Giant Shell Factory Sign - Fort Myers, Florida

These are 1960s views of the Shell Factory sign at Fort Myers, Florida. Both postcards have the same description on the back:

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!

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