Historic structures receive long-awaited designation
The Estero Island Historic Society held a ceremony to designate awards for the first three historic structures at 161 Bay Road on Fort Myers Beach recently. The Town of Fort Myers Beach in conjunction with the Historic Preservation Board presented plaques for The Rain Barrel, The Annex and The Historic Cottage as part of the continuing effort to identify structures of historic significance .
Many dignitaries from the FMB Town Council, Town Staff, Historic Preservation Board, Historic Advisory Committee and past presidents of the EIHS were on hand for the distinctions.
The Jan. 19th program began with HPB Chairperson Rochelle Kay giving a flag salute/invocation and continued with Mayor Larry Kiker introducing Dr. Frank Shockey (the town’s community development director who read the history of the three structures); Dr. Leroy Hommerding (vice president of EIHS); Bill Van Duzer (HPB); and Roxie Smith (chairperson of HAC.)
“We have a rich history,” said Kiker. “It’s important that everyone understands that there are a lot of people involved in this thing. There’s a lot of thought and process in this. It distinguishes what we want to promote on our island.”
Kiker handed the plaque to Hommerding who shared a few words.
“The plaque calls attention to the reality that we have so many good people and so many noble aspirations that we’re part of what we are as a Beach community and continue to be to this day,” he said. “We’re really happy that the historic designation continues to draw attention to that.”
Those in attendance then took a short tour to each of the designated historic structures where the plaque was temporarily displayed by six of the past presidents of the EIHS (Jean Matthew and Ted Reckwerdt at The Rain Barrel; Penny Brown and Lee Melsek at The Annex; and Barbara Keene, along with Van Duzer, at The Historic Cottage. The plaques will be mounted permanently in the near future.
Refreshments were served by in the cottage afterwards. EIHS’s goal is to preserve its history and to protect its island resources for future generations as Estero Island evolves and re-develops over time.
Here is a brief description to each designated historic structure.
– The Rain Barrel – Constructed in 1946 with cypress planks; collected rain from a tin roof as a source of fresh water during 1920-50; withstood many weather events but was destroyed by Hurricane Charley in 2004; planks were donated to EIHS in 2005; reconstructed as ‘authentic replica’; last remaining rain barrel of its time.
– The Annex – built in 1960 as small beach rental cottage originally on Strandview Avenue; flat roof, asbestos siding and awning windows; one room structure with bath and kitchen nook; donated to EIHS and relocated to existing site in 2002; deck added when cottage was dedicated in 2003; serves as library, audio-visual work space and board room; visitors are welcome to view videos of island history.
– The Historic Cottage – built on Mango Street in 1921; fourth home to be built on island; constructed with cypress and hardwood Florida pine floors; rebuilt after 1944 hurricane; remembered as San Castle Kindergarten until 1992 sale and donation to EIHS; relocated to existing site in 1995; dedicated in 1997 as EIHS Nature Center.