Elegant Island Living January 2016 by Elegant Island Living Media Group

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

For the Love of The Game

or the first time since 1964, the Glynn Academy Red Terrors football team played for the 5-A Georgia state cham-

pionship. The entire town was buzzing with excitement in anticipation of a win in the Dome in Atlanta. The last time a local team made it to the Dome was in 1999 when the Brunswick High Pirates played for the state championship and lost. Cheering for “the High” was hard, but I was pulling for them much like many Pirate fans pulled for the Terrors this year in the playoffs.

a “patsy” team for their homecoming game, because they want to have a big win for the crowd.

I have always said that I would rather be 1-9

I believe we were 0-5 and headed up I-95 to play

and beat Brunswick High than 9-1 and lose to

Benedictine Military School in Savannah for their homecoming. The coaches always had the QBs sit right behind them in the front of the bus so they could talk game plans. I was sitting with my buddy Andy Been, the starting QB, and as he sat there in discussion with the coaches, I turned around to take a look at the guys riding behind us. What I saw made me laugh out loud. The coach gave me a stern look and I turned back to the front of the bus. The head coach’s custom on these away game trips was to stand up, turn around and address the team about how tonight we would WIN!

Me (center) with Coach Pruitt and Andy Been

Slowly, Coach Pruitt rose from his seat and

Brunswick. Unfortunately, during my sopho-

turned back to speak to the 0-5 1977 Red Terrors

more year at Glynn Academy we did both. We

football team. As he looked up, he saw 57 guys

went 1-9 AND lost to Brunswick High. While

sitting on the school bus, wearing paper hats

I have many fond memories of playing, that

made from the local newspaper, laughing and

’77 team was special! The 1977 team never

throwing things at each other. He just shook his

gave up. Unfortunately, we were never in the

head, turned around and sat back down. I can’t

games either.

be sure, but I thought I heard him say, “This is gonna be a long season.” He was right!

At one stretch during the season, we were the “homecoming opponent” for some Savannah team three weeks in a row! For those of you who don’t know, most coaches try to plan on playing

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Go Terrors!!!

House Numbers and Frames Hand Paint ed Ce ra m i c H ou s e N u m be rs w i th Fra m e s o f Copper, B ra ss, Al u m i n u m or Wood .

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David Butler

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On The Cover: A bounty of fresh color and flavor from a recent Farm-to-Table dinner was the inspiration for the watercolor on January’s cover by local artist Ellen Moriarty and for this month’s feature.

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contents

a p

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28 LI F ESTY LE

CO M M U N I T Y

14 Farm-to-Table Southern Style

53 A Big Blue Classroom 58 Sports Spotlight

H I STO RY

28 Perseverance of a Plantation

62 Business Buzz 64 What’s Happening

EV EN TS

36 A Pearl of an Idea 40 Speak Easy 48 Three Decades of Magical Music

66 Social Scene 82 Real Estate 114 SSI Archives

JANUARY 20 16

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t seems like the term “farm-to-table” is tossed around a lot these days. Restaurants use it to tout the fresh, and often local, nature of their ingredients. There are also “farm-totable” events in which meals are prepared in rustic and rural settings where you can pull the vegetables that will be served right from the soil. It was one of these events, held by Del Sur Artisan Eats at Canewater Farm in Darien, which inspired us to take a closer look at the farm-to-table movement. Local artist Ellen Moriarty captured the atmosphere of the event (continues)

Illustra tions by El l en Moriarty wi th C am i lle Ro nay

JANUARY 20 16

continued from page 15 in beautiful watercolors she painted exclusively for Elegant Island Living. Around the turn of the 20th century, most of the food we ate came from within 50 miles of our homes. However, as we moved away from rural areas into cities, we started shipping food further and further away from where it was grown. To make that journey, many foods needed to be preserved. Our busier lifestyles and work outside of the home also created a demand for foods that would be quick and convenient to prepare. We began to buy more processed foods, which typically contain higher amounts of sugar, fat, and sodium – and lead to 16

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health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer. During the 1960s and 70s, there was a resurgence of support for local farmers. Organic, local and natural food was embraced during this time. In more progressive West Coast cities, the farm-to-table movement took hold. Early pioneers included Alice Waters of Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, and Jerry Traunfeld of Herbfarm, in Washington. The trend didn’t become more widespread until about 10 years ago, however. Today, most chefs and consumers recognize that local ingredients have better taste and nutritional value than products that are processed, pre-

served, harvested out of season or shipped quite a distance, and farm-to-table restaurants can be found everywhere. Not only is sourcing from local and regional growers and suppliers better for our health, it’s better for our environment. Less shipping means less carbon fuel emissions. It’s also one of the best ways to support the local economy. Buying from local growers and suppliers puts money directly into the hands of the people who put the food on your table. Eating at a locally-owned restaurant means support for the business and all of its employees, as well as that secondary impact on the farms and suppliers that they use. Think about the people who are

Sweet Grass Dairy co-owner Jeremy Little produces the cheese.

2 Sweet Grass Dairy cheeses at The Market at Sea Island.

FROM PASTURE TO PLATE, A LEGENDAIRY JOURNEY

1 Jessica Little, co-owner of Sweet Grass Dairy, makes sure the mission of her farm is “let cows be cows.”

A burger from Southern Soul Barbeque with local Hunter Cattle beef, Sweet Grass Dairy cheese and greens & tomatoes from Uncle Don's Local Market.

JANUARY 20 16

CAMILLE RONAY

involved in planting, harvesting, and cleaning, or otherwise creating artisan products, as well as those in the packaging and transportation process. Local jobs. More local producers and increased demand for local products creates more local employment opportunities. Increased supply via local growers and suppliers also makes a higher quantity of quality fresh ingredients available, and decreases the price for the consumers. Rafe and Ansley Rivers of Canewater Farm are Georgia natives and owners/operators who purchased the land in 2014. 20 acres of the 50 acres they own are farmland. They currently have 3-4 acres in vegetable production and grow cover crops to build soil and use for crop rotation on the other land. The Canewater Farm mission is to build the soil through cover cropping, composting, and eventually animal rotations so they can grow nutritious food for the Low Country communities of the Georgia coast. Rafe says, “I see myself as a steward of the land, and it’s my job to protect the soil.” Sustainable growing is what they’re all about. The Rivers grow specialty produce on their family farm in the Appalachian mountains of North Georgia, including varieties of garlic, sorghum for syrup, and corn for grits/cornmeal. They raise pigs up in the mountains for their chefs in the Low Country. They also have muscadine and scuppernong grape vineyards. Nearby forests also provide bounty in the way of mushrooms, fiddleheads and wild ramps. Rafe says that vegetables are harvested Tuesdays and Fridays and can be on the table by the next day. Some local restaurants that use their fresh ingredients are Georgia Sea Grill, Halyards, Sea Island Resort restaurants and Coastal Kitchen. You can find Canewater Farm grits and cornmeal fish fry for sale at The Market on Sea Island. Their new endeavor is oyster farming and harvesting through Canewater Oyster Company. 18

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Rafe Rivers of Canewater Farm.

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Georgia Sea Grill Owner Zack Gowen and Executive Chef Stephen Ollard have focused on using as much local and seasonal ingredients in the new Georgia Sea Grill menu as possible. Zack says, “It’s comforting to know where the food comes from and to also support local businesses.” Sea Island’s own Broadfield Plantation supplies a great deal of the meat and produce used by Sea Island’s restaurants and sold at The Market at Sea Island. From fresh vegetables to bacon and ham to delicious local honey, they do their best to grow, use, and sell what they can, and supplement with high quality products from other local and regional growers, suppliers, and artisans. Dan Meyers, manager of The Market at Sea Island, says “I believe it’s important to shop local, in general, for the very reasons that are on that meme being sent around social media: you’re buying dance lessons for somebody’s little girl, not another vacation home for some executive VP of a corporation. When it comes to food especially, I want to support the people I know who are taking care of the land so that future generations can use it. It’s also valuable to know where the food comes from. We know these people’s names, faces, and where they live and work. They’ll stand behind their products.” He says The Market tries to use as much as they can from local growers, like Ellery Mayence from Coastal Route 17 Green Goods of Darien, but sometimes that’s hard because of customer demand and seasonality. He agrees with the concept of 20

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Shown here is a beet appetizer from Georgia Sea Grill with vegetables from Canewater Farms, beets from Uncle Don’s Local Market and pecans from owner Zack Gowen’s family farm in Climax, Georgia.

