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More History of Marco Island

• 30 years ago today: May 14
• History in Motion: May 14
• Manatee Middle School students add color, history to school

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Fast facts

Captain W. T. Collier came to Marco with his family in 1870 and settled at the north end of the island. His son W. D. Collier (Captain Bill) built the Olde Marco Inn and the Marco Lodge in the latter part of the 19th century, and it was sold to Tommie and James Barfield in 1930. Margie and Alex Tasetano managed it for several years. Margie said she put up 7,500 jars of guava jelly every summer for use during the winter in the dining room, and was also famous for her garbanzo bean soup.

In the 1960s, the Mackle brothers of Deltona found the lodge in the way of their plans, and wanted to raze it. Instead, the Barfields gave the building to the Tasetanos, who moved it to Goodland. The restaurant has changed hands several times and is presently under the capable management of Michelle Balante, who bought it in 1999. It is one of Southwest Florida’s oldest structures.

What’s new with MIHS?

Three Marco Island Historical Players have been invited to participate in the 80th anniversary of the Tamiami Trail on April 26 in Everglades City.

Bill and Betsy Perdichizzi and Marion Nicolay will portray Barron Gift Collier, Tommie Barfield and Deaconess Harriet Bedell.

Representing notable people in local history, they will take positions of honor in the antique car parade at 11:30 a.m. The trio will make a cameo appearance in the new theater of the Museum of the Everglades during the afternoon program.

What’s new with the Marco Island Historical Museum?

To support the fundraising and plans for the new Historical Museum, a Museum Building Committee has been appointed with Alan Sandlin as chairman. Members include Bill Perdichizzi, Craig Woodward, Emilio Robau (RWA) and Vinnie Grasser (Marriott Construction).

This committee will focus on planning for the construction of the museum and later possibly the Living History Hall or the Museum administration building.

Here is a summary of their most recent planning.

– The leadership gift from Jon and Sonja Laidig makes it possible to construct the main museum building first.

– The Museum will be 8,100 square feet.

– Site preparation may begin as early as July and construction as early as August.

– The Living History Hall will be 4,300 square feet.

– A Museum administration building will be approximately 3,300 square feet.

– Work will be completed on the two museum support buildings as the remaining funds are secured.

Marion Nicolay and Betsy Perdichizzi of the Marco Island Historical Society are compiling this report on a weekly basis for the Eagle. Shirley Beckwith oversees the archiving of photos for MIHS.