06/17/2026
A small donation can tell a big story.
Today, the Southwest Florida Historical Society received two pewter creamers from the former Franklin Arms Hotel in Fort Myers, generously donated by Harold Schmaltz. The pieces are stamped “Franklin Arms Hotel” and come with a remarkable connection to local history.
Harold shared that his father managed the Outrigger Lounge, his mother managed the hotel, and he worked as a bellboy and elevator operator there before elevators became automated. Together, their family’s story offers a glimpse into daily life at one of Fort Myers’ historic landmarks during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
We are grateful to Harold for preserving these artifacts and entrusting them to the Historical Society. Donations like these help us connect the objects of the past with the people and stories behind them, ensuring Southwest Florida’s history is remembered for generations to come.
Thank you, Harold, for helping keep Fort Myers history alive. ❤️
