Visions of the Past (2015): A Walk Through History in the Preserve
After the Civil War in the late 1800's, veterans
began to homestead land on Estero Island.
Pirates such as the one shown here often stayed
on Estero Island while in hiding during the 1700's.
1920's Pioneers are shown here. He is a
descendant of first settler, Sam Ellis, in 1870.  
The Koreshans, a communal sect, owned
much of Estero Island at one time in the
early 1900's.
Fort Myers Beach
Lee County, Florida
To protect, enhance, and educate about the Preserve
About 150 time travelers went back in time on March 7th, 2015, on guided walks to see the Calusa,
Spanish, Pirate, Homesteaders, Koreshans, and Pioneers.  As in previous years, the program
involved directed walks through the Preserve stopping at each of six different stations where
re-enactors presented information on the various groups that have called Estero Island home. Below
are some photos from this event. Check out our Facebook page for more photos.
(Left) The Calusa
tribe that
inhabited SW
Florida including
Estero Island
until the 1600's
when diseases
brought by the
Spanish killed
them off.
Spanish explorers searching for gold and the
Fountain of Youth visited Estero Island. In fact,
Ponce de Leon was killed by the Calusas near here.
Restaurant, Friends of Matanzas Pass Preserve, Red Coconut RV Resort, and Estero Island Historic Society.

Positioned in the Preserve were our story tellers: Rob Rosenberger (Calusa), Glen Upton  and Coleen Curtis
(Spanish), Carmine Pachino (Pirate), Jim Rodwell and Miffy Greer (Homesteaders), Jeannie Thompson and
Mary Ann Wesley (Koreshans) and AJ Bassett and Jack Underhill (Pioneers).  Providing additional
information were our guides: Terry Cain, Pat Feinstein, Mick Curtis, Tree Andre, Chuck Schmidt, Gini Smith,
and Mike Leising.

Dick Workman was kind enough to teach basket weaving and working with natural fibers to folks as they
passed by. All Native Nursery donated native plants as well. Our vendors were Heirloom Seeds, Esmie’s
Cabinet, Recyclable Art, and the Friends of Matanzas Pass Preserve selling snacks.  Other volunteers were Tim
Murphy, Vicki Little, Diane Jones, Betty Layberger, Joan and Tim Morris, Ann Alsop, Betty Simpson, Kathy
Light (and her guests), and a Park Ranger, Vanessa Allen and  several of the Parks and Recreation staff who
care for the Preserve (Dan Curran and Andrew Fortier).

And many thanks to Andrew Payne (Lee County Parks and Recreation) for his coordinating help. Dorothy
Rodwell chaired this year's event.

Thanks to everyone who attended!