Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark
- September 28, 2003
- Rated 4 of 5 by
leakyoleboat from Waverly, Georgia
The whole island blossoms into a wonderland of family things to do, a lot of them free to the public. If you are seeking a traditional Christmas experience, Jekyll Island is the choice for you. Unlike many locations, this island has been earmarked for preservation and most of the island is completely undeveloped. You will undoubtedly see deer leisurely crossing the lawns. A walk on the winter beach is a spectacular event in itself, however, Jekyll Island places hand-blown art treasures on the beaches daily for guests to seek out. These are signed and numbered pieces commissioned by the Island and yours to keep.
From journal Christmas Holiday Island
Jekyll Island Historic District
- November 15, 2000
- Rated 4 of 5 by
willow from Nicholls, Georgia
In the 1880s a group of the world's richest families bought Jekyll island as a collective winter retreat. The Rockefellers, Morgans, Vanderbilts, and others built oppulent 'cottages' along the banks of Jekyll Creek. During the depression and war years the community fell to ruin until the state of Georgia purchased the island in 1947 and efforts were begun to save the structures. Many of the homes and outbuildings are enjoying new life as speciality shops. The Grand Hotel and its restaurant have reopened. We always visit the used book store and the ice cream stand without fail.
From journal Jekyll Island We Visit
Editor Pick
Millionaires Row
- September 7, 2000
- Rated 4 of 5 by
katyw from Blairsville, Georgia
With the sale to the Jekyll Island Club, the island entered a new era of prosperity. Its members were rumored to own a seventh of the wealth of this country among it's one hundred members. Men like Rockefeller, Morgan, Astor and Gould built elaborate 'cottages' there.
The Crane Cottage upstairs is now used for the Jekyll Island Authority offices but the first floor is open to the public. The cottage was built in the Renaissance Revival style, many of it's features copied from 16th century Italian Villas. From its double door arched entry to its red tile roof, it speaks of elegant simplicity. You can visualize Richard Crane's family sedately dining at the massive mahogany table, one of the children perhaps fingering the carved rungs of his chair as he waited to be allowed to go and play in the huge enclosed courtyard while his parents observed from the arched walkway or perhaps the upper veranda. One thing is sure, the fidgeting child would never have to wait his turn to use the bathroom. Mr Crane was the owner of the Crane Company, an international plumbing fixture company that was first to produce colored plumbing fixtures. His home boasted 20 rooms and 17 bathrooms. The Moss Cottage, a two story green cypress shingle dwelling with a roofed porch that runs the length of the house, was once owned by George Macy, the owner of A & P.You can tour the du Bignon House, Indian Mound and Mistletoe Cottage by taking the tram tours. The tours depart daily from the Museum Visitor's Center which is housed in the former stable. The Museum presents an informative film about the history on the island to 1930. It also has artifacts, pictures, and memorabilia of that era. Even if you don't plan on spending the ten dollars on the tram tour, the museum and film deserve your attention.
Along with the private homes, there are many other buildings worthy of a visit. The Faith Chapel was the site of most of the island's religious functions. As you sit in the chapel beneath its two stained glass windows - the western one is a signed Tiffany - imagine yourself a guest at a 1920's wedding. Marcullus Dodge, heir to the Remington fortune, is marrying Geraldine Rockefeller. The union is rumored to make them the richest couple in the world. The chapel is open daily from 2 to 4.
San Souci was the world's first condominium. Some of the club members, desiring more privacy than the clubhouse offered, built the huge green shingled apartment house.
The piece de la resistance of Millionaires' Row is the Clubhouse. It deserves its own article
From journal Jekyll Island, Georgia Beauty and the Beach