Jekyll Island’s July 2009 Tide Chart
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
Posts Tagged ‘ georgia's jewel ’
Meet Major Horton at Jekyll Island
Monday, July 6th, 2009By Andrea Marroquin, Museum Specialist
On Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 2:00 pm, venture to Horton House on Jekyll Island, Georgia and meet Major William Horton, a British colonial officer, and his company of soldiers and indentured servants, in a joint living history program offered by Fort Frederica National Monument and the Jekyll Island Museum.
Horton, portrayed by Jon Burpee of Fort Frederica National Monument, bellows orders at the 18th century British soldiers drilling with muskets on the grounds, entreats the crowd to join ranks for the safety of the fledgling colony, and explains his grievances against the Spanish. Horton is determined to hold both his Jekyll Island estate and Fort Frederica for England.
Soldiers from the Castillo at St. Augustine have been at odds with the English colonists and tensions have been mounting for years. Overtures of peace between the two nations once took place right at Jekyll Island. Now that peace has been broken and the Spanish have grievances of their own. British soldiers are now on constant guard against the appearance of Spanish soldiers in their midst.
Horton was the first Englishman to obtain property on Jekyll Island, acquiring a 500-acre land grant in 1735. Horton gained much stature as an officer in the Royal Colony of Georgia. He was placed in charge of the fort on St. Simon’s Island during General Oglethorpe’s absence in England in 1736 and later commanded troops in defense of the colony. During food shortages he supplied corn and beef to Fort Frederica from his own personal supplies on Jekyll Island.
Because of his importance, he became a target of the Spanish from St. Augustine. His original two-story wooden house was burned by the Spanish as they retreated across the island following the Battle of Bloody Marsh in July of 1742. This would be the Spanish Army’s final strike against the British in the Colony of Georgia.
John Hunter is the director of the Jekyll Island Museum, a division of the Jekyll Island Authority, which maintains the Horton House Historic Site. Hunter points out that the year 1742 was an eventful one for Horton.
“In 1742, Horton was placed in command of a new grenadier company of thirty men. His wife and children finally joined him in Georgia after being an ocean apart for many years. Fort Frederica was raided by the Spanish. Finally, his house was burned down and his crops and livestock were destroyed. That all happened by mid-summer!” Hunter exclaimed. “There was constant excitement.”
With the help of his indentured servants, Horton rebuilt his home by the following year. The sturdy tabby house still stands today, one of the earliest standing tabby structures in Georgia.
Guests are invited to participate in the colonial life of the island through an assortment of activities. These activities are designed to share information about Horton, his family, his servants, and his property on the island, as well as their significant role in producing goods to supply the needs of the struggling British colony.
Horton’s servants will demonstrate various chores such as carding and spinning wool, soap making, and blacksmithing, which were all essential skills in the colonial era.
In contrast to such labors, guests can try their skills in a variety of 18th century entertainments on the front lawn. Games might include such favorites as hoop rolling, graces, sack racing, and more.
During the living history program, visitors can quench their thirst with a dram of Major Horton’s finest beverages. Horton, who established Georgia’s first brewery, will offer up his best hospitality inside of Horton House, with family-friendly drinks poured by his servants. Visitors will be served frothy mugs of ginger-flavored “ale” (ginger ale) or root-flavored “beer” (root beer).
Through musket demonstrations, children’s games, food and drink, guests can experience the strategically important role of Jekyll Island in the struggle for British survival in the New World.
For more information, call or visit the Jekyll Island Museum on Stable Road, 912-635-4036. Admission to the living history program is free of charge.
