When EIL staff attended the CASA Fashion show, we learned that it was the 85th anniversary of Pirates of the Spanish Main. The entire event was a tribute to that organization and included current and former Pirates as models. CASA Fashion Show organizer, Bess Thompson says, “It was Marti Tolleson’s idea, and I just took it and ran with it. I’m always looking for a good theme. I learned so much about the Pirates while I was working on it and I think the history is just fascinating! I spent days with their scrapbooks.” The incredible legacy of the service sorority, the mothers, sisters, daughters, and granddaughters who have been members simply amazed us. As so many of our residents here are transplants, we thought we’d also recognize the nearly century old Golden Isles tradition and some of their history here.
It was Patricia Barefoot, in her book Brunswick: The City by the Sea, who provides the best description of the early days of the Pirates of the Spanish Main. “Organized by Howard Coffin, the ‘Pirate Gang’ played on a theme of booty and ransom, recalling those historic days when ‘Pirates of the Spanish Main’ frequented coastal waters. Targeting visitors in the Golden Isles, Pirate ‘raiding’ parties charmed their captives, promoted Brunswick and the Golden Isles, and the young ladies from prominent families passed along legacies for limited membership in the high school sorority. Through the years, the constitution of the “Pirates of the Spanish Main” has been amended to admit from 35 to more than 50 young women who work on behalf of this service organization.”
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As the organization as evolved over the years, the membership process is very much like the Greek system in college with a rush week that involves social activities and a pledge class (known as “rats”) chosen at its culmination. Daryl Daniel Moore took me through the ins and outs of how one becomes a Pirate.” She was one back in the 80s and also served as a “Rat Mother.” (that’s the nice one). She says, “I loved it because it brought together girls from each of the schools. Parents too, because they were involved. I think it’s probably why I feel so connected to the community now, because of all the involvement as a Pirate, and the people you get to know.”
Girls can rush at the end of 9th grade and if they chose not to in 9th grade or were not chosen as a pledge, they can also rush in 10th grade. Within the organization (which is a non-profit) officers include the Captain, who leads all raids and represents the club in public capacity; first mate, who serves as first advisor to the captain, heads the annual spaghetti supper, and manages attendance; and second mate, who assists first mate and is responsible for fundraisers. First supercargo heads up community service and keeps minutes at meetings, while second supercargo handles moneys and dues. There is also a logbook keeper, a quartermaster, watchman, helmsman, chaplain, and historian.
The girls perform community service activities and represent the Golden Isles at the opening of new businesses and when dignitaries come to the area. When Eastern Airlines began scheduled passenger service from McKinnon Field in 1939, the Pirates “kidnapped” the captain. The creatively crafted ransom notes that accompanied the “kidnappings” and “raids” over the years are treasures themselves! There’s even video online of them serenading Newt Gingrich.
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Although Marti herself was not a Pirate, she says, “I just thought that celebrating the Pirate’s history and incorporating them into the fashion show was the perfect way to honor these women with beautiful and giving spirits into this wonderful event.” Marti emphasizes that the group is truly a community service organizations and says she’s glad that her daughter Sallie is a part of it, “because it got her outside of herself and helping other people. It’s also terrific because they get to meet girls from other schools, and that’s so important since we all live in the same community.”
Jayne Lambright says that for her family, it was truly a legacy. She and her three sisters were all Pirates. She remembers it all very fondly, “The raids on the new business, the spaghetti dinners, but mostly it was that you made friends for life. Being a Pirate created a bond between us that no one can take away.” That’s truly a treasure.
The Pirates of the Spanish Main’s annual Spaghetti Supper at Glynn Academy is October 20 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The spaghetti is an old recipe made by parents. Tickets are $7 and you can dine in or take out. For more information on Pirates of the Spanish Main or tickets to the Spaghetti Supper, contact Dana Gardner at 912.996.4506.
