DR FRANKLIN MILES According to The Story of Fort Myers, Dr Miles made valuable contributions to the literature of his profession, his treatises dealing with the cure of dropsy, epilepsy, hysteria, insanity, and diseases of the heart, stomach, liver and kidneys. He was nationally recognized as a foremost hear specialist. During the winter of 1904-05, Dr Miles came to FM to stay a few weeks. He liked the region so well that he purchased the home of Walter G. Langford on First Street and later acquired several thousand acres between FM and Punta Rassa. Few vegetables were grown then on a commercial scale, in that locality and, upon asking why, Dr Miles was told that crops would not flourish due to climatic conditions, unsuitable soil and destructive insects. Doubting the accuracy of the statements, Dr Miles began making an intensive study of agriculture as practiced in other parts of the world where similar climatic conditions prevailed. He made countless analysese of the soil to determine what fertilizers were needed for various crops. He made thousands of experiments to learn how insects and plant diseases could best be combatted. To test the soundness of his conclusions, he planted hundreds of experimental gardens. At first, Dr. Miles was looked upon as sort of an eccentric. Later, however, when it was learned how his gardens flourished he became recognizede as one of the foremost agricultural authorities in South Florida. Largely as a result of his efforts, the Iona district was developed rapidly. Scores of truckers attended a school he established with practical courses devoted chiefly to the preparation of the land and the cultivation and spraying of crops and his students later became leading growers of vegetables for the northern markets. Several of his off-spring remain in FM to this day and are prominent citizens. Oh yea, Im pretty sure that Dr. Miles is the gentleman who is credited with the development of Alka-Seltzer. Another example of a wealthy northern-intellect who came to FM for a visit but was not able to leave. Were all familiar with that, I suppose.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 18:40:53 +0000
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