Despite being a state park, Jekyll Island was not exempt from the prevailing politics of the 50s and 60s. The island was subject to segregation until 1964, just as the rest of Georgia and other Southern states.

What set Georgia apart was the creation of the very first “negro subdivision” , better known as St. Andrews, in 1955. While the name and designation may sound offensive in today’s society, in the 50s it was commonly used language. The designation of the south-end as the very first public beach access for “colored” people in the South was so newsworthy that it deserved attention from major newspapers such as the Atlanta Constitution and the Atlanta Journal*. The first request for such a “separate but equal” subdivision was actually submitted to the Authority in 1950, but was met without any consideration or commitment, hence the five year delay.

Although residential and commercial lots were offered for lease in various newspapers and at the same price as any other subdivision on the island, one needs to remember that St. Andrews did not offer any of the facilities or infrastructure that were available elsewhere on the island. The Authority did construct a bathhouse** on St. Andrews, better known as the beach pavilion, but its accommodations were certainly not comparable to the new “white” beach houses.

Needless to say that despite lots being available, that nobody was really interested in building a second vacation home at St. Andrews. J.M. Atkinson was the first to sign a commercial lease to construct a motel and bar/restaurant in the new subdivision. The plans were postponed several times until finally in 1959 the Dolphin Motor Lodge would open to the public***.

But times were tough and paying customers were hard to find and the motel filed for bankruptcy only one year later in 1960. It did not cause the motel to close its doors. Instead, the Authority assumed the lease and operated the motel and adjacent dance hall until 1966, after which it served as a youth camp and ultimately became the 4-H Center.

Despite its short history, the Dolphin Motor Lodge and its dance hall played an important role in the history of Jekyll Island. It was an integral part of the Chitlin Circuit****. Even as late as 1963, the dance hall featured performances of Percy Sledge, Tyrone Davis, Millie Jackson, and Clarence Carter. Even Otis Redding performed here in 1964.

But St. Andrews should also be remembered for hosting the first Black Dental Association of Georgia Convention in 1960. Dr. J. Clinton Wilkes*****, as President of the association, approached the Authority with the request to hold its convention on Jekyll Island. Since the island was still segregated and based on the principal of “separate but equal” he requested the Authority to therefore construct an auditorium in St. Andrews subdivision.

The Authority quickly constructed the auditorium in a minimum amount of time and with minimal cost to accommodate the convention. The building certainly did not compare to the Gould Auditorium in the Historic District, and it didn’t have the luxuries of air conditioning, but it did achieve its ultimate goal of equality while separated.

When W.W. Law visited the island three years later and was refused access to all state park facilities such as the Aquarama, the Gould Auditorium, Peppermint Amusement Park, and any of the hotels, he filed a lawsuit based on the integration of state universities and public schools, as ordered by Gov. Vandiver in 1960.

Ultimately, the integration of Jekyll Island in 1964 was a peaceful event, thanks to the efforts of Judge Hartley, who acted as an ambassador and go-between for the Authority.

If you would like to read more about the history of Jekyll Island State Park, click here.

Enjoy the blog and I hope to see you next week for more info.

*The St. Andrews Subdivision officially opened with a well-advertised opening ceremony on September 24, 1955.

**The Negro bathhouse was constructed in the summer of 1955 at a cost of $8,658 in comparison to a cost of $60K for a “white” beach house.

***The Dolphin Motor Lodge was financed by the Georgia Teachers Retirement System. The loan totaled $385K.

****The Chitlin Circuit was the common name given to dance halls and clubs, primarily in the South, where black musicians could safely perform during segregation. The Circuit was known for its R&B, jazz, and blues.

*****Dr. Wilkes would later become a resident of St. Andrews and his original house can still be seen between Macy Lane and the entrance to St. Andrews picnic area.