The Shell Factory, Inc., Fort Myers, Florida (image via SwellMap)

A 1960s view of the Shell Factory sign at Fort Myers, Florida. The postcard’s 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.

i have so many childhood memories here, and when i went last year i knew they didn’t have much time left with us. hurricane ian really took a lot of the magic away, and they weren’t able to recover.

ARTIST: Louise Bourgeois (French, 1911-2010) WORK: The Welcoming Hands