adapting our diets to what is available seasonally, saying, “It encourages you to try new things and develop your palate. You can discover new tastes that you might love.” Dan also embraces the family and community aspect of sitting down for meals that has slipped away over the years. “Food should tell a story. It’s gotten to be such a consumer driven society and food is just another part of the day. But when you sit down to enjoy a meal with family and friends and can bring in the relationship with the local growers and community, it’s fabulous. It establishes a connection and makes them part of that story.” Ellery says that Coastal Route 17 Green Goods is all about providing high quality produce at affordable prices so the most people can enjoy fresh products. “We’d rather sell more for less than less for more. Sure we have loss because of insects and disease, but we take that into account as part of the natural process and just plant more so we have more yield.” They have held seasonal markets at their home in Darien and sell locally to Don Maxey of Uncle Don’s Local Market, who then supplies to restaurants here. They participate in the Farmer’s Market at The Market at Sea Island, because they supply The Market and the Sea Island restaurants, but also to reach local consumers. Ellery says, “I choose to come here as my second most local spot, with my home being the first, instead of Savannah. I could

sell everything there, but frankly, I enjoy this community and I don’t want to make that drive. I’d rather come down here.” Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville is another family farm and company that is driven by a passion for good food, a love of the environment, and the community. The statement on their website: “We are a family, a team of community conscious, food loving, artisan cheese makers and sellers who care about education and sustainable agriculture. We strive to be the kind of people that you want to hang out with on your front porch.” This echoes Rafe and Ansley Rivers’ philosophy about their farming at Canewater Farm and could also be applied to Golden Isles native Ted Dennard’s thirty plus year approach to honey at Savannah Bee Company. “Bees live in a manner that only contributes positively to the world around them. I see honeybees as role models for living in harmony with our environment and each other.” Sweet Grass Dairy founders Al and Desiree Wehner have been farming dairy cows for more than a decade and are dedicated to having happy, healthy cows that enjoy a diet of fresh grass. They have found that this produces rich and delicious milk. When Desiree started experimenting with handcrafting cheese as a method of preserving milk, Sweet

Grass Dairy cheeses were born. The richly unique and delicious soft-ripened and naturally aged cheeses were so popular and created such a demand that Al and Desiree’s daughter Jessica and her husband, Jeremy Little, joined the business to keep up with demand. They later bought the business from Jessica’s parents. Hard work and a commitment to creating the highest quality products have made the brand successful for the family. Today, the Sweet Grass Dairy operation consists of a 140-acre farm and production facility, an online mail order business, a creative administrative office and a local Cheese Shop, all located in the heart of Thomasville. Their stubborn drive for perfection and to create the best products has led them to steady growth, without sacrificing quality or flavor, and a wealth of well-deserved awards. Jessica says of the farm-to-table philosophy, “We believe strongly in the farm-to-table movement. It is important to us for people to understand where their food comes from. We are also committed to partnering with the best producers and having genuine relationships with our customers. Sweet Grass Dairy is more than a brand to us; it’s a way of life.” Sweet Grass Dairy products are locally at The Market at Sea Island, and are used at many local restaurants, including Southern Soul

JANUARY 20 16

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Barbeque, Sea Island Resort’s restaurants, and Delaney’s Bistro. A look at Georgia’s “agritourism” and the Georgia Grown organization’s campaign to spread awareness about small, local, family-owned u-pick farms, vineyards and wineries, farms and specialty retailers will show you that there are ample places to stock your refrigerator and pantries. There are berry-picking farms and orchards, tasting tours on Georgia’s wine trails, family farm opportunities like farm-to-table harvest dinners, and more. Perhaps one of the more surprising crops available in Georgia is olives. Traditionally thought of in association with Mediterranean regions, a little (or maybe a lot) of research done by Georgia State Legistator Mary Squires back during a drought period in 2000, led her to the discovery that not only had olives once been grown in Savannah, our climate here closely resembled a Mediterranean environment. Unfortunately, over the next decade her ideas and research took a hit due to the poor economy and attempts to grow olive trees were abandoned. That was until Shawn Davis, a Georgia blueberry farmer who was predicting a loss of income due to blueberry crop surpluses, started doing some research about branching out into new crops. In 2007, he decided on olives and planted 14 acres. Davis then became one of the founders of the George Olive Growers Association. Following Davis’ lead, in 2009, Jason Shaw, his brother Sam, their cousin Kevin and friend Berrien Sutton formed the cooperative Georgia Olive Farms and planted their crop of olive trees. Their first harvest, and the state’s first commercial harvest in several centuries, took place in late 2011. Now Georgia Olive Farms processes its own oil and does turnkey olive farm installations for other farmers. Many farmers are adding olive trees to their existing crops. Now Georgia has a really fresh, high quality product that is sustainably grown, with a reduction in the carbon footprint

JANUARY 20 16

for transportation. Georgia Olive Farms Olive Oil is used at several local restaurants, like Halyards and Tramici, and is available for purchase at The Market at Sea Island. And what about that Georgia wine? In 1900, Georgia was the fifth largest producer of wine in the nation but the state’s wine industry dried up after Congress overrode President Woodrow Wilson’s veto of the Volstead Act in 1919 and the later ratification of the 18th Amendment. After prohibition, wine production didn’t make its way back to Georgia until the 1980s. Today, business is booming for wineries and tasting rooms in the Wine Trail regions of Georgia. You can visit, shop, dine, and sip at approximately a dozen vineyards and wineries in March, June, September, and December on the Dahlonega and Unicoi Wine Trails in North Georgia. The Dahlonega mountains are considered the “Heart of Georgia Wine Country,” with Lumpkin County holding the highest concentration of wineries and vineyards in the state including Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery, Frogtown Cellars, Montaluce Winery & Estates, Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery, and Wolf Mountain Vineyards. Favorable mountain elevations and grape growing conditions make this region an ideal place to grow and ripen a wide variety of American, European and French hybrid wine grapes. The Unicoi Wine Trail in White County includes one of the state’s oldest established vineyards, the Habersham Vineyards & Winery in Helen, as

Take Good

Care

well as Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards, Serenity Cellars and Sylvan Valley Cellars & Wine Bar in Nacoochee, as well as The Cottage Vineyard & Winery, and Yonah Mountain Vineyards in Cleveland. Add Rabun County’s Wine Trail that spans from Black Rock Mountain State Park to Tallulah Falls Gorge State Park and there are another three farm wineries and vineyards from which to sample: Tiger Mountain and Stonewall Creek Vineyards south of Clayton and 12 Spies

research plants, prepare garden plots, and dream of warmer days and fresh veggies on the table. Buy your fruit and vegetables when they are in season and are plentiful. Use as much as you can when they’re fresh. Don’t be afraid to freeze or preserve by canning or pickling. Who needs Smuckers when you can make your own jam? We all know that grandma’s homemade pickles and relishes were always better than anything you can get in the store.

Vineyard, near the North Carolina border in Raybun Gap.

If you think the idea of canning, pickling, or preserving seems too There are many ways we daunting, never fear, the can do our part. Eat at National Center for Home local restaurants that use Food Preservation, hosted ingredients bought from by the College of Family regional growers and supand Consumer Sciences pliers. Embrace new seaat the University of Georsonal dishes. Ask about gia (That’s right, UGA!) is Beth Gwaltney is bringing back the lost art of preservthe ingredients they use. ing local ingredients by having canning parties with her here to help. Their website Buy local produce and girlfriends. (nchfp.uga.edu) is a wealth ingredients from regional growers and suppliers of seasonal tips, publications, and answers to who do this. Grow at-home herb and vegetable “How Do I?” for canning, freezing, drying, gardens. curing/smoking, fermenting, pickling, and making jams and jellies. There are some terrific Mild Georgia winters mean we can plant or recipes there too. harvest something from the garden almost year-round. The two major planting periods St. Simons Island mom Beth Gwaltney made are spring (March to May) and fall (mid-July the process of preserving fresh, local ingredito September). Spring plantings are harvested ents even more fun when she hosted a “girls’ in June and July. Fall plantings are harvested night” salsa canning party. Beth explains she from October to December. What to do in and some girlfriends had a get-together where January and February? Look at seed catalogs, they taught themselves how to make home

