Visiting Jekyll Island is a trip back to a turn-of-the-century winter resort for the rich and famous of the Gilded Age. In 1888, Jekyll Island, just off the southeastern coast of Georgia, was transformed into the Jekyll Island Club. As an exclusive retreat for America's high society, names like Rockefeller, Pulitzer, Vanderbilt, Morgan, Gould, and Marshall Field were regular visitors for more than half a century where they could 'secure an escape'.
Our visit to William and Elmira Rockefeller's 'cottage' aka mansion overlooking Jekyll Creek was a treat. William had an aversion to loud noises, so he paid the local boat captain $100 a day NOT to toot his horn as he passed their 'cottage'. Walk-in safes were not a common ammenity, but the Rockfellers had one, a BIG one, I supposse to secure all of their Standard Oil stocks and Mira's strand of $150,000 pearls for safe keeping. Mira, fearful that the grandkids might accidentally lock themselves in the safe, had an airhole drilled...just in case!
The influence and reach of the Jekyll Island Club members was monumental. 'In November, 1910, under the subterfuge of a duck-hunting excursion, a group of financial experts held a secret conference on Jekyll Island...a way to restructure America's banking system...into a central bank.' The resulting legislation did not pass Congressional approval, but a similar bill creating the Federal Reserve was passed in 1913.
After the Crash of '29, many members left because of financial hardships. As the old guard members died off, their heirs, not interested in vacationing there, dropped out of the club. After WWII began, the club would remain open until 1942, cancelled the 1943 season, and closed permanently in 1946.
The state of Georgia condemned the property in 1947, purchasing it for $675,000. In 1979, the 240 acres with the club and cottages was named a National Historic Landmark District.
Automobiles were prohibited, back in the day. So the 'red bugs', battery operated go-karts, became the preferred mode of transportation in the 20's.
The island is forested with Spanish moss-draped lives oaks, boasts 20 miles of bicycle paths and 9 miles of hard-packed, sandy beaches. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center offers insight into the life cycle and world of these amazing creatures. Golf, miniature golf, horseback riding, tennis, and charter fishing provide a variety of activities for everyone.
Today, Jekyll Island has been transformed into an inviting playground for all Americans to enjoy. We plan to park the Chalet there for at least a week of exploration and fun next year!
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