The Jekyll Island Museum Tour Schedule
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
The Jekyll Island Museum 2009 Tour Schedule
Posts Tagged ‘ jekyll island history ’
History Unearthed on Jekyll
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009History unearthed on Jekyll
2/25/2009
By ANNA FERGUSON
The Brunswick News
Although Jekyll Island has been a state park for only about 60 years, the land has long been used as a resort area.
It may have been a seasonal stomping ground for individuals seeking refuge centuries ago, say archaeologists who are unearthing artifacts at an island excavation site.
Alex Sweeney and a team from Brockington and Associates, Inc. began excavating and mapping portions of Ben Fortson Parkway, near the Jekyll Island Gas Station, Monday for a planned road project.
Two days into their work, the team found a scene not that common for construction projects. Instead of never ending mounds of dirt and sand, the diggers found artifacts left over from Jekyll’s days gone by.
Shards of pottery and food waste in the form of animal bones from American Indian vacationers have been found.
The ancient evidence of island life has shown area historians what they already assumed from previous digs: American Indians used the island for seasonal layovers, much like tourists do today.
“Jekyll Island wasn’t a traditional village,” said John Hunter, director of the Jekyll Island Museum, who is overseeing aspects of the dig. “It was more of a seasonal camp, almost like the vacation spot it has become in more recent years.”
The area of concentration for the dig has been identified as a place of importance for the island, Hunter said. While it is not rare for excavators to find small pieces of history under the island soil, finding so many in one place could mean that the spot was a prime historical location.
Archaeologists first started survey work on the site in 1994, and it was resurveyed in 2008. They are now visiting the site in greater depth and conducting a more intensive phase of research of examination.
Based on the results of last year’s work, Sweeney described the site as “likely the remains of either a seasonally occupied resource extraction locale or a small village or hamlet.” The prehistoric ceramic shards discovered at the site suggest it may have been occupied beginning about 300 BC, during the Middle to Late Woodland Period, at a time when small seasonal villages were beginning to appear.
It may have been occupied until as late as about 1540 AD, the end of the Mississippian Period and just before European arrival to the area, Sweeney said.
As excavators continue to dig up the earth, they are hoping to be able to map out plans so that construction on the land will not interfere with historic value, Hunter said.
When important artifacts were unearthed in past digs, the pieces were sent to an archaeological lab for further view and either sent back to the museum or to the University of West Georgia for holding and viewing. In this case, Hunter isn’t sure what would happen to any significance pieces. He said it is too early in the excavation process to tell, though he assumes the same process would apply.
But, Hunter warns, it’s too soon in the digging stage to really identify how important the site may be to Jekyll’s history.
“Just because you find a few pieces in one spot, that doesn’t mean it’s the core,” Hunter said. “Just the same, this is very interesting. I’m certainly not an archeologist, but we are very excited about learning things about the island and its people that we never knew before.”
Hunter is encouraging the community to get in on the historical action. An archaeology class from the College of Coastal Georgia, led by Ntungwa Maasha, a professor of astronomy, physics and geology, will examine the site today to get a first-hand glimpse at an archeological dig.
On Thursday, the public is encouraged to visit the site and interact with excavators and historians during a viewing day.
“It’s always fun to involve the public on these digs,” Hunter said. “Everyone learns a lot. Whenever we have a dig on the island, people inevitably come over and want to know what’s going on and what we are finding.
“The first question they always ask is if we have dug up any pirate gold. So you know, we never do.”
BREAKOUT:
The public is invited to Jekyll Island to view the archeological dig and ask questions to historians about the significance of the site. A public viewing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at the site on Ben Fortson Parkway, near Jekyll Island gas station. For more information, call the Jekyll Island Museum at 635-2119.
A Piece of Presidential Past Preserved
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
Only one small piece now remains of Solterra Cottage, which was at one time a sizable structure with several detached outbuildings and an enviable location beside the Clubhouse. Once the largest cottage on Jekyll Island, it entertained President William McKinley and his party as guests, 110 years ago this March.
“Jekyl Island has had the greatest crow in its history for the past few days,” newspapers reported that March of 1899, as President McKinley holidayed at the small coastal community known in its heyday as an exclusive retreat frequented by the nation’s top financiers, merchants, socialites, and diplomats.
“Every room in the clubhouse and every cottage has been occupied by millionaire guests. The president and vice-president of the United States, and the speaker of the house, have been guests of the club. The eyes of the world have been on Jekyl,” printed the Brunswick Call on March 22, 1899.
McKinley came to Jekyll Island at the invitation of Cornelius Bliss, his former Secretary of the Interior and a long-standing Club Member.
Frederic and Frances Baker, who owned Solterra Cottage, were abroad that season visiting Europe and North Africa. They graciously made their 12-room Queen Anne shingle-style cottage available to President McKinley and his party, which also included Mrs. McKinley, Vice President Garrett A. Hobart, and Mrs. Hobart.
