These are 1960s views of the Shell Factory sign at Fort Myers, Florida. Both postcards have the same description on the back:
In the past, there were billboards every few miles that gave the mileage to the Shell Factory. The billboards and sign were immortalized in a 1980 song recorded by Gary Link, Shell Factory Billboard Blues. The song was about a man running from a gambling debt who kept on seeing The Shell Factory sign. Don't miss this video!
Florida's newest landmark, this 52 foot spectacular, directs thousands of visitors to The Shell Factory. Located on U.S. 41, this famous attraction features sea shells and corals from all corners of the world.The Shell Factory dates back to the early 1950s. It was almost defunct when it was acquired by new owners in 1997. Since then the Shell Factory has been enlarged and had many attractions added. It is now the Shell Factory and Nature Park. An article from the Ft. Myers & Southwest Florida Magazine describes how it is now A Lot More Than Just Shells. The Shell Factory sign still appears to be basically the same.
In the past, there were billboards every few miles that gave the mileage to the Shell Factory. The billboards and sign were immortalized in a 1980 song recorded by Gary Link, Shell Factory Billboard Blues. The song was about a man running from a gambling debt who kept on seeing The Shell Factory sign. Don't miss this video!
the video was great!
ReplyDeleteI notice that though the sign has changed advertisers over the years, it has now lost the "free admission" part of the sign.
The arch has changed colour over the years. At first I though WoW! Another company that's known for it's golden arch.
ReplyDeleteI never heard of the Shell Factory before....fascinating!
ReplyDeletePostcardy: Wow! That place is still here -- it's just down the road from where we live when we're here in Florida. It's a huge kitschy gift shop but great photo ops and I have been planning to go over and take some pictures. What a surprise to see this postcard.
ReplyDeleteThese are cool pictures of the Shell Factory signs from the past and more recently. A great bit of Americana!
ReplyDeleteInteresting sign. Do they actually "make" shells? Or just gather them from the ocean and sell them here.
ReplyDeleteOh Sallie, give us more!
ReplyDeletelove the vintage.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of this. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat A Great Video! It's Lovely How These Symbols Evoke Such Strong Memories.
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