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made tamales and they had so much fun that they decided to do stuff like that more often. She adds, “I was interested in canning as kind of a lost art and they liked the idea, so I said will host the next girls’ night at my house to can salsa.” What next? “I did a lot of research: asked grandmothers, Googled, visited the canning aisle in Walmart several times, and ran into a few ladies who shared their stories. I bought a Ball canning book, a pressure canner, and hit the green produce bus in Brunswick for some okra to pickle! It was super easy!” Beth then bought tomatoes from a local farm/produce stand, and then delegated girlfriends to bring ingredients, some appetizers and refreshing beverages to share and thus a canning party was born. Beth says, “We made 40 quarts and everyone went home with some. I then made another 40 by myself a week later!" Here is the salsa recipe to get you started:

Fresh Salsa INGREDIENTS: 7 c. diced seeded peeled cored tomatoes (about 5 lbs. or 15 medium) 6 green onions, sliced 2 jalapeno peppers, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 c. vinegar 2 Tbsp. lime juice CONTACT US FOR YOUR NEXT SPECIAL EVENT

St. Simons Island Office 912.638.3640 contact@tasteful-temptations.com www.tasteful-temptations.com

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4 drops hot pepper sauce 2 Tbsp. minced cilantro 2 tsp salt 4 (16 oz) pint or 8 (8 oz) half pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands

Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in sim-

PREPARATION:

mering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside. You may also want to wear rubber gloves to prevent hands from being burned when cutting or seeding hot peppers. Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and heat to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Ladle hot salsa in to hot jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. DIRECTIONS:

Wipe rim. Center hot lid on jar. Apply band and adjust until fit is fingertip tight. Process filled jars in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed. Make farm-to-table your lifestyle. Commit to a healthier body, a healthier environment, a healthier community economy, and a healthier planet for future generations by changing the way you buy food. Educate yourself on local products. Take your children to regional farms so they can

see where their food comes from and meet the people who grow it. Mac-and-cheese made with cheese that came from that sweet cow Bessie that the kids got to pet and heard moo will be more appealing than that processed stuff made with bright orange powder! Instead of opting for easy and convenient, but less healthy, processed foods, make a conscious choice to buy and use fresh, natural, ingredients that are not laden with preservatives. Adjust

your shopping and menu planning to incorporate what is available seasonally without chemical enhancement or long distance shipping. Grow your own strawberries, tomatoes, and herbs on your deck or start a garden in your back yard. When your personal harvest is over, try other seasonal fruits and vegetables instead of picking up the old standards that are shipped from California or Mexico. Eat raw. Eat clean. Eat local. Get your hands dirty in the soil and have parties in your kitchen. Let’s make food about fun and family again and all commit to being stewards of this land on which we live!

312 Mallery Street • St. Simons Island – In the Village • 912-634-2764

JANUARY 20 16

Ophelia Dent with her sporting dogs.

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B Y M A S O N S T E W A R T / P R E S E N T D AY P H OTO S B Y S O U T H E A S T P H OTO G R A P H Y / H I S TO R I C P H OTO S P R O V I D E D B Y H O F W Y L B R O A D F I E L D P L A N TAT I O N

Shortly after 8:00 a.m. on September 5th, 1973, the last surviving heir to Hofwyl-BroadField Plantation Finished her morning coffee and quietly passed away.

er passing closed the book on one family’s 167-year saga of life on a river plantation in Coastal Georgia. Like another more famous Southern plantation story written by Margaret Mitchell (who happened to be a frequent visitor at Hofwyl), it is a story about land, wealth, power, struggle, and survival. The only difference is, this story is true. (continues)

JANUARY 20 16

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continued from page 29 It all began in February of 1806 when an advertisement appeared in the Georgia Republican newspaper for 1,775 acres of “Prime Rice Lands for Sale” on the south side of the Altamaha River opposite Major Butler’s plantation. The advertised land was quickly purchased by William Brailsford, whose nearby Broughton Island Plantation had been devastated (along with the loss of more than 70 slaves who drowned) by a Category 4 hurricane that struck the Georgia coast in 1804. Considering the low-lying Broughton Island Plantation to be unsafe, Brailsford moved to the newly acquired property situated on higher ground. There, he built a substantial two-story house, changed the name from “Broadface” to “Broadfield,” and set about rebuilding his seriously depleted fortune. Fate, however, intervened when, on November 25, 1810, he died suddenly, while visiting the Couper family on St. Simons Island, leaving the growing (but indebted) plantation, now heavily planted in both cotton and rice to be managed by his wife and daughter. Thus began the oft’ repeated cycle of fate, chance, and tenacity that ultimately molded five generations of strong men and stronger women into a lasting dynasty. Around 1813, William’s daughter, Camila married Dr. James Troup of Darien, brother of influential Congressman (and later Governor) George Troup. However, just as economic security for Broadfield seemed assured by this timely union, war came to the Georgia coast. Though largely ignored today, the War of 1812 caused almost as much upheaval along the Georgia coast as the Civil War. For, along with the general pillaging and looting of plantation homes, the British policy of liberating slaves and resettling them elsewhere had a particularly severe impact on the labor intensive coastal rice plantations in the Altamaha river delta. However, though Broadfield Plantation was plundered and the two-story home ransacked, Dr. Troup had relied on good intelligence from

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: William and Maria Brailsford, the sliver displayed, Gratz Dent, and James Dent on his horse.

JANUARY 20 16

well-connected family members and moved his slaves to his brother’s plantation in Alabama. With the war’s end, which, ironically (due to slow communications of the time) had actually officially occurred several months before Broadfield was plundered, Dr. Troup set about restoring the damaged plantation; only to be challenged again when on September 14th 1824, the eye-wall of a devastating Category 3 or 4 hurricane slammed directly into Broadfield. Luckily, only one life was lost, but, because the storm hit at high tide, the entire year’s rice and cotton crops were completely destroyed. With characteristic tenacity, the family started over again and by the time of his death in 1849, Dr. Troup had not only restored Broadfield, but had substantially enlarged it from the original 1,700 acres to more than 7,000 acres by purchasing the adjoining New Hope plantation. Historical documents at the site indicate that he paid $26,000 for New Hope and though he, “neither wanted nor needed the New Hope slaves [he] purchased them anyway for around $50,000 so they would not be sold at auction and families separated.” Though Broadfield was one of the larger rice plantations in the area, it had acquired considerable debt through its rapid expansion. Accordingly, Dr. Troup specified in his will that the debt of about $80,000 be fully paid before the estate was parceled out to his heirs. As a testimony to the considerable wealth of the coastal rice plantation culture, the debt (about $2.4 million today) was easily paid off within the 10 year estimate for debt retirement, while each of the 6 surviving Troup heirs simultaneously received a $1,200 per month stipend. Then, in 1858 in accordance with the will, the Broadfield and New Hope lands were divided into three portions with the center parcel being deeded to daughter Ophelia Troup and her husband, George C. Dent. Thus, with the settling of the will, George and Ophelia moved to the newly inherited plantation, re-named it “Hofwyl” (after the boarding school George had attended in Europe) and took their rightful place as socially prominent members of the small but immensely powerful group of Southern rice planters on the Georgia coast. As his station dictated, George Dent 32

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became Captain of the local Glynn County militia. There were parties and picnics with the nearby Butler, Couper, Hamilton and King families, and festive boat races between competitive teams of slaves up and down the Altamaha River. Not only were the crop yields high, the quality of rice produced was of such “exquisite quality” that the finest grade of rice sold at the Charleston South Carolina market was called “Broadfield” rice. Life at Hofwyl was good. In fact, to paraphrase one source, cotton may have been king, but rice was gold. Indeed, in 1860, cultivated rice fields were valued at $100 dollars per acre, nearly thirty times that of cotton fields. Life was indeed, good at Hofwyl in 1860. Then, in January 1861, Georgia seceded from the Union and the “good life” changed forever. Though Captain George Dent dutifully marched off at the head of the Glynn Rifles to defend “The Cause,” any thoughts of glory soon evaporated when, just as in the 1812 war, it became clear to all that the coastal Georgia plantations could neither be protected or defended. One by one the ports fell, the plantations were abandoned, and they were burned. Ophelia left Hofwyl “to the fate of the Yankees” when she, along with most of the other coastal planters took their slaves and moved to a hastily-assembled ramshackle community near the present day Waycross, where they stayed until the end of the war as refugees in their own country. They were once again prisoners to an unknown destiny. Returning home at war’s end, the Dents, expecting to see total devastation, must have been stunned to find that Hofwyl had been spared the destruction that befell all the other coastal plantations. For whatever reason, the marauding troops that summarily torched the nearby town of Darien and the other river plantations had somehow missed Hofwyl! A common theme throughout the post-war years now began to play itself out. The plantation system, heavily dependent on slave labor no longer worked. Cash poor planters, not able to hire enough workers to plant economically-sustainable crops were forced to trade land to pay taxes and buy food. The old economy as it formally existed collapsed. Politically connected families such as the Dents and Troups were able to pool resources and hang on longer than others, but high interest loans, smaller crop yields,

