St Marys Magazine Issue 005

VOLUME 3

ISSUE 5

Seven Magical Days in St. Marys

PAGE 14

The Ultimate Concierge Guide

A Greek Revival Revived

PAGE 22

Plum Orchard

Echoes of a Revered Culture

PAGE 56

Gullah Geechee

From Sea to Sky

The Art of The Dive

PAGE 66

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• Walking trails with elevated walkways and nature viewing areas.

• Minutes to world-class beaches, golf, shopping, dining, Amelia Island and Jacksonville International Airport.

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Letter from the Mayor

Welcome to St. Marys!

I’d like to start off by extending heartfelt congratulations to St. Marys Magazine on the celebration of its second anniversary. For two years now, the writers, artists and photographers of St. Marys Magazine have been telling the world about our special town through words, pictures and artistic illustrations. They have painted a picture of a town that is filled with genuinely friendly people, that is historically significant, and a town blessed with some of God’s most beautiful natural treasures.

Each issue begins with an article that establishes a sense of place for our town. One issue spoke of “serenity.” Another spoke of “the light.” And the last issue waxed poetic about our “front porches and rocking chairs.” In this issue, Ms. Ryan and her staff begin the magazine with an article about St. Marys—The Water Realm. With a backdrop of rivers, marshes, tidal creeks, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean, St. Marys truly is a water realm. Just like at the turn of the century when St. Marys was a thriving deepwater port frequented by tall-masted trade ships, today we continue to reap the healing and economic benefits of being a “water” town. Visitors come to enjoy our Riverfront and take the ferry to Cumberland Island. And newcomers often make their relocation decision based on our beautiful water setting and the bounty of recreational activities that it provides. So it is that I invite you all to enjoy the pleasures of strolling on our waterfront, boating and fishing in our waters, and the captivating wildlife that our many water-based ecosystems support. As Ms. Ryan has said in past issues, the Native Americans believed that for each day you spend around water, you add a day to your life. As residents of St. Marys, we look forward to long and prosperous lives, and we encourage you to share our bounty.

Sincerely,

Rowland Eskridge, Mayor City of St. Marys

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What a View! What a Life!

Riverfront living in the historic district of Downtown St. Marys has never been so beautiful.

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Residents of Grandview are just steps away from great dining and shopping and all the charms of this enchanting village including the romantic waterfront park.

Wake up to a stunning Georgia coastal sunrise. Be mesmerized by our legendary sunsets. Enjoy the convenience of living just 30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport, Brunswick and The Golden Isles, the City of Jacksonville, and Fernandina Beach .

Welcome to the “grand” life that is yours when you call Grandview home.

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F E AT U R E S 12

St. Marys—The Water Realm

63

Friendly Fire

14

Seven Magical Days in St. Marys

64

Scarecrow Stroll

20

Deepwater Living. Lowcountry Style.

Cumberland Palms

66

From Sea to Sky: The Art of the Dive

22

A Greek Revival Revived: Plum Orchard

73

Bringing Back the Bridge to Fernandina

76

Gettin’ Sassy at Salsa

26

First Presbyterian Church Celebrates Bi-Centennial

86

The Next Iron Chef: Culinary Arts Camden Style

A River Runs Through It: NorthShore

88

The Sweet Harmony of Nature & Home: Osprey Cove

90

Bringing Harmony to the World: Sweet Adelines

30 32

Train a Comin’—Folkston Funnel

40

Tara by the Sea: Greyfield Inn

44

Three Broads and a Dog

93

Cruisers Give Thanks

46

Where Coastal Beauty Meets Vibrant Living: Laurel Island

94

Unplug. Untie. Unwind!

Cruising the Waters on Electric Dreams.

48

The Heart & Soul of Gracious Southern Dining: Marianne’s Sterling’s Southern Cafe

97

The Haunting of St. Marys: Green Elephant Ghost Tours

99

Day Trippin’—Amelia Island

51

Into the Woods: SE Georgia Woodworkers Guild

55

To Market. To Market.

St. Marys Community Market

56

Echoes of a Revered Culture: Gullah/Geechee

102

Day Trippin’—Brunswick & The Golden Isles

D E PA R T M E N T S 8 9 24 36 38 60 62 75 80 105

Publisher’s Note Locator Map Art a la Carte Real People Giving Back Southern Gourmet EarthKeeping Business Insights Literarily Speaking Around Town

Publisher’s Note Publisher Barbara Jackson Ryan Creative Director & Designer Jerry Lockamy Editorial Director Justin Lee Jones Editorial Advisor Linda Jackson Williford Distribution Mack Mann Contributing Writers Alex Kearns Dorothy Carter Jackson Marianne Thomas Maureen Miller Contributing Photographers Brenda Barber-Taylor L.J.Williams Dan Williams Bill McKinney Jeff Howard Javon Longeliere Christine Spyker Debbie Britt Jenny Weaver National Park Service

Historic St. Marys Magazine is a Low Country Publishing publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of official representatives of Low Country Publishing. All contents Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Send letters to the editor or other correspodnence to: Barbara@stmarysmagazine.com or mail to: 711 Mildred Street St. Marys, GA 31558

For general information, advertising, or subscription service, call 912-729-1103 or visit www.stmarysmagazine.com

As we enter our third year publishing St. Marys Magazine, I look back on the last two years and ponder what I have learned by living in St. Marys, Georgia.

I have learned (like Blanche DuBois) that you can always count on the kindness of strangers. But there are no strangers in St. Marys. Living in St. Marys is like belonging to a huge extended family. There is an amazing pool of empathy here, and if you ever need help, there are more hands than you can count reaching out to help you.

I have learned that there is much joy in simple things like taking your dog on a golf cart ride. Like watching the sea otters frolic around the pavilion. Like a lazy afternoon swing at the waterfront. Sweet tea on your neighbor’s porch. And our stunning over-the-water sunsets that rival those of Key West.

I have learned about reverence for history and culture and the deep passion that drives St. Marys residents to preserve the legacies left by our forefathers.

I have learned that there is little tolerance for a caste system in St. Marys. That the CEO of a Fortune 500 company and the auto shop mechanic understand they have more similarities than differences, and happily swap stories in the local saloon.

I have learned that our city leaders listen when we tell them what’s important to us, and that they work hard to make sure St. Marys continues to be a great place to live, to work, to play, and to visit.

I have learned that time is an indefinable dimension here. That things move at the pace that things need to move at. That few people go to their graves uttering “I wish I’d been in more of a hurry.”

I have learned that old people, children, and animals are looked upon differently here. That most everybody knows each other’s pets by name. And children are encouraged to be seen “and heard.” And old folks are respected and admired and appreciated for not only who they have been, but who they are today.

These things, I have learned in the last two years. But most important, I have learned that though people tell me I have touched their lives through the magazine, the truth is that the people who we feature in the magazine and the people who read it have touched my life so much more. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Barbara Jackson Ryan Publisher

On the cover St. Marys Waterfront Park Photo: Jerry Lockamy

I

t’s easy to get to St. Marys no matter what mode of transportation you use.

By land, St. Marys is located just 8 miles east of I-95 off Georgia Exit 1 or 3.

By sea, an easy sailing up the Intracoastal, and into the St. Marys River just north of Florida, gets you right into St. Marys’ Downtown Historic District.

By air, visitors have two great choices: St. Marys’ own little airport situated just minutes from the waterfront. Or Jacksonville International Airport—a mere 30 minute car ride away.

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In celebration of our two-year anniversary and in response to many requests, St. Marys Magazine is reprising the article, “7 Magical Days,” that appeared in our debut issue. So, here it is—updated and embellished––an action-packed itinerary to help you experience St. Marys in full. Residents, visitors, and newcomers: think of us as your “grand concierge,” and enjoy these many treasures that make Coastal Georgia the Southern jewel that it is.

Day 1

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Day breaks to the sound of joyous birdsong.

(Did you know the birds sing all night in St. Marys?) Don’t resist the urge to experience an ethereal Lowcountry sunrise from a front row seat at the waterfront pavilion. The pavilion is also a great place for water-critter watching including sea otters, dolphins and manatees. You’ll need fueling for the day ahead, so if you didn’t do breakfast at one of the local bed and breakfasts, take your place on the Riverside Café balcony overlooking the St. Marys River. (Yes, that’s Florida just across the way.) After breakfast, drop

by Market on the Square, and even though it’s hard to think of food after such a satisfying meal at Riverside, go ahead and order some nice sack lunches to be picked up at 11:15. Next, walk four blocks up Osborne Street to the St. Marys Welcome Center. There, you’ll be greeted by the irresistible charm of true Southern belles. Janet Brinko, St. Marys’ Director of Tourism, and her team will happily show you a short video that will serve as a wonderful orientation for St. Marys and the surrounding area. And they’ll give you a free walking map of the Historic District as well. Now, back to Market on the Square to pick up those delicious box lunches.

While there, stock up on bottled water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. You’re about to take a “walk on the wild side.” Just a few steps west on the waterfront sits the Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitors Center. This is your launching point for an incredible wilderness adventure. The Cumberland Island ferry departs at 11:45 (there’s a 9:00 a.m. departure for early

birds), so you’ve just enough time to explore the fascinating displays upstairs and visit the gift shop as well. Your 45-minute ferry ride over to what the Travel Channel has ordained as “America’s Most Beautiful Wilderness Beach” allows you time to immerse yourself in that euphoric feeling of being one with the great outdoors. Dolphins may dance along the way. Seagulls perform their silly antics. The dock appears before you, and an adventure like no other beckons.

Wild horses, armadillos, wild turkeys, fascinating trails canopied by Spanish moss-laden live oaks, Dungeness mansion ruins, sand dunes, and a picnic lunch on a pristine beach of unrivaled beauty will sear your mind with memories to last a lifetime. The ferry ride back is quieter, reflective of all that you’ve seen and surely marked by a promise that you will come back to this island of wonder. Such a full day calls for a pre-dinner nap. Go ahead. Indulge.

Cocktail hour at the inimitable Seagle’s Saloon in the Riverview hotel is a must.

(Be forewarned, Miss Cindy Deen, the bartender, is a force to be reckoned with.

If you enjoy a good sassin’ and some “tender, lovin’ trash talk,” well, she’s your girl.)

And for dinner? Day one begs for a romantic, Southern-inspired meal, and Sterling’s Southern Café (on Osborne just 3 blocks from the waterfront) is the perfect setting.

May we suggest their fabulous seafood bisque, crab-stuffed grouper, and for dessert, a Mason jar filled with homemade, old-fashioned banana pudding. Such stuff continued ... as dreams are made on!

St. Marys Magazine

Day 2 If you’re fortunate enough to be staying at one of St. Marys’ charming bed and breakfasts, this would be a great morning to request breakfast on the veranda. Again, the birds of St. Marys serenade. History is the theme of Day 2, and St. Marys’ grand dame, Orange Hall, is a natural first stop. Your tour through this stately Greek Revival mansion connects you to a way of life enjoyed by upper crust St. Maryians at the turn of the century. Continue your tour of historical homes (you did pick up a “walking tour map” at the Welcome Center yesterday, didn’t you?) with a stroll around the village. You’ll spot the historical home markers in front of some of the town’s most beautiful homes. Your walk will take you through Georgia’s only historical home tour marked in Braille. Today’s lunch is casual on the waterfront upstairs at Trolley’s. Opt for one of their oversized hamburgers. You can walk it off easily. Stroll west through St. Marys’ beautiful waterfront park, and try to name just one other town in the world that has

such a wonderful park right on their waterfront. Take a right at Bartlett Street, and go back even further into history as you gaze at the engravings on Oak Grove Cemetery’s oldest tombstones. Soldiers from every major war are buried there as well as many ill-fated Acadians who fled to the South seeking refuge from the oppressive English. After a lively social hour at your B&B, visit the Coastal Camden Art League’s Gallery (across the street from Marianne’s Sterling’s Southern Cafe).

Then have yourself an early dinner at the Salsa Grill, just a few blocks up Osborne Street.

Though every dish is palate-pleasing, may we suggest the salmon? Be sure and ask for the salsa with “the kick” if your tastes skew toward hot. Return to the waterfront, and share a mesmerizing sunset over the marshes as you glide lazily in an old-fashioned porch swing perched right on the river’s edge. Ask for an early wake-up call.

Tomorrow, the great swamp—Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

Day 3 Great adventure lies in wait on Day 3. Make it an early start, and pick up muffins from Downtown Café & Bakery to enjoy along the way will do just fine. It’s an easy 45-minute ride out 40 through Folkston to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, one of the oldest and most well-preserved fresh water areas in the nation. Upon arrival at the “land of the trembling earth,” make your first stop the Visitor Center where you can view an award-winning—almost reverent—film about the swamp, and enjoy interactive demonstrations of swamp life. Your boat tour is narrated by a guide whose knowledge and passion for the swamp is evident in his fascinating tales of swamp inhabitants and its fragile ecosystem.

St. Marys Magazine

The more adventurous can rent their own kayaks or canoes for an up-close encounter with some of the hundreds of alligators that populate the swamp. Afterward, enjoy a sandwich and chips at the Refuge snack bar, and don’t leave without making a clever purchase at the well-stocked gift shop. It’s been a full day, and perhaps a short nap is in order upon your return to St. Marys. Dinner tonight is waterfront at Lang’s Seafood. Try their famous rock shrimp—so unique, St. Marys has a festival named after it. If your energy’s still up, travel a couple of miles back up 40 and knock down a few pins at TNT Lanes. The music’s upbeat and the staff, oh so friendly. continued ...

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Day 4 Romance and adventure—this is your theme for today! Sleep late, then get a little shopping done before your early brunch at The Mad Hatter where we suggest their shrimp and bacon salad and Hatter’s bread pudding. Or a “to die for” quiche with one of their delicious soups. After brunch, cross the street to Up the Creek Xpeditions where you’ll rent kayaks for a romantic trip through winding creeks. You’re almost sure to see herons and ibis and wood storks, OH MY! The rest of the afternoon calls for more exploring, and the best way to see St. Marys is from the front seat of a golf cart. You can rent one from The Golf Cart Store. Follow your “walking map,” then venture beyond. Be sure to enjoy the folks you encounter along the way—they’re a big part of what makes St. Marys so special. Return in time to spiff up a bit.

Tonight’s dinner calls for your best St. Marys outfit (which could still be

freshly-laundered jeans and a Polo shirt).

Just three miles from the waterfront, Borrell Creek Restaurant sits in the center of a panoramic scene of Coastal Georgia’s revered marshlands. Sunsets from your waterside table are almost always breathtaking. You can relax pre-dinner at the full-service bar. When it comes to making your dinner selection, you’re challenged by the extent and variety of offerings. The shrimp and veal dish and the Grouper Augusta come to mind as culinary stars. Listen carefully to their “du jour” dishes as well—epicurean treasures every one. After dinner, you might want to visit the Island Lounge in the Cumberland Island Inn & Suites just across the street.

Entertainment ranges from comedy to karaoke to some outstanding regional dance bands. End the night with a moonlit stroll along the waterfront. Sweet dreams are just moments away.

Day 5 Today’s the day for maritime adventures. St. Marys boasts one of the most prolific submarine museums in the world—right on the waterfront, of course. Countries from across the globe have made contributions to the museum’s exhibits, and an authentic periscope sits center stage where kids of all ages can experience life as a sailor. After playing Popeye, walk just around the corner to the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum. There, you can step back in time to experience the “Forgotten Invasion,” an exhibit depicting the last battle in the War of 1812, fought just a few miles away at Point Peter. Relics of the Carnegie family’s lifestyle grace an adjacent exhibit. Treat yourself to lunch at the Riverside Café, just around the corner— calamari and a Greek salad would be perfect.

This afternoon is designed for free time, so take a stroll through the village, and explore the beauty of landmarks like the historic Oak Grove Cemetery. Be sure and stop by Once Upon a Book Seller where proprietor Louise Mancill keeps a good stock of locally written or locally inspired books. You’ll 16

definitely want to continue your St. Marys adventures by immersing yourself in one or two of her suggested selections. Strong Women, Wild Horses, a fascinating history of Cumberland Island, would be high on our list. While there, be sure and seek out other local authors and subject matter.

Then visit Read ‘em Again Books where you’ll find a plethora of interesting used and new books plus some great gourmet coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. If you have youngsters to shop for, pop into Mud Pies & Lullabies just next door.

For those who relish the pleasures of a good smoke, visit the Cumberland Cigar Company, just off Osborne at Weed Street.

Tonight’s dinner? In the Historic Riverview Hotel’s Seagle’s Café. Choosing from their extensive menu will be difficult, but here are a few suggestions. You can’t go wrong with a big, juicy Brandon’s filet mignon.

The grouper and the shrimp & grits are both exquisite. And the shrimp scampi is excellent as well. Tonight, it’s early to bed ‘cause tomorrow you may “shop ‘til you drop.” continued ...

St. Marys Magazine

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Day 6 Shopping is today’s theme! Downtown and MidTown St. Marys has more than its share of cool shops, so get your gift list out and start shopping. At 2015 Osborne Road, you’ll love the gifts, fabrics, and decorator items at Acquisitions and the Cottage Shop. Ten blocks closer to the waterfront, your first downtown stop will be the 16,000 square-foot St. Marys Antique Mall with its quintessential collection of gorgeous antiques. Heading closer toward the waterfront, visit JTP Trading and browse their many booths of vintage and newer merchandise. Just steps away, Gray’s Gallery and A. Clark Antiques serve up even more beautiful antiques and artwork. Just a block from the waterfront, pop into The French Quarter.

Proprietor Donna Boyett has filled her chi-chi shop with such girly-girl treasures; you’ll want to linger for hours. Antiques fill her back room, and there’s an entire gallery dedicated to the Red Hat Ladies Society as well. (Be sure and peek into Old Towne Art Gallery while in The French Quarter.) Just down the street, Miz Camay’s Elite Repeats features a handsome collection of Red Hat Ladies’ accessories as well and classic consignment pieces too. Across the street, visit Teddie Lockhart’s Golden

Pineapple. Like a page right out of Architectural Digest, there you’ll find everything to make a great home a grand home. On the waterfront, a visit to the White Pelican (upstairs near the Riverside Café) is sure to conjure up a list of deserving friends who would appreciate an unusual nautical souvenir. Grab a quick lunch at Pauly’s Café, two doors from the waterfront. We especially love their Caesar salads, mussels, and all their pastas. Plus they have great sandwiches. (And wonderful dinners as well.) Don’t linger, because you’re about to head to Florida. Catch Amelia Island River Cruises’ Water Taxi from St. Marys’ waterfront (beginning in March) and enjoy a leisure ride across the river to Fernandina Beach. If you’ve opted to wait for a really late lunch, Brett’s right on Fernandina’s waterfront is the perfect place to dine. Strolling the historic streets of Fernandina’s downtown presents you with more fabulous shopping opportunities and a huge slice of history as well. Hang around for some exciting nightlife, then make your return sailing to St. Marys yet another romantic interlude that will forever remain pressed into the memory book of your mind and heart.

Day 7 Nature and relaxation abound on your 7th day in Historic St. Marys. Rise early, and request a picnic lunch at Market on the Square. Fill a goody bag with their old-fashioned treats that bring back memories of childhood. Today’s the day to play. Your picnic spot? Beneath an ancient shade tree at Crooked River State Park, just four miles from Historic St. Marys. After a little outdoor nap you’ll want to visit the nearby ruins of the famous tabby McIntosh Sugar Works Mill built around 1825. On your way back downtown, stop by the Goodbread House, and have your photo taken with the irresistible Captain

Hook. Golfers will want to spend their last afternoon playing one of the area’s beautiful golf courses including Laurel Island Links and Trident Lakes. If the seventh day happens to be on a Friday or Saturday night, a short drive to Woodbine is in order. Here’s where you’ll be enthralled by the music and performers of the Woodbine Opry. Described by travel writers as “the most fun you can have with your overalls on,” the Opry is a toe tappin’, hand clappin’, lip smackin’ cacophony of pure, down home fun with a scrumptious southern “supper” thrown in for good measure.

