On This Day in Jekyll History…

June 29, 1840 Jekyll Island Club Member Charles Stewart Maurice is born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

Charles Stewart Maurice, Image Courtesy of the Jekyll Island Museum

Charles Stewart Maurice was born to Charles Frazier Maurice - an educator who opened a private school which merged with the Mt. Pleasant Military Academy in Ossining, NY- and Cornelia Joline. Charles Stewart attended his father’s school and in 1858 entered Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, graduating in 1861 as Phi Beta Kappa and class Salutatorian. From there, he enrolled in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) for marine engineering, taking sophomore and junior classes in one year.

In 1862 he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as 3rd Assistant Engineer until the end of the Civil War in 1865. Turning down an Assistant Professorship in Math at the U.S. Naval Academy, Maurice started his business career as an Engineer for the Lower Hudson Steamboat Company designing engines. He left in 1866 to open a Tannery in Athens, PA with his friend Eugene Underhill. In 1869 he sold out to his partner and returned to New York supplying lumber to the Oswego-Midland RR to build bridges.

In 1871 he formed Kellogg & Maurice, with partner Charles Kellogg, to build road and railway bridges. They became one of the pioneers in iron bridges and were the second company to build a steel bridge. Some of their bridges were; the Tombigbee River, 3rd Ave Elevated Railway in New York City, and spans in Nova Scotia and Brazil.

In 1884 Kellogg & Maurice merged with other firms to form the Union Bridge Building Co. with partners George S. Field, Edmund Hayes, Thomas C. Clarke, and Charles McDonald (Field, Hayes and Clark were also Jekyll Club members). Their bridges included; Hudson River at Poughkeepsie, NY, the Niagara Cantilever Bridge, the Ohio River Bridge at Cairo, IL, Mississippi River at Memphis, TN., and the Hawkesbury Bridge at New South Wales, Australia.

In 1869, Maurice married Charlotte Marshall. Their children were Archibald Stewart, George Holbrooke, Marian Bridge “Mamie”, Charles Frazier, Cornelia “Nina”, Charlotte Marshall, Margaret Stewart “Peg”, Albert Touzalin, and Emily Marshall. The family was very active in the Jekyll Island Club life, coming early in the season and staying late. In 1890, he built Hollybourne Cottage, which still stands today as a part of the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District.

Enjoy History?  Visit the Jekyll Island Museum, 100 Stable Road, Jekyll Island, GA www.jekyllisland.com/history

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Hot Deals at Days Inn Jekyll Island

		ESCAPE TO JEKYLL ISLAND A SPECIAL DEAL ONLY FOR OUR LOYAL RETURNING GUESTS: RATES STARTING AT $119.95 INCLUDES “TWO” COMPLIMENTARY JEKYLL ISLAND “VIP ESCAPE PASSES” **EACH ESCAPE PASS IS VALID FOR ONE ENTRY TO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING JEKYLL ISLAND ACTIVITIES: 18 HOLES OF GOLF (WITH CART); ALL DAY JEKYLL ISLAND BIKE RENTAL; MINI GOLF; 1 HOUR COURT TIME AT JI TENNIS COMPLEX; SUMMER WAVES WATER PARK; AND GEORGIA SEA TURTLE CENTER. THIS IS A SAVINGS OF WELL OVER $100.00 PER PERSON CERTAIN STIPULATIONS APPLY: LIMITED TIME AND AVAILABILITY OFFER ~ SO BOOK NOW! VALID ONLY OVER THE FOLLOWING DATES: JUNE 9 - 11, JUNE 14 ~ 21, JUNE 28 ~ JULY 1, JULY 5 & 6, JULY 29 ~ AUGUST 4, 2009 TWO NIGHT MINIMUM BOOKING REQUIRED ALL RESERVATIONS MUST BE BOOKED BY JULY 1ST GIVEN HOTEL AND ESCAPE PASSES AVAILABILITY! NOT VALID FOR EXISTING RESERVATIONS ALL RESERVATIONS REQUIRE AN ADVANCE DEPOSIT AT TIME OF BOOKING OF THE FIRST NIGHTS RATE PLUS TAX. CANCELLATION POLICY IS 72 HOURS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL FOR A FULL REFUND. ANYTHING AFTER THAT THE FIRST NIGHTS DEPOSIT IS FORFEITED CALL THE HOTEL DIRECTLY TO MAKE RESERVATIONS: 888-635-3003 (ASK FOR THE ESCAPE PACKAGE) See all of our packages!

Days Inn Jekyll Island 60 S. Beachview Drive Jekyll Island, GA 31527 Phone: 912-635-9800 Visit our website for more information or call 888-635-3003

Click on the icon to find this event on Facebook!
  
June 1- July 31 
Turtle Walks 
Explore the beach at night, and learn about the amazing journey of the loggerhead sea turtles nesting along the Georgia Coast. www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org
  
June 1 - June 30 
2009 Women’s Golf Month 
Jekyll Island offers a “Ladies Play Day” on Wednesdays for $25.00 ea. Includes 1 hour group lesson, Green Fee & cart. All participants receive one year subscription to Golf Digest! Jekyll Island Golf Course. 912-635-2368.
  
