ATTRACTIONS
WILLIAMS FAMILY PHOTOS
to wire and put in boxes. When they had created enough for
a shipment, George would drive a truck to California to sell
to the shops there and pick up more abalone.
The gigantic 2 1/2-ton conch shell that sits out front was
added around 1959 and enticed tourists to take family vacation
photos by its side. Christine remembers sitting on the
shell and waving to traffic for entertainment.
“During the Bay of Pigs, the military used to drive up and
down U.S. 1 and I would wave to all the soldiers,” Christine
said. “It was such a thrill when they would wave back.”
As business increased, Jean opened up the garages and
began selling more items. Christine, who had been working
in finance and real estate in St. Lucie and Martin counties,
decided to help run the store in the ’80s when her mother
wanted to retire. With fresh eyes, she updated the look and
added more gift items and a higher-end stock of coral and
unique shells.
The shop has had a bit of a roller-coaster existence like all
Florida businesses. Busy in the ’60s and ’70s, they hit a lull as
people chose the interstate and turnpike. But as Port St. Lucie
grew and the Mets came to Tradition Field in 1988, the area
began to see a resurgence. The market and real estate crash hit
them again nine years ago but they are finally bouncing back.
“I can tell how the economy is doing by whether or not we >>
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46 Port St. Lucie Magazine
CHRISTINA TASCON
Then and now: Williams is pictured with the famous 21/2-ton concrete
conch shell, which remains a favorite photo spot for visitors.
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