On November 18 the Captiva Island Historical Society revived the Spirit of 'Tween Waters Inn's Dottie Price Wakefield to celebrate a historic treasure of Captiva, ‘Tween Waters Inn.

A sold-out audience enjoyed a double celebration: showcasing the newly renovated Old Captiva House restaurant at ‘Tween Waters Inn and kicking off the events for the season of the CIHS.  The restaurant provided a dazzling setting for a sumptuous buffet dinner, and entertainment with a historical slant.

CIHS engaged the spirit of the late Dottie Wakefield, the daughter of Bowman and Grace Price, the founders of ‘Tween Waters Inn, and long-time owner of the historic property.  

In a carefully researched monolog, “Dottie” highlighted memories of her beloved Inn; the actress Dena Galyean truly inhabited the warm, salty character of Dottie herself, while she wove among the tables, as if she owned the place.

Video of "Dottie" can be viewed by clicking the button at bottom of the of the page. 

Tony Lapi, President and CEO of Rochester Resorts, the owners of ‘Tween Waters since the late ’70's, and the newest CIHS Board member, complemented Dottie’s theatrical performance with comments about his 40-plus years as General Manager of the resort.  He recalled lively escapades of his long collaboration with Dottie Wakefield.


With the first signature appearing in their guest book in 1931, today ‘Tween Waters Inn still features several cottages and a portion of the dining room dating back to their original construction, circa 1930-40.

In 2011, ’Tween Waters Inn was the first of three Captiva Island landmarks included in the National Register of Historic Places.

Tom Libonate, President of the CIHS Board, concluded the evening by unveiling the schedule of events planned by the Captiva Island Historical Society. The evening honored the history of Captiva Island, as it celebrated the new look of the Old Captiva House, and the 2019-2020 events of CIHS: it perpetuates history at the same time it gives a nod forward to events coming soon.

DOTTIE VDEO