S

even days is not nearly enough to experience all that makes St. Marys the “Best of the South and the Best of a Small Town.” For fishing aficionados, there are fishing charters easily accessed at the waterfront. For boaters, the water opportunities are endless. The daring will want to take the Ghost Tour narrated by local resident Diana Burgess. Summertime visitors will want to cool off at the St. Marys Aquatic Center. Film fanatics are happy to discover that just 3 miles from the waterfront is the 11-screen Kings Bay Stadium Cinemas, located adjacent to more great shopping. Easy side excursions include Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Brunswick, and Savannah in Georgia, and Amelia Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine in Florida.

Amidst all the romance, adventure, and history that St. Marys has to offer, there remains that most magical quality of all—serenity. For it is in this space that after discovering so very much about Coastal Georgia, you may even come to discover yourself.

Seven days in St. Marys is not nearly enough, so take an 8th day. And Carpe Diem!

Editor’s note: Contact information for places mentioned in the above itinerary can be found at www.stmaryswelcome.com.

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St. Marys Magazine

Land. Rivers. Ocean.

This naturally compelling trilogy defines life and living at Cumberland Harbour on Georgia’s glorious seacoast-access is available to the Intracoastal waterway and Atlantic Ocean. This serene and private coastal community is admired for its stunning beauty, sought after for its gracious homes and grand homesites, and prized for its premier amenities.

To learn more about Cumberland Harbour, including Preserve homesites from the $150’s, Marshview homesites from the $300’s, and magnificient SITE OF THE 2004 HGTV DREAM HOME

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many facets of the St. Marys area that inspire Tpeopleheretoarerelocate or to establish a second or third home here. There’s that delightful southern spirit that manifests itself through the charm and friendliness of the people.

There’s the intrigue of living in the midst of the rich history and culture that defines the area. There’s the m i l d w e a t h e r, y e t w i t h a f u l l four-season change that appeals to those looking for an alternative to Florida. There’s all the natural beauty and the attractive living costs as well.

But there are two facets of Coastal Georgia that sing their siren song loudest when people are looking to relocate: the exciting opportunity of deepwater living and the unmatched pleasure of living an authentic Lowcountry lifestyle. With its much-anticipated grand opening scheduled for Spring 2008, Cumberland Palms on the North River will be offering both.

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The desirability of Cumberland Palms begins with its enchanting riverfront setting. The North River flows through a tapestry of natural wonder, winding its way around salt marshes and tidal creeks before flowing into the Intracoastal Waterway that leads directly to the great Atlantic just moments away. Cumberland Palms residents can launch their boats from the planned community docks and be on Cumberland Island, “America’s Most Beautiful Wilderness Beach” as designated by the Travel Channel, Fernandina Beach, Florida, or the Golden Isles of Georgia in less time than most metropolitan dwellers would take to drive across town.

While a day on the water is both invigorating and rejuvenating, Cumberland Palms residents will always be happy to return to their idyllic home set in the understory of majestic palms and ancient live oaks. Here, only 47 St. Marys Magazine

fortunate families will live the grand life in the 2400 square-foot luxury townhomes that embody the Lowcountry’s exceptional grace and comfort. They will be surrounded by indulgent extras that one would expect to find only in the grandest of single family homes.

Gas appliances, private elevators, climate-controlled observation towers, rich hardwoods and stainless steel, soaring glass and hammock-worthy porches—these are sweet touches that make everyday life a joy at Cumberland Palms. And the magic begins all over every time residents step outside their homes.

There they may discover the magic of neighborly white egrets and great blue herons. Or the magic of warm evening breezes and stunning sunsets. On a leisurely stroll down the nature boardwalk, they may discover the stirring sounds and scents that emanate from the surrounding nature preserves. The hustle and bustle of St. Marys Magazine

the outside world fades away as they immerse themselves in a different time and place. Here at Cumberland Palms, a definitive softening of the edges of the day begins at sunrise and melds long into the star laden nights of clear southern skies.

Here on the untouched isle that is Cumberland Palms, residents will discover a symphony of serenity and splendor. They will thrill to the awe-inspiring vistas that greet them each morning. They will marvel that they are only 30 minutes from the Jacksonville International Airport, and just a short boat or car ride to Historic St. Marys’ waterfront. But mostly, they will be amazed to discover that, at last, they have found a home where they can finally kick back and really live the life that they’ve always dreamed about in a town that personifies the best of the South.

For more information, call 1-877-832-7256, or visit www.CumberlandPalms.com.

21

By

Maureen Miller

O

22

n a bend in the Brickhill River, just onshore Cumberland Island, lies one of the largest single-family historic homes in Georgia.

Surrounded by gnarled moss-draped live oaks, the stark white Greek Revival structure stands as a silent salute to the affluence of a 19th century Pittsburgh steel family. This is Plum Orchard, Lucy Carnegie’s wedding present to her son George Lauder, the sixth of her and Tom’s nine children.

Built over 100 years ago, the grand dame recently underwent a complete facelift.

Restoring her magnificent beauty was an 18-month, $3 million task. Internally, she is once more solid, with steel beams supporting her foundation, all new wiring, new ventilation and fire systems, and reinforced porches and piazzas. Cosmetically, she is splendid: contractors re-plastered, re-tiled and returned the luster to her interior ceilings, walls and rich wood details––including her red oak floors.

Perhaps most noticeable are the painstaking repairs to the original griffin-pattern burlap wallpaper, beneath which renovators found a message from one of their predecessors: “Papered by Ray Pierre 8/30 1904.” Now refurbished, Plum Orchard is ready to share her varied past.

Before construction began in 1898, Lucy Carnegie envisioned her gift as a “simple house...with a cost limit of about $10,000.” Son George and his new wife, Margaret, daughter of railroad magnate, William Thaw, dreamed of something grander. By August 1899, William Page, overseer of the Carnegie estate on Cumberland, wrote to George, “The portico of your house is the finest thing in Georgia. After continued ...

St. Marys Magazine

work hours the men gather in front to drink in its beauty, and their manners are noticeably improving.”

Margaret decorated the inside with French furniture and old tapestries: crystal chandeliers, gold bath fixtures, and beautiful parquet floors complemented the furnishings. An Otis elevator, operated by an underground hydraulic system, made moving from floor to floor easier––particularly after George contracted muscular dystrophy.

George and Margaret were childless, but reveled in entertaining.

Plum Orchard soon became the scene of dazzling dinner parties, as well as tea parties, luncheons and sleepovers for the multitude of Carnegie nieces and nephews. In 1906, feeling the need for more space, the couple expanded their home with two wings: an east wing to include a squash court and a 12-foot deep artesian well-fed swimming pool; and a west wing, containing a gun room. The addition gave the mansion its impressive 22,000 square foot expanse.

The recent facelift is not the end of the National Park Service’s plans for this grand dame. More renovations will take place over the coming decade.

“At some point our plans are to fully furnish Plum Orchard,” said Julie Meeks of the National Park Service. “We have great plans to restore this mansion to its 1898 grandeur.”

In the meantime, the house is once more open to visitors on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Approached by boat or the island’s oak-lined 200-year-old Grand Avenue, the first sight of the stately mansion is awesome––bound by verdant green grasses, once the sight of lawn parties and Easter egg hunts, now forage for the island’s feral horses.

Inside, visitors are led through the living spaces, partially furnished with original pieces, and deep into the dungeon-like basement with its ancient hand-cranked Koehler generator that supplied electricity until the 1960s, a large wooden icebox, the building’s original fuse box, and the old water-powered Otis elevator. New ramps and elevators have been installed to allow all, even wheelchair-bound visitors, to inspect this revered mansion––a national treasure overlaid with fascinating history.

For more information visit www.nps.gov/cuis or call 912-882-4335.

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23

Integrating Art with Architecture

Rebekah Canterbury Canterbury Textures

T

he calm exterior of Rebekah Canterbury belies the fire within.

When you look deeper into her intensely green eyes, the flickers of passion cannot be suppressed. She is a woman on a mission. There is no drab, dull, unremarkable wall or mundane space safe within eyesight of Rebekah Canterbury. She is driven to turning ordinary into magical. What once might have been a sedate twelve-foot eggshell canvas will be transformed into an emerald and violet garden or an ancient castle wall. The sliver of space above your kitchen cabinetry might suddenly become a sacred expression of your very soul and spirit. That unadorned entryway at the top of your staircase could emerge as the passage to a tropical oasis, embraced by stately palms and wispy island skies.

This is Rebekah’s world: a world of color, and life, and imagination, and texture.

Rebekah’s natural calling as an artist was pre-destined with both a grandmother and an uncle who were painters. She always liked to draw, but it was while working in her mother’s wallpapering business that her creativity began to take on new dimensions. “I like to create something completely new, something that can never be duplicated,” Rebekah explained.

Her first departure from traditional wallpaper came in the form of faux finishes, portraying old-world plaster work.

First she did her own room. Then, one by one, her friends began requesting that she transform their rooms as well.

Fast forward to today.

Some of South Georgia’s most beautiful homes and offices are graced by Rebekah’s artworks. From old world textures to murals, marble and stone effects, and custom stenciling, continued on page 00 24

St. Marys Magazine

Rebekah Canterbury, Canterbury Textures Rebekah is creating “statement-making” spaces that reflect the individual tastes and personality of each client.

For more than ten years, she has been making brand new spaces look centuries old, or old spaces look modern and fresh. And she’s always expanding her repertoire of artistic treatments.

C u r r e n t l y, m e t a l l i c plasters are all the rage.

Rebekah likes working directly with the client or through their interior designers who have already done the homework and know what the client likes and expects. However, it pleases Rebekah most when she “surprises” the client.

“When my client sees the completed project for the first time, the look on their face is priceless,” Rebekah said. “This is the most rewarding of all, to have exceeded the client’s expectations and more than that, to have created something which they were not even able to imagine.”

Rebekah’s imagination is seeded by birthright, but also by education. She is certified as an Arte Nova

Italian plaster applicator, having completed courses at The School of Italian Plasters. She is also a certified Decorative Artist with credentials that are backed by her education with national industry experts including Rebecca Parsons. Parsons is an award-winning professional artist who has been featured on the HGTV and DIY networks as well as in many national publications.

She’s an artist of “sure hand” and “adept perspective.”

And one who knows the value of authentic reflections of her clients’ styles whether that be whimsical, dramatic, or simply elegant.

Rebekah Canterbury is a master at integrating art with architecture and a formidable pathfinder for those who embrace the artform of self-expression.

For more information, call 912-322-2783 or visit www.CTextures.com.

25

By

The history of St. Marys First Presbyterian Church, built just twenty years after the plotting of St. Marys, shares a parallel history with the town. The history of the church cannot be told without including the vast history of St. Marys. Through good times and bad, prosperity and depression, peace and wars, the church, as well as the city, has withstood the test of time. Hurricanes, fire, flood nor time, could bring down the community and church, which have continued to stand strong. Many times the spirit weakened as adversary took its inevitable toll, but by God’s grace and providence, St. Marys First Presbyterian Church not only survived but also flourished in order to serve the people and community for two hundred years.

Before the Revolutionary War, the Province of Georgia was divided into parishes. This portion of the Province lay in the parishes of St. Thomas and St. Mary. There were no settlements or towns, but many prominent planters— attracted by the vibrant soil, the delightful climate and the healthy countryside—settled here. Soon after the British withdrew, people from all parts of the country began to come here, some settling on nearby Cumberland Island.

Georgia had become a state, and Camden County formed from the previous parishes. These first settlers recognized 26

Valerie Evans Goddard

the importance of building a town and organizing a county government. They agreed to build a community on the mainland, at the north bank of the St. Marys River, then known as Buttermilk Bluff. On this site, a large Indian village had once stood. Queen Hiacaia, who was the most beautiful Indian woman in this part of the country, ruled the clan.

For the sum of $38 each, settlers purchased 1672 acres from one Jacob Weed in November 1787. The streets were named in honor of the first settlers. Then, in 1792, the town was named St. Marys by a legislative act. In 1802, the City of St. Marys was incorporated. St. Marys developed a reputation as a thriving port city. People came in droves from distant corners of Georgia and beyond, bringing their wares and produce for shipment far and wide. The visitors also brought their shopping lists to replenish their supplies, making St. Marys a well-established coastal Georgia town.

Decided by the founding fathers, there was a considerable need for a church intended “for the accommodation of the inhabitants of St. Marys and its vicinity.”

On April 2, 1809, public subscription raised $1,823.50 for “the promotion of divine worship in this place and for the building of a small but convenient church for that continued ...

purpose.” Later subscriptions brought the total to $3,442. On March 25, 1808, the town of St. Marys deeded the property on which the church now stands to a committee representing the “church then being erected to be called and known by the name, St. Marys Church.” On April 18, 1808, fourteen subscribers donated $117 for the purchase of a bell for the church on which was inscribed: “My sound to thy people, O Lord, shall call them to thy word.”

The church was non-denominational until a young Presbyterian Missionary from the Presbytery of New Brunswick, New Jersey came to St. Marys in 1821. He found religion in the church in a “very low and languishing state, having existence in name only.” With 29 persons desiring to form a Presbyterian Church and call him as pastor, the Presbytery of Georgia met for the first time in St. Marys in June 1822, organized the Presbyterian Church, ordained Mr. Horace Southworth Pratt, and installed him as Pastor. By an act of the Georgia Legislature, the Independent Presbyterian Church of St. Marys incorporated on December 20, 1828. On December 5, 1832, that Act amended and the church incorporated under the name First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys and “made capable of holding, enjoying and defending any property they may have or may hereafter acquire.”

The first floor of the church was used for a weekday public school for the children of St. Marys for many years. Originally, a double staircase led to a landing just before the main entrance on the east side of the church. On the northeast outside wall, a staircase led to the slave gallery. Slaves observed services from the balcony and tended to the young white children of the community there. The steeple was also on the north side. Extensive renovation in 1898 moved the stairs and steeple to their present locations. Times changed, and the slave gallery was no more. St. Marys Presbyterian Church is not the oldest Presbyterian congregation in Georgia; however, it does have the distinction of being the oldest church building in Georgia in continuous use since its erection.

Threatening the continued survival of the church, on the evening of December 3, 1956, a horrible sight met the eyes of a devoted people. The entire front of the continued ...

St. Marys Magazine

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28

church was ablaze. Only through divine providence of God and the heroic efforts of the St. Marys Fire Department as well as the men of the town, the fire was contained to the front wall and steeple. Nevertheless, in the pitiless morning light, a sickening and well-nigh hopeless sight came into view as the sun rose that morning. The church, which stood steady and strong for 150 years, a constant beacon for the future and reflection of the past, the source of eternal unconquerable spirit, seemed defeated.

Almost immediately, messages of sympathy and encouragement flowed into the church. Accompanying the prayers of solace, people throughout the state sent substantial contributions. Soon the realization dawned on the community of the place that the Church held in the lives of people even beyond St. Marys and Camden County. The development of the entire area and the composite faith of devoted worshippers for more than 150 years could not be shaken. A sad loss mourned in the face of an otherwise successful restoration, the bell purchased in 1808 was a total loss.

Continuous restoration and renovations during the ensuing years have kept the colonial exterior beauty of the church.

Appearing much the same for more than 150 years; however, the interior benefited from modernization for the comfort and benefit of the congregation. On June 18, 1995, Rick L. Douylliez, the present pastor, was ordained and installed at the First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys. He, along with his family, have brought blessings, joy and a deep knowledge and awareness of the Lord to the congregation through their obvious love of Christ, as well as their unselfish giving of themselves to the church, its people and the community as a whole.

Last year, St. Marys residents Charlie and Mary Smith, through their generous contribution of the carillon, returned the inspiring sounds of church bells to the city.

The population of St. Marys has grown from approximately six hundred and fifty people in 1940 to more than 17,000. The congregation of First Presbyterian has grown proportionately to number over two hundred in membership.

As the First Presbyterian Church enters its third century, it continues to stand as a beacon to the spirit of serenity that is often identified as the essence of St. Marys.

St. Marys Magazine

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or at least 13,000 years prior to the F 16th century and the appearance of European explorers, soldiers, missionaries and colonists, the Timucuan Indians occupied the St. Marys River Basin. With its marsh, tidal, stream and estuary ecosystems, the basin provided the Timucuans with an ample source of food. In 1537, the Spanish came to reap the river’s riches. Then the French, followed by the British.

Today, on a deep bend just 15 minutes from Historic St. Marys, the St. Marys River still enjoys the same riches of yesteryear. This is the site that Waterfront Group Florida, LLC has chosen for their premier riverfront community: NorthShore, a 765-acre wooded sanctuary nestled on the gentle rolling terrain of St. Marys River banks.

Residents of NorthShore will enjoy the same vision that captivated the Timucuans thousands of years ago. Just across the river lies the preserved wetlands of Florida, a view that cannot 30

be changed by development. With the river running through the line that separates Florida and Georgia, it is easy to see why Waterfront Group would choose such a location.

“NorthShore will enjoy the temperate climate of Florida and the relaxed, lay-back lifestyle that is unique to Southern Georgia,” NorthShore Sales Director Richie Perdue said. “In essence—the best of both worlds.” And what worlds they are.

Though NorthShore lies just 30 minutes from the Jacksonville International Airport, the natural surroundings give the community a feeling of a wooded oasis strung with shimmering pearls of lakes, creeks, and of course, the legendary St. Marys River.

Acres and acres of deep-water riverfront open an opportunity for those dreaming of a riverfront retreat—whether for their main home or second home. Each riverfront home site comprises two acres or more of Lowcountry woodlands

with beautiful views of Florida’s untouched river’s edge just across the way. According to Perdue, living at NorthShore really is all about the water.

With twelve lakes, the river, and Catfish Creek, the opportunity for waterfront living is bountiful. “More than 50% of our home sites are on water,” said Perdue. “And for those whose land doesn’t actually touch water, there is still the common areas of riverfront and lakefront that the entire community will share.” Perdue was referring to the River Club and the lakefront community park—Camden Park.

The three-acre River Club sits on 500 feet of river frontage and is highlighted by the Shellcracker Community Clubhouse. Residents can socialize and entertain in this 3400 square-foot gathering place featuring an indoor/outdoor fireplace, screened entertainment areas, great river views, and a huge observation deck. An elevated walkway along the St. Marys Magazine

riverbanks makes a great place from which to cast a fishing line, or just enjoy a leisurely stroll. There is an “over-the-water” screened gazebo for romantics, and a 70’ day dock for easy tie-ups. Here is also where the community boat ramp is located. A dry storage area for boats and other recreational vehicles is onsite in another area of the community.

Camden Park is the lakefront community park that sits on the edge of NorthShore’s largest lake. This will be the popular spot for children and parents with its athletic field, volleyball and basketball courts, barbeque grills, children’s swings and play station, party pavilion, canoe station, community dock and walking/running loop.

Nature lovers will spend many mornings and evenings walking the nature trail through the wetlands. The elevated walkway leads to an observation area that gives residents a front row seat to the antics of some of Coastal Georgia’s St. Marys Magazine

most lovable creatures, and the ever-changing landscapes of Lowcountry flora and fauna. Towering pines, stately live oaks, and ancient walnut trees grace the serenity of the nature walk’s trail.

With all the beauty of nature and water that surrounds the home sites of NorthShore, it’s easy to forget that just minutes away lies the vibrant nightlife of Jacksonville. So residents can leave it all behind and still quickly get to the center of action when they’re in the mood for city life. And since NorthShore is located within the city limits of Kingsland, residents also enjoy all the services and conveniences of city living without the hustle and bustle, but with the added assurance of a manned guardhouse and keyed entry.

NorthShore has opened its new community to resounding applause.

With such a variety of home sites to offer—from quarter-acre inland to estate-sized riverfront and lakefront,

NorthShore is well on its way to the success that so many of Waterfront Group’s other premier communities have enjoyed. From Rock Harbor on Norris Lake in Tennessee to River Sound in Edenton, North Carolina, and throughout the Southeast and in Costa Rica, Waterfront Group is recognized as a leading developer of waterfront properties and dedicated preserver of its lands’ natural beauty.

The Timucuans revered the wilds of the St. Marys River and honored the bounty of its surrounds. And now their legacy lives on through the whispering pines. In the shallows of the sweet marsh grasses. In the majestic oaks festooned with Spanish moss.