The simultaneous presence of Thomas Reed, Speaker of the House, on the island created a stir in the papers. Reed had run against McKinley for the 1896 Republican Party nomination. Speculations ran rampant that the serene island setting would help settle a long-standing feud between the two party leaders, and that Jekyll Island would be an ideal place to propose nominees for the next national election. Those who would comment stated “there is no politics whatever in their present visit South” and that the trip was undertaken “solely for rest and recuperation.”
Reporters were disappointed to discover that they were banned from the island. But when Joseph Pulitzer, the owner of the New York World, abused his privileges as a Jekyll Island Club Member by inviting journalists onto the island as guests to capture the story, other reporters were allowed entry.
On occasions when the President and the Speaker did meet on Jekyll Island, the New York Times reported the tipping of hats, smiles exchanged, low bows, handshakes, and other polite exchanges. A local reporter considered it a sign of reconciliation when Reed was seen arm-in arm with Senator Hanna, the President’s campaign manager, commenting, “The future is alright.”
During the trip, McKinley enjoyed an informal afternoon reception at Solterra Cottage, “at which the members of the island colony were presented to the President and to Mrs. McKinley.” Club Members mingling at the reception included James Scrymser, Joseph Stickney, N.K. Fairbank, H.K. Porter, and Charles Stewart Maurice, among others.
During his stay, the President enjoyed several “pretty drives” around the island and attended an “old-fashioned cake walk” at the Clubhouse sponsored by the island’s African American employees. He departed the island on March 22, calling his stay on Jekyll Island “simply delightful.”
McKinley went on to win his re-election easily, with Theodore Roosevelt as his running mate. McKinley was known for his support of high tariffs on imports as a means of prosperity. As president, he presided over the Spanish-American War. He annexed the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Hawaii into the United States and set up a protectorate over Cuba. He was succeeded by Theodore Roosevelt after his assassination.
Solterra Cottage was destroyed by fire on March 9, 1914. Today, a single, small architectural remnant remains of the beautiful sprawling structure where the President once stayed and greeted the Jekyll Island Club Members who had the wealth and connections to substantially influence his presidential prospects in the 1900 elections.
Only a dovecote, used to raise pigeons or doves in Solterra’s backyard, survived the blaze. The small outbuilding was relocated several times around the National Historic Landmark District to serve assorted needs and keep it out of harm’s way from various improvement projects.
Recently the Friends of Historic Jekyll Island funded the stabilization and relocation of the dovecote, allowing this small building to be placed closer to its original location. The last piece of a splendid structure, the dovecote has now been preserved near where Solterra once stood. A simple interpretive panel will be installed nearby to share the stirring story of Solterra Cottage’s history with the visiting public.
John Hunter, the Director of the Jekyll Island Museum, termed the preservation project, “a small but satisfying connection to Jekyll’s Island’s presidential past.
See the schedule below for Jekyll Island Museum tour information to find out more about our Club Era residents.
This Day in Jekyll History, February 24, 1917
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009On This Day in Jekyll History…February 24, 1917, Edwin Gould, Jr. dies tragically while at Jekyll Island.
One of the great tragedies of the Jekyll Island Club era took place on a nearby marsh hammock. Kate Brown, tutor to the Macy children recorded it in her diary as such:
“There was a dreadful accident here last evening which makes us feel sad today. Eddy Gould, the one young man in (his) twenties in the Island and son of the Mr. Gould who brought us down here, went out last night to visit his coon traps. He had set them on a lovely island, separated from Jekyll by a mile or more of water and marsh, and the only person who went with him was a young man who is tutoring the Dowes children. It was a very dark night and Eddy Gould bent over a trap which was sprung to see what it had caught. In bending he knocked against his gun which he had carelessly left cocked and it went off, shooting him through the stomach and killing him. The tutor had to leave him there and struggle back to land. He was entirely unfamiliar with the swamp and overturned twice in his canoe and waded waist deep before he got back. It was hours before help could get there.”
The Goulds, who had been a very active part of the Jekyll Island Club rarely returned to the island after that day. Their home Chichota, falling into disrepair, was eventually demolished by the Club in 1940, leaving only the foundations and two stone lions standing guard in silent tribute.
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Public Invited to Archaeology Day on Jekyll Island
Monday, February 23rd, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2:00-4:00 PM – The public is invited to join Alex Sweeny and an archaeological research team from Brockington and Associates as they excavate the remains from a native American shell midden near the Jekyll Island gas station on Ben Fortson Parkway. The public will learn more about the current archaeological research efforts on Jekyll Island and delve into the puzzles of the past. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the site, inspect artifacts uncovered during the course of the dig, ask questions, and learn about Georgia’s prehistory.
Details about the site:
The midden site was first discovered during an archaeological survey conducted in the mid-1990s. It was resurveyed in 2008. The archaeologists are now returning for a second more intensive phase of research to examine the site in greater depth.
Based on the results of last year’s work, Sweeney describes the site as “likely the remains of either a seasonally occupied resource extraction locale or a small village or hamlet.” Prehistoric ceramic sherds located at the site suggest that it may have been occupied beginning about 300 BC, during the Middle to Late Woodland Period , at a time when small seasonal villages were beginning to appear. It may have been occupied until as late as about 1540 AD, the end of the Mississippian Period and just before European arrival to the area.
