Seniors ‘Tested’ With History Trivia by Marco Island Historical Society

The September Lunch with Friends had 97 seniors gathered at the Marco Lutheran Church for their monthly luncheon and social networking.  

Pat and Ron Rutledge sponsored the event on behalf of the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS), with a theme of History Trivia. 

Pat Rutledge, MIHS Chief Executive Officer, remarked that “Our seniors are the fabric of Marco Island, and we thank you for all that you have done to make Marco the special place that it is.” Pat encouraged everyone to visit the Museum, “It was built by the community, and it is there for you, and we have the collection in public trust to make certain they don’t disappear.”

Pat introduced the members of the History Trivia:  Austin Bell, Curator of Collection for MIHS,who played the Host of the History Trivia Game; Ron Rutledge, Web Manager and also Pat’s better half, was in charge of the Audio-Visual unit; Heather Otis, Collections Manager, acted as Co-Host, and tallied the scores; and Lisa Consolo, Business Manager and Nancy Judd, Gift Store Manager mixed with the guests and assisted them with their questions.

Each table was considered one team and teams competed for three top prizes, which were:  a Key Marco Cat plushie, a small dolphin glass ornament and a MIHS coaster (all are also available for purchase at the MIHS gift store).  There was a total of 14 questions with two rounds of seven questions each.

Each table decided on team name, and a score keeper was designated as the team captain.  They had one minute to answer the question while Ron played the Jeopardy theme for 30 seconds each.

The excitement mounted in anticipation of the list of history trivia questions. This game format is nothing new to the guests, as Trivial Pursuit-type games are very popular and fun “brain teasers.”  

Here are samples of the History Trivia Questions – and as each question was read by the Game Host, there was a rush of excitement from the guests who knew the correct answer. For some it took a while to make that mental connection– but most guests go by Marco’s historical sites almost daily.

Question: Jim Vensel named most of the roads that now exist in Marco Island in 1964.  Which road did he name in honor of the Mackle brothers?  

Answer:  Elkcam Circle (Mackle spelled backwards).

Question: What beachfront building was Marco’s first condominium?  

Answer:  Emerald Beach.

Question: 1960s island mascot Margo the Mermaid currently resides on the grounds of what property?  

Answer:  JW Marriott (Quinn’s was also acceptable). “Margo” was known to millions of readers of the Brenda Starr reporter cartoon series featured in 72 major newspapers, and was dedicated at the Marco Beach Hotel (now JW Marriott) on December 18, 1966, by Dale Messick, nationally famous female cartoonist and creator of Brenda Starr.

Question: How long have people been living in Marco Island area? Multiple choice: a) 150 years; b) 300 years; c) 3,000 years; d) 6,000 years.  

Answer: d) 6,000 years.  “According to MIHS, as far back as 6,000 years ago, the area known as Marco Island was home to ancient civilizations. From the Calusa Indians, Spanish explorers, pirates and settlers, to the development of Marco Island as we know it today.”

Question: What material was used to pave the first roads on Marco?  

Answer:  Shells

True or false?  People drove their cars around Marco Island before the first vehicular bridge was built in 1938.  

Answer:  True. You got to Marco Island via the one-car ferry on Isles of Capri, which began service in 1912. It wasn’t until 1925 that a four-car ferry started from Isles of Capri to the docks of the Ville de Marco.

Thanks to the many sponsors of LWF – Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Al’s Pals, the YMCA and Marco Lutheran Church. Also, thanks to San Marco Catholic Church, Rev. Charles Ruoff for the Blessing.

The Marco Island Historical Society is located at: 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9 AM – 4 PM.