And over the lakes and creek and river that runs through the heart of a new community called NorthShore.

For more information, call 1-866-950-5263, or visit www.NorthShoreGa.com.

31

“THE ENCOUNTER” 32

PAINTING

BY ROBERT WEST

Some people like tinkering with old cars. Others enjoy collecting stamps or coins or building model airplanes. Bird watchers love watching and documenting bird species.

Then, there are the railfans—also known as train spotters or “foamers” (as in “foaming at the mouth” when they see a train). For the estimated 200,000 railfans in the United States alone, there is no more wondrous place than a little spot just thirty minutes west of St. Marys. It’s known as the Folkston Funnel.

As many as 75 trains a day pass through this little hamlet at the edge of the great Okefenokee Swamp. All trains traveling north and south to and from Florida must pass through the exchange, as well as rail traffic going east-west because the tracks split just north of Folkston. Train enthusiasts from around the world make this pilgrimage annually to record their sightings. Some focus on the engine types. Others meticulously chronicle the boxcars and their cargo. While others obsess with the documentation of various types of graffiti splattered across the broad metal panels that glide by.

America’s love affair with the railroad is one readily understood.

After all, where would this country be without trains? And what industry defines American progress better than the railroad

St. Marys Magazine

industry? Most cities, like Folkston, have grown up around the railroad. Though these days no trains actually stop in Folkston (not since 1973), the old rail depot has been spit-shined and offers a sidecar adventure into the world of railroading with its museum displays and train-related gift shop. The Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce is also housed in the depot. In 2001, the City of Folkston dedicated the adjacent rail platform which has become a popular gathering place for “foamers” and “foamer wannabes.” With wireless internet, picnic tables and even a grill, the platform (modeled after a Lionel toy train platform) is set up for comfort, convenience and enjoyment for those whose passion for this slice of Americana runs much deeper than the minor inconvenience of getting off the interstate.

On a wondrously blue day in late fall, a handful of men wait eagerly in the early morning quiet. Friendly chatter crackling from the strategically-placed overhead speakers announces an impending arrival and sends the devoted railfans into action. The ringing of the nearby crossing gates pierces the early calm. Mere seconds later, an earsplitting horn signals the approach of a continued ...

St. Marys Magazine

33

mammoth CSX engine. The men huddle closer to catch and share the intricate details of the spotting. “When you’ve seen one train, you’ve seen them all,” is a statement that has no place in this world. Here, every train is special. And every spotting an adrenalin shot of the highest order.

The passing train engineers, accustomed to seeing fans gathered on the Folkston platform, will often give an extra toot on the horn, or dangle a friendly wave out the window. For they, too, are part of the fraternity. A fraternity that boasts hundreds of websites, books, museums, libraries and even their own conventions.

The annual Railwatch Festival Day for Folkston (which occurs April 5 in 2008), is just one added excuse for these “brothers” to get out their notebooks and head to the Folkston Funnel. Each year, more than 25,000 people from as far away as England, Sweden, and beyond, sign the platform’s guest book. And that is a testament to how a small town, driven by people with vision and determination, can create an economic treasure out of a seemingly ordinary, everyday occurrence.

Former Folkston Mayor Dixie McGurn was one of several visionaries who got behind the movement to make Folkston a drawing card for railfans. From her charming gift and frame

store on Main Street in Folkston, Whistlin’ Dixie, she tells of the struggle and the victory.

“Cookie Williams had the vision,” McGurn explained.

Williams, a train enthusiast who moved from Virginia to Folkston in the 70s, recognized the value of the funnel as a national attraction. Then McGurn made a good case and achieved state funding to build the train-watching platform.

As children, who among us did not, at one time, stand patiently and count the cars rolling by on a seemingly endless freight train? Who among us (baby boomers and before) has not thrilled to the congenial wave that comes from the little window of a red caboose? Who has not, at some time, been awed by the lonely sound of a train whistle on a moonlit night? Yes, America’s love affair with the railroad is timeless and unwavering. And nowhere more alive than on the nostalgic viewing platform at the core of the Folkston Funnel.

Editor’s note: For more information, visit www.folkston.com.

Painting by renowned railroad artist Robert West, commissioned by Dixie & John McGurn. Special thanks to The McGurns for sharing the painting. Prints are available at Whistlin’ Dixie Custom Framing and Unique Gifts in Folkston.

Visit www.whistlin-dixie.com for information.

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Building the Future of Health Care In Camden County.

Camden Campus Expansion Southeast Georgia Health System is expanding its Camden facility to accommodate the needs of our rapidly growing population. Following a successful groundbreaking ceremony, work has begun on a state-of-the-art 90,000 square foot expansion that will include: • • • • • • • •

Emergency Care Services Surgical Services General Imaging & Women’s Imaging Services Cardiopulmonary Care Services Outpatient Care Services Medical-Surgical Nursing Unit Intensive Care Nursing Unit Women’s & Children’s Nursing Unit

Also planned for the Camden Campus is the future construction of a new St. Marys Convalescent Center. The close proximity of these two facilities will provide residents with accessible hospital services when needed.

For more information, please call 912-576-6200 or visit www.sghs.org.

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2000 Dan Proctor Drive, St. Marys, GA 31558 • (912) 576-6200

This article is dedicated to the memory of beloved daughter of Calvin & Virginia Lang Mary Lang Fulford 1954-1988

R

RealPeople

espect. This is the word most often associated with the man who St. Marys Magazine has chosen as our Real People honoree for its Special Anniversary Issue. Calvin Lang has achieved what many men only aspire to: the respect of his friends, his family, his employees, his peers, and his community.

The Lang name is as integral to the landscape of the St. Marys waterfront as is the town’s namesake river and its marsh grasses and its iconic fountain that sits in the center of the park.

Lang’s East Marina, Lang’s Seafood R e s t a u r a n t , L a n g ’s We s t Marina—these are the establishments that have flavored our town with its undeniable village charm.

As a second generation shrimper, it was Calvin Lang who set the course to give St. Marys the distinct title of Rock Shrimp Capital. And it was Calvin Lang who stayed the course, fueling his industry for future generations—from one to four to seven shrimp boats at one time.

Building Georgia’s only rock shrimp processing plant. Creating a private food brand with major distribution to New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and beyond, all the way to the west coast.

Developing two marinas with enough dockage space for 100 boats. Opening a restaurant that has received national acclaim. These accomplishments—any one of which many men would consider worthy of a lifetime achievement–– Calvin Lang looks upon simply as “what happens when you work hard.”

Virginia Lang, a beloved former Camden County teacher and Calvin’s bride of 57 years, says that her husband has always been a hard worker. Even today, at the age of 81, he comes to work everyday at 7:00 a.m. and puts in a full day. Virginia’s respect and admiration for her husband is evident in her voice as she tells of the early days.

“A shrimper’s life can be a hard life,” she said. “They’re gone for weeks at a 36

time. Around Thanksgiving, we would go to Key West, then follow the shrimp to Apalachicola, then to the Louisiana Coast, and end up in Texas.” In fact, Calvin had an office in Texas at one time, and for several years his was the highest producing shrimp fleet in the Texas port.

“We could catch as much shrimp in Texas in two weeks as we could here in three months,” Calvin reminisced. But it

Calvin Lang was also off the Texas coast that Calvin and his crew had one of their closest calls with danger when one of the fiercest hurricanes of the 60s battered down on them. They had taken Miss Virginia up the waterway to escape the storm, but even with sixteen-foot bluffs surrounding them, the water still rose so fast and hard they had to trim the bending tree branches to keep their boat from being damaged. It was only upon their return to shore, when they saw that all the fish houses had been swept away, that they really understood their narrow escape.

It’s true that Calvin Lang has “fishing and shrimping” in his veins. He worked on his father’s shrimp boat in his youth (which was much preferable to the wood-cutting and gardening chores he had at home).

His fond childhood fishing memories include an outing with a friend when he was about ten-years-old. They went drumming, and what a drum they did catch. For what seemed like hours, the boys took turns pulling in their catch on a hand-line. “We didn’t have poles and rods and reels back then,” Calvin said.

When they finally got the fish in and weighed it on the “people’s scale” at the waterfront, they couldn’t believe they had caught an 84-pounder.

Calvin still enjoys fishing. He tried hunting too, over on Grover’s Island (where his family lived at one time). But he couldn’t bring himself to shoot the deer, so he stuck to fishing. And cooking. Virginia told us what a great cook he is, a talent evidently developed when he did his own cooking on the shrimp boats many years ago.

Word in St. Marys is that he has a secret recipe for shrimp gravy that a lot of folks would just love to have. Word in St. Marys also is that he would give just about anything (well, maybe not his shrimp gravy recipe) to help people out.

“Calvin really cares about St. Marys,” said St. Marys Mayor Rowland Eskridge.

“He bends over backwards to try and help other people.” Mayor Eskridge recalls the time that Calvin suggested to the Kiwanis Club that they make their annual shrimp festival a “Rock” Shrimp Festival, and he would supply the rock shrimp. And they did. And he did. For free. For many years. The festival crowd finally got so big, it was impossible to comp all the shrimp, but Calvin still supplies the shrimp at a real family rate.

And the Kiwanis are extremely grateful, recognizing his contributions with a special plaque and commemoration each year.

The Kiwanis aren’t the only community group that has benefited by Calvin’s generosity. He supports the Navy League, local sports teams, and other worthy causes as well. continued ...

RealPeople Calvin Lang Mayor Eskridge is a good friend of Calvin’s and a member of the close knit group that calls themselves the “Over the Hill Gang.” The “Gang” started out in 1985 with ten couples who would get together every Friday night for dinner.

Twenty-two years later, the “Gang” continues the tradition. Short a few members nowadays, they still meet weekly, sometimes at a different restaurant, but more often than not, at Lang’s Seafood Restaurant—naturally.

Virginia says Calvin enjoys these outings, and enjoys all the friendships he’s made throughout the years. He also likes traveling from time to time. The Langs have made excursions to New York and other popular destinations. But Virginia doubts they will ever take a cruise because “they wouldn’t let him run the boat.”

Boats and the water—this is what Calvin Lang has always been drawn to.

He joined the Navy when he was only 17, serving as boat coxman in the Pacific, carrying troops and ammunition to shore. He bought his first shrimp boat in 1949, “The Bessie Ann.” He bought the building where he now houses his office (at Lang’s East Marina) from Carnegie descendant Lucy Ferguson in 1969. Will Carnegie lived upstairs at the time. In 1981, he built a scallop factory on the docks where West Marina is now.

In 1987, he became the exclusive National Park Service concessionaire to ferry passengers from St. Marys to Cumberland Island and back. His lone shrimp boat remaining, “Lang’s Pride,” still sails the coastal waters, and brings its catch into Fernandina for distribution.

Calvin is even involved in the oyster industry, holding a 3800-acre oyster bed lease from the State of Georgia. White House harvests the oysters and sells a portion back to Calvin to be consumed—along with the sumptuous r o c k s h r i m p — a t L a n g ’s S e a f o o d Restaurant.

Calvin Lang has made quite the family affair out of the Lang business. Both sons, Calvin, Jr. and David, have their captain's license as certified by the Coast Guard. David captains the Cumberland Princess, and Cal, Jr. does fishing charters as well as fills in for ferry captain duty when needed. Both grandsons––Tripp and Matt––have their continued on page 43 St. Marys Magazine

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was Valedictorian of her class and one of the earliest It’s been said that if you want a job done right, ask a busy computer professionals. Her father was a director of purchasing person to do it. Perhaps that is why Mary Keating’s weekly for the Air Force. Both parents pressed education and had calendar is crammed with meetings and projects and the highest expectations for their planning—all for altruistic causes, daughter. And they were not and all done with the passion and disappointed. fervor of someone who truly loves W i t h a G e o r g i a Te a c h e r ’ s bringing joy to others.

Scholarship in hand, Mary set about As a retired educator, Mary the business of doing something no wonders when she ever had the one in her family had done: earn a time for a real job. Her weekly college degree. She started teaching calendar, lacking any white space, in 1972 and, in many ways, her is filled with entries like: career as an educator was idyllic.

Monday-Kiwanis, Tuesday-Habitat Mary began her career teaching Board Meeting, Wednesday-Retired gifted students in Crawford County, Educators, Thursday-KKids at Georgia. When she and Charlie Woodbine, Friday-Habitat Committee moved to Camden County, Mary’s Meeting. The next week, it’s Senior first job was assistant principal at Advisory Council, EarthKeepers, Matilda Harris Elementary School Library Board, Chamber, and on which, ironically, bore the same and on it goes. Luckily, Mary’s name as her great grandmother. husband, Charlie, takes it all with She then served as principal of good humor and understands, Woodbine Elementary for four years having been a founding board before becoming curriculum director member of Habitat for Humanity for Camden County Schools. himself, and having served more Like many people who move to than his time for the good of others.

Camden County, Mary was drawn Married for 27 years now, Charlie here by the area’s excellent school and Mary met in Atlanta. They Mary Keating and system. And when it came to share Mary’s three daughters—two “Terrific Kid” Madison Petrey judging school systems, she certainly educators and one technophile, and had bragging rights. As an employee of the Georgia Charlie’s three sons––a painter, a taxi driver, and a Department of Education, part of her job was to look at other businessman. Mary says that Charlie, the love of her life is a school systems. During her tenure in Camden County “very wise man” and always “a lot of fun.” Maybe that’s one schools, she was often asked to speak at educators’ of the reasons you seldom see Mary Keating out and about conferences to tell other school systems how Camden had the community without a smile on her face. developed such an exemplary educational program. As One can still see the little girl in her, behind twinkling eyes spokesperson for an education consulting firm after her and demonstrative hands that never seem to quit moving— retirement, Mary also had many opportunities to share her just like Mary herself. One can still see the precocious child knowledge of “schooling.” who memorized more Bible verses than any of her peers Mary says that one of her accomplishments for which she when she was only eight years old. One could have glimpsed is most proud—and rightfully so—is her successful her future, watching her play “school” day after day at her development of character education for Camden County grandma’s house—the house where she was born. Always the Schools. Her fans think it’s pretty cool too when they open teacher, of course, little Mary Edna Tucker was destined to the local newspaper and read what local kids have to say perpetuate her family’s innate intelligence. Mary’s mother continued...

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about such attributes as respect, r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, patriotism, peace, generosity, helpfulness, loyalty, and friendship. One wonders how society might have been impacted if character study had been as integral to children’s education as the 3 R’s have been for the last several decades.

Mary retired from the Board of Education in 2004, but it’s quite clear that she will never retire from her boundless community work that inspired St. Marys Magazine to honor her in this issue’s Giving Back feature.

When she’s not out winning awards like Georgia Leadership Institute’s Outstanding Educational Leader and Habitat for Humanity’s Volunteer of the Year, you can bet she’s lending a hand to someone, somewhere, or even helping to save the planet.

She’s marched in the cold rain for causes like St. Marys EarthKeepers efforts to get curbside recycling in St. Marys. She’s dressed like a scarecrow for Habitat for Humanity to promote their Women Build day. She’s cooked rock shrimp and picked up trash along the roadside for the Kiwanis. She’s raised money for virtually every organization in which she’s involved. She reads to students. Delivers Christmas cheer to needy families. Serves as judge for Teacher of the Year. Works at book fairs.

Decorates. Cleans. Whatever it takes— Mary Keating is the “go to” girl when getting something done will help someone somewhere.

Mary Keating is all about “giving back.”

Her contributions will, no doubt, continue to build in the coming year as she leads Habitat for Humanity in her position as president of the board for 2008.

How can someone so pretty and so charming be so smart? And what drives this soft-spoken southern belle whose very presence warms up any room? Mary says it’s easy to do good when there’s so much goodness out there. “I always look for the best in people, and I usually find it,” she said.

Yes, Mary Keating is someone who truly loves bringing joy to others. And aren’t we lucky that she decided to make our little corner of the world her home?

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The year was 1900. Henri Matisse was leading the Fauvist movement in France.

Sigmund Freud was pioneering the understanding of the human mind with his “Interpretation of Dreams.” Casey Jones was riding The Canonball into history. And Lucy and Thomas Carnegie were building a home for their Daughter, Margaret. A home—as it turned out—that would come to be described by some journalists as “Tara by the Sea.” “I feel like I’m visiting very rich relations,” said one writer for Condé Nast Traveler in a review of the Carnegie home that is now Greyfield Inn. When you speak with the Carnegie descendants who now run Greyfield St. Marys Magazine

Inn, you understand that maintaining the inn as if it were a grand home is both purposeful and gratifying.

“We try to keep the house feeling like someone’s home,” said Mary Jo Ferguson, wife of Lucy Carnegie Ferguson’s grandson, Oliver.

“People come here to relax and recharge, and what better place to do both than at a friend’s house?”

Though described as a coastal “Tara,” the house was actually the first house built on Cumberland Island by a Carnegie to resemble the frame houses on the mainland at the time.

Plum Orchard (see related story in this issue) and Dungeness were both monuments of continued ...

Edward W. Clary grandeur with a formality about them that connoted riches far more so than Greyfield. But it is Greyfield’s homelike comfort and informal grace that draws the same guests back year after year to the enchanting island known as Cumberland.

Rated one of America’s top ten beaches, Cumberland Island remains an Eden that time has left untouched. While most of the visitors to Cumberland Island land on the southern shores to camp, hike and i m m e r s e t h e m s e l v e s i n h i s t o r y, Greyfield’s guests disembark two miles north from a finger off the Cumberland River. They come by private boat or on the Greyfield ferry that launches from Fernandina Beach. No doubt, the sailing from the mainland gives visitors a chance to “switch gears” and “adjust attitude.”

But it is only after they’ve stepped onto the grounds of the thousand-acre retreat that they really begin to decompress.

How can one not relax when they’re swinging in an old-fashioned wooden swing on a veranda overlooking ancient moss-laden live oaks? How can one think

of deadlines and home chores when they’re gazing at a cluster of golden wild horses grazing on the front lawn? After a day of shelling and strolling the pristine white sand beach, why would one want to speak of the declining Dow or the rising price of gasoline?

As dusk settles, guests help themselves to the honor bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres in the main living room, and mingle among the original books and furnishings of an eight-generation dynasty. The anticipation of dinner is palpable—appetites stimulated by the fresh island air and a heightened sense of well-being. Dressed for dinner (as has been the tradition for 100 years), men in jackets and ladies in pearls gather ‘round the dining table for an authentic southern feast.

The evening’s menu might feature continued ...

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pan-seared pork chops and fresh organic chard. Perhaps black-eyed peas and a homemade apple pie for dessert.

Whatever the fare, it is assured that it will be fresh, local, and southern in some fashion. The Greyfield chef likes to get meats and produce from local organic farms and shrimp directly off the local shrimp boats. All breads are made by the chef and his staff. He designs his menus around seasonal offerings, and the entire dining experience is included in the price of the stay—pre-dinner appetizers, gourmet dinners, bounteous breakfasts and hearty picnic lunches that feature hot homemade soups in the winter time.

It is easy to see why Greyfield Inn has become a favorite of notables—especially those seeking time off from being noted.

The late John F. Kennedy, Jr. and his bride chose the inn for their wedding destination, as do many couples throughout the year. Usually taking over the entire inn, wedding parties count on the staff at Greyfield to create the most memorable day imaginable. Guests have full run of the house and porches, so family gatherings

can take on a much more “homey” spirit than one would expect at a more commercial resort or hotel.

Though many come to Cumberland Island and Greyfield Inn for the tranquility, adventurers also find the destination to their liking. Kayaks and bikes are available for guests, and many visitors take advantage of the private natural history tour guided by long-term staff member Fred Whitehead.

A naturalist and photographer and former ranger for the National Park Service, Whitehead takes guests on a loop of the 17-mile island that often brings them face-to-face with armadillo, wild turkeys, feral hogs and deer, and always up-close and personal with some of the most stunning greenscapes in the world.

There is an extraordinary richness in the varied greens and browns of the many continued ...

ecosystems on the island. And Whitehead’s 14-year intimacy with the island and his passion for its natural glory is evident throughout the tour.