and hurricanes slowly strangled the once grand estate. Without a miracle, it too would join the other great river plantations in the cemetery of Southern dreams. That miracle occurred in September 1880 when James Dent, the son of George and Ophelia, married Miriam Gratz Cohen, daughter of Solomon Cohen of Savannah. Solomon was a prominent Savannah lawyer, whose wife Miriam was a member of the equally prominent Gratz family of Philadelphia. The joining of the Dent, Troup, Brailsford families with the Cohen, Gratz families was not only significant financially for Hofwyl, but was also historically significant in that it represented the joining of two powerful, but culturally different Jewish and Christian families at a time when intermarriage between two different protestant denominations sometimes raised eyebrows. It is worth noting that no record of anti-Semitism or even interfamily discord has been located to suggest any discomfort with this important timely arrangement. The combined resources of the new family unit, coupled with shrewd financial management not only saved Hofwyl from bankruptcy, but eventually allowed James and his wife to reclaim much of his grandfather’s previously lost (Brailsford and Troup) properties. Only the New Hope track remained in other hands. James Dent continued to grow rice on the HofwylBroadfield lands until around 1913, however, though resourceful and tenacious, he was never able to return Hofwyl-Broadfield to its previously profitable status. The combination of high labor costs, ravenous migrating “rice birds” and at least two hurricanes (1898 and 1910) proved too much. So, upon his death in 1913, his son, Gratz converted Hofwyl-Broadfield from a failing rice plantation to a moderately successful dairy farm. Gratz Dent ran the dairy until his death in 1936, whereupon operation fell to his two aging but enterprising sisters, Miriam and Ophelia. The sisters, with the indomitable spirit so characteristic of the family, personally prepared and delivered between 100 to 150 bottles of milk daily to Glynn and Macintosh County customers until it closed in 1942. Neither sister married; however, they hardly led spinster lives. Though of “reduced means” compared to earlier times, the family name still carried consider34

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able social standing and prominence. Margaret Mitchell (whom Miriam called “Mrs. Gone With the Wind”) was a frequent visitor to Hofwyl and Ophelia often travelled with her close friends, Alice and Pierre DuPont. Miriam died in 1953, leaving her sister Ophelia as the last heir to the family estate that spanned five generations. An estate that mirrored the birth and growth of this country; growing and expanding from the hard labor of indentured servants and slave labor; beaten down and torn apart by weather and war, pooling unlikely resources to overcome one disaster after another. Always struggling, but always surviving. The story of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is indeed, the story of America. So, on that morning in September 1973, in the ladies parlor of her cherished Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, “Miss Ophelia” Dent quietly finished her morning coffee and then, left everything else to us. It has been reported, that, before they took her away, Rudolf Capers, her friend and beloved butler for so many years, carefully set out a full place setting of her finest china and silver one last time, “for Miss Ophelia,” the grand lady of Hofwyl. Today, the 1200-acre Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, with its 1000 majestic live oaks and antebellum Low Country house filled with original antique furniture and one of the largest collections of blue white Cantonese china in the country is a Georgia State Historic Site that is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about special events held there and visiting the plantation, call 912.264.7333.

The detail of a bedpost showcases the plantation’s history with rice.

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Catherine Main and mom Frances revel in the beauty of St. Simons Island. 36

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BENJAMIN GALLAND, H2O CREATIVE GROUP

by L e s l i e L a m k i n

rances McCrary has attended all 15 St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roasts. But she has distinct, and rather amusing memories of the first one in 2000. “Catherine Main, my daughter, was executive director of the Land Trust at the time. She said we needed to have some type of party – not a fancy party because she didn’t think that fit with the idea of the Land Trust – but something outside that everybody on the island could attend. She came up with the idea of the Oyster Roast,” McCrary says. “From the very beginning, we didn’t know what to expect. The Crab Trap gave us the oysters, and we sent out the invitations. I think we had about 70 people at Village Creek Landing. Late in the afternoon, we were looking at the [supply of ] oysters and said ‘hopefully not everybody will like oysters!’ At the last minute, we ran up to Winn Dixie and picked up some hot dogs, buns and potato chips. We quickly ran out of hot dogs and had to send people back to the store for more.” The next year, about 120 attended. The organizers decided to ask local restaurants to donate an item to supplement the oysters. “We all had to run around at the last minute picking up food,” McCrary says. “We looked in horror as people came down the food line. A few of the early ones came and piled their plates high. Others came and there was no food left.” Despite the glitches of the early days, everyone had fun, she said. From its small beginnings, the roast evolved into what one young woman told McCrary was “the best party on the island.” The attendance quickly grew into the hundreds, and the party moved to a bigger space at Fort Frederica and finally three years ago to its current venue at Gascoigne Bluff. (continues)

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“It’s a real team effort,” Wills says. “Richie Williamson is the forager.” Williamson, who has been the roast’s restaurant coordinator for 10 years, recruits food donations from about 40 restaurants two months in advance. On the afternoon of the roast, he sends out six teams of two to pick up the food for the 5:00 p.m. Oyster Roast. “The teams have all been doing this for 10 or more years, except for one that has been doing it for six,” Williamson says. Once the food is delivered to the buffet team, Wills says it’s their job to “keep cold things cold, hot things hot. We set up the buffet, organize and serve the food that’s been donated.”

THE DARKROOM PHOTOGRAPHY

“Things work smoothly now,” he says. “We’re lucky to get great donations from island restaurants. Every restaurant on the island makes a contribution, including their island specialties.”

Mounting the Land Trust Oyster Roast each year takes more than 100 volunteers, many of whom return year after year to contribute their time and expertise. What motivates them? “We all believe in the Land Trust,” Wills says. “We’ve all spent most of our lives here. We love hospitality, love service, and believe in the Land Trust. It’s a lot of fun.” Adding to the fun all 16 years has been live music. This year’s entertainer is Owen Plant, a favorite St. Simons Island folk singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist. “Gascoigne Bluff is the perfect venue, because we’re under a canopy of live oaks and Spanish moss, overlooking the Frederica River,” says the Land Trust’s Sarah Harris, event chairman. “We’re surrounded by the beauty and uniqueness of St. Simons, and that’s what we’re all here to protect.” McCrary, chairman of the Land Trust Advisory Council, calls the roast “what a Land Trust party should be. It attracts such a crosssection of the island.” From its inception, “everybody there wanted the same thing – to save the island. That’s what brought everyone together. That’s what the Land Trust is all about – loving the island and wanting to preserve it.”

THE 16TH ANNUAL ST. SIMONS LAND TRUST OYSTER ROAST Saturday, January 16, 2016 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Gascoigne Park, St. Simons Island Oysters - Low Country Boil - BBQ and other Southern fare BEER - WINE - LIVE MUSIC Tickets: $75. Land Trust members get a special discounted rate of $50 before January 8. Order online at sslt.org.

A St. Simons Island Tradition for over 30 Years

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Today, the food preparation and presentation has definitely gone professional. For the past seven years, former resort hospitality executive Joe Wills has headed up the “buffet team.” And what a team it is! The crew consists of culinary professionals Wills has known for 20 years and worked with for 10 years – mostly at the Sea Island Company.

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ust like the amazing transformation of Historic Downtown Brunswick into Prohibition Era Ybor City (which is the setting for this special photo shoot EIL was granted permission to do on site after a certain dapper Mr. Affleck had completed work), The Cloister Ballroom will become an upscale speakeasy where the cloak and dagger secrecy of Al Capone’s illicit clubs melds with the exclusivity and opulence of a Gatsby gala for Cabaret 2016: A Speakeasy Soirée, benefiting the Coastal Symphony of Georgia. (continues)

Photos by Sarah Spivey, The Darkroom Photography

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TAKE A PAGE from Brion and Beverly Trainor’s book, and hurry on over to The Cloister on January 23. It will be an unforgettable evening and the live auction will be one for the books! Whether you need a weekend getaway, or a trip overseas, there is something for everyone. There are six fabulous trips that will be part of the live auction, as well as small weekend getaways offered in the silent auction.

