BY BRIANNA BIBB COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
H arvie Heitman has been known as one of the earliest influential entrepreneurs to set up shop here in Fort Myers , FL . Heitman moved to Fort Myers at the age of 16 from Lexington , NC in 1888 to come work for his uncle who owned a general store . He is known for his influence in the area known as the River District , building the town ’ s first brick building on the corner of First and Jackson Street , and building the first sidewalk in town .
Pictured is The Arcade Theater today ( above ) and in the 1900 ’ s ( below ).
To add to his accomplishments , Heitman opened a bank , bakery , livery stable , the Bradford Hotel , The Arcade Theatre , and constructed the Earnhardt Building . He was able to watch these businesses down First Street grow from the front porch of his home , which was conveniently located where the current Sidney & Berne Davis Arts building now stands . Several of his buildings in the downtown area were built , interestingly enough , as a result of a rivalry between Heitman and businessman Walter Langford . Many of Heitman ’ s buildings are still standing today and line the streets of downtown Fort Myers .
Heitman passed away in 1922 , at the age of 49 . On the day of his funeral , Thomas Edison was a pallbearer and business ceased in town to honor him . You can visit Heitman ’ s headstone , the largest and most ordinate , at the Fort Myers Cemetery . But don ’ t be fooled as his widowed wife had him relocated to an unknown location shortly after his burial .
RPCRA . ORG | MAR / APR 2017 11