Your name saw this post on The ActiveRain Real Estate Network and thought it might be of interest to you. Please see the link below to review the post.

I am Thankful for My Granddaddy, Hoke Smith Bowden of Venice, Florida
Hoke Smith Bowden, born in Enterprise, Alabama in 1906; moved to Fort Myers, Florida in 1920.  In the 1950's he opened the first Supermarket in Venice, Florida.  He was my Grandfather, and I am thankful for the Life Lessons that he taught me, and the Example that he set for me.
     Granddaddy was named for M. Hoke Smith, a powerful Southern politician who became Governor of Georgia the year after Granddaddy was born, and M. Hoke Smith's uncle, Confederate Hero General Robert Frederick Hoke. 
 
      
 
 
 
  Hoke Smith Bowden of Venice, Florida
      Everyone called him either "Smith" or "Bowden".
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
_______________________
 
     In the early 1900's, Florida was entering a financial boom.  My Grandfather's father wanted his family to profit from it.  The entire family moved to Fort Myers, Florida just after World War I.
     My Grandfather was the youngest; he was only a teenager.  He worked at the Soda Counter in a Fort Myers, Florida drug store.  Most afternoons during "the Season", three prominent American men would come in to enjoy a Coca-Cola for their afternoon break.  These men were Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone! 
 
  
 
 
   Mr. Ford, Mr. Edison, and Mr. Firestone would talk with my Grandfather while they sipped on their ... more

__________________________________________________
Are you on The Rain? Grow Your Network!