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Before you try your luck at one of our gaming tables, you’ll want to make like Hadley and Will Mann and grab one of the free flowing cocktails upon your arrival at 6:00 p.m. There will be an open bar until 9:00 p.m. and cash bar to follow. While mingling, you will be able to bid on the fantastic silent auction that houses truly opulent treasures and fine art from a variety of local artists with a combined value of more that $10,000. The threecourse seated dinner will feature the most divine delicacies of the era. A menu that is a take on the classics, but has the volume turned up by the chefs at Sea Island. OPPOSITE PAGE:

Don’t forget your password to get in the speakeasy. The tough guy bouncers might be even more intimidating than Jonathan Lowe, Edmund Cassidy, Ty McGinty and John Gibson (pictured from left with the real star of the shot, a 1936 Ford Phaeton). And there’s going to be some money exchanging hands too. “Funny money,” that is. In a new twist on an old favorite, you will notice that this year’s raffle tickets are designed as faux bank notes, and for each $10 purchased, you will get a “twofer.” First, you will receive one entry into a drawing for a $1,000 cash prize. Second, on the evening of Cabaret you can exchange your funny money for $100 in casino chips that you can use to play the fabulous casino games!

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TOP: For fashionconscious ladies like Lila Magbee, Ally Urquhart and Dana Parker, there’s a tantalizing trip to New York City, where you will stay in the beautiful Michelangelo hotel located in the heart of Times Square. You and a guest will attend a Broadway show, wine & dine in one the city’s finest restaurants, and attend a fashion show at New York Fashion Week! BOTTOM: If fine wine or

spirits and a good cigar are more your style, like Joey Greene and Brian Zeh, imagine yourself in Chianti, Italy on an exclusive compound perched up on a hilltop with captivating views of the vineyard and centennial olive trees! Another available trip is at a gorgeous country estate is located between Florence and Siena, where some of the best Tuscan wines and olive oils are produced. The estate sleeps fourteen among the seven apartment compound, so it makes for the perfect couple’s retreat or family vacation. Extra excursions that are available to be added include: truffle hunting, cooking classes, deep sea fishing, big game hunting, bird hunting, and much more! There is also a wonderful array of fine wine in the silent auction that has been donated by some of the Golden Isles’ most avid collectors.

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AFTER DINNER AND THE LIVE AUCTION, the casino tables will open

A FRESH APPROACH TO

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up for you to try your luck. The attendee with the most chips at the end of the evening will win a prize. But don’t slip out to the back alley once your chips are gone, like Charlotte Zell, Whitney Lay and Vivian Edwards. Stay to enjoy some lively Motown music with six of the very best musicians in the Carolinas. The Finesse Band is guaranteed to keep the party rolling with their incredible stage presence which radiates energy through every song. THANKS FROM EIL for making the film set photo shoot possible:

Sarah Spivey, Lauren Roberts, Lisa Martin, Tracy Sanford, and Donna Kalteyer, Laurie Zawadowicz, Jack Lipthratt, and Major Ricky Potter from Millennium Security.

2015 Cabaret Committee: Front, from left: Nancy Matthews, Jennifer Broadus, Hadley Mann, Ally Urquhart, Lila Magbee, Frances McCrary, Sharon Flores; back: Vivian Edwards, Will Mann, Alice Barlow, Whitney Lay, Ben Lee, Susan Imhoff, Meg Barton, Dana Parker, Kalista Morton, Charlotte Zell.

he 12th annual Cabaret proceeds benefit the Coastal Symphony of Georgia. Co-chairs Whitney Lay, Hadley Mann, and Ally Urquhart, along with 40+ volunteers, and honorary chairs Charles and Sue Cansler, have pulled out all the stops to make this a night to remember. Ben Galland of h2o creative group captured these busy ladies and gentlemen for photos. For tickets and information, visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org.

LEFT: Men’s Committee Chairs: Will Mann, Ben Lee. ABOVE: Steering Committee: Alice Barlow, Frances

McCrary, Susan Imhoff, Jennifer Broadus, Dana Parker

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Katherine Siochi OPPOSITE PAGE:

Alexey Gorokholinsky 48

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Three Decades of Magical Music

." “Because music matters

hat phrase is the raison d’être and driving force behind the Island Concert Association. Founded in 1985 by a group of music lovers from St. Simons Presbyterian Church, the free community concert series is still going strong. According to Artistic Director Rhonda Hambright, their 30 years of success can be attributed to a number of key factors. The association is fortunate to have an active and devoted Board of Directors. St. Simons Presbyterian Church generously provides the concert venue and supports the series as part of its out-

reach ministry. The community has embraced the series and strongly supported it with generous contributions, not only from individuals, but from grant organizations, and corporate sponsors as well. Visitors to St. Simons Island regularly attend the concerts as part of their local activities. Most importantly, there exists a dedicated membership that loves classical music. To celebrate this three decade anniversary in 2016, Island Concert Association has planned a February (continues)

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LEFT: Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna. ABOVE: Mahattan Piano Trio

Festival. They will be presenting the entire concert series during this exciting month, so you’ll want to set aside each Tuesday night to experience four world-class musical events. The festival begins on Tuesday, February 2, with the return by popular demand of the Mahattan Piano Trio comprised of San Fransico native Wayne Lee on violin, Reykjavik, Iceland-born Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir on cello, and pianist Milana Strezeva who is originally from Moldova. This prize-winning, world-traveling dynamic young ensemble is among the busiest groups on the classical music scene. The Washington Post described the Trio as “impressive” and “outstanding,” while the Sarasota Herald Tribune said, “one seldom is privileged to enjoy music of such a wide range of styles performed with self-effacing skill and relaxed assurance.” Prenatal Care Infertility Workup/Treatment Menopausal Care Osteoporosis Treatment Nutrition Counseling 4D Ultrasound • Colposcopy Menstrual disorders Gyn Surgery

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The next concert will feature Alexey G on February 9. Noted for the intensity and virtuosity of his playing, Alexey Gorokholinsky is an extremely versatile clarinetist whose talent has earned him prizes and entrance into the young artist “Academy” program of Carnegie Hall, the Julliard School, Weill Music Institute. A Russian native, Alexey began his musical career on the piano at the age of 5, and took up clarinet at age 7. Since then he has performed most of the standard solo clarinet repertoire, made and recorded numerous arrangements, and is now creating new works for clarinet and mainstream electronics. On February 16, award-winning classical harpist Katherine Siochi will perform. An active orchestral and chamber musician, Ms. Siochi commenced her musical studies with the piano when

she was 5 years old, and began harp at age 9. She holds a Bachelor of Music in harp performance from The Juilliard School, and is currently continuing her harp studies with Nancy Allen in the Master’s program at Juilliard as a proud recipient of The Kovner Fellowship. She has made appearances at Carnegie Hall and on NPR radio. The Irish Music Duo of Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna will close out the February Festival on February 23. Hailed on the music scene as “ground-breaking” and “bursting with creativity,” Dana and Kyle blend their experience as composers and improvisers in New York City’s rich musical community with their deep admiration for traditional Irish music. The duo has collaborated with some of the greatest living interpreters of Irish music and has brought their inventive arrangements and nuanced interpretations of traditional music to clubs, festival stages and concert halls throughout the US and Canada. Each free concert begins at 7:30 p.m., ends no later than 8:45 p.m., and is followed by a reception in the social hall for the perfect end to an enjoyable evening. You won’t want to miss your opportunity to experience the incredible music by any of these performers. By becoming a member or donating to Island Concert Association, you can ensure that others in the community can also have that same experience. For more information, visit islandconcertassociation.org. As Rhonda says, “An audience is the spark that lights the fire of creativity and passion in performance. Be that spark. Contribute. Invite. Be there. Celebrate thirty years.”

