by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
In 1958 Deb McQuade (Gleason), her parents, brother Mark and sister Judi arrived on Sanibel Island in the family Chevy station wagon, which was soon converted to be a mosquito fogging vehicle. Change came quickly in so many ways as the family built cottages next to their gulf-front home, met island families at the bayside Bailey’s General Store, joined the fledgling Episcopal church, and enrolled the kids in the small schoolhouse with fewer than 30 students. Mike McQuade signed up as a volunteer fireman and Dorothy was busy with the housekeeping of their Sanibel Siesta Cottages.
The island isolation after the last ferry left at 5 p.m. was hardly noticed as islanders met for potluck suppers, square dancing, and gatherings for Hadwin Starbuck’s Saturday movie night at the Community House. Every day included fishing, shelling, and biking the quiet roadways of rural Sanibel. And this is why Deb is one of the few “go to” people on the island today if you have a history question while she volunteers at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village and chairs the City of Sanibel’s Historical Preservation Committee. If she doesn’t know the answer, she will help you find it through resources including experts like Betty Anholt and Ralph Woodring.
Gleason comments that, “At first I shied away from the position with the Historical Preservation Committee, but Sam Bailey said to me that since I had seen more island history than many that I needed to be on the committee. It’s a contribution to the community and the committee has great purpose, but it’s not always easy.” The city’s Historical Preservation Committee is charged with protecting and preserving the irreplaceable historic resources of Sanibel, among other duties – a tall order.
“I first became involved with the Historical Museum and Village when Milbrey Rushworth, long-time islander, asked for my help in the 1990s, and I learned a lot about early recorded island history from her.” For over 20 years, Gleason has been a fixture at the museum doing displays, assisting in archiving and being on hand for questions about island history as well as museum history. The museum and village has grown and evolved as they now celebrate their 40th anniversary.
Gleason has also served on the Sanibel Community House board but states that, “At some point I realized I wanted to be more involved in island history and not only community events. But I still view the House as an important link between early island pioneers and today’s community.”
But she has her concerns. “Sanibel and Captiva could be approaching the point when we become more of a resort than a residential community, and that’s a problem for our sanctuary islands. The Sanibel solution is to follow the Land Use Plan that was created almost 50 years ago, when we recognized how unique and precious our barrier island was.”
Fortunately Gleason and her family suffered only minor damage from Hurricane Ian. She reflected that, “It was so painful to lose the 1884 Lighthouse Keepers Cottages. For them to just disappear! And to lose other historical landmarks like Gray Gables, White Heron House, Island Inn, and others. So much of our history, and much of my childhood, was gone.”
Still Gleason feels hopeful. She said, “Islanders need to approach island life with wonder, patience, and humor. We live in a natural world of protected animals, birds, and plants that bring a quality to our lives like few other places offer. History helps to show us how early residents practiced resiliency and lived happily while helping neighbors in times of hardship.”
Now a realtor, Gleason held a variety of jobs in the past, at their retail business, Caloosa Canvas, front office manager during the early days of the Island Reporter and even as a landscaper on Useppa Island. She has penned a small history book with co-author Charles LeBuff, Sanibel and Captiva Islands, based on their shared love for vintage island postcards.
Deb has two sons, Nick and Greg, and has been married for 45 years to husband Brad. She dotes on her cat Buddy, who she claims, “acts more like a dog.” When asked about her hobbies she said she enjoys escapes to the mountains of North Carolina, kayaking, and softball – although Hurricane Ian destroyed her equipment and the local softball field. Her personal mantra reminds her that, “Life is good and change is inevitable, especially on a barrier island.”
Leave a Comment