It seems like such a long time ago that the preferred family pastime was a Sunday picnic in the park. I am obviously referring to the late 1950s and mid-sixties, when it was a family tradition to load the car with BBQ-goodies and picnic baskets and hit the road for Jekyll Island.

Since the first development plan was created in 1950*, five original picnic recreation areas were identified in addition to five residential areas. All of them were supplied with tables, benches, and barbecue grills.

Since then, two have disappeared, the result of perpetual changes on the island, and only three original sites remain to this day. But what was their story and what happened to them?

In 1955, the Authority created St. Andrews Picnic Area, which remains intact to this day, although it has to be noted that originally this area was designated for the “Colored People of Georgia” only.**

The second picnic area, better known as South Dunes Picnic Area, still exists today although not in its original location. Originally, this public recreation area was located adjacent to and just south of the Corsair, now known as the Days Inn & Suites. It was moved further south to its current location in 1961 when the Authority wanted to make room for further hotel development on the South Side. Specifically the construction of Sam Snead’s Buccaneer Motor Lodge in 1961 caused the relocation of the picnic area. In exchange, the Authority agreed to enlarge the new area and furnish picnic equipment for public use in addition to pavilions.

The last remaining picnic area of that time is Clam Creek. Although initially not designated as such, Clam Creek became popular with day-trippers once the fishing pier opened in 1969.

So what happened to the two other recreation areas?

The least known to visitors and local residents is probably the Baker Road Picnic Area. It was created in the early 1950s and was located on the riverside at the intersection of North Riverview Drive and Baker Road. It featured several picnic tables, benches, and barbecue grills. Archived documents do not specifically indicate when the picnic material was removed but one can safely assume that the construction of the first water and sewer system in 1968 and the early seventies may have caused the dismantling of the picnic area.

One of the best known and remembered picnic areas must be Driftwood Beach, or the North Picnic Area as it was known in earlier days. It is nearly impossible to count the personal family memories, experiences, and pictures of this romantic oceanside spot.

Back in the 1950s and 1960’s, you could easily drive up to this picnic area, park your car under the big trees that provided ample shade, and spend a relaxing and mesmerizing Sunday afternoon with the family. Of course back then Beachview Drive had not been rerouted yet, and ran along the coast from Ellis Lane straight through to the north end of today’s Villas By The Sea. When Beachview Drive was rerouted in 1961, visitors still had easy access to their favorite spot, but when the first commercial construction began in 1971, the man-made interference and subsequent natural erosion slowly appropriated and diminished this favorite island spot.

So what happened to the third picnic area, the one that is least known and probably the least remembered?

Across the street from the first golf clubhouse and adjacent to the beach concession stand*** was the last and final picnic area at the time. Although originally designated as such, it lost its attraction when the boardwalk was constructed in 1957 and was therefore one of the first picnic areas to become victim of “progress” and “development”.

Although some picnic areas have been lost, one has to admit that most have been replaced with a modern version. The island now features pavilions in Great Dunes and along the ocean where visitors can still enjoy the natural beauty of the island while spending personal time with family and friends.

Clam Creek and South Dunes are still intact, although slightly adapted.

What we will always miss and cherish though are the romantic afternoons and evenings on the North Picnic Area, or forever remembered as Driftwood Beach.

Who knows? Maybe one day, now that the revetment and sand fill are completed, the Authority, in a nostalgic moment and its fondness of “Remember When” moment, will bring back true nostalgia to the island for those who created special and personal moments on that simple piece of land.

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If you are interested in learning more about the history of Jekyll Island State Park, feel free to browse here.

Enjoy, and I hope to see you all again next week for another blog adventure.

*Robert & Co. created the first development plan for the Jekyll Island Authority upon request from J.D. Compton.

**St. Andrews Subdivision, its picnic area, and beach pavilion were designated in 1955 and considered the first beach division for “Colored People” in the South.

***The central beach concession stand was located at today’s Tortuga Jack’s location.