.
$100.00 REWARD will be paid by the Association for the arrest and conviction of any person or persons engaged in publishing, collecting or canvassing for any fraudulent or "fake" Directory.
CLASSIFIED BUYERS' GUIDE
OF THE CITY OF
FORT MYERS
FLORIDA 1923-1924
MORE GOODS ARE BOUGHT AND SOLD
THROUGH THE
CLASSIFIED BUSINESS LISTS
OF THE
DIRECTORY THAN
ANY OTHER MEDIUM ON EARTH
The Buyers' Guide contains the advertisements and busi- ness cards of the most progressive business men and firms in our city, classified according to lines of business. The habit of using these Classified Lists will save the buyer large sums of money. It is the modern and up-to-date method of finding what you want and who sells it.
R. L. POLK & CO.
204 Realty Bldg.
Jacksonville, Fla.
3
14
AUTOMOBILES
GABRIEL SNUBBERS HASSLER SHOCK ABSORBERS SEIBERLING CORDS, GOODYEAR AND KELLY-SPRINGFIELD TIRES "SERVICE WITH A SMILE"
AUTO SUPPLY STORE
AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT VULCANIZING-TIRE SERVICE 54-56 Jackson St. Phone 407 Fort Myers, Florida
CAGLE'S GARAGE
S. C. CAGLE, PROPR. SERVICE STATION AUTO REPAIRING STORAGE, SUPPLIES, GAS AND OIL 618 Second St. Phone 452
FORT MYERS GARAGE, INC.
W. J. MOORE, MGR.
REO, HUDSON AND ESSEX TOURING CARS REO SPEED WAGONS, CHEVROLET SALES AND SERVICE GENERAL AUTO REPAIRING VULCANIZING SUPPLIES-ACCESSORIES-STORAGE PENNSYLVANIA TIRES AND TUBES Main and Monroe Phone 174 Ft. Myers, Fla.
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