Sweeney and his crew are working closely with members of the Jekyll Island Museum on the project. The Jekyll Island Museum, a division of the Jekyll Island Authority, works in consultation with the Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Natural Resources to oversee the management of all of the archaeological resources on Jekyll Island.
John Hunter, the Director of the Jekyll Island Museum, encourages visitors to attend the public archaeology program. “I would like to see the museum spend more time doing public archaeology in the long term,” he admitted. “It is a great way to share information about the past. You get to be outside, doing something active and hands on, and really learning concrete, everyday things about the people who were here before us. What could be better than that?”
This Day in Jekyll History, February 19, 1917
Thursday, February 19th, 2009On This Day in Jekyll History…February 19, 1917, Dr. Walter Belknap James elected to membership in the Jekyll Island Club.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1857, Walter was the son of Henry James, a wealthy lumber merchant and banker, and Amelia Belknap Cate. He received his BA from Yale University in 1879 and an MD degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. Further honorary degrees were conferred by Columbia (LLD), Yale(MA), and Harvard(LLD).
Dr. James was very career centered and practiced medicine in New York City from 1883 until he died, starting as a General Practitioner and then specializing in heart and lungs. He was a lecturer and professor at the College of Physicians and Surgeons and head of medical services at the New York Academy of Medicine. He was a visiting physician at Presbyterian Hospital and Roosevelt Hospital; a consulting physician at Bellevue Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled and President of the Adirondack Cotte-Sanitarium at Saranac Lake, NY. James was the Chairman of the NY State Hospital Development Commission and instituted a complete re-organization of the Hospital System in the State of NY. He was on the Medical Committee of the American Red Cross Hospital in Paris, France and a Trustee for life at Columbia University.
In 1894 he married Helen Goodsell Jennings. Their children were: Oliver, Walter, Jr. who died at 18 months, Helen, and Eunice who married Henry E. Coe (also a Jekyll Club member).
In 1917 Dr. James purchased an apartment in Sans Souci from John Albright. Then in 1925 he bought the Shrady Cottage and renamed it “Cherokee Cottage”. The extended James family contained many Club members and he was very active in Club affairs and social life, eventually serving as President of the Jekyll Island Club from 1919 until his death in 1927.
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This Day in Jekyll History, February 17, 1886
Tuesday, February 17th, 2009On This Day in Jekyll History…February 17, 1886, John Eugene duBignon sells Jekyll Island .
John Eugene duBignon, and his brother-in-law Newton Finney were the early developers of the Jekyll Island Club. In 1886, the two men reacquired Jekyll with the idea of forming a hunting club for wealthy northerners. Finney lived in New York, and had good connections to members of institutions such as the Union Club, and developed the membership and early investors in the project. DuBignon handled the purchase of the island, and in turn sold it to the newly incorporated Jekyll Island Club.
Finney had no difficulty finding individuals to buy membership shares. In all Finney was able to find fifty-three individuals that included Henry Hyde, Marshall Field, John Pierpont Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, and William H. Vanderbilt.
By 1886, financial preparations were completed and Finney, as a representative of the newly formed Jekyll Island Club, was prepared to sign paperwork. Officially on February 17, 1886 Newton Finney signed an agreement with duBignon, selling Jekyll Island to the Jekyll Island Club for $125,000.
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This Day in Jekyll History, February 11, 1902
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009On This Day in Jekyll History…February 11, 1902, Henry Kirk Porter and Anne DeCamp Porter arrive for their first stay in their recently completed cottage – Mistletoe.
The cottage colony had already become established by the turn of the century on Jekyll Island. Already 9 beautiful homes graced the compound of the Jekyll Island Club. Mostly gathered around the Clubhouse, a philosophy of style and design for the cottages silently had been established.
And so with this philosophy came the Porter’s cottage.
As the designs were completed, the Porter Cottage (which would become know as Mistletoe) was a very modest winter retreat. The architectural style of the cottage was one that may have been mistaken as a summer home of Newport or Cape Cod. Since both architect and owner were Northern, Shingle Style architecture was a popular choice of the time. The home was created in a manner that did not over-shadow, but complemented the natural environment of Jekyll Island, as well as the existing structures.
Mistletoe Cottage was designed in the Shingle Style as its popularity was beginning to fade. Classicism was beginning to take hold as a style, and that movement was clearly influencing the architect.
Some of the classic elements include the French doors on the west side of the house, and the fluted columns on the front door (which is actually on the north side of the home).
Most of the interior elements reflect the Classic and Colonial movements influencing architects. The decorative mantels on all of the fireplaces in the home are a wonderful example of this movement.
Charles Alling Gifford, a man already very familiar with building for the Jekyll Island Club, was commissioned to design the new cottage for Henry Kirke Porter. In a brief few years the architect had already designed the Club Stables, the Sans Souci, and Joseph Pulitzer’s magnificent cottage. Gifford’s design for Mistletoe included a gambrel roof, which about a quarter of all Shingle Style houses have. Some well-known architects that utilized this style included H.H. Richardson, and the firm of McKim, Mead & White.
