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Several people stand on a sand path near the Sisters Hotel.

Hal Tayntor swings on the porch of his family's winter quarters on Sanibel at the Sisters Hotel.

Beach motel on Sanibel Gulf beach in 1953.

The open nature of the grounds at resorts like Casa Ybel is clear in this image.

A view down the beach to Casa Ybel Resort in the spring of 1961.

The first Sanibel Shell shows were competitions between the winter residents at the Sisters Hotel (later Casa Ybel Resort) and the Matthews Hotel (later the Island Inn) a couple of miles west along the beach. By 1909 the competitions were being reported in the Fort Myers newspaper, and attracted people to see the exhibits. This early exhibit includes Lion's Paws, in front of the woman, possible the Tayntor's.

Unmarked postcard of an illustration of "Sherrard's Dixie Belle Inn." Text on the back notes that the inn is "12 Miles South of Miami on U.S. No. 1" and that it is famous for its "Native Sea Foods" and other food.

The Barnes family was known for elegance at the Sisters Hotel (later Casa Ybel Resort), as their dining room set up shows. They decorated with native materials, had fashion shows and parades, contests, and parties, including shell shows.

A view of the Sisters Hotel complex between 1895 and 1900 shows the church at far right with the newly built Thistle Lodge next to it. Thistle Lodge was built as a wedding present when Edward Duncan married Georgia Barnes.