Nov 1 G.E.O.R.G.I.A. Shell Bagging Event
Help preserve Georgia’s coastlines by donating and bagging oyster shells. 912-264-7323

Nov 8 Father-Daughter Purity Ball
Jekyll Island Convention Center. Call 912-466-0891

Nov 12 Chef’s Demonstration
Traditional ThanksgivingChef Lewie Mashburn demonstrates the preparation of several courses for this “Traditional Thanksgiving” culinary event. 1:30 p.m. at Jekyll Island Club Hotel. $30.00 per personReservations are required: 912-635-2600Contact number for information: 912-635-2600 www.jekyllclub.com

Nov 22 Joyful Noise Honor Choir Performance
Hartley Auditorium, Jekyll Island Convention Center 877-4-JEKYLL

Nov 25 Wanderer Memorial Dedication Ceremony
A 150 Year Commemorative Event in Remembrance of the Enslaved African Survivors of the Wanderer. 4:30 pm at St Andrews Picnic Area. Jekyll Island Museum 912-635-4036

Nov 27 Thanksgiving Day Feasts
A bountiful Thanksgiving Day Brunch will be presented in the Grand Dining Room (11:00 am – 2:00 pm) and at the Courtyard at Crane (11:30 am – 2:30 p.m.). The Grand Dining Room also serves Thanksgiving Dinner from 6:00 -10:00 pm. Jekyll Island Club HotelReservations are required: 912-635-2600 www.jekyllclub.com

Nov 29 Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
Takes place in the Jekyll Island Landmark Historic District, starting at 4:30 p.m.Lighting of the Christmas tree and fireworks finale at 7:30 p.m.

Nov 29 - Jan 1 Holiday Island
Jekyll Island is transformed into Holiday Island with month long festivities including Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. Call 877-4-JEKYLL

Dec 1 Holiday High Tea
Tea sandwiches, savory, warm scones with fruit compote, and exquisite petite pastries complement the perfect cup of tea served in the hotel’s Grand Dining Room. Instrumental music of the season adds to the delight of this holiday affair.4:00 p.m. at Jekyll Island Club HotelReservations are required: 912-635-2600 www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 4 “The Gift of the Magi” and Other Christmas Stories.
7:30 p.m. at Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Cost: $10.00. Reservations are required.912-635-2600 or visit www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 6 Gingerville - a Family Gingerbread House Making Workshop.
This 2-hour workshop is led by famous pastry chefs. 10:00 a.m. at Jekyll Island Club Hotel. $25.00 per person, or $35.00 per family (up to 4 people)Reservations are required.912-635-2600 or visit www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 6 - Dec 31 The Holidays in History Tour
Experience the holidays from the Victorian Era to the Jazz Age! Jekyll Island Museum912-635-4036 or www.jekyllisland.com

Dec 6 G.E.O.R.G.I.A. Shell Bagging Event
Help preserve Georgia’s coastlines by donating and bagging oyster shells. 912-264-7323

Dec 6-7 Golden Isles Chess
Island Convention Center www.goldenisleschess.com

Dec 6-7 Festive 3v3 Challenge.
Soccer tournament at Jekyll Island Soccer Complex www.goldenislesoccer.com

Dec 9 Holiday High Tea
at 4:00 p.m. at Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Cost: $30.00.Reservations are required: 912-635-2600 www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 10 Holiday High Tea
at 4:00 p.m. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Cost: $30.00. Reservations are required: 912-635-2600 www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 13 A Dickens Feast
Follow the merrymakers into the Grand Dining Room for a holiday feast and musical dinner theatre. 7:30 p.m. at Jekyll Island Club HotelCost: $100.00 per person. Reservations are required: 912-635-2600 www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 13 Christmas Open House at Days Inn
Local children’s chorale performing holiday favorites; Seasonal Storytelling and festive culinary delights from 5pm-7pm. Free with a donation of non-perishable food item.For more information call 912-635-9800

Dec 14 Santa at Crane Cottage
Jolly Old St. Nick welcomes children to Crane Cottage with a great big “Ho-ho-ho” and an invitation to share their Christmas wishes. A photographer is available to capture the moment. 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Free, fee for pictures. Reservations not required.912-635-2600 or www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 19 – 24 Bagpiper Heralds the Winter
Scottish bagpiper Tim Akins heralds the season at the Club and then down by the Jekyll River. He pipes each evening of Christmas week. 4:00 p.m. at Club Area of the Historic District. Reservations are not required.912-635-2600 or www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 19, 20, 26 and 27 Evening Holiday Movies
There are plenty of easy chairs and hot popcorn for everyone at the “living room theatre” tonight. See “Miracle on 34th Street,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Going My Way,” or other great movies of the season. 7:30 p.m. at Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Cost: $5.00. Reservations are required: 912-635-2600 www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 21 A Medieval Christmas Concert at Faith Chapel
The Goliards, a quintet of musicians from Savannah, perform a concert of ancient music on lute, harp, vielle, recorder and drums. The haunting beauty of this performance promises to be a highlight of the season.7:30 p.m. at Faith Chapel. Cost: $10.00Reservations are required: 912-635-2600. www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 21 Las Posadas
Celebrate Mexican-American Heritage during this special celebration at Jekyll Island Convention Center. For more information call 877-4 -JEKYLL

