More Koreshan Living…Part 2
1882…Damkohler House
The founding of the Koreshan Unity Settlement in Estero, Florida, was the continuation of a movement started in Moravia, New York, in 1880 by Dr. Cyrus R. Teed. His Utopian community of 200 followers often had to contend with an unfriendly and hostile society because of their religious, scientific and cultural beliefs To find an accommodating environment, the movement relocated to the Florida frontier in 1894. Dr. Teed took the name “Koresh” the Hebrew translation for Cyrus, meaning shepherd.
1920 Vesta NewComb Cottage…
The colonists believed that the entire universe existed within a giant, hollow sphere. they conducted experiments that seemed to confirm their beliefs.
Dr. Cyrus R. Teed’s Home…
Encouraged by their visionary leader, the industrious Koreshan’s built and operated a printing facility, boat works, cement works, sawmill, bakery, store and hostelry. Education, science and art also helped shape their community. Education served and important role, not only for the children at the settlement, but also for the adult members.
Artistic endeavors included producing plays and musicals, and creating elaborate Victorian gardens.
1904 Planetary Court…
Small Machine Shop…
Another Victorian Garden…oh be still my heart!
After the death of Dr. Teed in 1908 at the age of 69, membership of his religious group began to decline.
In 1961, the four remaining members deeded 305 acres of their land to the State of Florida as a park and memorial. the Koreshan Unity Settlement Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Our beliefs couldn’t be farther from each other, but the truth be-known…I have to hand it to them the beautiful community they built together for their day in age.
If this historic site isn’t enough to grab the visual eyes, there is a nature trail meanders along the Estero River through pines, palmettos, oaks and palms. You can enjoy fishing, boating and canoeing. Young children can play on the playground located in the picnic area.
Whenever you are in South West Florida, be sure to make this one of your visits, you will be so glad you did.
Tip of the Day for Photographers/Bloggers:
What is in your camera bag?
Do you carry ALL the necessary items?
Here is a list of helpful items that could come in a handy in a pinch during a shoot…
- water bottle
- kleenex/paper towels
- safety pins & bobbie pins, clipped over the edge of bag
- bottle of aspirin
- band aids…blisters on feet
Can you think of any other helpful items a photographer might need?
Laurie
XXOO
Did you see Part 1 of the Koreshan Community?
If not, click here to view.
Pride in Photos 
Interesting!
Business cards…l always have business cards in my camera bag.
Mollyxxx
The size of the palm tree trunks is gi-normous!
I, too, have gone by this SO many times and wondered what this was all about! Thanks for taking the time to do so and thanks for the tour!
My favorite is the 2-story yellow house. I can visualize the folks sitting on the porch in their rocking chairs. What a fascinating place for photographs!
What an interesting place this is, Laurie!
Surely lots to photograph here.
These are very interesting photo’s. I’ve never heard of this group before and while my beliefs are indeed different from theirs I agree with you the community they put together is fascinating. Loving those beautiful gates to the gardens.
What a lovely post! You make me want to travel again so bad… Thanks for the dream…
Well, I take that as a lovely compliment coming from you…YOU make me want to travel internationally.
Again, great photos Laurie! AND….this post answered my question from the last post. 🙂 Estero, Florida 🙂
Kenley
Such an interesting place! Texture and character abounds in these communities, doesn’t it? Thanks for sharing.
Wow — these are just gorgeous!
I just LOVE that bridge!
Wow, wonderful collection of photos and very interesting reading. I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in Florida.
Thanks for the tour Laurie so interesting….
Great photos! Loved the one of the stacked books 🙂
Your beautiful photographs illustrate your story so well….It certainly looks like a great place to visit….
Great photos. Love the picture of the books
These are so beautiful, Laurie! I really love those bridges.
Excellent images!
These are gorgeous images. I really like the old books! Love the serenity in them all. My camera bag tip is carrying baby wipes. Great for sticky faces and runny noses on my subjects.
I loved your photographs and I wished to be there too… Thank you, love, nia
Love the shots. This looks like a great place to visit!
Wow, I love that bridge especially! Powerful images, Laurie
…deeded 305 acres to the State of Florida as a park– Thanks to theirgenerosity and kindness!
Interesting part of history…thanks so much for sharing the info as well as your beautiful captures.
A fascinating piece of history! Great photos, thanks for sharing.
Laurie,
I would love to visit this place, I especially love the old houses and the bridge is beautiful.
I also carry Chapstick in my camera bag. I need a new camera bag, any suggestions?
xo
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
For you:
This is a paperback book.
Very pleasant, the title said:
Head up particularly comforting.
Quote:
Patience is the sister of hope and the mother of serenity.
Or:
Starlight is reflected only in a quiet pond.
Sincerely Andrea and many hugs.
http://andreasch45.WordPress.com/2013/02/26/eintaschentuch-IM-Buch/
I do carry a spray bottle–just in case. Where is Utopia when we need it? Enjoyed the post.
The tropical forest looks very lush. It’d be nice to have all the privacy. I surprised the Planetary Court Building doesn’t require a railing on the second floor deck. Best not to serve cocktails up there, HA.
very interesting read. thanks for sharing
Had never heard of this society, and now I have through you. How interesting that they accomplished all that with only 200 members, but pulling together as people, we can accomplish much. Thanks for sharing. Lovely photos. 🙂
Wonderful photos, excellent captured – such an interesting atmosphere… 🙂
Oh! My Gosh! These are wonderful and such an interesting post. I love Florida!!! What’s in my camera bag that’s on your list. Nothing. . . yet! 🙂
I just love the picture of the books all stacked up!! Great pov on that!
An entertaining and informative couple of articles. Great photos too. Blessings dear Laurie from Isabella [Izzy] Rose
Such beautiful pictures.
The way these people lived certainly seems idyllic. What is attractive is the feeling of community they would have created. The leader must have been very charismatic to keep 200 people together during his lifetime.
What an industrious community. And also very sober and well behaved, I would say, if they could have an upper storey verandah with no railings. I would be terrified to be up there without any guard rail.
I like the stack of books picture. These old books look fascinating. I am wondering about their contents. I think those items you mentioned in the camera bag could become handy for non photographic purpose too.