It is (as Mary Jo Ferguson described) a “beautiful taste of the real original Georgia Coast, left untouched.”

From her elegant furnishings to her gourmet dining, from her majestic oaks to the mysterious resurrection ferns, Greyfield Inn easily lives up to the Condé Nast Traveler’s designation as “One of America’s Top 25 Inns.”

It has been likened to Tara, and has been called “Gatsbyesque.” One can almost see it through Nick Carraway’s eyes as—perched on a whitewashed veranda railing—he cajoles the wispy Daisy Buchanan into rekindling her romance with Jay Gatsby. Greyfield Inn serves up a storybook setting and opens its arms to guests who are bound to write their own stories throughout the magical pages that make up their stay at the fairy tale inn by the sea.

For more information, call 904-261-6408, or visit www.greyfieldinn.com.

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And our St. Marys Patient Care Contact Center cares not only about patients but about our employees, which is why we continually strive to create a friendly, supportive work environment.

We take pride in being a good neighbor, participating in the life of Camden County and contributing to our community's growth and prosperity.

RealPeople Calvin Lang captain's license as well, and Matt runs RealPeople Lang's Seafood Calvin Lang Restaurant. Even though Virginia became a “stay-at-home” mom soon after the birth of her their first child, she’s back at work everyday, too.

Helping to perpetuate the family legacy that is sure to play an important continuing role in the economy of St. Marys.

The Lang name has been a part of Camden County history more than two hundred years. The shrimp trade may be diminished. The scallop trade, all but disappeared. But Calvin Lang understands his “true north,” and remains tethered steadfastly to the little fishing village that he’s served so well to provide for his family these past sixty years. His wife will tell you he’s a workaholic. But Calvin has a problem calling his passion for his trade “work.”

Twenty years ago someone wrote this about Calvin Lang: “While Calvin Lang does not make a lot of noise or fuss and just goes about the business of making a living, his interest and concern for this community is felt in many positive ways.” It is those “many positive ways” that have earned Calvin Lang that unwavering respect so fervently felt by his friends, his family, his employees, his peers, and his community.

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By

T

hree Broads and a Dog—actually for the sake of accuracy that should be Three Broads and Seven Dogs, for the “extended families” of Kathy Potts, Karen Kellerson and Tamra Walker are comprised of a veritable menagerie of beloved canines.

Each and every one of the dogs was rescued from uncertain futures and have rewarded their owners with infinite love, laughter and the impetus to begin a unique gourmet dog treat venture.

The events that led up to the birth of the business are as compellingly fascinating as most stories in the South. Kathy escaped the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and traveled to the safe harbor of St. Marys with her two dogs. Karen, a native Floridian, arrived in the area with her Naval husband and her dog, Blackjack. Tamra set off for a long drive with her canine companions one day and found herself “home” when they finally ended up in this small town. Three women in the company of their dogs––many miles traveled, many lives lived, many dreams lost and found.

One could spend hours speaking with these “broads” with their diverse backgrounds, lively opinions and passion for the well-being of animals. Tamra described the decision to leave the business of baking for people and turn to the creation of wholesome dog treats as choosing to “combine compassion with cooking.”

Operating from the belief that animals deserve the finest in healthy, tasty cuisine, Kathy, Karen and Tamra began to experiment with a range of dog treats 44

Alex Kearns

made of wholesome, nourishing and delectable ingredients. One can only imagine that Pappy, George William, Star, Blackjack, George Edward, Beau and Zeke eagerly accepted the job as official taste-testers for the myriad cookies, snacks and biscuits that the Three Broads concocted. The first presentation of their wares took place during the 4th of July festival in downtown St. Marys, and it was a resounding success. One theme that is threaded throughout their conversation is that of “community,” for they have been supported, embraced and encouraged by the people of the town: merchants, visitors and residents alike.

Pitbull Biscotti, Basset Bundt Cake, Pappy’s Pupcakes, Blackjack’s Tuna Treats, George’s Snacks––these are just a few of the imaginative and nutritious creations available from Three Broads and A Dog. Concocted of the purest of natural ingredients, these innovative doggy-delights offer the ability to provide our four-legged family members with tasty treats that are free of the usual fillers, dyes and chemicals found in store-brand products. Experts on the subject agree (test subjects included Pomeranians, Beagles, mixed-breeds, Great Danes and Poodles, among others) that this synthesis of love, health and gourmet pleasure is irresistible.

Stop by their booth at St. Marys’ Downtown Community Market every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, find that perfect gift to reward the dogs in your own life at one of the local festivals, or contact The Broads at treats@3broadsandadog.com.

I

n the lowlands of southeastern Georgia, a community grows. Its landscape is defined by a complex combination of nature’s attire—woodlands, lakes, wetlands and salt marshes. Abundant wildlife find homes in its woods, festooned with towering pines, great live oaks and palmetto underbrush. Fountains effervesce playfully on sapphire lakes shimmering serenely in warm sunlight.

Open tracts of marsh grasses sway gracefully in the soft breeze, defending the edges of the meandering loops and off-shoots of the river. This is the award-winning community of Laurel Island County Club.

Set within this landscape tapestry are four neighborhoods, filled with quiet intimacy and interspersed with vibrant recreation. Each has been carefully designed by the acclaimed developer Sawyer and Associates. All are conceived with the knowledge that today’s discerning homebuyers encompass a variety of lifestyles and thus embrace unique features designed to meet these needs.

Laurel Landing’s elegant single family attached homes rest alongside winding streets and back up to peaceful waterscapes, striking golf course views or wooded lots. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, and two-car garages are standard.

46

The stunning single family attached homes of Brookshire Retreat are built to simplify life without loss of luxury. They provide commanding views of deep woods or jewel-like lakes. Features such as whirlpool tubs, custom cabinetry, recessed lighting and oversized windows complement the setting.

Fiddler’s Cove’s artistically landscaped gated entrance lends a natural elegance in addition to providing for a quieter and more secluded lifestyle and leads to homesites which border marshlands, lakes and woods.

Fairway’s Edge, Sawyer and Associates’ newest neighborhood within the Laurel Island community, will open in the spring of 2008. Here single family lots are dispersed around azure lakes, oak-filled woods and golf course fairways.

Amenities such as playgrounds, swimming pools and picnic areas are nestled within these neighborhoods, coaxing young couples with small children as well as the young-at-heart to embrace the outdoors. Basketball, tennis and volleyball courts entice those who seek an active lifestyle, while clubhouses provide venues for card games, fitness and social activities. A community-wide lawn maintenance program ensures everyone has time to participate in their favorite sports and activities. And cart paths and sidewalks abound, connecting these communities to each other and to the masterpiece of a golf course: Laurel Island Links.

Designed by PGA professional and course architect Davis Love III, this 18-hole championship course is set among tree-lined fairways, breathtaking salt-marshes and well-bunkered greens.

Love’s belief that “modern courses should be designed in the traditional manner with emphasis on strategy and playability” is reflected in the subtleties of his detail.

Throughout the 125-acre setting, water hazards test your patience. Undulating marshland grasses and wetlands, interspersed with prickly saw palmetto and towering pines, summon your eye and, if not careful, your ball. Craftily placed bunkers confront your chip shots.

St. Marys Magazine

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The sharp cry of osprey, stately profile of blue heron and brilliant white feathers of ibis will tax your focus. With its four sets of tees, the course offers golfers of every skill level a challenging round. And to hone your skills: a driving range and large practice putting green.

At the beginning or end of a round, the well-appointed clubhouse beckons. Step inside this grand building and peruse the well-stocked pro shop or stop in the restaurant to partake of the delicious fare served in the tradition of true Southern hospitality. Built originally by the town of Kingsland, Laurel Island Links remains semi-private. Consequently, both the course and the clubhouse have become frequent gathering places for a wide variety of community members and guests from all over the map. A regular

schedule of events further encourages the blend of Laurel Island residents and day guests. In addition to hosting tournaments and other special events, the club offers community perennial favorites including Tuesday wing nights, Wednesday all-you-can-eat shrimp, and Sunday buffet brunches. On Thursday evenings, neighbors and friends gather to learn the shag or swing or line dancing. Friday nights are reserved for dining and dancing to the music of area live bands.

Just minutes outside this unique community lies a plethora of opportunities for shopping, beach walking, boating, fishing and cultural enhancement.

Kingsland, the City of Royal Treatment and historic St. Marys, Gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, are at your doorstep. The wide tidal beaches of Georgia’s Golden Isles—Jekyll, Sea Island and St. Simon’s Island, as well as those of Florida’s Amelia Island, are a short drive away. Nearby rambling creeks and rivers are a recreational paradise for boaters and fishermen. And when you need a shot of city life, Jacksonville with its abundance of high quality restaurants, museums, theaters and shops and its modern international airport, is only 30 minutes away.

Unquestionably, the good life awaits residents of Laurel Island. Distinctive

Maureen Miller

homes surpass your expectations for quality and design. Golden sunrises and sunsets through dappled wetlands and over endless marshland start and finish your day. Year-round, semi-tropical temperatures lure you onto the golf-course, the volleyball, tennis and basketball courts, into the pool, or onto the playground in the company of your children or grandchildren. Laurel Island is a home where you can play, socialize, dine, pursue your favorite hobbies or just relax and enjoy the variety of

nature’s a t t i r e s u r r o u n d i n g y o u — truly a community within a community, where coastal beauty meets vibrant lifestyle.

For more information, visit www.LiveAtLaurelIsland.com, or call 1-866-264-8367.

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C

ome on in and sit a spell. The broad shaded porch beckons with its deep wicker chairs and pristine white balustrades. Warm light flows from antique stained glass windows, and laughter calls out from behind the rich oak door. For nearly one hundred years, the secrets of this elegant Queen Anne Victorian home have remained hidden— between her walls, beneath her floor boards, and in her attic. It took vision, respect and faith to launch the massive task of bringing the grand old girl back to its original splendor. But Marianne Thomas was blessed with a generous share of all three. And proof of her tenacity in reviving the once-grand dame—the Bachlott-Porter House––now stands majestically on the corner of Osborne and Weed Streets.

Marianne’s Sterling’s Southern Cafe assumed 48

its new address recently with resounding applause from the community. Moving from just across the street where the restaurant had occupied space that (in the late 1800s) housed her uncle’s grocery store, Marianne and her team have made themselves right at home in a home that simultaneously bespeaks grandeur and cozy. Her intention was to create a space and an experience that feels like you’re a treasured guest in someone’s private home. Mission: accomplished.

From the moment you enter the welcoming foyer and spy the homemade pies and cakes lined up in the antique English breakfront, to evening’s end when you reluctantly bid adieu, you are embraced by the graciousness of yesteryear.

“People come to St. Marys because they want continued ...

what they used to have,” Marianne explained. And with meticulous attention to detail, she has restored and revived a piece of history—but not without a few surprises along the way.

Staying true to the original footprint, Marianne took the grand old girl down to her bones, and rebuilt it with the loving care of an historical museum’s curator.

She reused architectural elements and materials from every part of the house, sometimes relocating, but always with an eye for the home’s original beauty. Hidden double pocket doors that lead to the front parlour were revealed and put in working order. A mantle was moved from upstairs to down. And all the fireplaces were brought back to life. A raw brick wall in the drawing room was left alone, adding to the rustic ambience that permeates the entire house.

The Bachlott-Porter House was built in 1911 at a cost of $4500. When John Bachlott died in 1934, his widow, Signora Brandon Bachlott, lived there until her death in 1948. At one time the Gilman Paper Company owned the house, and used it to provide local medical services by Dr. “Blackie” Barker, whose family lived there as well. The doctor’s lab room is now a pantry. And his examining rooms have been stunningly transformed into intimate dining enclaves.

Marianne has extended her authentic southern experience to the outside as well.

Meandering stone pathways lead to an old-fashioned gazebo. Citrus trees and white crepe myrtles wrap around garden islands of tranquility. Marianne envisions southern-style garden weddings and classic croquet matches on the grounds beneath the stately magnolias and majestic palm trees.

Back inside, she sees afternoon teas and coffee service just like you’d expect in continued ...

St. Marys Magazine

49

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someone’s home. And upstairs, private rooms are readied for special events and celebration gatherings.

While hand-tied Persian rugs and antique furnishings add to the yesteryear ambience of the dining areas, there is nothing yesteryear about the totally new commercial kitchen. Executive Chef John Williams is enjoying his state-of-the-art domain. And he’s using every tool at hand to deliver the culinary excellence for which Sterling’s has long been acclaimed.

Publications like Southern Living and Atlanta Constitution have been generous in their praise of Sterling’s authentic southern cuisine. Special raves about the signature Crab Bisque and Ms. Jenny’s Crabcakes have drawn guests from hundreds of miles away. While Marianne features season fare that’s always changing, favorites like the Duck with Orange-Onion Marmalade and

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the Almond-Crusted Crab-Stuffed Grouper continue to sate the discerning appetites of true gourmands.

Just two blocks from St. Marys’ waterfront, the constant buzz of electric saws and persistent hammering has come to a halt. But there is no stopping the enthusiasm and passion of Marianne Thomas. With a twinkle in her eyes, she paints the picture of her dream realized.

The cottage in back awaits her artist’s hand. Is it a gift shop? A gourmet coffee shop? A gourmet-to-go shop? Or all three?

She has stripped the old girl down to bare bones, then built her back up and cloaked her with rich woods, soothing textures and fine furnishings. She has turned a fine home into a grand home, yet one with an informal atmosphere that fosters a leisurely dining experience nearly forgotten in our hurried world.

“Come sit a spell,” she beckons. And you will. And you will be glad. We promise.

For more information, visit www.sterlingssoutherncafe.com St. Marys Magazine or call 912-882-3430.

fformosia.

Bubinga. Sapele.

The names of the different woods used by members of the Southeast Georgia Woodworkers Guild are as exotic as the countries from which they originate. A founding member and guild president, Russell Christmas, recently created a gameboard incorporating woods from every continent on earth—except one—including Sapele wood from South America, Burmese Rosewood from Asia, and Lacewood from Australia.

Christmas’ passion for woods from around the globe is in his blood, as is the artistic talent that drives him to spend the bulk of his leisure time turning raw wood into beautiful works of art. As a youth, Christmas worked in a lumber mill for many years as did most of his family. His mother, a talented painter, passed her artistic gift along to her son.

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St. Marys Magazine

In fact, many of the guild’s 25 members (mostly retired military) inherited their passion for wood and art from various family members. Many of them practice their craft for fun. Some make a decent income from it. But the two common threads that tie the membership together are: their love of wood, and their dedication to giving back to their community by helping others.

The castle keepsake box created by Christmas was given to a little girl with Down’s syndrome, just one of many keepsake boxes created by the guild for disabled and disadvantaged children. Mike Rietveld’s keepsake box, another technically-challenging creation, was fashioned after a submarine hatch.

According to another founding guild member, Roy Millsaps, the guild has made pieces for children in continued ...

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hospitals all up and down the East coast. Millsaps has been instrumental in getting the guild involved with disabled vets as well.

“It gets them out of the house,” Millsaps explained, an achievement with a value that can’t be underestimated according to Millsaps, a disabled vet himself. Millsaps leans on his handcrafted cane—a necessary tool as well as a work of art—as he talks about the many charitable and community programs to which the woodworkers c o n t r i b u t e : birdfeeders for the local nursing homes, toys for the Police Department t o distribute at Christmas time, and

many other projects throughout the year. Millsaps is no stranger to the cancer wards in many of the hospitals. He and his fellow guild members have a special soft spot in their hearts for the terminally-ill children. While many of the members sympathize with the misfortunate y o u n g o n e s , Millsaps can actually “empathize.” He, too, has a terminal condition— a rare brain abnormality that often leaves him unsteady on his feet. Millsaps speaks matter-of-factly about his condition, wanting to talk more about how he can make a difference with the limited time he has left.

His specialty—marquetry. continued ...

Pictured above from left to right: • Prize-winning Castle Keepsake Box by Russell Christmas. A “magic” dragon-topped wand opens secret compartments by releasing magnetic locks and reveals a hidden diary within.

• Thomas Jefferson Chair, by Russell Christmas and Roy Millsaps, is a combination chair/step ladder.

• Made from wood that came from an island off the coast of India, Tom Trahan’s “Perfect Storm” is displayed in the Camden County Art League’s Gallery.

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St. Marys Magazine

One of the oldest artforms, marquetry was used extensively more than 3,000 years ago in ancient Egypt and the Orient. Marquetry is the art of combining different veneer pieces to form pictures or patterns. The decorative effects are produced by contrasting colors and shapes of veneer, which are then adhered to a base wood.

Millsaps is considered an expert marquetry artist. He teaches the craft as well. Art appreciators have paid thousands of dollars for a single piece from Millsap’s collection.

Marquetry is just one of many facets of the impressively-talented guild’s repertoire.

Michael Hanna, owner of Hanna’s Custom Carpentry, is admired for his handsome trim work for some of the area’s grandest homes.

Hanna shares his skills in bi-weekly hands-on workshops. Mike Rietveld’s talent is intricate lathe work, often helping other guild members who are less accomplished in this area. Indeed, helping each other is one of the strongest foundations of the guild and there is much collaboration on most projects.

For example, Rietveld helped Christmas with the complicated latches on his castle box as well as the lift mechanism on the gameboard he created.

(Rietveld’s grandfather taught him to “turn” when he was so small he had to stand on a soapbox to reach the lathe.) Christmas taught other members to make cutting boards. Millsaps shares his expertise in marquetry. Tom Trahan is exceptional in “natural-edge turning,” and it shows in his beautiful exhibits at the Camden County Art League’s Gallery at 219 Osborne Street in St. Marys.

Learning, sharing, growing, and giving back—these are the tenets that make the Southeast Georgia Woodworkers Guild a winning organization for its members and its community. Whether a member is talking “Bermudan dovetailing” or “angled tenons,” bird’s eye maple or Bolivian rosewood; whether they are working on a castle keepsake box that will take two months to build and continued ...

Imagine living in an oasis of serenity, yet just minutes from the county seat and deep water access to the Atlantic Ocean. The outside world is a distant memory as life at MarshWalk takes hold. Rich with Coastal Georgia’s sweetest blessings, MarshWalk at White Oak beckons. This is, truly, how life was meant to be lived.

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end up as part of a terminally-ill child’s legacy, or they’re taking three days to form one stunningly lovely wooden bowl that will be sold at a local festival, the passion for, dedication to and appreciation of perfection will continue to fuel their creative fires for years to come.

Just blocks from Riverfront

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John Herald, Curt Johnson, and Ron Millsaps at St. Marys Rock Shrimp Festival

Visit www.GoodbreadHouse.com For details, call 912-882-7490 or 954-701-8460 Or email mardja@goodbreadhouse.com

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Michael Hanna and Russell Christmas

Ron Millsaps displays an example of one of his many marquetry masterpieces For more information on Southeast Georgia Woodworkers Guild meetings, lessons, and projects, visit www.segawoodguild.org.

St. Marys Magazine

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very Saturday morning, while most of us are still chasing the last vestiges of dream sleep, Tim Jones and Gene Hope are already returning from their 5 a.m. fishing trip. Their boat is laden with a fresh catch of stone crabs, blue crabs, whiting, shrimp, and whatever other local seafood is in the mood for biting that morning. By 9 a.m., Hope’s wife, Emily, has placed the wares in baskets under the Jones Seafood tent in front of the Tribune & Georgian Newspaper office just a couple of blocks from St. Marys’ waterfront. It is time for the Community Market to welcome its first

shoppers of the day, locals and visitors eager to take home a taste of the local fare—fresh from the ocean, the fields, and the ovens. “Fresh” being the operative word.

Just across the way from Jones Seafood, the McIntosh Seed tent is doing a brisk business, selling fresh produce locally-grown. Cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, sweet potatoes, and pecans are a few of the choices on this day. One customer has gathered enough veggies to get her family through the week. “This is the way the Europeans do it,” she said.

Indeed, there is a bit of European flair to the market. Even though Granny’s-AGo-Go’s space is a tribute to pure down-home, Southern preservation.

