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Florida
Public Archaeology Network
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Lee
County
Page 4 of 6 |
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Useppa
Museum |
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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 |
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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 |
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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
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Everglades
Wonder Gardens |
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(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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Thanks
to M. C. Bob Leonard, Professor of History, Hillsborough Community
College for information from unofficial websites. |
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