Coastal Georgia Golf League: Week #2
Monday, July 6th, 2009  |
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| PLACE | Week # 2 Results — July 4 - Indian Mound | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Gulfstream | 56 | |||||||||||||||
| 2 | Longhorns | 58 | |||||||||||||||
| 3 | Prundential Georgia Intracoastal Properties | 59 | |||||||||||||||
| 4 | Suzie’s Friends | 61 | |||||||||||||||
| 5 | Emerald Princess II Casino | 61 | |||||||||||||||
| Year - To - Date Standings | Week #1 | Week #2 | Total | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | Gulfstream | 140 | 150 | 290 | |||||||||||||
| 2 | Longhorns | 150 | 140 | 290 | |||||||||||||
| 3 | Prundential Georgia Intracoastal Properties | 125 | 130 | 255 | |||||||||||||
| 4 | Suzie’s Friends | 117.5 | 122.5 | 240 | |||||||||||||
| 5 | Emerald Princess II Casino | 117.5 | 122.5 | 240 | |||||||||||||
| 6 | Dan Vaden Chevrolet | 130 | 100 | 230 | |||||||||||||
| 7 | Jekyll Island Authority | 110 | 112.5 | 222.5 | |||||||||||||
| 8 | Ingalls C. | 100 | 112.5 | 212.5 | |||||||||||||
| 9 | Sanctuary Cove Golf Club | 100 | 100 | 200 | |||||||||||||
| 10 | Summer Waves Water Park | 100 | 100 | 200 | |||||||||||||
| 11 | King & Prince Seafood | 100 | 100 | 200 | |||||||||||||
June Beachscape Schedule of Events
Friday, June 5th, 2009
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
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center Diamondback Terrapin Conservation Program
Friday, June 5th, 2009By 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.
Fun Learning at Jekyll Island’s Summer Camps!
Friday, June 5th, 2009
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.
Happy Anniversary, Emerald Princess II!
Friday, June 5th, 2009
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.
An Appreciation for the Arts of Photography and Pottery
Friday, June 5th, 2009
In 1984 Len Poleszak founded the Jekyll Island Arts Association’s Guild and Pottery Shop. Si Fryer, one of the founders of the JIAA introduced Len to the craft that would change his life. The first time at a wheel Len immediately centered and threw a pot. No one was more surprised than he was and Len became hooked with “playing in the clay.” Over the years, he won prizes in JIAA festivals, sold lots of pots, exhibited many times, enjoyed teaching others and was always eager to learn more.
In 1992 and 1998 he took great pleasure in being on exhibit twice at Goodyear Gallery which featured his pottery and the pastels and glass work of his friend and old fraternity brother, Ed Cowley. In the 1998 exhibition notes Len said, “I have had the good fortune to work with many Guild members, winter guests, expert instructors and later, artists in residence. They all influenced my work - there is simply so much to learn and do, and not enough time! Meanwhile, I am having fun!” He loved the craft and he loved Jekyll Island.
John Webber thinks of photography as art appreciation shaped through the camera lens. He feels that using a camera is a method to reflect reality and preserve it for himself and others - in a most natural way. Through the years John used a camera matter-of-factly as part of his employment as a photojournalist. However, “retirement” launched a reevaluation of his photos and an interest in showing his work in juried competition, exhibits and festivals. Living in Watkinsville, Georgia, with his wife Marcia and his oldest son nearby, John is a member of the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, Athens Art Association, Monroe Art Guild, and the Athens Photography Guild. Yesterday and today John’s philosophy is the same: focus on the image, keep equipment simple…and appreciate the art of photography.
The exhibit will be showcased at Goodyear Gallery in Jekyll Island’s Historic District, June 2nd - 28th. The artists’ reception will be held Sunday, June 7 from 1-3 PM. Admission is always free at Goodyear’s gallery and shop, where regular hours are M-F Noon - 4 PM and weekends 10 AM-4 PM. For more information call 635-3920.
Jekyll Island’s Days Inn & Suites
Friday, June 5th, 2009
When the going gets tough the tough get going, well that’s what the marketing team of the Days Inn & Suites has done. With the slow down in tourism and everyone watching every penny spent, it was important to get the word out that the Days Inn & Suites would offer creative specials to not only help their bottom line, but also the savvy traveler looking for a deal. The team came up with “The temperature of the Day Rate” last winter when the temperatures dropped down in the 30’s and even 20’s the guests walking into the hotel seeking a room paid what the outside thermometer read at time of check in!
“With all the cold nights we had this past winter needless to say, we had some very happy guests”, said General Manager, Shirley Rayhon. Not to be undone, and to keep the momentum going, the team came up with a “Spring Clearance Special” discounts as much as 45% off have been offered this spring over specific low occupancy dates. “With the success of both of these programs, we will certainly continue to offer these and other great specials throughout the rest of the year,” said Ms. Rayhon.