Shingle Style architecture was popular from around 1880 to about 1900. It was a contemporary of the well-known Queen Anne Style, and took some features from that style. Most notable of both Shingle and Queen Anne architecture were wide porches and an asymmetrical or irregular shape to the house.
Mistletoe serves today as a house museum and can be seen as a part of regular tours of the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District.
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This Day in Jekyll History, February 10, 1862
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009On This Day in Jekyll History…February 10, 1862, General Robert E. Lee orders the evacuation of Jekyll Island.
When the American Civil War began in April1861, the duBignon family left Jekyll Island for the safety of the mainland. In October 1861, with the entire coastline under the threat of blockade by the Union Navy, the Confederate Army began the construction of 2 batteries on Jekyll Island to protect Brunswick harbor. At their peak, the Jekyll defenses included six guns and 558 men. In an interesting twist to history, Colonel Charles Lamar was placed in command of these forces. Lamar is best known for his role in the landing of the slave ship Wanderer on Jekyll Island in 1858 – one of the last recorded incidents of enslaved Africans landing on the shores of America.
The batteries were substantially completed by the end of January 1862. However, on February 10, 1862 General Robert E. Lee – who was in charge of the Coastal defenses – issued authority to General Hugh Mercer to abandon the defenses of St. Simons and Jekyll Island to concentrate on the defense of Savannah. The withdrawal of men and artillery from Jekyll was completed by February 16. Less than one month later, the island would be occupied by the Union Navy – as it would be for the remainder of the war.
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This Day in Jekyll History, February 6, 1899
Friday, February 6th, 2009
On This Day in Jekyll History…February 6, 1899, Club Member Frank Miller Gould is born in New York City.
Frank was the son of Jekyll Island Club Member Edwin Gould and Sarah “Sally” Cantine Shrady, and brother of Edwin “Eddie” Gould. He was educated at the Browning School in NY and from 1917 to 1920 at Yale in the ROTC. From 1918 to 1920 he was a 2nd Lt. in the U.S.Army, but was discharged after two months active duty due to signing of the armistice. He served as 2nd Lt in the 212th Artillery of the NY National Guard in 1921 and 1922.
In 1920, Frank went to work as Assistant Secretary for the St.Louis & Southwestern RR, originally developed by his grandfather, Jay Gould. In 1924 he was promoted to Vice President, a position he held until his death in 1945. He married Florence “Betsy” Amelia Bacon in 1924. She was the daughter of William Bacon, Highland Park, Dallas, TX and the niece of Daniel Upthegrove, President of the St.Louis & Southwestern RR. They settled in New York and had two children: Marianne in 1926 and Edwin Jay in 1932.
Frank’s brother, Eddie, died in 1917 in a tragic hunting accident while at Jekyll Island, and his mother stopped coming to the island. His father returned only a few more times over the years. Frank maintained his interest in the Jekyll Club, however and returned in 1921 and 1924 with friends and his grandmother Hester Shrady. From 1925 through 1927 Frank and his wife Betsy stayed at “Chichota” and then he contracted for his own cottage.
In 1929 Villa Marianna, named in honor of his daughter was ready for its inaugural season. From 1929 to 1932 and again from 1939 to 1942 the Goulds were very active at the Club. In 1942, Frank opened Latham Hammock to Club members for hunting of Wild Turkey and Quail. In March of 1942, he was commissioned as a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served at Cochran Field, Macon, GA. until 1944. The absence strained his marriage and he and Betsy divorced in 1944. The same year he married, in Macon, Helen Roosen Curran. They honeymooned at “Villa Marianna” and returned to the Gould home at Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York.
In 1945, Frank joined a syndicate of Bernon Prentice – the Jekyll Island Club President -and Bill Jones owner and operator of the Cloister on Sea Island to buy the outstanding club bonds of $185,000 at 10% value, intending to build a causeway to the island and operate the club as a resort like the Cloister. Frank’s death in 1945 derailed the plan due to loss of his potential financing. His wife, Helen, considered resuming the deal with her lawyer Lawrence Condon. Condon wound up acquiring Frank’s interests in the Club from the estate and tried to continue the project but the State of Georgia became involved and bought the island for a State Park.
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This Day in Jekyll History, February 6, 1735
Friday, February 6th, 2009On This Day in Jekyll History…
February 6, 1735, William Horton arrived at
As a reward for his duties, Horton was granted land on
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This Day in Jekyll History, January 14.
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009On this Day in Jekyll History
January 14, 1837 Jekyll Island Club member George Frederick Shrady was born in New York City.
Dr. George Frederick Shrady, a surgeon and editor, was educated at City College of New York and graduated in 1858 from the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, New York. In 1869 he received an honorary AM from Yale University. Shrady was the author of many medical articles and Editor of the Medical Record, NY and the American Medical Times. He was Resident Surgeon at NY Hospital and St. Francis Hospital, NY. Shrady served as Consulting Surgeon at Columbus Hospital, General Memorial, Health Department, NY Cancer Hospital and the Red Cross Hospital, (all in NY), the Home for Incurables, Vassar Hospital and Hudson River State Hospital for the Insane. He was a member of innumerable medical societies. Shrady attended ex-President U.S. Grant as consulting surgeon in Grant’s last illness. He was also consulting physician at President James Garfield’s assassination inquest; took part in the autopsy of Charles Guiteau, Garfield’s assassin; and consulted with the doctor for Emperor Frederick III of Germany who was suffering a similar illness to President Grant. Dr. Shrady was selected as one of the chief medical experts to attend the first electrocution execution in the U.S.
