CIHS author talk focuses on aviation pioneer
The Captiva Island Historical Society hosted author Benjamin Barrett for a season program, “The Spirit Behind the Spirit of St. Louis,” on Feb. 13 at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva.
The youngest of 17 grandchildren of Harold “Bix” Bixby and the “self-appointed family historian,” Barrett spoke about his grandfather and regaled attendees with some highlights from his biographical book about his grandfather’s career in aviation, entrepreneurship, conservation and public relations.
“A St. Louis native, Harold Bixby was a generous supporter of Charles Lindbergh’s solo transatlantic flight,” the CIHS reported. “In the 1920s, when our country had become fascinated by the possibilities of aviation, Harold pioneered the development of the industry, spearheading the early transpacific mail and passenger routes deep into China.”
Several of Barrett’s cousins attended the program and helped filled in details about Bixby’s life.
During his retirement on Captiva, Bixby worked with Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling on conservation issues. The two often traveled together to Tallahassee to lobby the state government to set aside land for a wildlife refuge on Sanibel. It is known today as the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
“He befriended and collaborated with ‘Ding’ Darling on conservation issues that resulted in the beginnings of the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge,” the CIHS reported. “Bixby was also one of the original three men to serve on the first commission to mitigate erosion on Captiva.”
Attendees had the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Barrett’s book.
“Although Harold Bixby’s Captiva house no longer exists, his brother Ralph Bixby’s historic house on Captiva has recently been restored to its early beginnings by the current owner,” the CIHS reported, adding that the board was able to arrange a visit for Barrett to the property. “He saw the location of the 1930s dock, built by the WPA, to accommodate the delivery of building materials to Captiva.”
“Barrett, a woodworker himself, relished seeing the original yellow pine wood floors and the original cabinets made of cypress wood,” the CIHS added. “He was able to see the place on the floor of the house where a trap door had opened onto the sea water below to allow fishing right from the inside of the house.”
The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company is the presenting sponsor for the season programs.
“Guests left the CIHS event with a renewed pride in their Captiva predecessors and a special appreciation for Harold Bixby, a true Captiva luminary,” the CIHS reported.