A significant chapter in Fort Myers history is coming to an end with the closure of the Shell Factory & Nature Park, an 86-year-old attraction that has captivated visitors for decades. The decision to shut down was driven by unsustainable maintenance and repair costs, despite considerable investments aimed at keeping the park operational. Now, the facility’s remaining inventory is being offered through a virtual auction, allowing bidders a chance to own a piece of this historic site.
The virtual auction, held by Fort Myers Auction, provides a platform for purchasing nostalgia items and unique artifacts previously housed at the Shell Factory & Nature Park. This first auction, concluding at 7 p.m. on December 10, features more than 500 lots. Among the items are diverse selections such as toys, T-shirts, postcards, gemstones, and personalized gifts.
A special highlight of the auction is the extensive holiday decor collection, including a 7-foot Santa Claus statue, Christmas villages, and Fontanini nativity sets. These items once greeted visitors during the festive season at the park. Apart from decor, the auction also presents retailer glass display cases and metal display racks for those interested in commercial equipment.
Registered bidders can visit ShellFactoryAuction.com to view and place bids on items, which are sold ‘as-is.’ Buyers are responsible for item pickup by appointment, ensuring they are personally involved in retrieving their pieces of history.
Specific lots include a complete point-of-sale system with a cash drawer, starting at $20, and a collection of coffee mugs, beginning at $40, which had already attracted several bids by November 29. Additionally, there is a collection of 145 stuffed animal TY bears, starting at $155, with active bidding.
A second auction is scheduled for January, offering restaurant equipment, larger fixtures, and iconic Shell Factory memorabilia. This will include the well-known ‘World’s Largest Shell Factory’ sign and the ‘Tommy’s Outdoor Café’ sign. Details on this auction will be made available in the upcoming weeks.
Owner Pam Cronin expressed both sadness and hope, acknowledging the difficulty of closing yet anticipating that some items from the Shell Factory will find new homes in different restaurants and attractions, continuing to bring joy as they did at the Shell Factory.
The closure of the Shell Factory & Nature Park marks the end of an era, yet its legacy continues through the auction of its cherished artifacts. While the park itself may no longer be viable, the memories and joy it provided live on through its distributed memorabilia, ensuring its spirit endures in new surroundings.
Source: BusinessObserverFL
