Historical village holiday exhibit to feature timelines of buildings
“Trees, Timelines, & Special Memories,” this year’s holiday exhibit at the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, will focus on the history of each of the nine historical buildings and will open on Dec. 3.
The pre-Luminary Open House will be held on Dec. 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. with free admission.
After doing extensive research on each of the village’s buildings, volunteers found that most of them were used for several different purposes before they were moved to the village grounds.
“We found it to be quite fascinating to discover each building’s history,” Board Member Gayle Pence, who headed up the project, said. “We have found each building to have a fascinating timeline.”
For example, the 1926 Bailey Store on the bay was used by three other businesses after the Baileys moved to their new store on Tarpon Bay Road in 1966 and before the 1926 store was moved to the village in the 1990s.
“After researching the timelines of each of our village buildings, we found we had some blank spaces,” she said. “We’re hoping some islanders can help fill in the blanks.”
More information is needed about The Island School of Dance, operated by Coralie Rumbold. It possibly operated at the Bailey Store building from 1969-72. Information is also needed on who occupied what was Charlotta’s Tea Room from the 1950s until it was moved to the village in 1991.
“We also would like more information on the Pirate’s Playhouse and The Schoolhouse Theatre when they occupied the 1896 Schoolhouse,” Pence said. “We would love to make copies of old report cards from the schoolhouse and playbills from the Pirate’s Playhouse and The Schoolhouse Theatre.”
The exact dates Adelaide Bailey operated The Red Pelican in the 1926 Bailey store are also sought.
“Having this additional information would enrich the knowledge we have about these people, places and things,” Executive Director Emilie Alfino said. “It’s important to fill in as many blanks as we can before the information is lost forever.”
Those with information can contact Alfino at 239-472-4648.
“Everyone at the village — and in the community — would be grateful for this knowledge,” she said.
The timelines will be on exhibit in each building. The holiday trees and exhibits will reflect the items found on them. She said it will offer a new layer of island history never before shared at the village.
“This will truly be a magnificent display of holiday trees, timelines and special memories,” Pence said.
It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. In accordance with the city’s regulations, masks are required inside the buildings. Full guided tours are available only if reserved in advance for groups of up to six, depending on docent availability. It is a precautionary measure due to COVID-19.
Admission is $10 for ages 18 and older; children and members are free.
For more information or to donate, call 239-472-4648 or visit www.sanibelmuseum.org.
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is at 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.