Eyeing the Past open house to feature local author Tom Hall

On Saturday, December 8, Eyeing the Past Antique Mall is holding a Christmas open house for the ages from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. This not-to-be-missed event will feature:

• local author Tom Hall will be on hand to talk one-on-one about his sensational new book, Epic Fires of Fort Myers: How a Series of Early Fires Influenced the Town’s Development (as well as his previous tome, Female Pioneers of Fort Myers: Women Who Made a Difference in the City’s Development);
• a photo op with Santa for the kids from 3:00-4:00 and 5:00-7:00 p.m.;
• free verbal appraisals of that “trash or treasure?” item from your attic, closet or self-storage unit with a donation of a food item for the Harry Chapin Food Bank or an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots;
• blue light specials;
• hourly drawings;
• refreshments;
• convivial conversation; and
• good cheer!

Since 2010, Tom Hall has also served as one of the leading visual and performing art advocates and journalists in Southwest Florida. In 2011, he founded Art Southwest Florida, a one-stop directory that profiles the actors, artists, filmmakers and cultural events that are in the news in Southwest Florida each week. In addition to the more than 10,000 articles Tom has posted on Art Southwest Florida over the past 8 years, he has also published articles, features, notices and reviews in Florida Weekly, The River Weekly News, Art District Magazine, Bonita & Estero Magazine and RSW Living.

Tom’s latest book, Epic Fires of Fort Myers, not only revisits the early history of the Fort Myers Fire Department, it transports readers back in time in order to give them a glimpse into what life was really like in this locale between 1886 and 1915. Through contributions made by Acting Chief John Caufield and past chiefs Richard T. Chappelle and William H. Conrod, Epic Fires also imparts the present day life safety and fire prevention lessons that can be drawn from Fort Myers’ early blazes.

Female Pioneers draws attention to the pivotal contributions made to the town’s culture, tourism and reputation by 24 female settlers, civic leaders and business icons. In fact, were it not for Christiana Stirrup Vivas, Jane L. Hendry and Flossie Hill, there probably wouldn’t be a Fort Myers today!

A member of the Florida Association of Public Art Professionals, Tom also serves as the Public Art Consultant to the City of Fort Myers, which maintains a collection of more than 70 outdoor sculptures and other artworks. Many tell stories of historical significance, which Tom is in the process of eliciting and sharing via a free smart phone app known as Otocast.

Eyeing The Past is a multi-dealer shop that features unique items from the past and present. Its 65+ independent vendors offer painted furniture, chandeliers, collectibles, sports memorabilia, jewelry, vintage children’s toys, one-of-a-kind handcrafted holiday decorations and so much more. The inventory changes daily, so there is always something old to discover. Find that piece of nostalgia or novel stocking stuffer for the young and young-at-heart on your holiday shopping list.

Eyeing the Past is located at 1936 Commercial Drive, which is across SR 41 from the Edison Mall. The public is welcome and there is plenty of free parking. For more information, please telephone 239-275-8885.

December 3, 2018.