The new Authority had big plans in 1957 for Jekyll Island State Park, and needed a slogan or banner to attract visitors. But how? At the time, state parks were known to only open seasonally, but the Authority wanted to let people know the island was open for business all year long.
When in 1959 the two towers were constructed at the entrance of the causeway, the original cast iron banner read: “Year-Round Family Resort”. That banner was never erected. Instead, the final banner between the two towers read: “Year-Round Beach Resort”. With the simple change of one word, the Authority had altered the future of the island and the limitations that came with simply being known as a State Park.
The two towers were designed by Laurence S. Miller in 1959 and flanked the causeway entrance to the north and the south. The south tower originally housed an information booth where arriving visitors and tourists could pick up lodging and dining information. All the pamphlets at the time were created and designed by Tallu Fish, and distributed through the Jekyll Island Motel Association; a joint marketing venture between the Authority and the motel/hotels owners under the leadership of Mr. Williams*.
The north tower featured public restrooms. Both towers closed to the public and moved to the new Welcome Center in 1965.
This seemingly small change in the banner, had far-reaching consequences. Some for the better of the future of the island, and maybe some not quite so. There is no doubt however, that the slight change of wording marked the beginning and implementation of a different vision. The future of the island would no longer be determined or limited by the simple notion of a state park. Instead, the vision of a hybrid model or a symbiotic existence between a state park and a year-round beach resort took shape with the change of a single word. Almost by the stroke of a pen, the future of the island moved into a different direction and away from the initial vision of Gov. Ellis Arnall or Gov. M.E. Thompson.
The new banner did reflect the original intention of the first Robert & Co. development plan, so the change didn’t really come as a surprise, at least not for some.
The towers still proudly flank the entrance of the causeway and have become the emotional welcoming sign to the island. Let’s be honest. How many visitors do not silently say “we have arrived” as soon as they pass those two historic towers?
For more information about the history of Jekyll Island State Park and intricate details about its development, click here.
I hope you enjoy and stay tuned for more. Until next time…
*Walter Williams was owner and operator of the Wanderer through his Seaside Investment Co. He later also operated the Jekyll Island Club Hotel with Albert Crews, owner of Crews Restaurants.
