SSI Archives
Features
Photo courtesy of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society
SSI Archives: A Casino For All Ages
Summertime has always brought residents and visitors to the Pier Village area on St. Simons Island. Since 1928, a community center known as the Casino has provided a venue for social activities, such as dancing and bowling. It wasn’t a gambling hall. Read more
History’s Helping Hands
The current global pandemic causes us to reflect on crises the United States has faced in the past. The massive social and economic upheavals of World War II immediately come to mind. Learn how Americans worked together to fight a common foe. Read more
St. Simons: Surviving Success Documentary Released to Public
We’re thrilled to share the announcement by filmmakers George Crain and Lance Lipman that they are releasing their documentary “St. Simons: Surviving Success” to the public and we are providing you with access to it and a “Take Action Toolkit” here. Read more
Photo provided by Coastal Georgia Historical Society
The Beginning of Beautification
Much of the credit for the original beautification of Glynn County’s public spaces should be given to the area’s many productive garden clubs. Members have been working for over 90 years to enhance the natural charm of our coastal landscape. Read more
Photo provided by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society
Pink Chapel: Linked by Legend to a Fatal Property Dispute
Pink Chapel’s ruins are located on the grounds of the former West Point Plantation. Built by the Hazzard family, the structure gained its name and color from a pinkish lichen growing there. Island legend says the color is due to bloodshed... Read more
Photo courtesy of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society archives
Celebrating Black History Month – Remembering Willis Proctor
Longtime residents of St. Simons Island will remember that the stretch of road linking the north end of Mallery Street with Demere Road was once known as Proctor Lane. While the name was lost, it’s important that we still recall the Proctor family. Read more
Paul Meacham
Soaring into the New Year - High-Flying History
Get a closer look at a vintage B-17G “Flying Fortress” and hear from some men who flew the bombers that were instrumental in the Allied victory in WWII. Story by Kathi Williams and photos by Paul Meacham. Thank you to EAA for the hospitality! Read more
SSI Archives: Dogs for Defense
When the United States declared war in December 1941, the nation mobilized for action, including America’s dogs. As the military identified the vital need for dogs, citizens were encouraged to donate their pets to the war effort. Read more
Photo courtesy of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society
SSI Archives: A Valiant Attempt Becomes an Enduring Mystery
Ninety-two years ago, on August 25, 1927, a brave young aviator named Paul Redfern took off in his Stinson-Detroiter monoplane Port of Brunswick from Sea Island beach in an attempt to fly non-stop to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was never seen again. Read more
Photo courtesy of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society
SSI Archives: Eugenia Price Discovers St. Simons Island
As the Island’s busy season begins and many tourists arrive to discover the magic of the Golden Isles for the first time, we look back on one of our favorite author’s accounts of her memorable first visit. Read more
Courtesy of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society
Wish You Were Here
Before email, Instagram, and Snapchat, postcards were a popular means of communication during summer vacations. Postcards from the Golden Isles reveal scenes from the past and take us to a moment in time when the writer shared their experiences. Read more
Johnson Pictures Inc.
Honoring the Home Front
The Coastal Georgia Historical Society's newly opened World War II Home Front Museum recounts how our quiet coastal region was transformed when our country went to war and brings to life the extraordinary contributions made by Coastal Georgia. Read more
SSI Archives: The Freedom to Teach, The Freedom to Learn
Learn more about Susie Baker King Taylor, a woman born into slavery, who later became the first black teacher for freed African American students to work in an openly operating Freedmen's school in Georgia. Read more
Image courtesy of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society
SSI Archives: Glynco’s Legendary Hangars
This January marks the 76th anniversary of a significant World War II event in local history. On January 25, 1943, Naval Air Station Glynco was commissioned as one of five airship bases strategically located between Massachusetts and Florida. Read more
Provided courtesy of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society.
A Club for Carefree Island Recreation
In the mid to late 1930s, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort operated as a Beach and Yacht Club. In addition to beach access, amenities included a spacious clubhouse, an oyster bar with pecky cypress paneling, and the outdoor Bamboo Garden. Read more
SSI Archives: Shooting Photographs, Not Guns
During World War II, official U.S. Navy photographers acted as the "eyes" of the military. Their photos documenting some of the training and personnel at Naval Air Station, St. Simons, help us understand what it was like to be stationed here then. Read more
SSI Archives: Aaron Burr: Spared in a Duel, Hit by a Hurricane
As we head into the most active months of the hurricane season, we cast our minds back to the early 19th century when a major storm devastated our coast and disgraced Vice President Aaron Burr came to St. Simons to seek refuge from his own storm. Read more