Pickled garlic, Willie Dilly Beans, spiced asparagus, green tomato pickles, bread and butter pickles, a smorgasbord of home-made jellies and spreads, and their famous pecan “pie in a jar.” Just add a couple of eggs and some butter to this pre-made concoction, and no one will be the wiser that you didn’t spend hours shelling pecans and stirring over a hot stove. We like the Willie Dilly Beans for adorning a spicy Bloody Mary—a continued on page 61

St. Marys’ most romantic restaurant sits at water’s edge overlooking enchanting tidal marshes with a panoramic view of stunning sunsets nightly. Classic cuisine melds with warm hospitality to deliver a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Sumptuous seafood, steaks extraordinaire, and creative cuisine to please the most discerning taste buds.

Lunch M-F Dinner 7 Nights a Week

912-673-6300 Borrell Creek Landing Restaurant and Lounge • Just 3 miles from St. Marys’ Waterfront across from Harveys

By

Alex Kearns

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ou hold in your hands an intricate basket made of woven sweetgrass, palmetto and pinegrass, and you marvel at the artistry. You listen to the murmur of a language that challenges the lexicologist’s analysis, for it is a melding of many ancient cultures into a unique and musical tongue. A burial by the sea so that the Painting by JONATHAN GREEN 56

St. Marys Magazine

Painting by DIANE BRITTON DUNHAM spirit of the lost one can return to the providing land for impoverished British home beyond the waves, the exhilaration citizens while supplying England with of a “ring shout” as the Lord is much-needed agricultural products. praised––these are the precious traditions Though the colony, in 1735, enacted an of the Gullah/Geechee: a world, people anti-slavery law, this ban was lifted in and history that 1750 when the was pivotal in the “You know who a person really is n e e d f o r l a b o r formation of this by the language they cry in.” became crucial. It country. Now, as was thought that “progress” alters the face of the sea the peoples of the West African coast islands, knowledge and awareness are all would be well-suited for the challenging that stand between a treasured reflection climate and, as the rice economy grew of human courage and the mere ghost of a increasingly powerful, so too did the forgotten time. lucrative slave trade.

The Gullah/Geechee culture has Plantation owners sought the men and persevered along the South Carolina and women of the Windward Coast of West Georgian Sea Islands since its roots in the Africa, specifically Senegal, Sierra early 1700s. (Although the wider society Leone, and Liberia—an area itself is comprised of the same mixture of already deeply involved with West Africans, Gullah has come to the indigenous rice, indigo represent those of South Carolina while and cotton crops. Over the Geechee refers, specifically, to the centuries that followed, Georgian inhabitants.) these displaced and isolated Modern day researchers consider the peoples recreated their home stretch of land from Sandy Island, South cultures—retaining, blending Carolina to Amelia Island in Florida the and adapting—until the predominant “Gullah Coast”—the locale whole became known as of the people whose labor created some of “Gullah” (a word that is the richest plantations in history. These thought to be a variation of researchers and many others are working “Angola,” though its true assiduously to explore and preserve these genesis remains unclear). diminishing remnants of a turbulent and The Gullah language often painful past. itself is a monument to A board of trustees established Georgia in 1732, primarily as a method of

survival and adaptability, for it merges the various terms and words of the diverse West African peoples with the English language of their new (enforced) surroundings. Many aspects of the language bear great similarities to the patois of the Dominican Creole, Bahamian dialects and others created through the blending of cultures. The result is a fascinating amalgam of past and present: a reflection of two worlds that collided, causing the tragic loss of one and the success of the other.

The music of the Gullah/Geechee culture has been studied extensively for it gives deep insight into the language, traditions and spirituality of these extraordinary people.

“Praise houses”served as safe locations for the celebration of the soul, and this continuation of the religious community continued ...

Painting by JONATHAN GREEN

supported, united and nourished an enslaved culture. “Ring shouts,” a rapid, rhythmic, hand-clapping accompanied by spiritual songs while dancing counterclockwise, are intimately connected to the “old ways” of the West African coast. Though few elders remain who know the songs and movements, there are groups such as The McIntosh County Shouters of Georgia who strive to keep the traditions alive today.

These are echoes that reach out across the time and tide, that create a bridge between the people who were torn from their land, transported and enslaved, and those who followed. The notes weave through generation after generation, building a living memory of shared heritage.

In the early 1930s, renowned ethnomusicologist Lorenzo Dow Turner recorded the voice of Georgian islander Amelia Dawley as she sang a song that her mother, Octavia “Tawba” Shaw (a slave) had taught her. Dawley then taught the song to her own daughter, Mary Moran, who would become the final individual in the United States to guard the ancient words and rhythms.

In 1989, this song was traced to Benju Jabati of Senehun Ngola, Sierra Leone, who was the last person in her village to know the piece. Moran and Jabati were introduced and, together, performed what was revealed to be a Mende funeral song.

“Amelia’s Song,” as it came to be known, is almost certainly the longest text in an African language known to have been preserved by a black family in the United States. When asked why a Mende woman exiled 200 years ago would have taken that particular song to America, and not another, one expert replied, “It was the most valuable thing she could take. Just by singing it, it would connect her to all her ancestors who were buried with it in Africa and to their continued blessings.” Then he quoted a Mende proverb: “You know who a person really is by the language they cry in.”

After the American Civil War, the rice planters of the mainland gradually abandoned their farms for the freed blacks were, for the most part, unwilling to work 58

in the cruel conditions of the rice fields.

With the exodus from the Sea Islands, the Gullah/Geechee peoples were increasingly isolated in remote areas of the Lowcountry and were free to continue their religious, social and cultural

The McIntosh County Shouters of Georgia traditions with little influence from outsiders. This period of calm lasted well into the 20th century.

Since the 1960s however, on-going development of the sea islands has

threatened the Gullah people and they have fought, through public awareness and government intervention, to retain the land that they have owned since the Emancipation Proclamations of 1862 and 1863.

In 2005, a 20-year project was, at last, completed and the New Testament—translated into the Gullah language—was made available. In 2006, a priceless initiative was made real when the U.S. Congress passed “The Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Act” that guarantees over 10 million dollars directed toward the preservation of, and research into, historic Gullah sites.

While there are 37 such heritage areas in the United States, the Gullah/Geechee Corridor is the only national heritage area in the country to focus on African-American heritage.

The Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor encompasses the coasts of southern North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and northern Florida. Georgia’s continued ...

Hog Hammock Just about an hour north of St. Marys is the last intact Gullah/Geechee community in the Sea Islands of Georgia. Located on Sapelo Island, Hog Hammock comprises direct descendants of slaves brought to the island in 1802. Most of its residents are descendants of free blacks who purchased property after the Civil War and of slaves who lived and worked on the island when it was largely owned by the Thomas Spaulding family.

The community originated in 1834 as one of several early African American settlements located throughout Sapelo Island. Today, the people still maintain many elements of the unique West African culture, language, and traditions brought over from the “Rice Coast” of Africa by their ancestors. Visit www.sapeloislandgeorgia.org for more information.

St. Marys Magazine

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a prominent site for Gullah/Geechee heritage, and remnants of slave life on the island are still evident at the island’s haunting site of “The Chimneys.” These tabby brick footings are all that remains as evidence of the daily lives of 348 slaves who labored for slave owner Robert Stafford before the Civil War. While The National Park Service is conducting a five-year study focusing upon methods of keeping the 400-year-old culture alive, it is also acknowledged that the Gullah/Geechee culture is still a strong and resilient one. Those who have relocated have taken with them their heritage, setting up churches and “praise houses” across this country and others.

(Many of the Gullah relocated in Nova Scotia, Canada after The American Revolution and celebrate their history and culture there today.)

Should you find yourself humming Michael Rowed The Boat Ashore, enjoying a rich gumbo, fascinated by herbal medicines, admiring an intricate “strip quilt,” or looking over your shoulder for

St. Marys Magazine

“haints” on a sultry southern night, you are experiencing just a taste of the rich and complex Gullah/Geechee world.

Threads that reach across the years, across the seas, from culture to culture; sensibilities, celebrations of life and death; the appreciation of depth and beauty and family—this, then, is the lasting legacy of a people who surmounted astronomical odds in testament to the tenacity of the human spirit. For, from a foundation of slavery, loss, grief, dislocation, and pain has come a unique and invaluable essence. A living tribute to the strength of community, belief and perseverance, the Gullah/Geechee culture is a priceless gift from the past that continues to enrich and inform us all––an integral element of the tapestry woven by time.

In 2004, the National Trust of Historic Preservation listed the Gullah/Geechee culture as one of America’s “Eleven Most Endangered Places.” Thanks to the 2006 Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Act passed

by Congress, efforts to preserve and protect this culture are being funded to the tune of $10 million. For an upclose Gullah/Geechee experience, visit these websites: www.officialgullahgeechee.info

McIntosh County Shouters

http://hometown.aol.com/Shoutforfreedom/Shout.html

Hilton Head Island Annual Gullah Celebration www.gullahcelebration.com

Beaufort SC

www.gullahfestival.org

Georgetown, SC

www.gullahgal.com

Georgia Sea Island Singers

www.gacoast.com/navigator/quimbys.html

Contributing Artists Special thanks to artists for artwork included in this article.

DIANE BRITTON DUNHAM JONATHAN GREEN (first page left) Clam Diggers 1997 – Oil on Canvas, 48” x 36” (second page top) Harvest 24”x30” Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis O. Green Visit www.dianesart.com (second page lower right) Eleanor 18” x 24” Collection of Duke and Jane Kassolis © Jonathan Green - Visit www.jonathangreenstudios.com

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Everyone loves a Low Country Boil. The only problem: most recipes require you to cook for a crowd! This is a per person recipe. Just love it! My recipe has just about everything (except for the kitchen sink). Sausage, shrimp, crab, potatoes, corn, onions and carrots. Makes for a great all-in-one pot, all-you-can-eat buffet. For a large crowd, boils are best done outside. For South Georgia flair, cover your picnic table with newspapers and pour drained Low Country Boil on top and let everyone dig in. Enjoy!

This recipe reprinted from Sterling’s Southern Cafe Recipes and Remembrances Cookbook by special permission of author Marianne Thomas.

Low Country Boil Per Person Serving

3 small red bliss potatoes, washed but unpeeled 1 large ear of corn, broke in half 1 medium onion, peeled 1 large carrot cut in half 1 link andouille sausage 4 large crab claws 1/2 pound shrimp in shell 2 large lemons, juiced

Choice of seasoning, cayenne pepper, garlic, bay leaves, Old Bay Seasoning™, black pepper or Tabasco™, and two large lemons 60

1. Fill large kettle 1/3 full of water. Bring water to a boil on stove or outdoor cooker.

2. Season water with salt to taste and your choice of above flavorings along with the juice of two lemons or 2 tablespoons of vinegar (makes the shrimp peel easier).

3. Bring water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for 15 minutes.

Add onions, carrots, corn and sausage. Bring water back to a boil. Do not stir. Cover pot.

4. Add crabs when potatoes and carrots are tender.

Do not stir. Cover pot.

5. Bring water back to a boil, add shrimp. Cook a few minutes until shrimp are just done. Shrimp will be pink in color.

6. Drain and pour into a basket or onto platters.

7. Serve with plenty of cocktail sauce, mustard and French bread slices. This is a crowd pleaser!

Treat yourself or someone special to the experience of a lifetime—skydiving. The Jumping Place is a United States Parachute Association affiliated drop zone located in the heart of St. Marys Airport just minutes from the waterfront.

¥ Tandem ¥ Accelerated Freefall ¥ Static Line

www.jumpjax.com

912-322-7282 Mention this ad and get $10 off!

St. Marys Magazine

nice alternative to the typical celery stalk garnish.

Honest Dan’s Crooked River Honey tent is abuzz (we just couldn’t resist that o n e ) w i t h a c t i v i t y. C h i l d r e n a r e mesmerized with Danny’s live bee honeycomb display, but the adults quickly gravitate to the honey samples, the gourmet coffees and teas, and relevant books like, Honey, The Gourmet Medicine.

Next door at The Amish Market, customers are having a hard time choosing from the many varieties of pastas including the tomato-basil fettuccine. Baby white popcorn, a variety of fruit spreads, unusual barbeque sauces, and dressings line the shelves along with exotics like their jalapeño ketchup. Everything here comes from the authentic Amish kitchens of Pennsylvania and Ohio.

And just as Europeans adore their early morning pastries, so too do the residents of and visitors to St. Marys who linger longingly over the baked wares featured under Diana’s A Piece Of Cake tent and the Downtown Café & Bakery tent. Pumpkin and zucchini breads, spiced apple muffins, fresh apple cake with caramel glaze and specialblended teas highlight Diana’s offerings.

Brownies, cinnamon rolls, assorted muffins, and hot coffees keep the traffic moving by the Downtown Café & Bakery’s tables.

Felines and canines love accompanying their masters to the tent occupied by Three Broads and a Dog. Tasty, healthy dog and cat treats made from natural ingredients—from puppy biscuits to birthday cakes—make our four-legged friends feel oh, so special. (See related story in this issue.)

You never know who’ll be selling their fresh wares at St. Marys’ Community Market. You never know what kind of live music might greet you as you round the corner. You never know who you’ll run into ‘cause this has become the community’s gathering place. What you can count on, though, is a good old-fashioned market experience.

The perfect beginning to another perfect weekend in Historic St. Marys.

For more information, call 912-882-8111, or visit www.smcmarket.com.

St. Marys Magazine

Harriet Alvarez Phone: 912-673-6502 Cell: 912-674-5981 Email: harriet.alvarez@bankofamerica.com 1891 Highway 40 East, Suite 1102 Kingsland, GA 31548

Elizabeth Hanzi Phone: 912-673-6502 Cell: 912-617-1440 Email: liz.hanzi@bankofamerica.com 1891 Highway 40 East, Suite 1102 Kingsland, GA 31548

Anthony Kicklighter, Pharmacist • Competitive Prices • Drive Thru Service • All Major Insurance Plans Accepted • Fast, Convenient & Courteous Service • Professionally Trained Staff

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912-673-8220 61

This page is dedicated to those who believe we should leave this earth a better place than we found it.

CURBSIDE RECYCLING A RESOUNDING SUCCESS! When St. Marys City Council approved a contract for Advanced Disposal to take over St. Marys’ waste collection services including curbside recycling, St. Marys EarthKeepers celebrated. But it was only after curbside recycling actually began that they were able to gauge the importance of their year-long efforts to make curbside recycling a reality. On average, participation by a town in curbside recycling lingers around the 30% mark. St. Marys EarthKeepers decided they would set their sights on 40% participation. So when the numbers came in for the first two weeks of collection showing an actual 65% participation from St. Marys residents, any remaining doubt that the program was needed and wanted went by the wayside. Congratulations to you, the residents of St. Marys, who are “doing the right thing” for our town, our country, and our planet.

Advanced Disposal employees distribute new recycling bins to St. Marys residents.

The St. Marys Tree Board, in conjunction with the Downtown Development Authority, are helping to restore the grandeur to Osborne Street with plantings like this Muskogee Crepe Myrtle in front of St. Marys Antique Mall.

Funds raised at the “Chair-ity Auction” contributed to the purchase of a number of these colorful trees.

T h e S t . M a r y s Tr e e B o a r d a n d Downtown Development Authority are working to place more St. Marys’ iconic live oaks in St. Marys Downtown. Martin Landscaping donated and installed this beauty on Osborne near Bryant Street.

St. Marys EarthKeepers marched in the Rock Shrimp Festival Parade to build community awareness on the importance of recycling.

Poster Contest Sponsored by St. Marys Magazine

Win $100!

Free t-shirt to all entries.

All children up to 16 years of age are invited to enter the St. Marys EarthKeepers Poster Contest. The poster should be a visual representation of some facet of positive environmental action such as recycling.

RULES

St. Marys Elementary School was turned into a night of learning, inspiration, and fun as residents participated in a Recycling Jubilee that launched St. Marys’ curbside recycling program.

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Entries should be no smaller than 8”x10” and no larger than 20”x 24”. Do not mat or frame poster. Put your name, age, address, and phone number on back of poster.

Deliver poster to The St. Marys Welcome Center at 406 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia, 31558.

Only one entry per child. Entry deadline: March 28, 2008 All entries will receive an EarthKeepers t-shirt provided by St. Marys Magazine. All entries will be displayed for public viewing at the St. Marys Welcome Center.The winning entry will be a creative representation of how we can take care of our Earth. Winning entry will receive $100 from St. Marys Magazine and will be showcased in an upcoming issue of the magazine.

For more information, call 912-729-1103, or email: Barbara@stmarysmagazine.com.

St. Marys Magazine

The term “friendly fire” is frequently used as a Vaught said he does try to keep it friendly, which euphemism in military culture and frequently seen as goes hand in hand with TV Camden General Manager an oxymoron. In a new production called Friendly Fire, Chris Folsom’s philosophy on programming for the local television network TV Camden has found a way entire TV Camden network. to bring local political issues to the forefront, face to “Our goal is to produce positive, local, and face with the people, in a format informative television programming that is both amicable and the entire family can enjoy stimulating. together,” Folsom explained.

Doug Vaught, host of Friendly “We ask regular folks to help us Fire, is the one who asks the hard create programming that is of questions. In a recent interview, interest to those who live in Vaught said, “It’s no secret that Camden County, Georgia. TV the politics of small communities Camden puts your next-door create their own special drama. neighbor on television. Real Not only do politics often make people––people you know. The strange bed fellows; they also faces you see are everyday stir u p a d v e r s a r i a l people, teachers, preachers, editorial which mechanics, and even politicians— makes for great just real folks.”

County Commissioner Steve Berry theatre.”

Recent guests on Friendly and Friendly Fire Host Doug Vaught.

Fire include Georgia State Vaught said that R e p r e s e n t a t i v e C e c i l y H i l l , Senator Jeff Chapman, t h i s i s w h e r e F r i e n d l y F i r e comes in. “We allow each guest to express Camden C o u n t y C o m m i s s i o n e r S t e v e Berry, and their side,” he said. “Does it get Camden County Sheriff Bill Smith. heated? You bet it does. That’s where For programming details, visit www.TVCamden.com. the ‘fire’ comes in.”

Come experience our warm southern hospitality, historic bed and breakfast inns, quaint shops, intriguing museums, and fine dining. Take a ferry boat ride to Cumberland Island, and enjoy our many attractions and fun events throughout the year.

2008 February 1-2 .................. Mardi Gras Celebration February 2 ..................... Mardi Gras Ball February 21-24 .............. Creative Palette April 18,19,25,26 ......... Crooked Rivers Performance April 19-May 18 ............ First Presbyterian Church Bi-Centennial Celebratory Events April 25-26 .................... Crawfish Festival (Woodbine) May 2, 3 ....................... Crooked Rivers Performance July 4 .............................Independence Day Celebration Aug 30-Sept 1 ................ Catfish Festival (Kingsland) Sept 19-21 ..................... Coastal Outdoor Weekend October 4 ...................... Rock Shrimp Festival Oct 11-Nov 1 .................Hay Days November, 2008 ............ National Memorial Service WWII Subvets November 11 .................Downtown Merchants Christmas Open House December 2 ................... White Lighting Ceremony December 6 ................... Search for the Yule Log Christmas in the Park 3rd Week of December ... Live Nativity December 13 ................. Candlelight Tour of Homes

FERRY TO FERNANDINA BEACH STARTS MARCH 2008 Stop by our Welcome Center, preview our video and pick up your walking map, visitors guide and St. Marys Magazine.

St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau 406 Osborne Street •St. Marys, Georgia 31558 • 800-868-8687 912-882-4000 • Visit www.StMarysWelcome.com for a virtual tour!

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ust seconds after you’ve submerged yourself into the blue waters of Georgia’s warm Gulf Stream, you find yourself in another world. It is a different world of quietude, with new colors, shapes, textures and creatures. It is a peaceful world where some go to renew their energy while others go to excite their senses. There is a connection with nature in this new world, a feeling of freedom and transformation. You have entered the world of SCUBA diving.

Many might be surprised to discover the extraordinary SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving opportunities served up

by Coastal Georgia’s and neighboring Florida’s diverse waterways. From offshore treasure hunting trips to rivers, lakes, springs and cave expeditions, some will be even more surprised to discover that one of the Southeast’s finest dive shops (located right here in Camden County) can take them there—Diver’s Den Georgia.