JJune 6 
Golden Isles Family Fishing Derby at Rixen Pond 
Family-friendly fishing event sponsored by DNR.
  
June 8-13 
Nest Fest Week on Jekyll Island 
A week-long celebration Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s anniversary. Educational seminars and outdoor activities all week with a finale event at the Beachdeck on the 13th.
  
June 13 
Jekyll Island Glow Ball Golf Tournament  
Play golf at night using glow-in-the-dark golf balls!
  
June 15-19 
Tournament Tough Tennis Camp I 
Junior players receive instruction to sharpen their skills. (912) 635-3154
  
June 15-19 
Summer Sea Turtle Camp 
Kids ages 6-12 learn how to be junior conservationists.

  
June 19-21 
Summer Junior Golf Camp  
Kids learn basic golf skills from a PGA pro.
  
June 20 - August 8 (Every Saturday) 
Arribada Adventures at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center 
Family program designed for turtle enthusiasts both young and old! www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org.
  

June 28, 2009 - 6:00 pm 
Sunday Dinner Dance 
Grand Dining Room of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel offers a special night of gourmet dining and ballroom dancing. Reservation required. 912-635-2600 Ext. 1002
  
July 1 - July 31 
Jekyll Island Family Golf Days  
Kids 14 and under play free with a paying adult. 912-635-2368
  

July 4th 
July 4th Celebration 
Celebrate Independence Day! Big Dawg and Paul DJ Game Show, Reverse Bungee, Bounces Houses, and lots of food. 1-877-4-JEKYLL
  
July 6-10 
Futures of the Game Tennis Camp 
Tennis camp session for beginners and intermediate players. (912) 635-3154
  
July 27-31 
Tournament Tough Tennis Camp II 

Junior players receive instruction to sharpen their skills. (912) 635-3154
  
August 21-22 
Beach Music Festival and BBQ Bash 
Dance all weekend to great beach music and sign up to be a judge of delicious bbq in the first annual BBQ Bash. www.jekyllisland.com/bmf
  
September 18 - September 20 
Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival 
A weekend celebration of two of Georgia’s most beloved foods - shrimp & grits. www.jekyllisland.com/shrimpandgrits
  

October 28 - October 30 
Georgia Florida Golf Classic  
Gather your teammates for a weekend of Georgia-Florida fun. www.jekyllisland.com/georgiaflorida

Monday, June 8 
5:30-7:00, Georgia Sea Turtle Center 
Georgia Sea Turtle Center – Two Years Later and Beyond 
Meet the staff at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for a private tour of the Center and a discussion with Dr. Terry Norton, Director of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, on success stories and accomplishments from the past two years plus their vision for the future.
FREE with paid admission to the Center. Reservations Required.
  
Tuesday, June 9 
5:30 – 7:00, Georgia Sea Turtle Center 
Turtles Are Not the Only Animals that Nest on Jekyll Island - A discussion with Jim Gertis, Beekeeper, and Lydia Thompson. 
Learn from Jim Gertis and Lydia Thompson about other animals that nest on Jekyll Island. Jim will give information on bee keeping and the natural benefits of honey. Lydia will speak on Wilson’s Plovers, savvy little birds that nest on Jekyll Island’s beaches and have a unique social structure. 
FREE with paid admission to the Center. Reservations Required
  
Wednesday, June 10 
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Georgia Sea Turtle Center 
Movie Night, Finding Nemo 
Join staff from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for a movie night at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Bring you favorite sea life stuffed animal, blanket or sleeping bag, and watch this classic under-the-seas movie. 
PLEASE NOTE: This activity is closed to registrations.
  
Thursday, June 11 
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Jekyll Island Beachdeck 
Beach Sweep 
Help us clean the Jekyll Island beach so that the sea turtles have pristine nesting grounds. 
FREE
  

Friday, June 12 
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM, Georgia Sea Turtle Center 
Breakfast with Scute and Pajama Tour 
Join the staff from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center along with Scute the Sea Turtle for a delicious breakfast and tour of the Center – in your pajamas! All kids are invited to wear their pajamas as they watch the turtles rise and shine for their day. 
$11 per person. Includes admission to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Reservations Required.
  
Saturday, June 13 
12:00 Noon – 4:00 PM, Jekyll Island Beachdeck 
Nest Fest Party at the Beachdeck 
Join the staff at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for an afternoon of interactive educational activities, arts and crafts, and fun on the beach. Vendors and exhibitors from various organizations in the Brunswick-Golden Isles region will also be present with hands-on exhibits. Kids can test their skills in the always popular Turtle Crawl obstacle course. Plus, one or more of the rehabilitated patients from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will be released. 
FREE
  
In addition to all these great activities, kids can visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and have their picture taken with Scute or vote on their favorite sea turtle patient to win Patient of the Year. Votes are accepted throughout the month of June. The winner will be announced online on July 2. For more information on any of these activities contact the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at 912-635-4444 or visit www.jekyllisland.com/nestfest.

