A Timeless Family Favorite

Find your island sanctuary among our live oaks and sandy beaches.

Our storied history and grand traditions remain at the Jekyll Island Club, yet much has changed. With modern amenities and all the comforts of a southern resort, return to simpler times and explore our island paradise by bike, walk the beaches, or play a round of croquet while you recharge.

THE MAGAZINE OF JEKYLL ISLAND

40

A Southern Rock Story

Before the Allman Brothers Band hit the big time, there was that gig on Jekyll…

By Scott Freeman

48 Broken Heart, Empty Home

A tale of the island's first cottage, a rumored love affair, and an eccentric millionaire. By Tony

Rehagen

54 Ready for Its Closeup

Soldiers, golfers, and zombies all have found a cinematic home on Jekyll Island. By Curt

Holman

62 New Life for a Coastal Classic

Over the past decadeplus, revitalization efforts have refreshed the island experience. By

Josh Green

Care for the Canopy

The island's luxuriant tree cover is not all Mother Nature's doing. By Erica Glasener traces

In Plain Sight

A surprise at Hollybourne Cottage flora

Perfectly Iconic Sea oats a key part of island ecology fauna

On a Breeze

A great time to butterfly-watch guardian

A Glass Masterpiece A century-old treasure is restored firsts

Earl Hill

Integrating the island's golf scene artisan

Native American Potters

In pieces of the past we see our humanity my jekyll

Joanie Pritts

A simple bench becomes a family keepsake paths

Nature's Nursery

The quiet beauty of a marsh inlet

This blue and white decorative tile is one of the many unique pieces of art adorning the courtyard walls at Villa Ospo. Its history is still being discovered.

100 James Road • Jekyll Island, GA 31527 jekyllisland.com executive director

C. Jones Hooks director of marketing & communications

Alexa Hawkins marketing Coordinator

Summer Conley creative director

Claire Davis digital Content Manager (Photographer)

Brian Austin Lee

Photography courtesy of Jekyll Island Authority unless otherwise noted. This magazine was published by the Jekyll Island Authority in cooperation with Atlanta Magazine Custom Media. All contents ©2021. All rights reserved.

Find us on social media: publisher

Sean McGinnis editorial director

@jekyll_island e G

@JekyllIsland

about 31 · 81

Published twice a year, 31·81 pairs stunning photography with thoughtful articles to tell the stories of Georgia’s unique barrier island.

Jekyll Island lies at 31 degrees north latitude and 81 degrees west longitude.

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To subscribe at no charge, sign up at jekyllisland.com/magazine. To update your subscription information, email magazine@jekyllisland.com.

Kevin Benefield editor

John Donovan art director

Carson Shadwell associate publisher

Jon Brasher travel sales director

Jill Teter production director

Whitney Tomasino

Joseph B. Wilkinson chairman St. Simons Island, GA

Mark Williams commissioner, dnr Atlanta, GA

Joy Burch-Meeks Screven, GA

Dear friends,

When you step inside Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum and notice the 1947 Studebaker placed in front of a photograph of the island’s historic gates, you’ll find the backdrop to many family photos taken upon reaching the island. The experience of slipping behind the wheel of this classic car represents the excitement people have felt for decades upon arrival at this special place. Today, we may be crossing our causeway in high-tech electric vehicles—or at least cars that are more contemporary than that vintage Studebaker—but the thrill is still there just as it has been since the newly minted Jekyll Island State Park began welcoming visitors 75 years ago.

The Jekyll Island Authority remains committed to protecting the historic and natural resources that have enchanted visitors and residents for all these generations, while creating new experiences to delight, inspire, and deepen connections to the island. Our mission is to precisely calibrate this balance to produce the best possible management of Jekyll Island as a pristine habitat for wildlife, a welcoming destination, and a vibrant community.

The revitalization initiatives, which you’ll read about here, have garnered national acclaim. And now, as we celebrate this year as the 75th anniversary of Jekyll Island State Park, we are focused on carefully managing capacity and avoiding development that is incompatible with the island’s beauty, culture and history.

As we commemorate this important anniversary of the island’s State-era history, we will take stock of the projects—completed in cooperation with our partners—that have made the island more appealing and accessible to new and returning visitors. And we will ensure that Jekyll Island remains a cherished place for all. Just as importantly, this year offers an opportunity to celebrate the unique character and enduring charm we’ve endeavored to preserve. As you read this new issue of 31•81, The Magazine of Jekyll Island, I hope you will make plans to visit us in 2022 to relive your favorite Jekyll Island moments or begin new stories to tell.

Robert “Bob” W. Krueger vicechair Hawkinsville, GA

Hugh “Trip” Tollison Savannah, GA

Dr. L.C. “Buster” Evans Bolingbroke, GA

Glen Willard Richmond Hill, GA

Dale Atkins Baxley, GA