Dec 22, 23, 24 Matinee Holiday Movies
Enjoy one of these favorite holiday movies: “The Polar Express,” “Charlie Brown Christmas,” or “How Many More Minutes Until Christmas,” plus selected shorts. 3:00 pm Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Cost: $5.00. Reservations are required: 912-635-2600. www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 23 Caroling at the Club
This relaxed family sing-along in the DuBignon Room is led by Tom Sarcona and accompanied by guitarists James and Sylvia Kalal. Afterwards guests enjoy cookies and Christmas punch. Alcoholic beverages are available for a charge in the Boar’s Head Lobby. 5:00 p.m. at Jekyll Island Club Hotel.Reservations are not required. 912-635-2600 or www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 25 Christmas Day Feasts
A bountiful Christmas Day Brunch will be presented in the Grand Dining Room (11:00 am – 2:00 pm) and at the Courtyard at Crane (11:30 am – 2:30 p.m.). Enjoy a vast array of salads and appetizers, omelets and waffles, carving stations, a variety of vegetables and accompaniments, and splendid desserts.The Grand Dining Room also serves Christmas Dinner from 6:00 -10:00 pm.Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Reservations are required: 912-635-2600 or www.jekyllclub.com

Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Celebrations
There’s a party for everyone at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. The Grand Dining Room has two seatings, 6:00 pm and 9:30 pm, where guests enjoy a fabulous five-course meal with the piano accompaniment of Wayne Tate. Then ring in the New Year with the big band sounds of the Marc Dickman Orchestra from 9:30 pm – 1:00 am. Courtyard at Crane presents an elaborate meal prepared for the occasion by the Executive Chef. Dance the old year away to the high-energy DJ sounds of Tommy Tucker of Dance Jammers at 9:30 pm. A la carte seating 6:00 and 8:00 pm. All festivities include party favors and champagne toast at midnight. Jekyll Island Club Hotel Reservations are required: 912-635-2600 or www.jekyllclub.com

January 1 - January 3 Bluegrass Festival.
32nd annual New Years Bluegrass Festival on Jekyll Island! 1-877-4JEKYLL or visit www.aandabluegrass.com

January 1 - February 28 Island Treasures
Jekyll Island commissions a group of highly skilled artisans from across the U.S. to create an array of stunning, hand-worked glass creations. During this 2 month long program, “Beach Buddies” hide these floats along the beaches for lucky visitors to find. 877-4 -JEKYLL or www.jekyllisland.com/islandtreasures

Tags: Christmas, club, events, golf, holiday, hotel, jekyll island, plus fours
Posted in Beachscape, November/December 2008 | No Comments »

A 150 Year Commemorative Event
By Andrea Marroquin

On the morning of November 28, 1858, a yacht anchored on the south end of Jekyll Island, and approximately 409 enslaved Africans were rowed ashore. For six weeks, they had been held captive, flying the pennant of the New York Yacht Club. This was the Wanderer, the last known slave ship to land in Georgia and the last successful slaving expedition known to have reached the United States.

On November 25, 2008, at 4:30 p.m., the Jekyll Island Museum will present a new exhibit and a commemorative program dedicated to the enslaved Africans who were the survivors of that Middle Passage. The exhibit and ceremony will be at the St. Andrew’s Picnic Area on the South End of Jekyll Island around where the vessel is believed to have landed.
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Friends of Historic Jekyll Island, the project was completed in time for the 150th anniversary of the landing.

“We want to respectfully remember the enslaved Africans who made it to shore that day for the survivors that they were and for all of the remarkable culture and heritage that they passed on to us here in Coastal Georgia,” says John Hunter, the Director of the Jekyll Island Museum. “We hope that both the exhibit and the ceremony will capture that intent.”

Three billowing sails and three text panels will tell the story of the Wanderer. The steel sails are roughly 12 feet tall, and through them we can begin to see the beauty of the vessel’s form as well as the cold hard reality of slavery.

