THEIR SHELL COLLECTION
The Shell Factory is the only place in the area that has thousands
of shells from all around the world, and the shop is located just
one hour south from Boca Grande.
Upon entry, you will find display cabinets filled with shiny
seashells, all meticulously cared for by volunteers.
Jody Van Cooney and Judy Galarcky diligently work to remove
the shells one by one, and they polish and label them each year.
One particular treasure on display is a bottle covered in coral
that is estimated to be more than 100 years old.
“We aren’t even sure what it is,” Judy said. “It could be a water
or wine bottle and we’ll never know, because who would break
this beautiful coral just to find out?”
70GASPARILLA ISLAND November/December 2018