History Matters at Seniors’ Lunch with Friends

The mission of the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) is to preserve and to share the history and heritage of Marco Island and the surrounding communities. 

MIHS is back for the second year as host for the September Lunch with Friends. On September 18, 2024, around 105 seniors gathered at the Marco Lutheran Church ready to take part in the exciting history and trivia prepared by the MIHS. For the presentation, Pat Rutledge (Chief Executive Officer) was assisted by MIHS staff April Bowden, Jennifer Cicero, Nancy Judd and Ron Rutledge. 

Lunch was sponsored by Rene and Tish Champagne (new President of the MIHS Board) who sent their apologies for not being able to attend as they were traveling. A big thanks to Chef Laura Owen of LBeeO’s Hospitality Service who prepared the delicious lunch.  

 “We are honored to be part of this celebration of all of you,” said Pat in her opening remarks. “You are at the heart of the history of Marco Island and the surrounding communities and a vital part of our living history.”  

“History is time and events and places and people from our past and our seniors have lived for a long time,” Pat added.“Some of them here in Marco and some from other parts of the country,and they have experienced a time and a place on this island and they keep it alive as a living legacy for the future. You are part of our beautiful Island’s story.” According to the 2022 U.S. Census data, the median age in Marco Island is 67.5 years young. 

MIHS showed a brief video entitled titled – “Untold Stories Island in the Sun: Marco Island.” This video is shown daily at the MIHS’s Cracker Cabin and according to Pat, “Even if you have seen it before, I know that as many times as I have seen it, I learn something new.”   

The brief history film brought back a tapestry of events and reminded viewers of that “long ago and far away” Marco Island. Pat invited the guests to pay close attention because at the end of the video, “We will ask everyone to write down one thing that they learned about Marco’s history that they did not know. The team will collect their responses and draw three at random and they will each receive a prize.” 

MIHS History Trivia – One New Thing They Learned from the Movie!  

Spanish Explorers called the Island San Marco and called the southwest shores Caxambas (place of wells) giving a valuable tip to future explorers. 

Goodland was named after the good rich black soil, not realizing that the soil was only two inches deep. 

In the early 1900s, just over 100 people were living on Marco Island. 

In 1964 the Mackle Brothers came into town with a new concept of the Future of Marco. “SEE IT AS IT WILL BE” - they sold swamp land.  

If you’ve ever wondered if it was possible to donate objects or photos from Marco Island’s past to MIHS or have something that is of historic value to add to their collection, contact Jennifer Cicero. Jennifer is the new museum collection specialist and will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. There were also cards on the table to explain the process. 

MIHS thanked all the luncheon guests with a special gift (MIHS Coffee Mug) as a token of their appreciation for being part of Marco’s living history. Also on the table were flyers announcing the 2025 Complimentary Seniors Concert on January 9, 2025, sponsored by The Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime featuring the tunes of Broadway and beyond! It will be a special evening, and Pat reminded everyone to reserve early at 239-389-6447. 

Lunch with Friends is made possible each month through a partnership with Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, YMCA of Collier County, Al’s Pals and Marco Lutheran Church.