For years Georgians had been reading about this very private and secluded winter retreat for the Millionaires, never thinking that one day all would be able to actually enjoy the same experience.

And then March 1948 arrived. The steamboat “Robert E. Lee” patiently waited at the Brunswick docks for the first one hundred passengers to settle in and get comfortable for the 40-minute scenic cruise. From the deck, passengers could admire the natural beauty of the marshes, Colonel’s Island, and Latham Hammock as the steamboat sailed by.

And there in the distance, the secretive Jekyll Island just lay ahead, quietly waiting to embrace its first visitors and show off its natural beauty to the average Georgian.

The “Robert E. Lee” gently kissed the Old Wharf as if showing respect for all the lavish private yachts that had done the same so many times before. Once ashore, the crowd strolled towards the Jekyll Island Club Hotel; and while passing the inviting pool, admiration was palpable in the air through a concerted silence. It was as if by invitation the turret commanded such respect from its eager visitors, yet it also gently trembled in the soft breeze as a welcome and loving embrace of its new destiny.

Thomas Briggs, who was placed in charge to prepare the hotel for this first visit, warmly greeted the visitors and each was guided to their respective rooms. A fine job had been done as all the rooms in the main hotel building, the Annex and the Sans Souci were meticulously prepared. Not only that. All the millionaires’ “cottages’ had also been readied for such an inaugural visit.

Imagine what a sight it must have been to actually vacation in the same hotel rooms, dine in the same grand dining room, and experience that same luxury. One that was always reserved for the “elite of American society” not too long ago.

Once settled in, guests could opt to visit the island by bike, on foot, or by simply hopping onto a trolley to visit the island or at least the part that was made accessible. During the early years, visitors could be shuttled to the beach and visit most of the North-end as most of the dirt roads had been cleared.

After an adventurous afternoon, guests could enjoy a light snack, served right next to the hotel lobby. The most anticipated event though must have been dinner in the Grand Dining room. The view as they walked in must have been breathtaking for all. Grand chandeliers lighting up the room with its mahogany paneling, not to mention the imposing fireplace in the rear. And what about those luxurious place settings at each table? The crystal glassware shimmered over the selective plateware as the polished silverware reflected the intimate, yet inviting light from above. One could not help but stand still, mesmerize about times gone by, and wonder what might be heard if the walls could be the narrative for the sights. The menu may have seemed simple from a millionaire’s perspective, but for the average Georgian this was fine dining at its best.

What an extraordinary experience and what memories these first visits must have created. If history can answer those questions, then one need not look further than just a few months. By July 1948, more than four hundred people visited Jekyll Island, occupying each and every available bedroom on the island, including all the cottages’ bedrooms.

What better way for the eager and innocent first visitors to remember their experience by than to take with them a small memento from the famous Jekyll Island Club Hotel. With such luxury and plenty thereof, who will really miss a fork, knife, or even a crystal glass.

After all, Jekyll Island is now a state park, for the people and by the people, and the experience can now be shared with family and friends through a token of historic remembrance.

For more information and my previous blog, please click here.

Until then, enjoy and I hope to welcome you again very soon.