In 1860 he married Mary Lewis, who died in 1883. They had 4 children: George Jr., Henry Merwyn, Charles Douglas and Minnie. Shrady wed a second time to the widow Hester Ellen Cantine in 1888 and adopted her daughter from a previous marriage, Sarah “Sally”. Sally married Edwin Gould and had sons Edwin Jr. and Frank who both became members of Jekyll Island Club (see Gould biographies). The Shradys occupied “Shrady Cottage”, built for them by son-in-law Edwin Gould, from 1904 to 1907. Hester Ellen Cantine Shrady joined the Jekyll Island Club after her husband’s death in 1907.
And a Special Bonus……
On This Day in Jekyll History…
January 14, 1891, the Frederick Baker family arrives for their first visit to their newly completed cottage, Solterra.
Solterra Cottage was known for lavish entertaining. Important guests such as Andrew Carnegie, Joseph Pulitzer, Cornelius Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan and others would have dined at the Baker’s island residence. Perhaps their most prestigious guests, however, stayed at Solterra in 1899, when the Bakers offered the cottage to President William McKinley, Vice President Garrett Hobart, and their wives.
This island landmark was destroyed, however, on the morning of March 9, 1914, when Solterra caught fire from a faulty fireplace flue. The fire started in the attic of the frame building and quickly spread. Efforts were made to save the building, but it continued to burn until only its chimneys remained standing. Island employees managed to save some of the “valuable furnishings, bric-a-brac and pictures” before the house was incinerated.
Jekyll Island Authority Marks the Opening of the Wanderer Memorial
Tuesday, December 16th, 2008
The Jekyll Island Authority marked the opening of the Wanderer memorial with a commemorative ceremony and ribbon cutting at St. Andrews Picnic Area on November 25. The Wanderer was the last known slave ship to land in Georgia and the last slaving expedition known to have reached the United States without repercussions. The Jekyll Island Authority Museum hosted ceremonies to celebrate the survivors, their descendants, and the rich heritage they brought to the Georgia Coast. The exhibit was paid for by fund-raising efforts of the Friends of Historic Jekyll Island paid for the exhibit and its installation.
“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,” said John Hunter, Director of the Jekyll Island Museum. “We hope that both the exhibit and the ceremony will capture that intent.”
Hunter said that the exhibit was designed by Malone Design/ Fabrication out of “Three billowing sails and three imaginative text panels will tell the story of the Wanderer and a new vision begins to take shape in the landscape and in large scale,” Hunter said. “The steel sails are roughly 12 feet tall, and through them we can begin to see the beauty of the vessel’s form, but also the cold hard reality of slavery.”
The text panels will cover the ship’s arrival, the trials, the ship’s specifications, the vessel’s fate, what happened to the survivors, some of their personal stories, a timeline, and the significance of the landing.
The exhibit can be visited at St. Andrews Picnic Area on the south end of Jekyll Island.
The above picture includes Mr. Bob Krueger, Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority Board, and several of the descendants at the ribbon cutting for the memorial.
Jekyll Island Then and Now
Wednesday, August 20th, 2008Read the August 2008 Coastal Illustrated article on Jekyll Island, “Jekyll Island: From playground of the rich, to park of the people.“
Georgia On My Mind: And What to Do About It
Sunday, June 22nd, 2008by Robert Painter
Reprinted from TravelLady Magazine
You won’t run into Ray Charles, but if you head on down to Woodbine, Georgia, you can take in some great country and bluegrass music on the weekend. Friday night at the Woodbine Opry a lot of the local folks will be gathered around to listen to some pretty good acoustic Bluegrass and Gospel and when they come back on Saturday they might just pull the old guitar out of the closet to join in on some of their favorite country
It’s not the Ryman Auditorium, but neither does it cost $50 for a front row seat. For about eight dollars you have a fine country dinner before the music starts. The music is free but you can buy a ticket for the homemade cake raffle or make a donation if you’re so inclined. All in all it’s a terrific evening of good clean family fun. And dinner for the kids is only four dollars so bring everyone.
From Woodbine you can take a short drive down to Kingsland which is a good starting point for those wishing to venture a bit west into the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuse and Wilderness Area. Or go a few miles east to the delightful little town of St. Marys. Be sure to visit the Oak Grove Cemetery. Remember to ask someone about the resident ghosts.
If you’re ready for a bit of exercise and looking to find a few dolphins you probably ought to hook up with Up the Creek Xpeditions for a half day kayaking trip on the St. Marys River. And, if you’re really adventurous they can even arrange a night trip into the Okefenokee to spot alligators with your headlamp. If you haven’t kayaked before don’t let that stop you. They’ll give you excellent instruction and the equipment is first rate.