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JANUARY 20 16

A B I G B L U E C L A S S R O O M

Generally speaking, you might find a guinea pig, hamster, or maybe even a lizard lounging in a cage as a class pet.

owever, in the Ocean Lab at St. Simons Elementary School, you’ll see a colorful blue crab snapping at fish, a hermit crab piling stones, several species of fish and other invertebrates. Not class mascots, but living, breathing learning resources for a school that has a distinct and defining feature that most others (continues)

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do not: it is located within walking distance of beach access to the vast classroom of the Atlantic Ocean. “The School by the Sea” provides outstanding academics as well as some extraordinary hands-on learning opportunities for children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Taking advantage of their unique

they, and we, live. SSE Principal Katy Ginn, Vallaster, Good, and the SSE staff and PTA are all very proud of the Ocean Lab program and the unique educational opportunity it affords their students, some who have little access to the ocean, despite the fact they live here. The classes provide interesting and stimulating ways to supplement curriculum and

SSE Staff and PTA members: Cara Wommack, Anne Cranz, Courtney Roberts, Sara Brown, Brandi Scott, SSE Principal Katy Ginn, and Ocean Lab Instructor Brooke Vallaster

512 Ocean Boulevard St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912.634.9977 www.mulletbayrestaurant.com Live Music on the Deck

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location and the valuable teaching resources offered by the ocean just beyond its front doors, the school began the Ocean Lab program almost a decade ago, and it is a favorite program for students and parents. If you go online to search community school grading/ review sites, you’ll find the Ocean Lab program listed as one of the school’s notable features and advantages. The lab is open Tuesday through Thursday while school is in session and Brooke Vallaster, a former employee of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, serves as the instructor, leading students from every grade level on field trips to the nearby beach and marshes. Her classroom is stocked with live sea creatures, via the school’s connection with another naturalist and former Georgia DNR employee, Brooks Good, and his business Coastal Outdoor Adventures. The students are rotated by grade through the lab every two weeks and learn about the fascinating creatures in the classroom’s tanks and the delicate coastal ecosystem in which

present true hands-on experiences that allow students to better understand our ocean environment’s place and importance in the world.

C E D

From experimental scientific learning in the classroom setting with water and sand samples the students can examine under microscopes, the coastal fish, crabs, and other sea creatures in the tanks, to the class sessions on the beach where habitat, tides, ecologic impact of weather and season, and variety of species can be taught, the Ocean Lab program provides fantastic educational exposure to our coastal home. Fishing, using seine and cast nets, digging for ocean treasures, and gathering shells are part of the school day. “How fun is that?!,” asks Sara Brown, fundraising chair for the Ocean Lab. “Getting to go to the beach is a great way to encourage learning. The students get to connect with the environment in which they live and find out more about it.” She explains, “These are hands-on learning opportunities and memorymaking experiences which also meet (continues)

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the Georgia Standards of Excellence for science, as well as cross-curriculum standards for other areas like reading, social studies, and even math.”

Supporters hope that they will be able to raise approximately $100,000 through donations and corporate giving campaigns over the next few years. Brown explains those funds would keep the lab operating comfortably for the next five years or more. Brown urges everyone in the community to get involved by spread-

sponsor, there are special incentives offered and your contributions would be very welcome. A PayPal donation link has been placed on the school’s website at glynn.k12.ga.us/SSI. This program is invaluable to the children of our community, fostering not only a mindset of preservation and conservation, but respect for

The challenge, Brown says, is to maintain the funding for the program. It isn’t free. The St. Simons Elementary PTA is committed to raising the funds required to keep the Ocean Lab program equipped with classroom materials and resources and a part-time instructor available for the days it is open. Last year’s Trackapalooza event was dedicated specifically to raising money for Ocean Lab, and it’s likely that this year’s event will be as well. There are also donation drives and in October of 2015, the PTA launched a ramped-up campaign to get students and their families more involved with the fundraising efforts that exceeded goals and netted $12,000. An oyster roast to thank donors and recog- Ocean Lab Instructor Brooke Vallaster, SSE Principal Katy Ginn, and Brooks Good of Coastal Outdoor Adventures nize supporters of the program was held in ing the word about the program and its need the resources of this planet. Let’s do our part to November. Brown says they are also applying for outside funding. If you have a business and help them continue this for years, and hopefor state and federal educational grants. would be interested in becoming a corporate fully, generations to come.

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You choose your… Doctor…

Sports Spotlight

Pharmacy…

Why Not Therapy?

When it comes to health care decisions, you make the call on your care. Just like selecting who you want as your physician or where to get your prescriptions filled, choosing your Physical Therapy provider is always your decision. Brunswick Clinic 4204 Coral Park Drive 912.280.9205 St. Simons Clinic 212 Retreat Village (next to Winn-Dixie) 912.638.1444

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he past year has been an exciting one for sports lovers in the Golden Isles. It wasn’t just Zach Johnson winning the British Open, nor was it the annual RSM classic at Sea Island making national golf news, we also have a local resident who will make history as the 2nd female president of the United States Golf Association. Making additional strides for U.S. women was this year’s World Cup winning National Soccer Team, which included SSI’s own Morgan Brian. Now, moments away from going to press, we have the thrill of watching “Friday Night Lights” at its best with the Glynn Academy Red Terrors in their pursuit of its first state football championship since 1964. If this keeps up, we may have to add a Sports section to EIL! In November, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced that St. Simons Island resident

Morgan Brian on the fire truck surrounded by fans during her welcome home parade.

Diana Murphy would be nominated as its 64th president. She will become only the second woman ever to lead the governing body in its nearly 121year history. Judy Bell was the first woman named to the position, 20 years ago. “I am deeply honored,”

Diana and Reg Murphy

Murphy said in a statement. “Since first being introduced to the USGA in 1988, I have had opportunities to watch the organization evolve (continues)

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and develop stronger relationships with Members, golf facilities and industry colleagues. Golf has greatly benefited from the leaders and volunteers who have come before us, and who continue to give back to the game.” Diana is currently a USGA vice president and is in her fifth year on the Executive Committee. She will succeed Thomas J. O’Toole, Jr., at the Annual Meeting in San Diego in February when the formal vote of the membership is taken. Diana’s husband, Reg, was USGA president from 1994-95. Diana and Reg’s philanthropic works in the Golden Isles are well known and were the subject of a story by Dr. Valerie Hepburn in the August 2015 issue of Elegant Island Living. Frederica Academy alumna and current member of the 2015 World Cup winning United States Women’s National Soccer Team was welcomed home by hundreds of fans over Thanksgiving weekend. Former US Women’s National Soccer Team member Danielle Sunderhaus and Georgia Sports Institute coordinated a parade from Mallery Park to the Pier and Casino Building where Morgan was able to meet fans and sign autographs. Dale Provenzano, Chairman of the Glynn County Board of Commissioners presented Morgan with a special proclamation recognizing her for her accomplishments. Bobbi Brinkman was there to take photos of the occasion. Check our website to view more of her images from this show of community pride. The Glynn Academy Red Terrors football team had a stellar 2015 season under Coach Rocky Hildago. At the time of writing, their record stands at 12-2. They beat Jones County to make it to the 2nd round of state playoffs where they 60

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were victorious over Dalton. Nailbiters at Stockbridge and then at home in the Glynn County Stadium against Ware County secured them a birth against Allatoona in the 2015 GHSA Football State Championships – AAAAA, to be held in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The entire com-

munity has come out to watch games and support the team in an amazing show of Red Terror Pride. By the time you read this magazine, you’ll know whether they won the title or not, but we can tell you with certainty, they are champions to us, no matter what the result in the Dome. Way to go, Terrors! Congratulations! (Photos provided by Gena Churchwell.)

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BUSINESS BUZZ

NEW MEDICAL SPA OPENS At the new Refresh & Refine, located at 1620 Frederica Road, five individual businesses combine to offer clients a holistic experience for Medical Spa treatments using the latest and most innovative procedures and therapies. Beauty & Skin offers quality skin care, cosmetics, bath and body products, jewelry, handbags, accessories and distinctive gift items. Brands include SkinCeuticals, bareMinerals, blinc, and TanTowels. Johnson Medical & Aesthetics provides medical and aesthetic services customized to individuals needs. Services include botox, bioidentical hormone therapy, dermal fillers, vitamin injections, and nutritional/wellness consultations. Jennifer Owens Skincare offers aesthetic services including microdermabrasion, micro-needling, waxing, chemi-

cal peels, and medical/spa facials. Lea Downie Massage specializes in Swedish, deep tissue and hot stone massage. Stop in for the Grand Opening between 12:00-8:00 p.m. on January 21 to enjoy refreshments and receive a gift bag. 912.268.4372.