Erik Calonius, journalist and author of a book on The Wanderer, will provide some brief introductorion. The memorial dedication ceremony will also feature traditional songs from the shout, performed by the Darien Shouters.

Also, living historian will present a dramatic interpretation of the landing from the perspective of the survivors. Denise White Fields will also speak. Her travelling exhibit of over 3,000 artifacts dating from pre-enslavement to the present has been recognized by the National Park Service for its significant contributions to the understanding of the Underground Railroad in American history and is part of the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Selections from this exhibit will be on display at the event.

“It would be great to see this region become a Plymouth Rock, celebrating Gullah-Geechee culture and heritage and drawing visitors from around the country, “says Fields.
“This work is so vitally important,” she continued. “Everyone needs a place where they can learn about their past and see that their history is valued. I hope a lot of people come out to support this event.”

Tags: Amir Jamal Toure, Darien, Denise White Fields, Erik Calonius, exhibit, gullah-geechee, jekyll island, museum, St. Andrew's Picnic Area, the Wanderer
Posted in Beachscape, November/December 2008 | No Comments »

Christmas comes to the coast as Jekyll Island rings in the holiday season with Holiday Island. Festivities begin with the annual Jekyll Island Christmas Tree Lighting Festival on November 29 and continue throughout the month of December. Guests will enjoy numerous musical performances, special holiday history tours, appearances by Santa and many more holiday treats.

Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
This year’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival will showcase the historic aspect of the Christmas during the Club Hotel era as well as local talent from Brunswick and the Golden Isles. Activities begin at 4:30 PM and continue until the lighting of the Christmas tree and fireworks finale at 7:30 PM. Entertainment will include local dance troupes, musical ensembles, and historical re-enactors. In addition, kids will also enjoy arts and crafts activities, pictures with Santa, hay rides and, of course, lots of snow! This family-friendly evening of events has become a Georgia Coast tradition, and is always a wonderful way to start the Christmas season.

More Holiday Activities
Following the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival, guests can participate in an array of activities throughout the months of November and December. Kids and adults alike will enjoy Christmas concerts at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, the Days Inn, and Faith Chapel. Special Christmas tours of Jekyll Island’s historic cottages will be offered by the Jekyll Island Museum. Santa will make an additional appearance at Crane Cottage, and guests can join in an evening of caroling at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

More information about these events and a full listing of Jekyll Island holiday activities can be found at www.jekyllisland.com/holidayisland or by calling the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at 1-877-4-JEKYLL.

Holiday Activities on Jekyll Island Begin with

the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival November 29

Tags: brunswick, Christmas, club hotel, crane, golden isles, holiday, jekyll island, santa, tours, tree lighting, visitor
Posted in Beachscape, November/December 2008 | No Comments »

Due to the popularity of “The Holidays in History” tour offered the past two years, the Jekyll Island Museum has expanded what was just a weekend program into a showcase for the entire month of December. “The Holidays in History” tour will provide snapshots of celebrations of the Christmas season in America through time.

Tours will begin at the Jekyll Island Museum on Stable Road, with a guide shepherding small groups of guests through the centuries by tram. They will venture throughout the 240-acre Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District, richly decorated for the season.

Along the path through time, visitors hear holiday tunes of the past in celebration of the eras they travel through, from Victorian times through the Jazz Age. They also interact with a period character along their travel route.

Visitors might encounter John Eugene or Alice Dubignon, filled with holiday spirit, during the time when their family owned Jekyll Island in its entirety. They might bump into Head Housekeeper Minnie Schuppan, or Club Superintendent Ernest Grob, readying a cottage for the Club Members’ arrival. They might visit with a Rockefeller maid, cranking up an Edison Diamond Disk player for Christmas Carols in the parlor. Or, they might be entertained by Emily Maurice on the morning of her December wedding breakfast at Hollybourne Cottage.

The Holidays in History program will be offered daily, December 6-31, 2008 at 11:00 am,1:00 pm, & 3:00 pm. The rate for this special seasonal tour is $16 for Adults, $7 for Children 6-12, and Free Under 6.

Coming back to sneak a peak inside some of the museum’s other decorated cottages? Hoping to meet a different costumed character? The Jekyll Island Museum offers a special discounted rate of $5 per person for a “second day” tour, so that guests can visit multiple cottages during the course of their stay. For more information contact the Jekyll Island Museum at (912) 635-4036.

