Garden Side Chickee Chat

The Naples Historical Society held its last Garden Side Chickee Chat of the season on Friday. The society invited Chester and Friends, a group of pioneers, their descendants, and people who know the stories themselves of how Naples came to be the charming town it is today to lecture in the scenic garden. 

One of their guest speakers, Duke Turner, enlightened the audience with humorous and detailed accounts about the origins of Naples. Duke Turner, the last member of the Turner Fishing Company, told stories of the history of Naples, his childhood memories, and the chronicles of his family’s legacy. Turner moved to Naples in 1941 and has witnessed firsthand the exciting transformation over time. Turner’s family had owned many of the successful fish houses of the time and helped boost the commercial fishing market. Turner even said, “Snook wasn’t the preferred fish to eat; my dad created the market for snook.” He also told comedic accounts of his youth, “We used to have bets on who could run through a patch of sand spurs and see who could get to the other side.” Turner’s tales left the audience awestruck and laughing.