DO IT FOR THE CHIPPER Keep Golden Isles Beautiful’s annual Bring One for the Chipper Christmas tree recycling campaign returns on January 9. From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. volunteers will assist with tree drop-offs at the Winn Dixie on St. Simons Island, Tidelands Nature Center on Jekyll Island, The Home Depot, Howard Coffin Park and Winn Dixie on New Jesup Highway. “For many local families, this annual recycling activity is a holiday tradi-

GOODSTEIN NAMED FULL PARTNER h2o creative group, John Daniel, Ben Galland and Jonathan Havens welcome Anne Goodstein as Full Partner. Anne has worked with h2o for 6 of its 7 years and currently serves as Creative Director and Graphic Design Artist. Anne and her family have been members of the Golden Isles community for 12 years by way of France. During that time, Anne has established herself as a wonderfully talented, vivacious and caring individual, whose professional contributions have only been surpassed by her philanthropic commitment to many local, worthwhile causes. “A true artist, Anne Goodstein has become a cornerstone of the h2o brand and a powerful advocate of its client’s goals! We are fortunate to now have Anne on the forefront of ownership,” says h2o President John Daniel. h2o creative group is a local relationship-based full service design & marketing firm, offering graphic design, photography, video, identity development, web development & digital marketing solutions. 62

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tion that offers an easy solution for tree disposal and promotes a sustainable community,” said Lea King-Badyna, KGIB executive director. “The Chipper effort is a great opportunity for families to talk about the importance of caring for the environment,” she added. “We encourage Golden Isles residents to support and become involved in Keep Golden Isles Beautiful’s many local sustainability and beautification projects throughout the year.” Information on additional community drop-off sites available through January 10 can be found at kbgib.com.

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

CALLING ALL SHOPPERS Are you ready, ladies? Wine, Women & Shoes Benefiting Hospice of the Golden Isles will be here before you know it! Set aside Saturday, February 20 for a day of sipping fine wines and shopping designer fashions while you mingle with the ever-popular “Shoe Guys.” The Cloister Ballroom on Sea Island will also turn runway with a high energy and glamorous fashion show. Enjoy a delicious lunch and fun with friends at this fabulous event to benefit a noble cause. Watch for more details by following Wine, Women & Shoes Golden Isles on Facebook and Instagram. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit winewomenandshoes.com/goldenisles or call Cissy Thompson at 912.222.5400.

SULLIVAN TO SPEAK AT MUSEUM Renowned local historian and author Buddy Sullivan will present a lecture on Life, Labor & Landscape: Ecology as History along the Georgia Coast at The Moore Methodist Museum located on the grounds of Epworth by the Sea. The lecture will take place on Tuesday, January 19, at 2:00 pm. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased at the Museum or by calling 912.638.4050. Space is limited and Mr. Sullivan is a popular speaker, so get your tickets today to make sure you have a seat. All proceeds from the lecture benefit the Moore Methodist Museum.

MURDER & MAYHEM The Island Players bring murder mystery/farce, The Murder Room, by Jack Sharkey to the stage Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. January 8-24. A gold-digger and her lover are suspected of killing her wealthy husband, Edgar, yet there’s no body to be found. Edgar’s idiotic daughter and her fiancé arrive and unknowingly complicate the plot. The involvement of an interfering housekeeper and a bumbling detective make matters even worse as Edgar’s heirs attempt to solve the mystery of his disappearance. What ensues is pure chaos. Cast features David Butler, Jackie Santoro, Elle Woodcock, Vincent Miller, Clare Favole-Gruber and Geoff Matthews. Directed by Richard Elichuk. theislandplayers.com

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THE RSM CLASSIC OFFICIAL PGA TOUR EVENT HELD ON SEA ISLAND’S PLANTATION AND SEASIDE GOLF COURSES IN NOVEMBER AND HOSTED BY DAVIS LOVE III, WAS ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS THIS YEAR. The week of events leading up to a runaway win by Kevin Kisner was wellattended and the weather cooperated for most of the time. A team of the PGA Tour pros took home what might have been an even bigger win, as Zach Johnson referred to it as “his Everest,” when they emerged victorious over their wives at the Wiffle Ball Classic presented by the PGA Tour Wives Association, Krispy Kreme, and Elegant Island Living. Young gun PGA TOUR players Trey Mullinax, Bobby Wyatt, and Patton Kizzire were a hit with the crowd at The Rotary of St. Simons’ “Meet the Pros” event at the Retreat Clubhouse as well. 66

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THE ANNUAL AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY VICTORY GALA “A SOUTHERN JUBILEE” WAS A SPARKLING AFFAIR AT THE CLOISTER ON SEA ISLAND. Flickering candlelight and beautiful floral topiaries set the scene to dance the night away to music by the Class of ’69 Reunion Band. (Photos by Julie Andrew Tharpe.) 1. David and Whitney Herndon, Diana Cicchiello, Jeff Waters. 2. Chase and Leah Oldham. 3. Jenny Hall, Thomas Cason. 4. Megan and Gary Grinsted. 5. Diana and Stephen Kelley. 6. Chris and Cassie Busby. 7. Myrick Stubbs, Jason Miller. 8. Connie and Borden Hallowes. 9. Mandy McCaskill, Amy Certain, Tracy Toth, Ashley Seabolt. 10. John and Elizabeth Killgallon, Brent and Kerri Anderson. 11. Morgan Hamilton, Stan and Crystal Baker. 12. Ashley Dixon, Carla Cate. 13. Livi Elliott, Sarah Clements, Brooke Carter. 14. Shelley Paul, Heather Delamarter. 68

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D I D Y O U S AY…

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THE 2015 FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES TURKEY CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT took place the Monday before Thanksgiving at the Brunswick Country Club. It was a beautiful day of fun, family, and fellowship on the greens. (Photos by Golden Isles Photography.) 1. Jim Motos, Jeff Ward, Bill Barrow, Chris Winford, Randy Russell, Tim Harden. 2. Judy Wright, Alli Lehr, Chelsea Ross. 3. Steve Holt, Heard Galis, Tee Tolleson, Tim Harden. 4. Frederica Academy team: Coach Tom Willis, Thomas Hogan, Gray Johnston, Joseph Levitan, Manning Mercer. 5. Dan Hogan, Steve Melnyk. 6. Jack Parker, Patrick Parker, Tony Reyna, Davis Reyna. 7. Jeff Ward, Bill Barrow, Chris Winford, Randy Russell. 8. Baylie, Morgan and Adam Wainwright. 9. Brunswick High School team: Tripp Wickard, Cody Collins, Pope Arline, Caleb Weese. 10. Tournament Committee: Nick Doster, Chelsea Ross, Tim Harden, Jim Motos. 11. John Pollock, Tom Ferguson, Craig Entwistle, Spencer Bartlett. 12. Steve English, Jim Anderson, Beau Sasser, Paul Trumbull. 13. Brad Stroud, George Warwick, Scott Ferrell, Tommy Stroud. 14. Hudson Swafford, Bruce Flexer, Jay Flexer, Adam Wainwright. 70

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RED CARPET REVELRY AND BUBBLING CONCOCTIONS GREETED GUESTS ATTENDING TEMPTED!, a fundraiser presented by Straton Hall Events and Elegant Island Living to benefit the Al Holland Medical Fund of the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia. Live music by Michael Hulett, Jamie Renee & The Walkers, and Travis Brown delicious food and drink in unique and creative settings made this party the talk of the town. (Photos by Lauren Roberts of The Darkroom Photography.) 1. Tiffany Griffis, Drew Wentworth, Daniel Griffis, Shelby Wentworth, Rhonda and Ralph Gornto. 2. Richard Chastain, Jeff Yeomans, Jo and Garrett Grantaham. 3. James Dominy, Annette Lowe, Laura and Edward DiPreta. 4. Jo and Davis Scott. 5. Benjy and Jane Bluestein. 6. Straton Hall Events hosts Stacy Bass and Jay Anderson. 7. Judy Sutton, DA Martin. 8. Lori and Nick Lee, Kimberley Whitaker. 9. Chad Riner, Ellen Murphy, Chris Wright, Scott Moscheo. 10. Marc Mercer, Courtney Herndon. 11. Kevin and Brittany Crotty, Amy and Jason Counts. 12. Jennifer Tacbas, Melody Walsh. 72

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13. Virginia Schlegel, Helen Peppiatt. 14. Melissa Andon, Linda Love, Patti and Jon Judge. 15. Shantee Weseman, Pat Weaver, Lois Henry, Judy Lillis. 16. Amanda and Michael Brand. 17. Bob and Rita Thompson. 18. Patsy Mitchell, James Lee. 19. Tara Holden, John Krivec. 20. Sean Kasper, Quinn McGill. 21. Elaine Griffin, Mike Bauer. 22. Elegant Island Living staff Kathi Williams, Molly Duckworth and Julie Andrew Tharpe with host David Butler. 23. Jennifer Meetz, Elizabeth Collins. 24. Bryan Crews, Tracy Sanford, Suzanne and Robert Kutuk. 25. Jason and Lynn Carlisle. 26. Bonnie and Ulf Rheborg.