Tags: Christmas, Dubignon, Holidays in History tour, Hollybourne, jekyll island, Landmark District, museum, rockefeller
Posted in Beachscape, November/December 2008 | No Comments »

An Angry Drum Echoed: Mary Musgrove, Queen of the Creeks
by Pamela Mueller

Join master storyteller Pamela Bauer Mueller as she recounts an unforgettable period in Georgia colonial history through the eyes of one of its key players. As Pocahontas was to Jamestown and Sacajawea was to the Lewis and Clark expedition, so was Mary Musgrove to the burgeoning Georgia colony. Based on the true story of Mary Musgrove, this historical fiction relates her vital role in two worlds. Born “Coosaponakeesa” to a Creek mother and an English father, she skillfully straddled two worlds: her Indian heritage and the English way of life. Through her influence with the Indian tribes, Mary encouraged the chiefs to meet with General Oglethorpe in Savannah, leading to the peaceful establishment of an English colony in Indian territory.

As General Ogelthorpe’s interpreter and emissary to the Indians, Mary Musgrove smoothed the path to cooperation between the Creeks and the colonist, perhaps single-handedly insuring the survival of the colony of Georgia. Arguably the most important woman in the history of Georgia, Mary Musgrove guided the Creek nation through the treacherous waters of international intrigue during the dramatic conquest of a hemisphere. An excellent read for the young adult reader and any coastal Georgia history buff.


Jekyll Books at The Old Infirmary is pleased to release its annual holiday gift guide with recommended regional books and gifts for everyone on your gift list! All items are available at Jekyll Books at the Old Infirmary located at 101 Old Plantation Road in the Landmark Historic District at the corner of Shell and Stable Roads. Orders may be placed by calling 912-635-3077. Look for our holiday catalog with many other great ideas for this gift giving season and remember to stop by the store for great bargains and special events this Thanksgiving at our annual Thanksgiving Sale and Extravaganza to be held the entire week of Thanksgiving!

Tags: Creek, General Oglethorpe, Georgia colonial history, mary musgrove, Pamela Bauer Mueller, Savannah
Posted in Beachscape, November/December 2008 | No Comments »

The Jekyll Island Museum is pleased to present its 2008 holiday ornament, the third in its collectible ornament series. This year’s three-dimensional edition portrays the Jekyll Island Clubhouse as it appeared when it was originally constructed.

“We thought it would be special for this ornament to reflect the original design of the Clubhouse, since this building has been modified several times over the years,” said John Hunter, the Director of the Jekyll Island Museum.

Noted Chicago architect Charles Alexander designed the Jekyll Island Clubhouse. The four-story Queen Anne Style structure emphasized simplicity of style and harmony with the environment. It featured 60 guest rooms, dining facilities, reading and game rooms, a barbershop, and spacious views.
Completed in 1887, the Clubhouse hosted the Pulitzers, Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and their peers. From the beginning, the Clubhouse was declared “a model of comfort and elegance.”

History was made over drinks in the parlor and sumptuous meals in the dining room. The Federal Reserve Act was first envisioned at the Clubhouse in 1910. In 1915, AT&T President Theodore Vail participated in the first transcontinental phone call from its well-appointed chambers.
Although the Jekyll Island Club Era came to an end, in time the Clubhouse would be returned to its original grandeur. The Clubhouse now serves as a model for successful public-private partnerships in historic preservation.

Wes Gruenke, the Jekyll Island Museum Store Manager, said the 2008 ornaments are currently in stock and available for purchase.
“The 2008 Clubhouse Ornament makes a thoughtful gift for all those who have marveled at the beauty of the historic district through the years, enjoyed a luxurious stay at the Club Hotel, or enjoyed Christmastime on the island,” Gruenke said. “They are a great Jekyll Island keepsake.”

In addition to the 2008 Clubhouse Ornament, two other ornaments are currently available in the collectible series, Gruenke noted. These ornaments portray Hollybourne Cottage and Faith Chapel.
All three ornaments are available for purchase at the Jekyll Island Museum Store at 100 Stable Road, (912) 635-4168. They are also available online at www.jekyllisland.com

Tags: club, Clubhouse, collectible, faith chapel, holiday, Hollybourne Cottage, jekyll island, museum, ornament
Posted in Beachscape, November/December 2008 | No Comments »

On November 22 Jekyll Island Pottery Guild is holding the First Open House at Goodyear Cottage in the Historic District. There will be lots of original pottery for sale in all price ranges, as well as pottery throwing demonstrations, refreshments and the opportunity to decorate your own pot at an outdoor Raku firing.
Many of Jekyll’s well known potters, some of whom have been featured exhibitors at the Jekyll Island Art Association’s gallery, will be in attendance and have pieces for sale.

