By NFLS
Gleason-Schwartz Remember 1950’s Life on the Barrier Islands
Friends and “sand sisters” 65-year-old Deb Gleason of Sanibel and 67-year-old Diane Schwartz of Englewood share memories of growing up on Sanibel and Captiva in the 1950s. They both collected and sold sea shells to stores and exporters. They both lived through Hurricane Donna in 1960. And they both moved there in the second grade and attended a one-room schoolhouse. Their intertwined stories paint a vivid picture of a simpler time, a stark contrast to the bustling tourist destinations the islands are today. Their reminiscences offer a glimpse into a bygone era of island life, a time before the significant development that transformed Southwest Florida into the vibrant region it is known as today, a region that includes Naples, a city experiencing its own remarkable growth and evolution.
A Childhood Defined by Sand and Sea
Deb and Diane’s shared experiences are remarkable for their similarities. Both arrived on Sanibel Island in the second grade, their families drawn to the quiet charm and natural beauty of the barrier islands. “It was a different world,” recalls Deb, her eyes twinkling as she remembers the simplicity of their childhoods. “We didn’t have television, or even much in the way of reliable phone service. Our entertainment was the beach, the shelling, and exploring the mangroves.” Diane echoes her sentiment, adding, “Our playground was the entire island. We were free to roam, to explore, to build sandcastles that stretched as far as our imaginations would allow.”
Their days were filled with the rhythm of the tides. The girls spent hours collecting shells, a pastime that quickly evolved into a small business. “We’d spend the mornings shelling, sorting the shells by size and type, then taking our buckets to the small shops and exporters around the island,” Diane explains. “It wasn’t a lot of money, but it was enough for ice cream and candy – and that was a king’s ransom back then!” This entrepreneurial spirit, honed at a young age, reflects the resourceful nature of island life in the 1950s. The shells, a bounty from the ocean, were their currency, their connection to the local economy.
A One-Room Schoolhouse and Island Community
Their schooling was just as unique. Both attended the same one-room schoolhouse, a small structure that housed all grades. “Imagine, all the grades in one room,” Deb laughs. “It was a very close-knit community. Everyone knew everyone. We were all part of one big extended family.” The sense of community extended beyond the schoolhouse. The islanders depended on each other for everything, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support that is often absent in today’s larger, more developed communities. This sense of community, deeply rooted in shared experiences, is a defining characteristic of the memories Deb and Diane hold dear.
Their education, while rudimentary by today’s standards, instilled in them a deep appreciation for nature and a strong work ethic. The teachers, often islanders themselves, understood the realities of island life and incorporated the natural environment into their teaching methods. The lessons extended beyond the classroom walls, shaping their personalities and values in ways that continue to resonate today. This unique learning experience contributed to their resilience and adaptability, traits they carried with them into adulthood.
Hurricane Donna: A Defining Moment
Their idyllic childhoods were not without challenges. In 1960, Hurricane Donna ravaged the islands, leaving an indelible mark on the young girls’ lives. “It was terrifying,” Diane recalls, her voice still tinged with the memory of the storm’s ferocity. “The wind was howling, the rain was coming down in sheets, and the whole house was shaking.” Deb adds, “We huddled together with our families, praying it would pass. The sound of the wind and the waves will forever be etched in my memory.” The hurricane served as a harsh reminder of the power of nature and the vulnerability of island life, a lesson they carry with them to this day.
The aftermath of the hurricane brought the community together. Neighbors helped neighbors clear debris, repair homes, and rebuild their lives. The shared experience of the storm forged a deeper bond between the islanders, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the community spirit. This post-hurricane recovery effort highlights the importance of community cohesion and mutual support in the face of adversity, a testament to the strong ties that bound these islanders together. The hurricane, while a traumatic experience, also solidified their connection to the islands and their appreciation for their supportive community. The experience served as a formative moment that shaped their perspective on life and resilience.
From Island Life to the Mainland
As they grew older, both Deb and Diane eventually moved from the islands, pursuing opportunities on the mainland. Their experiences on Sanibel and Captiva, however, shaped their lives profoundly. They brought with them the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and community spirit that they had learned growing up on the islands. Their upbringing stands in stark contrast to the modern, often more transient, populations that now inhabit these areas.
While their lives have taken them to different corners of Southwest Florida – Deb to Sanibel, Diane to Englewood – their memories of those idyllic years remain vivid. They see the changes that have swept across the islands, the expansion of tourism, and the significant increase in development. They note the differences from the Collier County they remember, comparing it to the bustling Naples of today, with its refined elegance and sophisticated attractions. They also observe the growth and development in areas like Mizner Park in Naples, which stands in contrast to their simpler upbringing. The transformation reflects a broader trend across the region, as many communities embrace development and progress. However, the core values instilled in them during their formative years on Sanibel and Captiva remain deeply rooted within their hearts.
They frequently visit the islands, revisiting their favorite spots and sharing their stories with younger generations, hoping to pass on the legacy of their island childhood. Their efforts reflect a desire to preserve the memories and lessons of a bygone era, reminding everyone of the importance of community, resilience, and the deep connection to the natural world. Even the expansion of educational institutions like Florida Atlantic University (FAU), with its emphasis on environmental studies, reflects this evolving relationship between humans and nature in the region.
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