Back in time: Historic Sanibel photographs tell story of different time and place

Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News-Press
·1 min read
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Another time. Another place.

These 10 historic Sanibel Island photographs from the state archives of Florida are exactly that − a trip back to yesteryear.

And as Sanibel continues to recover from the devastating Hurricane Ian in 2022, history will take on a new form as homes, businesses and the fourth leg of the beloved lighthouse is repaired, and a new, post-Ian Sanibel will appear. Photos (and videos) will be taken of sunsets, favorite restaurants, boats, wildlife and more.

Call it history in the making.

For now, enjoy these amazing images, some that go as far back as the beginning of the 20th century!

Lighthouse update: Putting the Sanibel Lighthouse back together: What will it cost and how long will it take?

Sanibel Lighthouse boardwalk (1947)

Boardwalk leading to Sanibel Lighthouse.
Boardwalk leading to Sanibel Lighthouse.

Shelling on Sanibel

Beachgoers and shells on the Sanibel seashore.
Beachgoers and shells on the Sanibel seashore.

Sanibel causeway (1969)

The Sanibel causeway has changed significantly since this historic photo taken in 1969.
The Sanibel causeway has changed significantly since this historic photo taken in 1969.

A boy hold a large conch shell (1948)

A boy holds a large conch shell on Sanibel Island in 1948.
A boy holds a large conch shell on Sanibel Island in 1948.

Crew loading mailbags onto the mailboat to Captiva-Sanibel Islands (1955)

Crew loading mailbags onto the mailboat to Captiva-Sanibel Islands in 1955.
Crew loading mailbags onto the mailboat to Captiva-Sanibel Islands in 1955.

Aerial view of Sanibel (circa 1930)

Aerial photo of Sanibel Island circa1930.
Aerial photo of Sanibel Island circa1930.

The "Uneeda" on the way to Sanibel in 1911

An excursion to Sanibel Island on the "Uneeda" (1911).
An excursion to Sanibel Island on the "Uneeda" (1911).

Coast Guard lighthouse keeper William England Jr. and daughter Margaret (1946)

Coast Guard lighthouse keeper William Robert "Bob" England Jr. holding his daughter Margaret in 1946.
Coast Guard lighthouse keeper William Robert "Bob" England Jr. holding his daughter Margaret in 1946.

Construction of new bridge to Sanibel Island (1963)

Construction of new bridge to Sanibel in 1963.
Construction of new bridge to Sanibel in 1963.

Ferry "Islander" carrying cars to Sanibel

Ferry "Islander" carrying cars to Sanibel Island.
Ferry "Islander" carrying cars to Sanibel Island.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Historical photos of sanibel island florida include bridge being built