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History Bytes: “Growing Up at Port Boca Grande”

Wednesday, February 12, 2020
11:00 am

Port Boca Grande black white aerial photo

Special Guest Speaker: Milton Bell

Milton will be sharing his memories of living at the Port as a young boy riding the locomotives, pilot boats and tugs, spending time in phosphate ship engine rooms, the company store and the smells of phosphate and diesel smoke. Between the ships and trains he had the run of the port soaking up “life” at the port.

About Milton Bell

The Bell family members are descendants of the Padilla family of Cayo Costa.
The Padillas trace their area history back to the 1870’s and their descendants include the Rodriguez, Camano, Coleman, Darna, Gomez and Toledo families in addition to the Bells. Milton’s parents (Angelo Bell and Myrtle Susanna Padilla Bell) came to the island in 1926, settled at the south end of the island and raised 6 children. Born in 1950 Milton left in 1968 when he joined the Merchant Marines and since has traveled to many places in the world. He has shared his stories in local newspapers and has assisted the BGHS archivists in identifying photos and clarifying information.

Followed by refreshments.

Location: Johann Fust Library
In case of rain, History Bytes will be at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church Parish House.

Free and open to all. Donations appreciated.

U.S. Trust Bank of America
Sponsored by Bank of America

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For more information call or email us.

P.O. Box 553
Boca Grande, Florida 33921-0553

Moving Fall of 2025 to 240 Banyan St.

(941) 964-1600
info@bocagrandehistoricalsociety.com

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY CH#6860, MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352, OR VISITING www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Charities. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. TAX ID #65-0585091. 100% OF ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE USED ENTIRELY BY THE BGHS.

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