In the years since Superstorm Sandy, which wiped out many older homes and garages full of storage, the value (sentimentally, at least) of LBI memorabilia, collectibles and assorted treasures from the past seems to have increased. When a couple of vintage 1980s Barney Dolls surfaced recently, we tracked down the man behind the doll, illustrator Bob Sebbo. The small fabric dolls were cartoon-ish representations of Ol’ Barney the Lighthouse ­- simply constructed souvenirs sold on the Island.

Sebbo, now 73, a retired school custodian and freelance commercial illustrator, lives in the tiny town of Woodruff,…