Don’t miss this opportunity to do some holiday shopping, watch pottery throwing, decorate your own pot, enjoy some delicious refreshments and have a great Jekyll day! Everyone is welcome and admission is free. The Pottery Guild, founded in 1976, is part of the Jekyll Island Arts Association, whose art gallery and shop are also located in Goodyear Cottage, and will be open as usual that day. 912-635-3920

Tags: art, gallery, goodyear cottage, historic district, jekyll island, pottery
Posted in Beachscape, November/December 2008 | No Comments »

December 13, 2008Right out of the annals of Victorian literature and into the Grand Dining Room of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel comes Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol December 13th. This musical dinner theatre version is “the best of times.” A gourmet dinner Dickens himself would have approved, the musical performance by a lively acting company from Atlanta, and the Grand Dining Room itself join forces for an evening of delightful merrymaking.Decorated in all its Christmas finery with the fragrance of live greenery in the air, the Hotel is never lovelier than during the holiday season. With its Victorian ambience, the dining room seems the perfect place for a tribute to Charles Dickens.Guests gather in the Boar’s Head Lobby between 7:00 and 7:15 p.m. to meet each other and, just before seating at 7:30, drink a toast to “Christmas Present.” It’s a time of anticipation of the musical dinner theatre experience that lies ahead. Scrooge and Bob Cratchit, Fezziwig, Fan and other characters from the production may also pay a visit, sing some spirited carols, and “set the stage” with lively commentary.A Holiday FeastOnce everyone is seated, the feast begins with an appetizer of Smoked Quail Stuffed with Apricots and Roasted Chestnuts and then Shellfish Consommé with Poached Shrimp. The next course is Bibb and Red Oak Leaf Lettuce with Herb Brie Lemon-Parsley Creamy Vinaigrette. The evening’s entrée is Horseradish Crusted Petite Filet Mignon with Dijon Crème Glace, Young Vegetables and Herb Roasted Potatoes. The perfect ending to the feast is Caramel-Orange Rice Pudding with Chocolate and Spice Petite Cakes. A vegetarian menu preference may be requested at the time the Dickens Feast reservation is made.The Story UnfoldsBetween the courses the story unfolds. The troupe of actors, which has performed here in the past several times to sell-out audiences, engages the audience in the performance. Early in the evening they surreptitiously assign “parts” to guests who’ve agreed to it ahead of time. The entire dining room is their “stage.” It’s an evening of delight in one of the most treasured yuletide stories in the English language.Business attire or evening wear is appropriate. The cost of the event is $100.00 inclusive. For reservations, please call the Hotel at 912-635-2600. For more information visit this website: www.jekyllclub.com.The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is located at 371 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527.

Tags: A Christmas Carol, Dickens, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Scrooge
Posted in Beachscape, November/December 2008 | No Comments »

The Jekyll Island Arts Association has planned a wonderful combination of artwork for the exhibit which will run October 31 to December 1. The beautiful watercolors of Pat Rusk will complement the intriguing fiber sculptures by Kim Keats in this exciting show titled Perspectives.

The natural fiber creations of Kim Keats have been shown in museums as well as traveling exhibits. Her artwork is “intended to honor or memorialize the origin of the materials from which they are made.” Using basketry techniques to construct the forms, you may see twigs or bones setting a contrast to bark, which is her primary material. Surfaces are refined by sanding and stain is added as a protective finish. A South Carolina resident, Kim has worked as both a teaching artist and as an arts administrator. She has received merit and best of show awards in a number of juried exhibitions.

Pat Rusk started drawing as a child, honing her sketching skills while her family was stationed in Germany. Her drawing skills were an asset when she worked as a reading teacher for juvenile delinquents - drawing their pictures helped create a bond of respect. Once she began painting in watercolors, her artwork in this medium flourished and she earned Best of Show awards in several cities. Now a resident of St. Simons, she continues to paint scenes and faces using the beauty around her or photos for inspiration.

An artists’ reception will be held on November 2 from 1 - 3pm at the gallery in Goodyear Cottage in Jekyll’s Historic District. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the exhibit and meet the artists.

It’s always exciting to hold the Advanced Members Show in the Jekyll Island Arts Association’s Goodyear Cottage. This December show, featuring the best from the group’s advanced members, will include many forms of artwork including fiber arts, paintings, woodwork, ceramics and of course the wonderful pottery which is made in the pot shop. A special reception will be held December 7 from 1 - 3pm in the gallery. Everyone is welcome to come and meet our talented artists and see their wonderful artwork.

Located in Jekyll’s Historic District, the gallery and shop are open Mon - Fri 12 - 4pm and weekends 10 - 4pm. Admission is free. 635-3920