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Francis Bailey memoir coming soon

By Staff | May 16, 2013

For more than a century the name Bailey has been virtually synonymous with Sanibel Island.

The first Bailey (Frank) arrived in 1894 at the age of 21. His son Francis has spent almost all of his 92 years on the island, grown up with it and been an integral part of the many amazing changes that have taken place over the years. He has also been a guardian of the initial charm of the island, helping preserve its natural beauty and the spirit that sets it apart from anywhere else.

Now Francis Bailey has written “My 92 Years on Sanibel,” a book that is so much more than just his memoir. It is a fascinating history of a unique barrier island. His story takes Sanibel from a small, isolated farming community to a sought-after resort destination from a place without electricity or telephones to a modern town that draws people from all over the world.

During all these years the Bailey family has been instrumental in guiding those changes while preserving the simple, unpretentious love of nature and lifestyle that defines Sanibel.

This book is the compelling story of a man, his family and his island. It is written “as told to Emilie Alfino,” an experienced writer and editor, formerly a reporter for the various Sanibel newspapers. Today she is the manager of the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, one of several island locations where “My 92 Years on Sanibel” will be sold.

Francis will launch his book at Bailey’s General Store at the corner of Periwinkle Way and Tarpon Bay Road at a date to be announced in the near future.