Since February 2000, Diver’s Den has been introducing amateurs to the titillating world of diving, continued on page 68

S

St. Marys Magazine

ome people describe it as a “floating leaf.” Others equate it with “airborne swimming.” Still others have said that if you’ve ever breathed through your skin, you already know what it’s like. Skydiving––that daredevil sport that has traditionally been a hobby or profession for what most folks would consider “macho” types––has permeated into mainstream. And now you’ll finder teachers, homemakers, little old ladies, pastors and a surprising cross-section of economic, age, and professional classes pursuing the ancient sport.

Parachutes date back to the 1100s in China. Around 1495, Leonardo DaVinci designed a pyramid-shaped, wooden-framed parachute. The modern history of parachuting began in the late 18th century with Jacques Garnerin from France who performed display jumps from balloons flying over Europe. It wasn’t until the 50s that commercial skydiving schools began to appear, and the Parachute Club of America was formed. Since then, skydiving enthusiasts have been taking to the skies in ever-increasing numbers. And now, more than 350,000 people make around 3.3 million jumps annually. continued on page 69

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hosting recreational dive charters, technical diving staging several offshore expeditions from their facility. expeditions, serving military and law enforcement rescue Kohler, one of the principals in a major exploration of The missions, and churning out some of the most respected Titanic and its sister ship The Britanic, calls Georgia’s coast instructors in the industry. Partners Bruce MacDougall and “the last playground on the East coast.” As much as 86% of Chris Whitlock, and associate Rusty Whiting comprise a all shipwrecks in the world have not been recovered and, portfolio of dive experience that would have even met the it seems, Georgia might have a good share yet to be approval of Jacques Cousteau. discovered as well.

As a PADI 5-Star IDC, SCUBA “St. Marys is so rich in maritime Diving International, and history,” Diver’s Den associate Technical Diving International Whiting said. “So much so that Facility, Diver’s Den is qualified to Richie is considering hosting a train not only beginning divers but shipwreck exploration special that also divers who hold some of the would be filmed just off our coast. most critical dive positions in the The production might be similar to world. Those include public safety, the popular special hosted by police, and even the National Kohler that recently aired on the History Channel. The subject for Guard. In fact, the professionals at that special was The Britanic. But Diver’s Den wrote the first both Whiting and Kohler agree that program for “standardization of (L-R) Bruce MacDougall, Rusty Whiting, there is a significant possibility training” and will train National and Chris Whitlock. that a ship of even greater Guard divers from all around the historical value could be discovered off our coast. nation. Diver’s Den is also a National Academy of Police It seems that wars, accidents, and storms have sent Divers Training Center. many a vessel to a watery grave in Georgia’s waters. Kohler Recently, world-renowned shipwreck researcher and and his team discovered a sunken steamship during his historian Richie Kohler paid tribute to Diver’s Den by continued on page 70

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But, how does it feel? “Amazing” is the word that comes A service center manager for the American Red Cross, up most often when jumpers are asked to describe the Kellar has made 30 jumps at The Jumping Place, and has experience. “It engulfs you and embraces you,” said one even completed an advanced FAA course. novice jumper. “A thousand poets could each write a “It’s the biggest thrill in your life,” Kellar shares. “It gives thousand poems, and no one could adequately describe you a great perspective on things, and all of a sudden, other how this felt to me.” things in life don’t seem difficult.” Kellar says she’s learned Some jumpers speak of a lot about herself from skydiving. mind-stretching, exhilaration, “It’s pretty empowering. Now I and an indescribable sense of know I can do anything,” she said. freedom, peace, and tranquility.

She is even considering moving up Then there’s simply “awesome.” to teaching ground school and Cathy Kloess, owner of The doing in-air coaching.

Jumping Place, a first-rate One local “ground-based” skydiving school located at St. transformation life coach, Jennifer Marys Airport, has heard it all.

Koerner, is using her skydiving With more than 1300 jumps in her experience as a way of connecting repertoire of daring, Kloess says to her clients. “Anyone who has that the heady combination of fears in life can do this and then endorphins and adrenaline is what say, ‘if I can jump out of an Tandem Instructor Tim Caudill keeps her and thousands like her airplane, I can do anything’,” and student Margaret Enoch. in the sky day after day.

Koerner explained. She describes “I’m a junkie,” Kloess admits. And you can tell by the her first jump as one of the most peaceful, relaxing, and smile on her face and the twinkle in her lively eyes that profound experiences she has ever had. “It was like floating getting a “fix” at 13,000 feet can easily become contagious in a hot air balloon. I didn’t want it to end,” she said. if you listen to her long enough. Just ask Emily Kellar.

At Kloess’ Jumping Place, first-time jumpers often come continued on page 71

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recent expedition in St. Marys. Built in 1877, the steamship went down in 1903. For more than a century, the local waters have kept her secrets. But Kohler’s team brought up some of her treasures, including the ship’s telegraph. On another St. Marys expedition, they discovered a World War II airplane, sitting upside down at the bottom of the ocean.

For those of us who might not be up for a deep sea dive, there are numerous other opportunities to explore the world of diving. Diver’s Den professionals say that just two hours away is the best springs diving in the world. And enthusiasts would only have to travel the same distance to experience exceptional cave diving as well.

Whether its wreck diving right off our coast, river or lake diving, the caves or the springs, Diver’s Den is going somewhere every weekend, taking with them divers of all levels who have become “hooked” on that new world of the deep.

MacDougall, Whitlock and Whiting have come a long way— perhaps farther and faster than even they predicted. They are two years ahead of their business plan. They attribute much of their success to people like builder Bill Gross of WH Gross Construction and others who had the confidence to get behind them in their infancy. Gross built the building that houses Diver’s Den. It is unusual that a diving business owns its own building, and Diver’s Den partners aimed to raise the bar on diving centers when they built their new building. A visit to

Diver’s Den demonstrates what a benchmark achievement it was to build such a state-of-the-art facility.

When you walk down the halls of the 6,000 square-foot building, you get a sense of the dedication, the pride, and the accomplishments that have gone into the Diver’s Den success story. Certifications and commendations line the walls. Nine instructors, four technicians, a large indoor pool, every piece of dive equipment imaginable, knowledge and experience unlimited, and a passion for the deep blues—these are the components of a one-stop dive center that has no limits. Who would think such an amazing dive shop would park itself right here in Camden County?

Carpenters, school teachers, doctors, lawyers, students and—more and more often—entire families come to Diver’s Den with a dream to explore this other world. This world of quietude and color. This world of mysteries and discovery. This world where one can go to connect with nature on a primeval level. To swim with the manatees and glide with the dolphin. To exhilarate in the freedom and wallow in the womblike softness of its “other worldness.”

And to finally understand the love affair between man and sea that has reigned for millenniums and will for millenniums to come.

For more information visit www.diversdengeorgia.com, or call 912-882-7078. Special thanks to Dan Williams for underwater photos.

with the mis-perception that their freefalling would be more All her children have jumped—some in-utero. Kloess’ like the violent downdraft of a roller-coaster ride which, she husband is also a skydiver and her built-in airplane expert. says, is not at all the case. “It’s a much softer experience than He works fulltime as a pilot, flying MD-11s (large cargo planes people anticipate,” Kloess explained. used by companies like Federal Express). Her oldest sons are First jumps are usually done tandem, so that the control is FAA riggers (they’re the ones who pack the chutes, and totally in the hands of an attached professional diver. The people you really want to be good at their job). Actually, student and instructor are rigged to Kloess’ skyborne career began in the the same parachute system. They packing industry. She has owned freefall for 30 to 50 seconds, from The Packing Place since 1989, and an altitude of 10,000 to 13,000 feet, her team (daughter included) has then descend together under a packed parachutes for some of the single large parachute with dual most impressive names in the controls. The next step for many is skydiving arena including the a static-line jump where the student world-renowned Golden Knights. exits the aircraft solo with the Kloess’ skyborne career doesn’t parachute deploying immediately. stop at skydiving. She’s also a Exit and opening occur at 3,500 certified pilot (piloting her own feet, then the student pilots the planes that her students jump parachute to the landing area. from), and is working toward her Tandem Instructor Tim Caudill Kloess says that most tandem certified flight instructor license. with student Greg Jones. jumpers will return for that second Kloess surrounds herself with thrill. Then the third. And fourth. And so on. industry achievers—a team of instructors who are “I know people as old as 99 who have jumped,” Kloess said. considered some of the best in the skydiving industry. A “Traditionally, young daring men dominated the skydiving Naval commander Bill Mckinney and Marine Tim Caudill are field. But today, the demographic is older and family-orienton her team. Visiting professionals like skydiving ed.” Kloess’ entire family plays a role in her skydiving career. world-record holder Jay Stokes come to The Jumping Place continued on page 72

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for special events and—along with the stellar reputation of The Jumping Place as a topnotch drop zone—has helped put St. Marys on the world map of skydiving.

It’s easy to see why skydivers would flock to St. Marys. Besides the breathtaking vistas that jumpers get to enjoy during their descent, there’s also the appealing weather patterns that make St. Marys a good place to jump. And when families visit the area, Kloess says there is so much to do for the spouses and children including visiting Cumberland Island, St. Marys’ Historic District, and easy side trips to attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo and the Great Okefenokee Swamp.

Skydiving is making inroads into the culture of St. Marys in a big way. It is a confidence-builder for many. An ego-booster for a few. But for all, it is an undeniably unique experience that empowers people to look inside themselves and capture that essence of strength, courage and determination that makes us feel great about ourselves and our capacity as human beings.

For more information, call 912-322-7282, or visit www.jumpjax.com. Special thanks to Bill McKinney for skydiving photos.

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St. Marys Magazine

efore the advent of the automobile, St. Marys and BFernandina were much closer neighbors in some ways. A paddle wheel ferry captained by Walton Goodbread brought folks to and from the neighboring towns to trade, to socialize, and to worship. The St. Marys River was the highway back then. But when the horseless carriage appeared on the scene, people were eager to take to the road and the ferry soon became obsolete. “They’ll build a bridge now, for sure,” people said. And one family bet money on it by speculating the purchase of Tiger Island. That would be

the natural first point on Amelia Island when traversing the waters from St. Marys’ outcropped Point Peter. More than a hundred years later, the “bridge” as envisioned—from St. Marys to Fernandina—still hasn’t happened. But marine pioneers Kevin McCarthy and Willie Sweatt are devising a different kind of connection between Georgia’s mainland and Florida’s Amelia Island. A mobile connection. A water taxi of sorts. Residents and visitors from both sides have given a big “thumbs up” to Sweatt and McCarthy, and the excitement has been building ever since. continued ...

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Slated to begin in March 2008, the new ferry service will feature a 99-passenger catamaran. The 59-foot vessel, The Bald Eagle, will make scheduled and chartered runs between St. Marys and Fernandina Beach, and will become a vital link in the East Coast Greenway.

The East Coast Greenway is a project to create a nearly 3000-mile urban path linking the major cities along the Atlantic coast of the United States, from Calais, Maine, to Key West, Florida, for non-motorized human transportation.

It is similar, both in length and conception, to the twelve routes of the EuroVelo project throughout Europe.

Sweatt (who is the official harbor pilot for St. Marys) and McCarthy (who has operated Amelia River Cruises & Charters since 2000) are enthusiastic about the reception that both St. Marys and Fernandina have given to the new water taxi service. With so much to offer on both sides of the river, they believe the new link will make the area an even more desirable destination for visitors.

Then, of course, there’s the bonus of residents having the best of both worlds as well. Both Fernandina Beach and St. Marys are “walking” historic towns, so there’s no need for transportation on the other side, no matter where your journey originates.

While the scenery alone is a reason to take the new water taxi, a bonus will be the narrated tours much like the ones that naturalist Pat Foster-Turley now conducts for Amelia River Cruises & Charters. Passengers will learn about local history and wildlife along the way as they enjoy a stress-free leisurely brief ride from Georgia to Florida.

And if you’re wondering what happened to the land—Tiger Island— that was bought in speculation of a bridge, well, even that turned out good.

The State of Florida purchased the island, and it will remain a nature preserve.

Editor’s Note: For more information about the new water taxi service between St. Marys and Fernandina Beach, call the St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau at 912-882-4000.

St. Marys Magazine

BusinessInsights

New Businesses

BOOM!

St. Marys Downtown Development Authority welcomes the following new and relocated businesses to our vibrant Downtown and Midtown area: 2 Sisters Cafe 112 Osborne Street Downtown Café and Bakery 102 East Bryant Street AeroSpace Missions Corp.

100 Osborne Street Family Matters Counseling 126 Osborne Street BJ’s Kitchen & Catering 1840 Osborne Rd Marianne’s Sterling’s Southern Café 220 Osborne Street Coastal Camden Art Gallery 219 Osborne Street Hunt Country Iron 101 St. Patrick Street Seafood Gallery 2603 Osborne Rd, Suite U

The demolition of the old paper mill’s remaining structures marks another s t e p f o r w a r d i n L a n d m a r G r o u p ’s development of the 750-acre riverfront site in Downtown St. Marys. With 2,000 residential units, a marina, retail space, and beautiful park areas planned, it is anticipated that the new development will have a major positive effect on St. Marys’ economy.

Downtown Development Authority For business owners looking to locate or expand a business in St. Marys, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) can be a powerful tool. The mission of the DDA is to support and promote business development in St. Marys while preserving and enhancing the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.

For information about business development in St. Marys, call 912-882-8111.

Hospitality on Wheels To enhance the visitor experience and encourage merchant, restaurant, and lodging patronage, St. Marys Downtown Development Authority has created a concierge program to greet and assist visitors. The new Downtown Concierge 6-pak golf cart will be manned by volunteers armed with menus and information about the area, and will help capture business from the thousands of Cumberland Island visitors who embark and disembark at the St. Marys waterfront.

St. Marys Magazine

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ith a vibrant economy and business-friendly leadership, St Marys, Georgia is an exceptional place to grow a business. Whether you’re considering a new business or already own an established business elsewhere, St. Marys Downtown

400 Osborne Street • St. Marys, Georgia • Alyce.Thornhill@tds.net •

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Siéntete como en tu casa (make yourself at home). Though it is perhaps unspoken in words, this is the invitation that pervades every facet of Salsa Grill. From the palate-pleasing entrees to the spacious floor plan to the vibrant colors that celebrate the restaurant’s heritage, this is a place you will return to again and again. Because it’s comfortable. Because the atmosphere is friendly. And because owner/Chef Luis Corcuera delivers an unequivocally delightful, delicious, and fun culinary experience.

Corcuera is relentless when it comes to creativity and quality in designing his signature dishes. Case in point: his Sauteed Salmon Napoleon. Think fresh, fresh salmon served with sauteed baby continued ...

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St. Marys Magazine

spinach over mushroom risotto. The Roasted Pork Loin caterer and also taught cooking. He enjoyed playing a role in Borinqua he graces with an orange and jalapeno marmalade. selecting the fresh vegetables and meats and began his own The smoky chipotle cheese sauce is served over a Vegetarian experimentation with food preparation at the age of 11. It was Spaghetti Squash. Then there are more mainstays like during his apprenticeship in Washington, D.C. that he realized the Caribbean & Shrimp his talent as a chef was Combo. Caribbean? You pretty promising when he ask. Yes, Salsa Grill has got a ten-dollar tip for a expanded the boundaries Steak au Poivre he had of Latin America to bring prepared. The rest, as they an even greater diversity of say, is history. flavor and texture to their From the Sheraton Grand culinary line-up. on Capitol Hill to his While Latin cooking executive chef positions at traditionally conjures the Timucuana Country expectations of garlic, pork, Club in Jacksonville, the and chili peppers, the Florida Yacht Club, and the nouvelle fashion embraced Amelia Island Plantation

by Salsa Grill’s culinary and Ritz Carlton on Amelia team is much broader and Island, Corcuera has stayed more nuanced. Corcuera the course. Conjuring up has melded dishes from his dishes that remain true to native Peru with flavors their origins while at the Salsa Grill proprietor and Chef Luis Corcuera. and textures that span both same time infusing a hemispheres including Mexico, Brazil, Cuba and beyond. nouvelle twist of intriguing flavor combinations.

As a child in Peru, Corcuera’s earliest study of food began To dine at Salsa Grill is to be treated to a feast for all the during his trips to “market” with his mother who was a senses. The bright yellow building beckons, signaling the continued ...

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cheeriness and fun that is to be enjoyed within. Festive table settings and cheerful staff add to the warmth of the interior.

Scintillating aromas waft from the kitchen, the siren-song prelude to a celebration of the palate. But before the taste begins, Corcuera makes sure the visual presentation sets the proper stage.

“Food is 90% visual,” Corcuera said.

“You must create the desire before the actual taste.” A review of Salsa Grill’s menu shows how the chefs have cleverly combined color, texture, and taste to make each dish a bit of epicurean art.

It is not surprising that Corcuera is a Silver Spoon Award recipient. And it is easy to understand why publications like Jacksonville Magazine have published Corcuera’s original recipes.

What gives us pause is St. Marys’ good fortune in Corcuera’s having established in our fair town.

“I was looking for a second location for Tio Loco’s (that’s the casual Mexican restaurant that his wife runs in Fernandina Beach),” Corcuera explained. “But when I discovered this great space, and considered how my wife had always wanted me to open a gourmet Latin restaurant, the decision was easy.”

As one of the largest restaurant venues in St. Marys, Salsa Grill has the capacity and the culinary talent to pull off major events while catering to their daily lunch and dinner market. Charity groups are more and more considering Salsa as a favored venue as are couples looking for wedding reception space.

Corcuera and his staff even do off-premises catering for special events.

“Being in the event business gives us greater exposure to future lunch and dinner guests and gives our staff an opportunity to showcase their talents to the community,” he said.

One event that has taken off is Salsa Grill’s monthly Wine Tastings. More “wine and food” pairings than simply wine tastings, these well-attended gatherings are the perfect opportunity for restaurant clients to have a say in what dishes and wines Salsa Grill may feature going forward. Attendees are often surprised at the “gourmet” nature of the evening’s selected dishes.

Corcuera has brought a level of continued ...

sophistication to Latin cuisine that many guests had never before experienced. And even though his wine tasting guest list is often filled with area movers and shakers and those who aspire to tap into Corcuera’s impressive knowledge of food preparation, at Salsa Grill there is always an abiding awareness that their guests come with tastes and desires as varied as the colors that grace its zesty decor.

The children love the Kiddie Quesadillas. In fact, every entree can be child- or senior-sized to fit those particular appetites. And for diners who prefer a more traditional fare, Steaks and Prime Rib are always an option.

Those seeking night-time adventures are happy in the Pico Lounge at the back of the restaurant where pool tables, Karaoke, and great regional bands serve up an endless smorgasbord of live entertainment. Pico’s full-service bar is perfect for the single or couple who might be interested in an adult cocktail and an appetizer to launch their evening.

Even though the salsa at Salsa Grill comes in four different measures of “hotness”—the hottest labeled “loco,” clearly, the only thing crazy about planning an evening at Salsa Grill is not planning one soon enough. Your taste of Latin magic is just a few blocks from St. Marys’ waterfront. You can’t miss it. It’s the big yellow building with the big flavor, big heart, and big soul of the best that Latin America has to offer.

Salsa Grill is located at 711 Osborne Street in St. Marys. Call 912-882-2003 for more information.

DID YOU KNOW...

Throwing away a single aluminum can—versus recycling it—is like pouring out six ounces of gasoline?

St. Marys Magazine

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Steve Berry

Valerie Evans Goddard

Dr. Ann Stoddard & Eloise Bailey Thompson

istorically, St. Marys Magazine has used this space to profile a single author from the Coastal H Georgia area. In celebration of our second anniversary, we take this opportunity to profile four local books and their authors whose styles are as diverse as the subjects about which they write.

