Historical Village wraps up season of Twilight Talks
The Sanibel Historical Village held five Twilight Talks this season, with a special daytime talk added on Lighthouse Day.
Finishing up the season was Deb Gleason speaking about the Sanibel Ladies of the 50s and 60s. Gleason is chair of the city’s Historic Preservation Committee and has lived on Sanibel almost all her life. With plenty of photographs, Gleason told stories of Sanibel’s past, focusing on the women who made it possible. The audience was treated to stories of Esperanza Woodring, Daisy Mayer, Elinor Dormer, Pauline Bailey, Adelaide Bailey, and many more.
The museum also hosted Jeff Lysiak, a local journalist, who gave an afternoon presentation on Lighthouse Day. Lysiak wrote extensively about the history of the lighthouse and its refurbishing, a costly and complicated job that took some time to finish. His articles, beautifully enlarged and put on poster board, were donated to the museum and are currently on display in The Schoolhouse for White Children.
The evening Twilight Talk speaker was author and lighthouse expert Charles LeBuff. LeBuff lived on Sanibel for 47 years, during which time he completed a 32-year career as a wildlife technician with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, retiring in 1990. During his federal tenure, he and his family lived at the Sanibel Lighthouse for nearly 22 years. He was the last lighthouse resident to be assigned to work on the still functioning historic landmark. LeBuff brought stories, expertise and memories to a packed house at the old schoolhouse in the village.
Village board member Alan Lessak, who heads the Twilight Talk committee, is already at work lining up speakers for next season.
Learn more at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A full guided tour takes place at 10:30 a.m. at no additional charge and depending on the availability of a docent. The museum closes for the summer after Aug. 2 and re-opens Nov. 5. The Sanibel Historical Village is located at 950 Dunlop Road (next to BIG ARTS) and there is handicap access to all buildings. Admission is $10 for adults (18 and over). Members and children are free. For more information, call 472-4648 during museum hours or visit www.sanibelmuseum.org.