Saturday 7/27/13 at Chokoloskee Island

Early this morning we set out for fishing.  The park manager gave us a map showing the Chokoloskee Pass leading to the Gulf, but even on high tide, the water was as low as 2 feet, and twice we almost grounded the  pontoon.  We did anchor in one spot that was bout 5 feet deep, and Bob caught a huge catfish.  We headed back to the marina to see if there was some other way we could go, and almost got grounded again.  But, by 11, it was too hot to sit in the sun, and even the catfish quit biting, so we came in. We might try getting to one of the mangrove islands right across from the marina later this evening when it is high tide again.

After lunch, we went into Everglades City to get a part for the boat trailer, and then back at Chokoloskee, we decided to visit Smallwood's Store, which we had seen from the water earlier.  I read about it before, and we've seen it before, but never actually went inside. The store, which is now a museum still owned by the Smallwoods, was the only trading post serving the island in the early pioneer days. It also served as the post office until a new one was built in town.  Edgar J. Watson, who was the outlaw who killed Belle Star, was killed there in 1910 by the locals for his alleged murders of migrant workers who worked his land, but instead of paying wages, he shot them,  and also two men who tried to squat on his land.  Visitors to the museum have reported seeing a woman in a dresser mirror, and town folk tell of hearing sounds and seeing people moving around in the museum long after it is closed for the day.  Today a local author, Rick Magers, was there for a book signing.  I enjoyed talking to him, and bought one of his books, Ghosts of Chokoloskee.  

Corey Smallwood, great grandson of the original store owner, Ted  Smallwood

It was in the 90's today, yet the breeze coming through here was cool and refreshing.

The dresser mirror where the "ghost" has appeared .

Double left click on this to enlarge to original size to read about the bedroom

In the foreground is the Smallwood's dining room table.  In the mid-ground is the author, Rick Mager, and his dogs.  He said he was doing research on his next book about the Calusa Indians, but I think he was taking a "dog nap", too.

The book signing.

Ted & me.  Must say he was very well preserved!