Internationally acclaimed author and Camden County resident Steve Berry returns for his third showing in Literarily Speaking with his latest book, The Venetian Betrayal. Valerie Evans Goddard entreats us to Get off the Interstate and get acquainted with the human side of history. Eloise Bailey Thompson and Dr. Ann Harris Stoddard captivate us with The Tompkins-Holzendorf Legacy. And Jerry “Pop” Bishop and Dr. Gail Bishop Dugger enchant us with stirring lessons delivered by a simple brown pelican. We applaud our scribing stars, and eagerly await the appearance of their next literary jewels.

The Venetian Betrayal

By Steve Berry

ess than a year after Steve Berry’s bestselling book, The L Alexandria Link, debuted, here he comes with yet another explosive, tantalizing, mind-bending, riveting story in The Venetian Betrayal. Just when you thought there might be a formula to Berry’s ongoing collection of bestselling novels, he steps out of bounds to deliver a harrowing tale of international intrigue and off-putting betrayal, framed by an intense geopolitical chess game that takes readers from Copenhagen to seductive Venice to a potential new world order in Central Asia.

Berry fans will rejoice in his decision to reprise former Justice Department agent-turnedantiquarian book dealer Cotton Malone, this time drawn into the melee by the lovely adventurer Cassiopeia Pitt. Berry wastes no time in driving Malone into conflict. Just twenty-eight words into the novel, you’re captured—like magnet to steel—into the torrential twists and turns that let up only in the last paragraph 472 pages later.

In typical Berry fashion, readers are swept swiftly across time. The story begins in 323 BCE when Alexander the Great, having conquered Persia, suddenly succumbs to a strange fever. Locating his final resting place—unknown to this day—is the crux of the story. The quest is peppered with not-so-incidental details like the hellish development of biological weapons and a miraculous healing serum.

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From the ashes of U.S.S.R., a new nation has arisen.

Former Soviet republics have consolidated into the Central Asian Federation, and at its helm is Supreme Minster Irina Zovastina. Perhaps Berry’s most sinister character to date, readers will abhor her and respect her in the same moment. She is a cunning despot who fancies herself the next Alexander the Great, and will stop at nothing to surpass his conquests and become the ultimate conqueror.

Malone and his allies (though he can never be sure who they really are) are compelled to outthink and outrun Zovastina and her forces while unraveling the ancient riddle connected to Alexander the Great’s tomb—a riddle whose solution could destroy or save millions of people, depending on who finds the lost tomb first.

Once again, Berry meticulously weaves ancient history with modern-day fears, creating a rich tapestry of adventure that is sure to be devoured by Berry fans still reeling after the final pages of The Alexandria Link. The only thing more astonishing than Steve Berry’s hallowed devotion to flawless research is his relentless drive to keep readers in suspense throughout the entirety of this breathtaking ride that is The Venetian Betrayal. continued ...

St. Marys Magazine

Get off the Interstate! A Guide to the Historical Markers of Coastal Georgia

By Valerie Evans Goddard ith affection and pride, Valerie Evans Goddard guides Wreaders through her native Georgia in folk tales, ghost stories, humorous antidotes and historical facts presented in a fun and engaging way. She takes you down country roads and dirt paths. She pulls you into woodland trails and coastal crossroads. She tells you stories you have never before heard, wrapping documented historical data in colorful swaths of irresistible details. She even provides an actual GPS reading for the origin of each story and the historical marker that commemorates its significance.

Get off the Interstate! A Guide to the Historical Markers of Coastal Georgia is the first of a continuing series of books that will ultimately traverse the entire coastal area along and east of Interstate 95.

Though the Georgia edition covers only 94 miles of interstate, there is so much history in this state, its page numbers almost equal the Florida version that covers more than 500 miles of interstate.

Beginning in Camden County, Goddard provides a fastidiously researched historical accounting of each marker in a format especially entertaining for those who have always found traditional history dull and lifeless. Even for history buffs, readers will find themselves often saying, “I didn’t know

that.” For example, did you know that Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low and her family were friends of General William Sherman? Many times the dreaded “merchant of terror” (as Southerners like to remember him) bounced little Juliette on his knee during a family visit. And did you know that Liberty County is the only county in Georgia that is not named after a person or place, but rather after an idea—independence? And that’s because there were more signers of the Declaration of Independence from Liberty County than from any other county in The Colonies. Georgia has more historical markers than any other state (except Texas), and it takes Goddard’s 300-plus short stories to get you through them all.

As much as Goddard and her husband, Bill, enjoyed the adventures that inspired Goddard’s book, she almost didn’t survive the journey. After completion of the last chapter, Goddard endured a medical procedure that went “horribly wrong.” It took more than 63 hospital visits, a year and a half in a practically comatose state, and the unyielding love of her family to get her through the tragic results of a gastric bypass surgery. But Goddard’s unshakable faith prompted her to turn that nightmare experience into a book that may help others, or continued ...

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even save a life. The Price of Being Thin is just about ready for editing, and Oprah Winfrey has already expressed an interest in reviewing the final product.

On the historical front, Goddard continues to work on her Florida-to-Maine Get off the Interstate volumes while husband Bill is developing a companion electronic guide that could be downloaded to a computer or even to your car GPS system.

Goddard’s passion for “making history human” is evidenced in every page of her Guide to the Historical Markers of Coastal Georgia. From the “oldest church in continuous service in the state of Georgia” (First Presbyterian Church in St. Marys—see related story in this issue), to the Tybee Island Lighthouse, Goddard drives her readers through a six-county adventure that can only be experienced if you do, in fact, “Get off the Interstate.”

Valerie Evans Goddard is available f o r s p e a k i n g e n g a g e m e n t s . Vi s i t www.veritapublishing.biz for information.

Peter the Pelican

By Jerry “Pop” Bishop & Dr. Gail Bishop Dugger Dr. Gail Bishop Dugger convinced Wher hen father, Jerry “Pop” Bishop, to write down the stories he had been telling his children and grandchildren throughout the years, it was meant more as a heritage preservation gesture than an attempt at literary acclaim. But then Peter the Pelican emerged on the scene—a character so endearing, Dr. Dugger could not resist pressing her father into developing a children’s book. A year later, the collaborative father and daughter effort paid off, and Peter the Pelican and Look Before You Leap was born.

Peter had been coming to Pop’s dock on the banks of Crooked River for about six years when Pop began Peter’s literary immortalization. Pop would catch fish— mostly croakers and yellowtails—and

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Peter would sidle up beside him on the dock, hold his beak wide open up in the air, and wait for Pop to feed him. At least that’s the way it started. When Peter got real comfortable, he started fishing alongside Pop, just as he does today. During winter months when the fish are scarce, Peter will waddle up to Pop’s house and flap his wings against the windows until Pop comes outside. Then he will wait until Pop thaws some fish from the freezer, and gives Peter his share—usually three fish in a sitting.

In Peter the Pelican and Look Before You Leap, Pop has done a beautiful job of turning a real life story into a parable that teaches children the importance of “thinking before acting.” There is a quiet charm in Peter and Pop’s relationship, continued ...

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expressed through Peter’s first-person narrative. Such musings as “I usually see fish before he does because pelicans can see much better than humans,” and “Pop and I are good friends. He says friends help each other in need” not only humanize Peter, but also pay homage to the bond that is at the core of this charming book.

Parents will like the added “Fact Sheet” and “Questions” at the back of the book, clearly driven by Pop’s and Dr. Dugger’s symbiotic background. They are both educators—Pop a retired director of vocational and adult education, and Dr. Bishop, the assistant principal at St. Marys Elementary School. They have taken the wisdom of a not-so-ordinary brown pelican, given him voice and dialogue that easily draws children into his story, and then colored their tale with first rate illustrations.

From the cover art to Peter’s flying feathers as a “horrible” shark attempts to make the bird a feast of his own, illustrator H. Steven Robertson has cleverly brought to life a lovable story that parents will find as engaging as their children do.

The Tompkins-Holzendorf Legacy

By Dr. Ann Harris Stoddard & Eloise Bailey Thompson

n C a m d e n C o u n t y, t h e e a r l y Holzendorf-Tompkins-Harris family members were among the few African Americans to be educated and to become educators themselves. The Harris family matriarch, Matilda Tompkins Harris, was credited with playing a major role in establishing a countywide education system for its African American citizens, back in a time when their opportunities for education were slight.

When Dr. Ann Harris Stoddard and Eloise Bailey Thompson set out to chronicle the legacy of this extraordinary family, little did they know that it would take four years to sift through 200 years of historical fragments to weave together the facts of lineage that would impact Camden County long into the future.

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“Spirit does not toss itself about in the external play of chance occurrences; on the contrary, it is that which determines history absolutely, and it stands firm against the chance occurrences which it dominates and exploits for its own purpose.” So goes George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel’s philosophy of history.

In reading Stoddard and Bailey’s Tompkins-Holzendorf Legacy, one easily grasps the concept that true historic milestones are seldom chance occurrences, but most often “spirit-driven.” It is this extraordinary determination of spirit that Stoddard and Thompson have so succinctly captured in their long-awaited manuscript.

It was not until 1870 that slaves were listed by name in the federal census, a continued ...

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fact that made Stoddard and Thompson’s research even more difficult. The 1870 census revealed that Lavinia Holzendorf (Matilda Harris’ mother) could read even though, at that time, “any person teaching any slave Negro or person of color to read or write...shall be guilty of misdemeanor and shall be punished by fine or imprisonment in county jail or both.”

Born in 1834, Lavinia spent her early life as a slave at the Holzendorf Plantation on Crooked River. She later ran a boarding house. Though never married, Lavinia raised two sets of children—from the Tompkins line and from the Holzendorf line. Matilda Tompkins Harris, born in 1857, was her oldest Tompkins child. She was educated by private teachers and later received teacher’s training in a normal school in Jacksonville. Matilda married George Harris in 1876. Of Matilda and George’s nine children, seven became teachers and two became contractors.

Matilda Tompkins Harris is believed to have been the first African American teacher in Camden County. She would travel by horse and buggy over winding dirt roads throughout the county, teaching and also serving as the county’s first home demonstration agent. She was the link between the unskilled and the uneducated and the progress of many people in Camden County. Her leadership became legendary, and many of her descendants have followed in her footsteps, choosing education as a career.

It was Matilda’s granddaughter, Ann Harris Stoddard, who teamed up with fellow historian Eloise Bailey Thompson to document the historical journey that recognizes Matilda, her forebears and her descendants, as important contributors to Camden County’s educational and economic backbone.

Matilda Harris’ spirit still lives in the elementary school that bears her name.

Her spirit dwells still in the two-story brick home on the corner of Osborne and Hall Streets where her children and dozens of nieces and nephews played Old Maid, bingo, and checkers and learned crocheting, quilting, kitchen and gardening skills from their favorite Auntie Frances Lyle. A visit to St. Marys’ historic Oak Grove Cemetery will lead you to tombstones that bear the names Tompkins and Holzendorf and Harris.

It is not surprising that the continued ...

daunting task of preserving the Tompkins-Holzendorf legacy fell into the hands of two educators who also happen to be historians. The great surprise, according to Stoddard and Thompson, is that “the more we found out, the more questions we had.”

One of their most exciting surprises came when Stoddard, through a cousin, located a box of photos at the Peabody Museum in Boston. In this box were photos of her father’s aunts and two brothers who Stoddard had never seen before. “That was a thrill for me,” said Stoddard.

Thompson said her most exciting moments came when she found records that gave slave owners’ names and the names of slaves’ children, information that was rare and precious in putting the puzzles of the legacy together.

Both Stoddard and Thompson are pillars of history for Camden County.

Both have served as president of the Guale Historical Society. Both have served on the Bryan-Lang Historical Library board. Stoddard is a retired professor from University of North Florida. Thompson taught at St. Marys Elementary School. Both have won impressive awards in education. Both share the names of families who have been in Camden County for more than two hundred years. And both say, “the story is not finished.”

Though the contribution of the Tompkins-Holzendorf family to the human experience has been noted through the years since the emancipation of slaves, their legacy continues on as new generation descendants continue to pay tribute to their ancestors through their own personal achievements.

Not ones to rest on their laurels, Stoddard and Thompson are already launching their next historical projects: Thompson is working on a compilation of history columns she wrote for the local newspaper in the 80s and 90s, and is also putting the newspaper’s bi-centennial edition she edited into book form.

Stoddard is editing the historical writings of Postmaster I. F. Arnow to put into book form as well.

Editor’s Note: All books featured in this issue’s Literarily Speaking can be purchased at Once Upon A Bookseller in Historic St. Marys.

St. Marys Magazine

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or so many cultures, food is the connector to embedded. From food preparation and nutrition, to everything. Beyond necessary sustenance, it is the purchasing, menu planning and design, food and beverage tether that binds families, friends, even business management, sanitation, and other certification courses, associates in respite celebration from the routine CGCC’s Culinary Arts Program aims high in job placement hours of our daily lives. To be an artist in the for all its students.

Just as in the wildly popular reality show Iron Chef, the world of food is to enjoy the celebrity that comes with making others happy. In our little corner of competition for premium hospitality and restaurant the world, there are—at any given moment—75 positions is intense. But while Iron Chef contestants have or more aspiring artists whose destiny lies with one hour to deliver the most outstanding dish to brutal the institute of higher learning that is teaching, judges, CGCC’s Culinary Arts students will spend molding, inspiring, and accelerating their future approximately 1200 hours (including a 315-hour internship) honing their skills under the excellent in the world of culinary arts.

Coastal Georgia Community College tutelage of Wright and program Chef Steve Ingersoll.

Ingersoll graduated in the top tier of his class at the New (CGCC) is one of only five schools in the state of Georgia accredited by the American England Culinary Institute where he was later hired a s c h e f i n s t r u c t o r, Culinary Federation. The serving nearly ten accreditation is pure gold years in that position. for CGCC’s Culinary Arts To be an artist in the In between, his students, for this is the creative talents flared organization that certifies world of food is to enjoy as executive chef for a chefs, and this is the the celebrity that comes country inn in Stowe, certification that may be Ve r m o n t . C u l i n a r y the distinguishing factor with making others happy. creativity remains an between a position with a integral part of good restaurant and one with a Ingersoll’s teachings, as great restaurant. “ A c c r e d i t a t i o n s a r e i m p o r t a n t i n he encourages his students to experiment and create their marketing Culinary Arts students,” CGCC’s own signature dishes. Ingersoll’s innate skills may have Lead Program Instructor Walter been inherited from his grandmother, a German Wright said. Wright, who grew immigrant who was chef for the Hammond (of Hammond up in the exclusive Organ fame) family in Chicago. It’s an easy bet that she Greenbrier Resort in may have cooked for some of the nation’s most notable West Virginia where dignitaries such as Henry Ford and Franklin Delano his father reigned Roosevelt, both who were frequent house guests of the as president of the Hammonds.

Ingersoll is not the only culinary star on CGCC’s resort, was educated a t C o r n e l l Culinary Arts Instructor team. Tim Thomas, currently University and Executive Chef of Ocean Forest Country Club, shares his brought to CGCC epicurean gifts with the students as well. Thomas recently all the sanctified won the title of “King of American Seafood” during the values that the national Great American Seafood Cook-off competition.

“We are extremely fortunate to have such talent on our world-renowned h o s p i t a l i t y staff,” Wright said, and noted that since 1994, the CGCC s c h o o l Culinary Arts Program has been turning out successful continued ...

St. Marys Magazine

culinary professionals not only in food preparation, but also in hospitality management. Even aspiring food writers employ C G C C ’s c u r r i c u l u m t o better grasp the intricacies of taste, texture and quality of the subject for which they will write.

CGCC’S Culinary Arts program, indeed, has been a professional springboard for many.

Locally, student John Williams earned the position of executive chef at nationallyacclaimed Sterling’s Southern Café (recently renamed Marianne’s Sterling’s Southern Café). Chef Ingersoll can often be seen at Sterling’s as well, mentoring a n d playing a hands-on role in the preparation of the exceptional regional CGCC’s Culinary Arts’ talent is a hit at Taste of Camden. dishes that are Sterling’s claim to fame. Another student is now head pastry chef at New Orleans’ Commander’s Palace.

While career investment is a major point of the Culinary Arts Program, CGCC also has a continuing education component that draws the public at large into fun and exciting classes held in the evening. One recent series, titled “Cooking for Love,” brought impassioned foodies together to learn how “great food wins the heart.” The group was taught how to cook a romantic seafood dinner for two, how to create classic hors d’ouevres, canapés and other party fare. The continuing series classes are very popular and are designed to appeal to both beginners and established cooks.

A tour of the Culinary Arts kitchen on CGCC’s Camden campus is impressive. Gleaming stainless steel frames state-of-the-art equipment and tools that would rival the facility of any fine dining commercial restaurant. This is where the glory begins. Where wide-eyed first-week students are mesmerized by the speed and dexterity of Chef’s hands as he demonstrates the power of a good knife. This is where Chef will instill in them the value of “wasting nothing”—turning that left-over baked sweet potato into next day’s sweet potato soup. How even a meatloaf and roast chicken can be glamorized with the right seasonings and sauces. This is where tomorrow’s sophisticates will learn the timeless art of food and wine pairing. And how to prepare dishes like Chicken Cordon Bleu and Boef Bourgogne. It is within these four walls that tomorrow’s culinaires will practice catering during community outreach programs such as serving 150 VIPs aboard the USS Georgia docked at nearby Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base. And perhaps—just perhaps––here, too, is where the next national baking ace or Iron Chef will emerge.

Editor’s Note: CGCC Culinary Arts courses are held on the Camden and Glynn County campuses. For more information, visit www.cgcc.edu, or call 912-510-3326.

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It all started with the barbershop quartets of the early 1900s. Both a sociological and musical phenomenon, the blending of four distinct voices into one harmonic sound became all the rage. These quartets were, however, an exclusively male fraternity. Fast forward to July 13, 1945 when Edna Mae Anderson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, brought a few women together in her home to participate in the “chord-ringing, fun-filled harmony” that their husbands were singing. From that meeting grew the nucleus of what was to become Sweet Adelines International.

Today, nearly 27,000 women, all singing in English, belong to Sweet Adelines International—all committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances. More than 1200 registered quartets and 600 choruses domiciled throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, Sweden, Wales, and The Netherlands, share the passion.

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Sweet Adelines quartet “Hot Topic”: (L-R) Kristi Johanson, Diane Parker, Myra Newman, and Gaynell Russell.

The vast geographical divides are insignificant when the ladies come together in sweet, four-part, a cappella harmony as they did recently in the international competitions in Calgary. And there, contending for a well-earned place in the Adelines’ lineup of star talent, was St. Marys’ own Gaynell Russell. She did not come home disappointed.

Out of the 8,000 attendees, Gaynell’s chorus placed 23 in continued ...

St. Marys Magazine

the world. Not bad for a little girl from Montana who grew up singing harmony with her three sisters in church and at rodeos and festivals.

It was in Joliet, Illinois that 28-year-old Gaynell heard Sweet Adelines sing for the first time. She instantly fell in love with the harmony, and began her Sweet Adeline career shortly thereafter. As her husband’s career took her from town to town to town, her first mission in each new location was to find the local or regional Sweet Adelines group. And when she couldn’t find one, she would start one herself, as she did in Montana. Gaynell has belonged to six choruses around the country. She speaks of each of them with deep affection in her voice.

“It truly is a sisterhood,” she said, “a place where you fastly become friends and most often continue those friendships for life.”

Gaynell currently sings in a chorus of 80 and in a quartet as well, traveling all over— often to compete, but always to entertain.

It’s not just about the singing either.

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Mercedes Meglin and Gaynell Russell at 2007 International Competition Every Sweet Adelines production is fully-costumed, and sometimes elaborately choreographed. In a chorus, 14 front singers carry the heavy choreography which has—at times—even included gymnastics: not exactly the mental picture you get of a Lennon Sisters-like act, don’t you think?

And because the art form lends itself to a great variety of music from any era— ballads, popular show tunes, jazz, and even gospel—the opportunities for “high entertainment” are boundless. During the recent international competitions, Gaynell’s chorus performed a Disney “package” that included water-themed songs like Minnie the Mermaid, with the St. Marys Magazine

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The Mirror

By Dorothy Carter Jackson

Early in my life I became a wife.

I looked in the mirror and what did I see?

