Campbell’s Sea Chest To Have Formal Opening – Port Isabel Historical Museum

WILL OPEN TOMORROW – Campbell’s Sea Chest across from the lighthouse will have their formal opening tomorrow, Saturday, and will give many door prizes to adults, bubble gum and balloons to all children accompanied by their parents: Many interesting items are displayed in this new store. (Staff Photo)

Campbell’s Sea Chest To Have Formal Opening
Reprinted from the Port Isabel Press
January 29, 1954

Campbell’s Sea Chest will open in the new location opposite the Lighthouse Saturday, January 30. The Sea Chest is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Roland Campbell.

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell came to Port Isabel six years ago and opened a “shell shop” in the Colley Boat building. Now the new building has just been completed, giving more room for displaying merchandise, as well as offering many other conveniences to their customers.

Interior of Campbell’s Sea Chest, possibly at the original location in the Colley Boat building.

The building is 24 x 64 feet and the displays will include shells from all over the world – over 800 different varieties. The Sea Chest also carries a complete line of gift novelties.

Mrs. Campbell does all her own shell work, making the many different shell items on display in the store.

Mr. Campbell is a retired postal service employee, having put in 32 years at this work in Kansas City, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell moved to Port Isabel shortly after his retirement in order to enjoy the wonderful climate offered here.

During the formal opening many lovely door prizes will be given and there will be bubblegum and balloons for all kiddies who are accompanied by their parents.

Post 1954, The Shell Shop, Campbell’s Sea Chest, has added signage and displays to the store front.

The original location of Campbell’s Sea Chest at the end of Garcia St. in the Colley Boat Building. Late 1940s.