The kitchen staff at Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel gather around the table in the early 1950s. At far left is Queenie Hearst, with Chef Ernest next to her. Second on the right is Charlie Hearst.
A couple from Casa Ybel with a sheepshead caught in Tarpon Bay on Sanibel. The "Cut" in the mangrove wall forming Tarpon Bay is visible over the man's left shoulder.
Many Sanibel visitors also explored the mainland, one popular visit being to Alva and the English family that lived in the community there. This photo may be of the dock on the Caloosahatchee at Alva.
A portion of the Sanibel Slough near the Casa Ybel Resort. The largely interconnecting freshwater sloughs on Sanibel created distinctive wildlife habitat and allowed early farming because of their freshwater availability.
A portion of the Sanibel Slough near the Casa Ybel Resort. The largely interconnecting freshwater sloughs on Sanibel created distinctive wildlife habitat and allowed early farming because of their freshwater availability.
A portion of the Sanibel Slough near the Casa Ybel Resort. The largely interconnecting freshwater sloughs on Sanibel created distinctive wildlife habitat and allowed early farming because of their freshwater availability.
The first Sanibel Shell shows were competitions between the winter residents at the Sisters Hotel (later Casa Ybel Resort) and the Matthews Hotel (later the Island Inn) a couple of miles west along the beach. By 1909 the competitions were being reported in the Fort Myers newspaper, and attracted people to see the exhibits. This early exhibit includes Lion's Paws, in front of the woman, possible the Tayntor's.