A vibrant young lady looking back at me.

We loved, laughed and worked hard each day, Raising a family as time slipped away.

I looked in the mirror and what did I see?

My Mother looking back at me.

Now, our children are married and gone.

Having children of their own.

Time slipped by year after year.

We were alive, and nothing to fear.

I looked in the mirror and what did I see?

My Grandmother looking back at me.

Now, I’m getting older and proud to say That my Grandchildren became parents one day.

I looked in the mirror and what did I see?

My Great-Grandmother looking back at me.

I still feel young And I’ve known all along That when my Husband looks at me He sees the Young lady I used to be.

Excerpted from Dorothy Carter Jackson’s collection, “Poems That I Write When I Can’t Sleep At Night.”

Reprinted by St. Marys Magazine publisher Barbara Jackson Ryan in honor of her favorite aunt, Dorothy Carter Jackson.

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girls clad in old-timey swimsuits and the director costumed as a mermaid. Gaynell, too, has been a director of a chorus as well as assistant director and section manager.

But her first love is simply the purity of the music itself.

As the tenor of her quartet, Gaynell’s voice range goes from a low C to F above high C. That’s two and a half octaves, if you’re counting. Her counterparts—bass, lead, and baritone—meld seamlessly with her into the melody (which is sung from the middle of the harmony, rather than from the top as in traditional arrangements).

“It is a very difficult art form,” Gaynell explained. “Memory and ear-training are critical.” Then, of course, there’s that little challenge of making the sounds of four women come out as one voice. But Gaynell says it’s all so very worth it.

She especially enjoys the personal presentations that she and others of her group make on special occasions like Valentine’s Day and Christmas.

For those who have tired of the 1-800-FLOWERS routine when trying to express their love to significant others, there’s always the Singing Christmas Card or Singing Valentine. Last year alone, Gaynell participated in 25 singing valentines—one to a machine shop where blue-collared macho men gathered around to hear a special greeting delivered to one of their own. Rather than being embarrassed, the worker was proud that his girl thought enough of him to send such a thoughtful gift, and the other guys—Gaynell said they were actually very envious. The money raised by these personal appearances goes back into a fund to continue the promotion of Sweet Adelines.

As Gaynell Russell strives to balance her real job (she’s proprietor of local beauty salon, Shear Delight), her family life, and her passion for singing, she says she is most appreciative of her husband, Dick, and his total support in all that she does.

“I couldn’t do it without him,” she said.

Gaynell and her groups continue to be available for private and community functions. And they continue to join the Sweet Adelines’ sisterhood of talented amateurs, semiprofessionals, and graduates of baccalaureate vocal music programs, in bringing “harmony to the world.”

St. Marys Magazine

Cruisers Give Thanks in St. Marys

hat started out as a simple respite from a sudden storm has turned into “the” event for boaters on the east coast.

Six years ago, a handful of sailing vessels seeking shelter from an unexpected nor’easter, made anchorage in the St. Marys River during the Thanksgiving holiday. The town welcomed them with open arms, cooking turkeys and inviting them to the Riverview Hotel for an impromptu Thanksgiving feast. Word got out amongst the close-knit cruiser population, and a tradition was born. The event has grown annually, with more than 250 boaters showing up this past Thanksgiving.

Local resident Charlie Jacobs has been instrumental in rolling out the red carpet to the cruisers from around the world. It took 19 turkeys (cooked by Charlie, P.J. Fields

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and other St. Marys residents) to feed the crowd this year, and the cruisers brought covered dishes that created a wall-to-wall-to-wall buffet at the Riverview.

Every night, the mast lights of more than 100 boats turned St. Marys’ waterfront into a “low heaven of twinkling stars,” as described by one resident. Every morning, the cruisers checked in on their VHF radios to hear the happenings of the day—from the local community market to a gathering for cruising dogs at the Waterfront Park. Attendees said the chatter (on the marine radio) about St. Marys was absolutely “incredible.”

Riverview Hotel owner Jerry Brandon said it might take two shifts of eating next year when they expect the Thanksgiving crowds to be even larger.

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leave home without it—your Dlateston’tcopy of St. Marys Magazine. Have someone take a photo of you holding up the St. Marys Magazine in front of something that represents your travels (doesn’t have to be Taj Mahal-ish), and email us the photo. We’ll feature you in the next issue, so you too can become a media darling. Watch out for those paparazzi!

E m a i l y o u r p h o t o s t o : info@stmarysmagazine.com and include the name of everyone in the photo, your home address, phone number, email address, and location where photo was taken.

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width—just 12 feet in front of you. You hold your breath as they clamber onto the banks on the other side of the creek.

This surely is one of those moments that reconfirm the old adage that “life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.”

Were you in a motorboat, this would not have happened because the sound of the motor would have scared the deer away. Were you in a sailboat—well, you wouldn’t be in a sailboat in the middle of Borrell Creek, would you? The point is: cruising in an electric boat is not about the destination. It’s all about the journey.

The above scene is an actual event from the journal of Bill Creed, co-owner of Electric Dreams, the Southeast Georgia distributor of Duffy Electric Boats. Bill, along with partner Steve Boudreaux, has countless similar experiences in the scrapbook of his mind. Blissful continued ...

St. Marys Magazine

moments up-close and personal with nature.

Moments of simple pleasures and the sheer joy that is part and parcel to their oft-taken sunset cruises around St. Marys. Here’s how it all started.

Bill’s wife, Ann, was not a fan of motor boats. Bill, on the other hand, had spent his life on the water— in the Navy, then (as often as possible) for pleasure on his personal motor boat. When Bill discovered electric boats, the solution was evident. Bill’s neighbor, Steve, (both the Creeds and the Boudreauxs live on Borrell Creek) got into the picture because he, too, realized the advantages of an electric boat—especially on the waters around St. Marys. A former executive of Federal Express, Steve and his wife, Vicki, acquired their own electric boat. Other neighbors were constantly admiring the men’s boats, suggesting that they were reminiscent of the African Queen. Boudreaux and Bill, recognizing a good thing, went to California and toured the Duffy Electric Boat factory. So impressed by the quality of construction and materials and the many benefits of electric cruising, they bought the exclusive distribution rights for this area. That was 2003.

Bill’s boat is now 14 years old. His major maintenance? “I had to change the batteries once,” he said. Imagine the envy of the motorboater whose life personifies the truism that “a boat is just a great big hole to pour money into.” Not so with electric boats, say Steve and Bill.

“If you would run your electric boat eight hours a day, everyday, it would still cost you less than a dollar a day to operate,” Bill told us. The energy source is a simple 110 household outlet. While the men love the maintenance-free aspect of the electric boats, the ladies appreciate the ease of operation. It’s more like driving a golf cart, according to Steve. In fact, one could equate the entire water-bound experience of an electric boat to a land journey by golf cart. It’s easy to stop and smell the roses. You see things you would never see by car. The silence is truly golden. And the luxurious stability of the electric boat is like “driving your living room.”

Perfect for entertaining, electric boats enable passengers to carry on multiple conversations among themselves without having to shout. They can ride in an open environment or, if preferred, the boat can be totally sheltered by the easy cabin enclosure. The leisure pace of 7 knots per hour makes outings a most relaxing pastime.

Though the electric boat is enjoying a resurge in popularity, the concept is––by no means––new. In 1893, a company named Elco was requested to build fifty-five 36-foot electric launches to transport people around the Chicago area lakes and rivers continued ...

St. Marys Magazine

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during the Chicago Exposition. At the time, electric motors were the preferred form of propulsion. The electric “Picnic Launch” became the essence of a perfect lake cruise, and people like Thomas Edison, John Jacob Astor, George Westinghouse, and the Grand Duke Alexander of Russia were all owners of Elco electric launches. More than 120 years later, electric propulsion is still considered by far the most reliable form of propulsion. Its reliability combined with the simplicity and tranquility of the electric boat experience has been recently overshadowed, in importance, by its “green” value.

As Americans become more and more aware and vigilant about taking care of our earth, an alternative mode of water transportation that releases no water or air pollutants becomes ultraalluring. Regional land developers have discovered and embraced the advantages of electric boats, and

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Electric Dreams is looking to supply boats to several including Hampton Lake and The Peninsula at Golden Isles.

Hampton Lake bought three Duffy boats and uses them to show their lakefront properties. Developers of The Peninsula at Golden Isles, Spring Tide Communities, LLC are considering electric boats because they fit in with their innovative “green” community concept.

“They don’t pollute, make noise, or spoil the environment,” a Spring Tide Communities representative said.

“Electric boats are very compatible with our long-standing commitment to a lifestyle that embraces green living.”

The Peninsula at Golden Isles is made up of 3300 acres comprising 13 miles of deepwater shorelines and nine miles of navigable freshwater lakes—the perfect venue for electric cruising.

Steve Boudreaux and Bill Creed may intellectually enjoy the irony of their “cutting-edge” product that is a simple

revival of centuries-old technology. But their hearts are warmed by the experience, not the mechanism, that puts them front-row center for breathtaking sunsets and nature’s show-stopping wildlife.

“In electric boating, the voyage is the experience,” Steve said. Bill agrees as he recounts another “moment that takes your breath away” episode.

On another bright sunny day on Borrell Creek, a playful manatee sidled up to Bill’s boat. Then—to the delight of his guests—followed the boat for a full ten minutes, enjoying the companionship of a water creature so like itself: quiet, friendly, warm, and easy.

Unplug. Untie. And unwind! That’s the electric boat motto. Relax. Revive.

Breathe deeply. Hear what the warm breezes and gentle lapping waters have to say: “Slow down. Slow down,” they’re telling you. Listen up.

St. Marys Magazine

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Cruise quietly and comfortably. Get away from the noise and vibrations of most powerboats. Environmentally friendly. Picnic. Sightsee. Enjoy sunset cocktails. Or just kick back and enjoy time on peaceful waters. • Duffy Electric Boats are available in a variety of models and sizes, from 16 to 22 feet, and offer a range of comforts that include heated ultra-leather seats, plush marine carpet, refrigerator, microwave, and so much more. Call today to reserve your Electric Dream Boat.

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National Publications Cite St. Marys as Choice Retirement Destination ife on the coast does not get more “L beautiful or relaxing than St. Marys,” says Retire in Georgia Magazine in their recent “10 Best Places to Retire” article.

The magazine referred to St. Marys’ “abundance of saltwater marshes, deep water, wildlife and gateway to Cumberland Island” as part of the attraction. “Affordable to upscale housing in gated communities with golf and waterfront options” was also a desirable feature for which St. Marys had a high ranking. The commendation in Where to Retire Magazine came right on the heels of St. Marys garnering national press in the newly released book The New Retirement by Jan Cullinane and Cathy Fitzgerald. Billed as the “ultimate guide to the rest of your life,” The New Retirement creates report cards based on important attributes for retirement including climate, cost of living, health care, transportation, and things to do. The book declares St. Marys as a great find for people looking for “small town atmosphere with big-time water activities.” Within the five pages dedicated to St. Marys, the book’s writers include the story of how St. Marys Magazine publisher Barbara Ryan discovered St. Marys, and why she chose to stay here. “When I travel, I’m always eager to return to the tranquility and beauty of this little town,” Ryan said. “I miss the people. And I miss the spirit that feeds my spirit.”

ust in time for the tens of thousands of Jsnowbirds who travel the I-95 corridor each year, the new Kingsland Welcome Center has opened its doors to greet and help visitors. The new Welcome Center is located right off Georgia Exit 3 just three miles north of the Florida/Georgia border.

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We have all the time & energy you don’t.

Liquor Pick Up

In your house Pet Sitting Special Pricing

Jacksonville Airport Transfer

Await Home Delivery & Services

Drop & Pick Up Dry Cleaning Dog Walking & Play time

Grocery Shopping

House Sitting

Specialty Shopping

Light House Cleaning

PRIVATE CHEF FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH

Pharmacy Drop Off- Pickup

Assisting busy professionals, busy families, senior citizens & pet owners with a host of personal services. $25 / hour 1 hour minimum

Kristen Lockamy

912-322-3213

here is only one piece of land in the United States to have served under eight different flags. And with a history such as this—so rich and so varied—it is not surprising that Amelia Island is one of the most interesting and fun places one can visit within a short driving distance from St. Marys.

Amelia Island is the southernmost of all the sea islands, and is Florida’s

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HISTORIC FERNANDINA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 29 Restaurants 58 Shops 400 Years of History And One Unforgettable Waterfront Sunset!

Historic Downtown Fernandina Amelia Island’s Crown Jewel

Don’t Miss It! AMELIA ISLAND, FL

LISTINGS AND SALES

Pam Meyer www.AmeliaIslandProperties.com

Providing professional real estate services whether buying or selling in the Amelia Island, FL area.

RE/MAX PROFESSIONAL GROUP 303 Centre Street, Suite 102 800-979-1998 • 904-415-0303 pammeyer@remax.net

FINE MENSWEAR Shirts Shoes

Denim Watches

Nat Nast • Axis • Bugatchi Uomo • Johnston & Murphy • St. Croix

204 Centre Street • Fernandina Beach • (904) 277-1162

head. The pirate appears on the site of the Old Ross Inn which was built around 1800, then destroyed by Hurricane Dora in 1964. Nearly every visitor of the inn was reported to have had one encounter or another with the pirate. Yet no one could explain where he came from or why his spirit lingered. That was until the inn was no more.

When excavators were clearing away the rubble after the inn was destroyed, they found what might have been the cause of the pirate’s persistent haunting: a group of human bones missing only the skull.

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most northeastern shore. It is an idyllic island of pristine white sands, great live oaks, sophisticated shopping and dining, verdant golf courses, and history at every turn. More than 28,000 Condé Nast readers recently voted on their top vacation hotspots, and Amelia Island ranked #5.

Most visitors begin their Amelia experience in the Historic District of Downtown Fernandina Beach. Once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, Fernandina now hosts a charming collection of historical bed and breakfasts, eclectic shops, galleries, attractions and eateries. To take full advantage, a visitor should begin at the waterfront and work their way back down Centre Street. In the first two blocks alone, they’ll find beautiful waterfront dining at Brett’s, frolic and fellowship in the old Palace Saloon, fine and fun menswear at Wadsworth’s, gorgeous antiques at The French Market, Tommy Bahama and Fresh Produce must-haves at Pineapple Patch, and stunning fine art prints at Barwick Studio. Indeed, dozens and dozens of intriguing establishments line the quaint streetscapes of this 50-block historic district.

One would never leave Amelia Island without a sojourn on her quartz sand beaches. Mother Nature has been kind to Amelia’s beaches, and visitors enjoy a wide expanse of shoreline dotted by mollusk trails, seashells, and sharks’ teeth. If one desires an overnight stay, the Amelia Hotel and Suites awaits just across the road from the beach. Or romance seekers might consider the Nantucket-style Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, an oceanfront bed and breakfast that brings back the nostalgic art of simply porch sitting.

Horseback riding, tennis, golf and sailing are nearby, and both accommodations are just a short bike ride to the Historic District.

There’s always something happening on Amelia Island— something to give visitors yet another reason to return. One of the nation’s largest classic car shows, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, features more than 200 of the rarest of cars and motorcycles from private collections worldwide. The Bausch & Lomb Tennis Championship is held each year at Amelia Island Plantation. And what’s an island that is considered to be the “birthplace of the modern shrimping industry” without an annual shrimp festival? This year, Fernandina Beach will host the 45th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, highlighted by a fabulous fireworks display. continued ...

Amelia Island’s must-see attractions include Fort Clinch State Park, one of Florida’s oldest state parks. Fort Clinch, built before the Civil War, lives there, and is a perfect place to hike, bird watch, or simply explore.

Fort Clinch also hosts the best view of the Amelia Island Lighthouse, which began operation in 1839.

Thirteen miles of beaches, an unmatched history of change, world-class shopping and dining, and a nature-lover’s paradise—these are but a few reasons residents of and visitors to St. Marys should plan an Amelia Island day trip or overnight stay soon. With the easy new connection between St. Marys and Fernandina Beach via water taxi, a St. Marys/Amelia Island itinerary is a natural.

Editor’s Note: For more information, visit www.ameliaisland.org, or call 1-800-2Amelia.

The St. Marys/Fernandina Beach Water Taxi is slated to begin service March 1, 2008. Contact Amelia River Cruises for more information: 904-261-9972.

St. Marys Magazine

FRENCH ANTIQUES ACCESSORIES & GIFTS

203 CENTRE STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL

904-491-0707 WWW.FRENCHMARKETANTIQUES.COM

to a cemetery, and St. Marys’ historic Oak Grove Cemetery is bounty for many mysteries that have plagued the town throughout the years.

St. Marys’ Resurrection Angel, much like the one made famous by the movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is the source of many local legends. It is said the angel changes positions; that if photographed a ring of faces will be seen surrounding her; that she glows on dark nights off the new moon. She has even been sighted floating above the ancient oak trees that fill the beautiful cemetery.

Diana bewitches her audience with story after story about unexplained events that pervade the town of St. Marys. Is the city haunted? How can it not be? Death alone is not strong enough to tear some of the city’s residents away. As one of the nation’s oldest cities, St. Marys is steeped in historical importance. Surely it is plausible that the spirits of times past are drawn to the living, and wish to tell their stories, to relive their place in history through believers. Perhaps a spot on The Green Elephant Ghost Tour will make a believer out of you as well.

Editor’s Note: Reservations are required for The Green Elephant Tours. Call 912-269-9194.

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St. Marys Magazine

Proprietors David & Judy Johnsen welcome you to this quaint and charming shop in Historic St. Marys.

421B Osborne Street St. Marys, Georgia Open 7 Days

912-576-7888

LUNCH or TEA

• • • • •

Indulge in delicious salads, soups, sandwiches, quiches, crepes & more in a charming atmosphere.

Hot Teas Specialty Coffees Italian Sodas Fresh Homemade Scones Signature creations like Whiskey Crab Soup & Bread Pudding

HRS: M-F 11am - 2:30pm 122B Osborne Street • St. Marys, GA • (One block from waterfront)

912-576-3645 St. Marys Magazine

605 Osborne Street • St. Marys, GA 31558 • 912.576.8998 107

Best B&B in Camden County for 11 years Gift Certificates Available • Weddings & Receptions Reunions/Luncheons • Business Conferences • Wireless

CharterBank Mortgage Services is a proud supporter of historic preservation in Downtown Historic St. Marys.

200 Osborne Street St. Marys, Georgia (Just one block from waterfront)

www.spencerhouseinn.com 912-882-1872 888-840-1872

Mortgage Services

Tom Cyphers, Loan Officer Conventional • FHA • VA • 100%/No Down Payment • Interest Only Portfolio • Primary Homes • Second Homes • Investment Properties 217 Osborne Street • 912-882-4990 • 912-322-2157 (Cell) Across from Marianne’s Sterling’s Southern Cafe

St. Marys, Georgia

Trolley’s On the Waterfront Seafood Grill

912-882-1525

Jellies • Jams • Sauces • Pastas Dressings • Baskets •AND MORE! COME SEE US AT THE ST. MARYS DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY MARKET EVERY SATURDAY!

912-882-4224 or 912-227-1222 108

English Antiques • Rare Paintings Collectibles • Elegant Gifts By appointment please.

314 Osborne St., St. Marys GA

St. Marys Magazine

Inside: You bet your cape and tights I am!

Plays: “Superman Theme”

One Day Room Makeovers & Real Estate Staging

30 new

Carol G. Buddin, Owner • Career Professional Upholsterer • Graduate of the Interior Arrangement & Design Assoc.

• Graduate of Custom Home Furnishings School

cards with songs and sounds $4.99 each

Inside: sometimes it’s hard just keeping my head above water!

Plays: Theme from “The Honeymooners”

Sheila’s Hallmark Kings Bay Village Shopping Center

Joyce Jay, Assistant 912-882-6555

Courteous Sales & Scheduling

M-F 10-5 • 2015-A Osborne Rd. • St. Marys, Georgia • 912-729-8838

Antiques.

Accessories.

Unique Gifts.

The

Cottage Shop Something for every room of your home!

2015 Osborne Road St. Marys, GA

912-882-9171

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