By Michelle Kaylor
  
The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is a small to medium sized turtle found in estuaries and salt marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Cape Cod to Texas. Seven subspecies have been formally described. Malaclemys terrapin centrata, the Carolina diamondback terrapin, ranges from Cape Hatteras to northern Florida and is the subspecies that occurs in Georgia. Adult male terrapins are significantly smaller than females. Courtship and mating take place in March and April and the nesting season occurs from early May until mid July in Georgia. Nesting typically takes place during the day. The general sites selected for nesting by the terrapins are located in areas above the high tide with minimum erosion.
  
Over the last century, populations of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in coastal Georgia and other parts of their range have been adversely affected by a variety of human activities, such as coastal development, harvest for terrapin stew, drowning in commercial and recreational crab traps, and mortality on roads. Two to three hundred reproductively mature female diamondback terrapins are injured and killed by motor vehicles each year during the nesting season on the Jekyll Island causeway. The causeway is a perfect spot for the terrapins to nest because it is high ground and unlikely to flood. Unfortunately, the terrapins are not aware of the heavy automobile traffic on the causeway when they cross the road.
  
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center staff and volunteers monitor the Jekyll Island causeway during terrapin nesting season. We record the location of each terrapin found, whether it is healthy, injured or dead. This data has been instrumental in determining hot spots for terrapin crossing and nesting. We will be placing 12 artificial nest mounds in these areas to encourage the terrapins to nest without crossing the road. Through previous studies, we also determined that depredation of terrapin nests by raccoons is very common on the causeway. For this reason, we will be placing specially designed caging on top of the nest mounds that allow the terrapins to enter but keep raccoons out. This technique has proven useful in increasing nesting success in other turtle species, thus we are hopeful that it will reduce the number of terrapins being hit on the causeway.
  
Injured terrapins are transported to the GSTC for emergency care and rehabilitation. Additionally, eggs are retrieved from both injured and dead terrapins for artificial incubation, hatching and eventual release. Over one hundred terrapins were successfully hatched in 2008 and released to the marsh.
  
It is our responsibility to SLOW DOWN while driving on the causeway during terrapin nesting season and watch out for crossing terrapins. If you happen to observe a terrapin crossing the road, first make sure it is safe to pull over and get out of the car, then help the terrapin across. Carefully pick the terrapin up and place her off the road in the direction she was traveling. If you find an injured terrapin, take it off the road and call the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at 912-635-4444 as soon as possible.

GOLF June 9th-21st, 2009 Jekyll Island is proud to announce the first Summer Kids’ Golf Camp, hosted by PGA Professional Steve Godley. The camp runs from 9am-3pm each day and includes ages 8-14. Campers will receive instruction on putting, putting, bunker play, and more; in addition, camp lessons also focus on golf rules, etiquette, safety, and perseverance. Kids will learn from PGA professionals and get to play Jekyll Island’s historic golf courses. Spaces are limited and therefore on a first come, first serve basis. Parents are encouraged to attend and participate! For more information or to register online, visit www.jekyllisland.com/golf/summercamps.
  
TENNIS June 15-19, 2009 July 6-10, 2009 July 27-31, 2009 The Jekyll Island Tennis Center is excited to offer 3 different camps taught by USPTA-professionals. Kids will learn to develop individualistic styles of play and have a minimum of 5 hours of on-court instruction daily. With 3 different camps, there are options for all levels of players, and each camp session concludes with a tournament. For more information or to register online, visit www.jekyllisland.com/tennis/summercamp.

Hop aboard the Emerald Princess II Casino as the staff and crew invite you to join in the 20th Anniversary celebration. Cruising nine times a week, the Emerald Princess II is an inexpensive way to combine dinner, entertainment and a scenic cruise all into one fun afternoon or evening for just $10.00 per person.
  
A special Anniversary event is slated for June 12, where all passengers will cruise free of charge on both the morning (11 a.m.- 4 p.m.) or evening (7 p.m. – 1 a.m.) cruises. The ship will be decorated for the celebration and door prizes will be given away. Space is limited, so please call 265-7571 to make your reservations today.
Initially started in Fernandina Beach in 1989 by a few savvy business men, the Emerald Princess was so successful that the owners decided to try their luck in Brunswick in 1995. Since then, the company has become a welcomed addition in Brunswick and the Golden Isles as it employs approximately 85 employees and offers a unique entertainment venue for approximately 70,000 passengers each year.
  
The Emerald Princess II, which replaced the original casino ship in 2005, has become popular to both locals and out of town guests alike for a sensational Vegas style experience.
  
So grab some friends and join the fun on The Emerald Princess II — groups of 10 or more also find that this is a great option for reunions, corporate events and gatherings of any kind. Prepaid groups of 10 or more cruise for just $5.00 per person.
  
The Emerald Princess II is the jewel of the Golden Isles and the southeast’s premier Casino experience. Call 265-7571 for information and reservations.