Honoring Women’s History Month
All throughout Fort Myers’ islands, beaches and neighborhoods, women’s contributions have helped define who we are and what our destination has to offer. In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the female pioneers of Southwest Florida — past and present.
Get to know the story of Dr. Ella Mae Piper, who moved to Fort Myers in 1915. Despite the racial segregation of the time, she became a pillar of the community as a podiatrist, beauty shop owner and philanthropist. Her mother created the inaugural Christmas Celebration in Dunbar, and the festivities continue to this day at the Dr. Piper Center for Social Services. Inside the Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers, Ella Mae’s Diner pays homage to this local legend, serving classic Southern fare and nostalgic comfort food. Dr. Piper’s contributions also helped fund the first high school for Black children in Fort Myers and the first Black hospital, and she helped establish the first Black chapter of the American Red Cross.
Wealthy oil baron widow, Tootie McGregor, was an influential benefactor whose infrastructure efforts put the Fort Myers area on the tourism map. She helped to establish three landmark hotels that became beacons for celebrities and wealthy industrialists, and through her foresight and investments, can be credited with bringing major league baseball to the area. She also was integral in the construction of McGregor Boulevard, named for her late husband, and built the original seawall on the shore of the Caloosahatchee River.
As a prominent local figure, Mina Miller Edison made her mark in the developing of the Fort Myers area. Not to be overshadowed by her husband, Thomas, she used her wealth to spearhead and support several organizations to promote conservation, beautification and cultural programming. Her final gift to the area was deeding her summer home to the City of Fort Myers to create what is now part of the beloved Edison and Fort Winter Estates.
While enjoying popular shops in the area, you can thank May Flossie Hill — founder of the first women’s clothing store in Fort Myers. She opened M. Flossie Hill’s Department Store in 1905, and for six decades women would emerge from the shop with dress boxes labeled, “The Ladies Trading Place.” She later opened the area’s first five and dime store, and was a notable civic leader in the community.
The stories about Fort Myers are filled with fascinating details. That’s why Gina Taylor created True Tours, a series of walking tours around the historic downtown River District and beyond. Learn about the historical figures (many women) who helped shape the Fort Myers area.