Many new renovations have been completed this year to include renovated lobby, breakfast room, and a brand new outside pool area where two oceanfront pools, one heated in the winter time, have been added. A hot tub and a separate kiddy pool have also been added. With the above improvements just completed, the hotel was nominated for the “Hotel Renovations of the Year” category at the recent Days Inn National Convention in Orlando, FL.
The Days Inn & Suites is owned and operated by Budget Motels, Inc. out of Manassas, Virginia. BMI has owned this property since 1998 when a complete 4 million dollar renovation was done. With these many new improvements simply goes with their philosophy and commitment to offer the best in customer service while providing a clean comfortable stay for their clientele.
For more information on the Days Inn & Suites, and to check availability of specials offered, please visit their website at www.daysinnjekyll.com.
Sir Joseph Jekyll: Portrait of a Politician
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009By Andrea Marroquin, Programming Coordinator, Jekyll Island Museum
Jekyll Island was named in 1734 by General James Edward Oglethorpe, founder of the Georgia colony, in honor of Sir Joseph Jekyll. Jekyll was a financial backer of the young colony, who, along with his wife, had contributed a total of £600 to the venture. In 1738, Oglethorpe wrote a letter from Jekyll Sound to Sir Joseph Jekyll. He wrote “Sir: I am now got to an anchor in a harbour and near an island that bears your name.”
Sir Joseph Jekyll, son of John Jekyll, was born in London in 1663. He went to school at the Middle Temple and became a lawyer in 1687. Within the span of ten years, he rose to the position of Chief Justice of Chester. In 1697 he also became a member of Parliament, and retained this position for the rest of his life. He went on to become Sergeant-at-Law and King’s Sergeant. In 1700, King George I made him a Knight. In 1717, he became Master of the Rolls, the third most senior judge in England. His wife was Lady Elizabeth Somers.
Jekyll was a man of great judicial and legislative power, in a position to advance the cause of the Georgia Colony. He was also one of the officials named to receive mandatory reports on the progress of English settlement. In naming Jekyll Island after him, Oglethorpe flattered a man with both money and influence. Jekyll would lose some of this influence with the public towards the end of his career, however.
Jekyll became very unpopular with the working classes in 1736, for sponsoring the Gin Act, which established taxes on retailing liquor. During the ensuing Gin Riots, his house had to be protected from a mob. In one episode he was reportedly knocked down and nearly killed in the middle of Lincoln’s Inn Field, an area of dancing bears, animal matches, and public pulpits. As a result of this incident, palisades were set up and a pleasant garden was installed in the area.
Jekyll passed away on August 19, 1738. In his will he designated a portion of his substantial estate to be applied to the national debt. His contemporaries ridiculed Jekyll for this benevolent gesture. One commentator scoffed that he might as well have “attempted to block the middle arch of Blackfriars Bridge with his full-bottomed wig.” In later proceedings, the will was actually set aside on the “ground of imbecility,” even though he was an active member of Parliament at the time he made the will.
Jekyll passed away before he received the letter Oglethorpe addressed to him. In time the spelling of the island’s name became corrupted. The island was referred to on maps and historic documents by alternate spellings, such as “Jeckel,” “Jeekel,” “Jekil,” “Jeykil,” and “Jekyl.” The misspelling of the name became standardized when a group of wealthy northerners purchased the island and dubbed themselves “The Jekyl Island Club.”
Around 1928, Club members commissioned a portrait of Sir Joseph Jekyll to be modeled after another portrait painted by Michael Dahl and owned by Sir Herbert Jekyll. Through correspondence with the Jekyll family, the spelling error was discovered. Club members agitated for the name of the island to be corrected.
On July 31, 1929, the Georgia State Legislature passed a resolution to change the spelling of “Jekyl Island,” declaring “the correct and legal spelling of the name of said island is and shall be Jekyll Island.”
Thus, 191 years after his death, the portrait of Sir Joseph Jekyll prompted a final legal resolution to be enacted in his honor. This seems a fitting end to the tale of a lawyer, judge, and politician.
The original portrait commissioned by the Jekyll Island Club is on display in Dubignon Cottage in the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District. Tours of the historic district are available through the Jekyll Island Museum on Stable Road, (912) 635-4036.
