A Jewish Valentine?

Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

It’s February 14, 1850 and Major General David Emanuel Twiggs, nicknamed “Bengal Tiger” for his fierce temper during his offensive actions in the Seminole Wars in Florida, signs an order for the new fort to be built where Fort Harvie was destroyed by fire eight years prior.

The General was about to part with his Southern belle daughter, Marion, who unluckily inherited her father’s disposition and sharp tongue, and was soon to wed Colonel Abraham C. Myers, the chief quartermaster of Florida. Although the fort was renamed in his honor, there is no record that Myers ever visited it. Every building, however, had to be constructed in accordance with plans he personally approved.

The new fort soon became one of the finest, if not the most expensive, in the country. So much government money was spent on it during the 1850s, that the War Department opened an investigation. This tangentially Jewish beginning of Fort Myers is not only anecdotally entertaining, but prophetic, as QM General Myers would ultimately face the blame for the Confederate provisions shortages and be forced into exile.

In the Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers documentary film, “The Labodas of Fort Myers” (2017), Dr. Jerry Laboda covers the fascinating story of Abraham Myers.

As part of The Society’s broader mission of historical preservation, we remember and honor the local Jewish heroes. From the pioneers to migrants with important stories and legacies that would impact the following generations for decades, hopefully centuries, into the future, the Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers inspire and educate. Each broadcast-quality film was created for JHSSWF from the eyewitness testimonies The Society recorded.

We recently lost Irving Berzon, one of several nonagenarian Jewish Pioneers featured in The Society’s film series. Integrity of purpose, strength, wisdom and desire to share the gains are just a few commonalities entwined in their stories.

By popular demand, we are restarting the weekly screenings of Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers film series on Sundays at 5 p.m. beginning Feb. 7. Register for ongoing events at jhsswf.org/ swfl-jewish-masterclasses to receive your Zoom login credentials and reminders. Here’s what’s planned for February:

February 7 – Stuart Kaye, A Mensch For All Reasons

Raised on the East Coast of Florida, a very young Jewish professional moves to Naples in the early 1980s and becomes a leader of its Jewish community.

February 14 – The Labodas of Fort Myers

They came to Fort Myers as pioneers in 1965. The very first oral surgeon of the region, Laboda’s mother co-started the local Hadassah Chapter, and his wife, the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte counties.

February 21 – Elena Rosner, When Destiny Called

A Holocaust survivor talked Marco Island developer into granting her a plot that was designated as “church” to start up a Jewish temple.

February 28 – Judith and Samuel Friedland, The Power of Two

Dr. Judith and Samuel Friedland moved to Naples and found success in their professional careers, Jewish community and beyond.

If you have a suggestion for the next Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneer story, please email office@jhsswf.org.

We thank you for your unwavering support of this small, all-volunteer, local organization.