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THE SOUTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM FOUNDATION HELD ITS ANNUAL ARTRAGEOUS BRAS FUNDRAISER featuring a fashion show and auction of the imaginative and inspiring, whimsical and wonderful bras designed and created by local artists and community members. This year’s event raised more than $18,000 for the health system’s cancer care programs. (Photos by Julie Andrew Tharpe). 1. Rachel Metcalf, Jordan Thompson, Sharon Proudfoot, Maggie Dutton, Carmen Battistini with their “Star Wars”-themed offering. 2. Alice and Louisa Nightingale. 3. Deborah Francis, Gayle Bowman, Amanda Summers, Regina Johnson of AKA Sorority with their “beach bra.” 4. Karen Crosby, Saeid Karbassi. 5. Faith and Michael Trent. 6. Richard and Kristal Willis with Kristal’s “rock and roll” bra. 7. Cindy Rockhill, Heather Lambert. 8. Krista Robitz, Miranda Collins, Kristal Willis. 9. Regina Johnson, Barbara Baisden, Delria Baisden, Alex Galloway. 10. Tammy and Tony Ross. 11. Carollyn and Jerry Cannon. 74

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b l a c k w a t e r

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LOCAL, PERSONAL, QUALITY, CUSTOM WORK WHERE FRAMING IS AN ART

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS WHO HELPED VOTE US BEST FRAME SHOP AGAIN THIS YEAR. WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.

Main Street Frame Shop Your Bridal & Graduation Framing Headquarters 1403 Newcastle Street • Downtown • 262-0050

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THE CLOISTER BALLROOM, BEDECKED IN WHITE ROSES, WHITE HYDRANGEAS, AND CANDLELIGHT WAS THE SETTING OF THE SEVENTEENTH PLANTATION BALL. The elegant black tie event is held bi-annually to present the young women members of the Cotillion Debutante Club, which was introduced in 1988 under the auspices of St. Simons Cotillion. The Marshals assisted in the presentation and were led by Grand Marshal, Dr. Patrick Godbey. (Photos by The Darkroom Photography.) 1. Waite, Michael, Nell, Lucy and Laura Gordon Thomas. 2. Timme Feininger, Donna Godbey, Andrea Altman. 3. Susie and Jim Benefield. 4. 2015 Cotillion Debutante Club. 5. Meady Watkins, Anna Stroud, Millie Varnadoe, Leslie Hartman. 6. Cindy and Dwight Sweat. 7. Emily Ann, Brad, Larkin, Melissa, Maddox and John B. Stroud. 8. Baba and Albert McCaffrey. 9. Ashley Swann, Dimitrios Kotsiras. 10. Judy, Stephen and Stephen Scarlett. 11. Paul Pandolfi, Ben Bishop, Nancy Pandolfi. 12. Anne Whelchel, Marie Whelchel Redderson. 13. Anna Stroud, Janet Brown, Emily Brown. 14. Wallace, Ann, Laura Ann, and Elizabeth Harrell. 76

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THE ALTAMAHA RIVERKEEPER RECENTLY HELD A CLAM JAM AND OYSTER ROAST. Dr. Neal and Ginger Boswell hosted the event at their farm. With plenty of shucking and Kellie Parr providing music for the festivities, there were smiles all around. 1. Gail Phillips at the Wall O’ Wine raffle. 2. Front row: Phil and Jan Fortune, Philip and Leslie Graitcer; Back row: Steve Spears, Cindy Martin. 3. Adelyn Moerman, Diane Laws, Ginger Boswell. 4. Bert and Melinda Roughton. 5. Oysters on the fire. 6. Bob and Sara Kelly, Sue and George Crain. 7. Clam Jam hostess Ginger Boswell, Altamaha Riverkeeper Jen Hilburn. 8. Mary and Ben Bryson. 9. Partygoers busy shucking. 10. Terry and Karen Collins enjoying the fresh oysters. 11. Carmen Trevitt, Phillip Jordan, Terye Trevitt. 12. Smokey waiting for something to fall off the table. 13. Kellie Parr 14. Altamaha Riverkeeper President Joni House, Jorgiene Elseser. 78

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NASH CONTRACTORS

34 years of expertise in commercial and residential building. NCI will handle every detail from design to permitting. • Premier Licensed General Contractor • New Construction • HVAC Install & Service • Custom Remodeling • Plumbing

(912) 634-1598 / nash@nashcontractors.com

JANUARY 20 16

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HELPING HUGS, INC. RECENTLY CELEBRATED ITS THIRD ANNUAL DINNER/AUCTION FUNDRAISER FOR CLEAN WATER IN CÔTES-DE-FER, HAITI, AT ST. WILLIAM PARISH HALL. Dr. Kevin Fussell of World Water Relief, the evening’s featured speaker, announced the exciting news that WWR would partner with Helping Hugs to provide safe water for the Haitian community. Ollie Crumpler provided his professional expertise at the live auction. 1. Azareyah Wilson. 2. Betty and Fred Davis. 3. Rev. Brenda Iglehart, Andrew Patterson. 4. Bernie and Linda Bush. 5. Lisa and Rick Evans. 6. Peg Root, Susan Mattingly. 7. Event Co-Chairs: Sandra Hockwald, Sandra Johanek, Mary Lynch. 8. St. William Youth Server Rachel Mikowski. 9. Bob and Loanne Hamje. 10. Jennifer and Greg Moore, Tom and Marybeth Bonnar. 11. Jennifer Fussell; Larry Meagher, Helping Hugs Clean Water Project Manager; Dr. Kevin Fussell, World Water Relief. 12. Kate and David Hamer. 80

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SSI ARCHIVES

The Ship House. Stem to stern, it was an island icon.

rom pleasure and fishing crafts to sailboats and commercial ocean-going ships, vessels have always been a part of coastal Georgia living. But did you know there was once a “ship” on St. Simons Island that was designed never to set sail? Around 1937, a family from Atlanta built a truly remarkable beachfront residence on 11th Street on East Beach that was designed to look and feel like an ocean liner. And according to news articles in The Star (St. Simons) and the Macon Telegraph in the summer of 1938, the residence was one of the “showplaces in private dwellings on the island.”

The unique home was constructed in the form of a threedeck, mid-ship section of an ocean liner, complete with bridge, red, white and blue funnel and a roof-top sun deck. The news stories about the home described that the “skillful landscaping of the surrounding yard has produced the effect of two additional decks as well as the complete outline of a ship from stem to stern.” The articles also stated that the structure was lavishly furnished and included bedroom suites, a game room, a grand salon with cocktail bar and “starlight dancing on the top Lido deck.” The stories also included the words of the original owner who said, “Everyone gets a thrill out of an ocean trip

because there’s nothing like the atmosphere of a great liner.” Famed golfer Bobby Jones visited the residence in 1938 and photographed it with his new Leica camera. With an advertising slogan that proclaimed, “Nothing like it in the World,” the site later became The Ship House – a small, oceanfront hotel with air-conditioned suites and efficiencies. The structure was subsequently demolished. This month’s image, from the Coastal Georgia Historical Society’s archives, shows The Ship House from an early promotional postcard. Since its founding in 1965, the Coastal Georgia Historical Society’s archival collection has grown to over 15,000 historically important artifacts, documents and photographs.

Our monthly images on this page are from the vast archives of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society. The Society’s mission includes the “administration, restoration and maintenance of historic facilities and resources … preserved as a living part of the historical and cultural foundations of our coastal community.” Society facilities include the St. Simons Lighthouse and Museum, the A.W. Jones Heritage Center, and the Maritime Center (formerly the U.S. Coast Guard Station). To learn more about the Society, its diverse programs, and the benefits of Society membership, please call (912) 638.4666, or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org.

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Elegant Island Living January 2016

Articles inside

SSI Archives

A Pearl of an Idea

What’s Happening

Business Buzz

A Big Blue Classroom

Speak Easy

Farm-to-Table Southern Style

Three Decades of Magical Music

Perseverance of a Plantation