It’s time to turn a bit north and travel up the coast to Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia. If you’re getting hungry for some fresh shrimp your next stop should be the Lady Jane Shrimp Boat. This is a real shrimp boat that has been refurbished and Coast Guard certified for passengers. The good news is that it is still a shrimper. It’s rigged to troll the waters in a nice, calm protected area (don’t even think about getting seasick) and you’ll have the opportunity to watch the authentic operation. The net pulls up a lot of creatures. Different kinds of fish, crabs shrimp and even the amazing horseshoe crab. You can even help sort the shrimp and toss the horseshoe crabs back into the water.
The real treat comes when the fresh shrimp are cooked and served right on the back of the boat. All you can eat, fresh and delicious!
As long as you’re in the neighborhood you wouldn’t want to miss the famous and historic Jekyll Island Club. It’s a wonderful place to overnight and walk around the grounds to view the historic district. You’ll recognize some of the names of the early club members. Marshall Field, Joseph Pulitzer, William Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, Frank Goodyear, William Rockefeller are but a few on the list. The grounds are meticulously cared for.
A visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center found here will both entertain and educate you. Injured and ill turtles are cared for in a state-of-the-art facility and you can actually watch the staff in action. The staff will introduce you to some of the patients and you can learn much about the several varieties of turtles in the facility.
A short walk from the Center you will discover the unusual and scenic Driftwood Beach. It’s not really “driftwood” but rather trees that have been uprooted by the changing tides and left in place to be polished by the water. The shapes are beautiful and if you forget to bring your camera you’ll regret it later.
One of the biggest surprises on the island is an enormous colony of wood storks. Don’t miss them. I doubt if you’ll ever find a group like this again.
From Jekyll Island and Brunswick it’s an easy two hour drive on up to Savannah, unless you make a few stops along the way. Wolf Island, Blackbeard Island and Harris Neck and Sapelo are just a few of the National Wildlife Refuges and Sanctuaries you might want to visit.
Savannah is a perfect city for walking. There are scooters, segways, trolleys and even a GPS tour for the trendy techies. I like to walk and you can pick up a good map for your tour around the city. The trolley is an on and off vehicle so you can stop wherever you want and catch the next one when you’re ready.
You may know that Savannah was Georgia’s first city. You may not know that people were free to worship as they pleased. Excluding Catholics, however. At first, rum, lawyers and slavery were forbidden. I wonder what they had against rum.
It could be that the first Sunday School started here. A fellow named Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin at a nearby plantation in 1793 and in 1912 Juliette Gordon Low formed a little organization called the Girl Scouts.
Savannah has many faces. America’s Most Haunted City has a wonderful river walk with plenty of restaurants in which to sample the local southern cuisine and enough bars to keep you from getting too thirsty. There are lots of interesting shops including the typical tourist places on River Street. And, if you don’t like “tourist shops” stop in a couple of them anyway. You might stumble upon one pulling taffy or making that delightful southern treat, pralines. And, don’t miss the City Market in the heart of the Historic District.
If you’re a shopper you’ll discover the many antique shops, galleries and gift shops with lots of local hand-crafted items and folk art that you will find nowhere else.
Savannah is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the country. There are 22 squares that are experienced by millions every year. The beautiful sprawling oaks trees decorated by nature with the lacey Spanish moss contribute to the antebellum look of the city along with the restoration of many Colonial, Victorian, Georgian and other architectural gems.
An important part of the history of Savannah is its Black heritage. There are numerous monuments, homes, parks, churches and institutions marking this cultural aspect. I remember walking past a monument and stopping to read the inscription. I was surprised to read that the young drummer boy grew up to eventually become the King of Haiti. The oldest standing brick building in Georgia is the First African Baptist Church, built by slaves, for slaves, in the evenings following a full day of work in the fields. I’ll leave it to you to discover more about the Gullah culture when you visit.
If you haven’t read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil I would recommend you give it a look before your trip to Savannah. It might just make you curious about some of the people in this enchanting city. There is probably a festival of some sort every month so show up and join in the fun.
A couple more hours up the road and you’ll discover Augusta, another Georgia treasure. You’ve probably heard of Augusta National Golf Club, official site of the Masters Tournament, but you may not know about the National Science Center, also in Augusta. It was created by law to promote science and math education for all ages nationwide. It is a fascinating place. Take your kids or go without them, but whatever time you allot for the visit plan to tack on another hour or two. The interactive displays and hands-on exhibits may just make you forget about looking at your watch.
Augusta is filled with beautiful homes, parks, gardens and monuments. Spreading oaks covered with Spanish moss and antebellum homes. A delightful Riverwalk and a great canal that used to be used to haul cotton and other goods. Some of the old mills have been restored and converted into businesses and residences. You’ll want to visit the childhood home of Woodrow Wilson and learn a bit more about life during the Civil War and Reconstruction. 
I hope you manage to visit the Augusta Museum of History and see The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown exhibit. It is the first major exhibit dedicated to James Brown and will be at the 
museum through May 2011. James Brown was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. He grew up in Augusta and used his fame to be a positive advocate of peaceful race relations in the south.
The Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy located in the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is a great way to spend part of your day in Augusta. The mission of the Academy is to promote environmental stewardship through education, research and public outreach with a goal of seeking solutions to healthy and sustainable natural resources. You’ll love the boardwalk and you’ll see waterfowl and maybe even an alligator or two.
I had a great time visiting this time and yes, Georgia is still on my mind! Now, I want to see the rest of the state. I’m planning to return, but just don’t know when – maybe I’ll see you there.
Keep on traveling!
Story and Photos by Robert Painter: rpainter2006@comcast.net
Photo of James Brown courtesy of Frank Christian
When You Go:
Woodbine Opry: www.woodbineopry.com
Kayaking & Canoeing info: www.upthecreektrips.com
Lady Jane Shrimp Boat: www.credlesadventures.com
Jekyll Island: www.jekyllisland.com
Savannah. There’s a lot more to this story: www.jekyllisland.com
Augusta. And, there’s more here than golf: http://www.augustaga.org
A Jewel of Isles, a poem by Licia Chenoweth
Wednesday, June 11th, 2008Along the golden isles of Georgia where marsh and ocean meet,
Lies a jewel of an island, for those who come and greet.
Her beauty unsurpassed, with sheltering oaks and pines
Where Spanish moss is draped around branches shaped by time.
A canopy of trees surround, bringing life within its midst.
Providing natures wildlife with a haven to exist
Its golden sand and rising seas peacefully come and go,
And natural dunes and driftwood form along the beaches row.
Its from this unspoiled beauty many have graced her shores
The Timucuan Indians, Horton’s, DuBignon’s and much more
From Rockefeller, Morgan, Pulitzer, Gould and Macy
Whose cottages remain today to keep alive their legacy.
And the richness of her history still captures us today.
The aura of an era gone by; when the rich would come to play.
But from this golden age in time, we know and understand
That Jekyll is ‘a jewel of isles’ where all would wish to land.
Jekyll Island Museum Tour Schedule
Monday, March 24th, 2008
Passport to the Century
Travel into the past. Hear the remarkable story
of the Jekyll Island Club in the American Gilded
Era, and enter two restored cottages filled with
rich tales and elegant furnishings.
January 2 – May 26, 2008
• 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm daily
May 27 – September 1, 2008
• 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm daily
September 2 – December 5, 2008
• 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm daily
$16 Adults • $7 Children 6-12
Free under 6 • approx 90 min
Reclaiming Past Glories
Tour the last Jekyll Island Club Cottage to be
preserved. Hear about the family that resided
in this vacation retreat and discover the steps
required to preserve the structure. Don’t miss
this rare sneak peak inside a cottage that is
only open to the public in honor of Historic
Preservation Month!
May 3-31, 2008 • Sat only • 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm
$10 Adults • $5 Children 6-12 • Free under 6 •
approx 60 min
Reclaiming Past Glories
May 2-31
Celebrate Historic Preservation Month with a special
behind the scenes tour of Hollybourne Cottage!
In Service of Others
June 17 – August 7
Explore the hidden world of the hired help at this
upscale turn of the century resort.
Hands on History
July 2 – July 30
Embark on a guided learning adventure for
family fun! Wednesdays only, 9:30 am and 11:00am.
For more information, visit our website at
www.jekyllisland.com.
To make reservations
contact the Jekyll Island
Museum at 912-635-4036
Tours operate daily except Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.
Tour availability & pricing subject to change.
Jekyll Island Development – A Historic Perspective
Sunday, March 2nd, 2008By John Hunter, Director of the Jekyll Island Museum
The question of Jekyll Island and its future is not new to the General Assembly or the citizens of Georgia. From the day it was purchased from the Jekyll Island Club in 1947, it has been a source of controversy. This place of beauty and history draws people. It creates memories and “firsts” that last generations. It is a place that is and should always be enjoyed by all. In 1950, the State of Georgia realized that for Jekyll Island to reach its full potential as a resort destination, it should be broken free from the State Parks system and direct control by the General Assembly, and be charged with a new course. This course would be codified and legislated, and would be a unique new partnership between state government and the private sector. Pre-dating the current buzz word “public/private partnership” by almost 50 years, this experiment would create the Jekyll Island State Park Authority – a state agency given the tools of the private sector to create and operate business, attract private investment, and develop a resort that provided beach access to all. A Master Plan for developing the island was completed in 1951. Using a combination of legislative appropriations, revenue bonds, and private investment a modern resort destination was created that featured golf courses, motels, residential areas, and recreational amenities while providing for care of the island’s rich natural and historic resources. This was done with the goals of maintaining 65% of the island in its natural state, make it as affordable and available as possible to all, and with the business model and mandated goal of being self-sufficient.
