Behind every creation are visionaries who take a huge risk without the absolute certainty that their plan and idea will ultimately succeed. One only needs to browse through history books to recognize this fact.
The creation of Jekyll Island State Park is certainly no exception to this rule. On the contrary, it is proof that visionaries can lay the foundation upon which an idea can sprout and grow; as if the visionaries trust the fertile ground within which their seed will grow and flourish into a magnificent tree that will be enjoyed and admired for generations to come.
The first such visionary is Gov. Ellis Arnall, who dreams about bringing the state of Georgia into the 20th century and into the developing tourism business. His protege, Gov. M.E. Thompson, takes over the torch and lays the first cornerstone by purchasing Jekyll Island from the millionaires in October 1947.
For the next three years, it seems that the ultimate vision of creating an accessible and affordable state park for all Georgians to enjoy is coming to a standstill. Nobody seems to be able or willing to carry the torch and continue the vision.
That is until J.D. Compton joins the newly formed Jekyll Island Authority and expertly guides his colleagues on the board to the next stage. He instructs Atlanta based Robert & Co. to draft the first development plan that will allow Gov. Arnall’s and Gov. Thompson’s vision to become tangible and visible to all. Unfortunately, his efforts are hampered by unforeseen political obstacles, but he does accomplish connecting the mainland with the island by overseeing the opening of the first drawbridge in December 1954.
As soon as Mr. Compton disappears from the Jekyll Island scene in 1957, another visionary eagerly takes his place and one that is certainly no stranger to state history.
Ben Fortson, the longest-serving Secretary of State, takes over the reins and immediately puts his mark on Jekyll Island. Not only does he carefully guide his board members through residential expansion and commercial development, but he also focuses on the beautification and preservation of the state park. He hires Mr. Hoffman as the first horticulturist to beautify the JI Parkway and the common areas. He is also instrumental in bringing on board Mr. Newberry and his son Bill to supervise the greenhouses*.
The new Authority Board also features one of our other visionaries, although from a slightly different perspective; namely B.E. Thrasher. If it were not for his financial wisdom and vision, Jekyll Island State Park would not have become what we see and enjoy today. His role is discussed in more detail here.
Each of these visionaries has certainly left their mark and footprint, which can still be seen today in one fashion or another. If history is our guideline and guiding light to our future, then let us hope that the next visionary remembers and respects what his predecessors so carefully crafted and contributed. Not only with ingenuity and energy but with love and respect for those who would come and follow.
I hope you enjoy and stay tuned for next week’s installment.
*The first greenhouse was located next to the Gould Auditorium, better known as the Gould playhouse, and was later expanded and moved to its current location on Stable Road in 1964 (JI Museum Archives).
