Historical Village to host ‘Twilight Talk’ on the Baileys
The Historical Village will kick off their seasonal “Twilight Talk” series with a couple familiar faces.
On Thursday, Jan. 16, Richard Johnson and Mary Mead Bailey Johnson will join islanders in the old store at the Historical Village for a Twilight Talk from 7 to 8 p.m.
“We’ll be talking about old times, how the store began,” Johnson said. “And some stories told to us by the Bailey brothers. Walking up Bailey Road in 1926. And there will be a few surprises!”
While this event is already sold out, Museum Manager Emilie Alfino said she has a waiting list just in case.
“They were very popular in the past, and we were especially anxious to have Richard and Mead to speak,” she said.
Upcoming Twilight Talks include island historian Betty Anholt on Feb. 26, SCCF’s Kristie Anders on March 19, and Sanibel Historic Preservation Committee chair Deborah Gleason on April 9.
Representing the third generation of ownership/operation of Bailey’s General Store, Mary Mead, as her family knows her, is one of Francis Bailey Jr.’s five children. She grew up on Sanibel in the “Homestead,” sometimes called the “Green House,” as her family home. She had mangy memories there of growing up on the islands. Mary Mead graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a degree in marine technology and the University of North Florida with a degree in environmental science.
Richard graduated from Jacksonville University Davis School of Business with a degree in business management. He arrived on Sanibel just after Hurricane Charley and witnessed first hand the island at one of its worst points, but the community at one of its best. Since then, the island bug bit him. He is involved in the community through numerous nonprofits, including FISH, CHR, and others.
The price is $5, or free for museum members. It’s encouraged to pick up and purchase tickets prior to the event. Tickets for future Twilight Talks are available in the old Bailey’s General Store in the village during museum hours, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Emilie Alfino to reserve seats or for more information at 472-4648.
The village is located at 950 Dunlop Road (next to BIG ARTS). Admission is $10 for adults 18 and older; those under 18 and members are free. Docent-guided tours are available at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at no extra charge, based upon docent availability. There is handicap access to all buildings. Admission for entrance to the Gift Shop only is free. For information, call 472-4648 during business hours or visit sanibelmuseum.org.