The bulk of development on Jekyll was completed by 1974. By the late 1970s, Jekyll had begun to suffer during a period of national economic stagnation. Downturns in tourism and the economy challenged Jekyll’s ability to remain self sufficient. As facilities aged and tourism trends shifted, and little changed on the island, a cycle of boom and bust was fostered between 1979 – 2007. When changes were planned, many were met with resistance – the Sea World type attraction in 1974, a new marina with condos in the early 1980s, the Great Dunes golf course expansion in 1994; and some were embraced – the rehabilitation of the Jekyll Island Club in 1985, continued improvement in the Historic District, the creation of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. All of these ideas were the result of trying to improve the economics of the island, knowing there are continued pressures on revenues when you are operating a resort designed and built in the 1950s but are tying to capture today’s travel markets and compete with other destinations. At all of these moments of debate, the general solution has been to fix what we have – to “update it” with fresh coat of paint, a new owner, or a renewed marketing push. At best, we would add a new attraction like Summer Waves and hope it would bring enough to the bottom line that we could improve another area. This “boom” of investment would go “bust” a few years later when people who returned to a “new” hotel found the same “old” hotel, and while they loved the island they would choose not to come back. That is not to say Jekyll Island does not have a loyal following, it does – for those who appreciate what it is and those who dream about what it could be. But many times that loyalty is based upon a visit long ago, or a memory created and shared and does not result in economic stability through frequent visitation or investment. Some of those loyalist stick it out because of that love, and keep their convention on the island for 40 years – until even they can’t justify the return to an island that just can’t meet their needs. The new visitors become harder to keep as well because while they are attracted to the island, their desire for modern accommodations and amenities drives them to other destinations. The end result of this cycle is long term stagnation. While revenues may grow, they can’t keep up with the aging facilities and their needs. You keep up to degree, but there is never enough funding for true investment that can make a lasting economic impact. Operationally, the island suffers because they get behind on technology, or new efficient methods, and business suffers because you can not compete.
So how is it solved? That is the $500 million dollar question. While money is not always the answer, in this case money is the question. Jekyll Island has a choice, create a new model for the island or continue on a well worn path. If you chose the new model who will fund it? In today’s world would the State of Georgia be able to invest $500 million in the long term sustainability of the Island? Where would the money come from? Cuts to education or transportation? A new tax from somewhere? The State of Georgia gave us that answer in 2007 – find the investment in the private sector. So today we move forward with revitalizing the island because it is what we must do. We must find new investment. We must compete. We must change. If we do not do these things, we will never see the what we all want for the Island – a thriving interactive historic district with well maintained buildings, picnic areas and public areas that are safe and free, be an eco-friendly sustainable destination, have the ability to add new amenities that meet the needs and interests of our visitors, or create educational programs and opportunities that highlight our nature and history. Worst of all, we might not be able to protect the island from future development when some decides that “enough is enough” with the question of Jekyll Island.
Happy Birthday, Jekyll Island!
Friday, February 29th, 2008By Meghan Ross, Museum Staff
Sixty years ago, three hundred Georgians braved the elements to be among the first to visit Jekyll Island as a new state park. The weather was not ideal for opening day, which took place on March 6th, 1948. But cold and rain did not stop visitors from exploring the island that had long been the exclusive winter playground to America’s wealthiest families.
Several activities lured visitors in from each corner of the state. The Clubhouse pool was to be finished within the week and nine holes of golf ready within the month. There were also six scheduled boar hunts that took place that month to help control the boar population. Opening day events included bus rides to the state’s first public beach, a sumptuous opening day dinner in the Grand Dining Room as well as a dance for visitors to mix and mingle.
Beginning in 1954, the island’s history also became a main attraction. Tallu Fish, the island’s first curator, was instrumental in attracting visitors to Jekyll Island by opening up Indian Mound Cottage to the public as a museum.
She started the first guided tram tours through the historic district. She also helped to boost tourism by advertising the legend of the “Wishing Chair” to raise money for historic preservation. For just twenty-five cents, guests had the privilege of sitting in the infamous chair to make a wish in hopes that it would be granted. This “Wishing Chair” can still be seen on guided tours of the historic district inside Indian Mound Cottage today.
Jekyll Island’s amusement park, Peppermint Land, was open for business in the spring of 1956. This little amusement park, run by Harvey Smith, had its very own roller coaster, ferris wheel, carousel, and go-cart track. Unfortunately, due to financial issues, Smith had to close the doors to Peppermint Land in 1966.
In April of 1961, the Jekyll Island Authority opened the doors to its new Aquarama. This modern structure housed a meeting space large enough to accommodate two thousand people. It also included a 150-foot pool, dressing rooms, and an exhibition hall. The Aquarama was a big hit with tourism for Jekyll Island.
Nine holes of the original 1928 Great Dunes Golf Course were renovated and open for limited play in 1948. In 1955, the present Great Dunes golf course was completed and reopened to the public. In the early 1960s, Jekyll Island opened up its new 18-hole golf course named Oleander. In 1966, another 18-hole golf course named Pine Lakes opened, and in 1975 the 18 holes of the Indian Mound golf course were ready for play.
Over the sixty years that Jekyll Island has been a state park, we have seen many attractions come and go. Peppermint Land is no longer here, the Aquarama closed, and some activities have been shaped and molded over time.
To learn more about Jekyll Island’s earlier history, please visit the Jekyll Island Museum located on Stable Road. Exhibits are open to the public free of charge, and tours of the historic district depart daily. For more information, call (912) 635-4036.
Jekyll Island Museum Schedule
Friday, February 29th, 2008
