More than half a century ago, Jimmy Carter was the governor of Georgia, with historic preservation among his many priorities. In July 1972, he established the Georgia Heritage Trust Commission. Its mission was “to preserve the unusual historical … places and natural resource areas of Georgia; and when appropriate, to encourage their utilization for recreation and related purposes.”
Shortly after the Heritage Trust was founded, staff member Roy Wood wrote to Weyman Huckabee, one of the first presidents of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society. Wood requested that Huckabee organize a group of volunteers who would report on preservation in the coastal area at regional workshops, during field evaluations, and at a statewide briefing with Governor Carter. Correspondence with Carter continued throughout his years in the Governor’s mansion and the White House.
In 1971, Huckabee wrote to inform Carter of plans to utilize the Keeper’s Dwelling at the St. Simons Lighthouse as a museum, recalling that Carter had “spoke[n] warmly of the historic interests of the Golden Isles.” Throughout Carter’s term as governor, Huckabee continued to update him on the progress of the museum project. Carter’s replies were enthusiastic. In one letter, he reaffirmed the sentiments that led to the creation of the Georgia Heritage Trust Commission, writing “I am very interested in historic preservation and am anxious to do all I can to support the many efforts throughout the State.” The governor’s signature also matched his down-to-earth reputation. Rather than writing his title or even his full name, many of his letters ended with the same phrase: “Sincerely, Jimmy.”
May 1971 letter to Weyman Huckabee from then-Governor Jimmy Carter
The Carters maintained their connection to the Golden Isles during their White House years, particularly through visits to Musgrove Plantation on St. Simons Island. As President-elect, Carter met with his cabinet for the first time at Musgrove in 1976. On a 1977 visit, The New York Times noted, President Carter fished nearby, “accompanied by Secret Servicemen who sank in mud up to their dark-suited knees.”
In another piece of correspondence preserved by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, Rosalynn Carter sent a thank-you note to Mildred Frazier, then Society president. On White House stationery, the note acknowledged two tote bags sent to Rosalynn and the Carters’ daughter Amy. The totes would be, Rosalynn wrote, “a very pleasant reminder of our favorite vacation sites.”
Coastal Georgia Historical Society
Note from Rosalynn Carter
This month’s featured images from the Coastal Georgia Historical Society include the May 1971 letter to Weyman Huckabee from then-Governor Jimmy Carter. Also pictured is a July 1980 letter from Rosalynn Carter to Mildred Frazier.
The Coastal Georgia Historical Society presents this article and images from our archives as part of our mission “to connect people to Coastal Georgia’s dynamic history.” The Society operates the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and the World War II Home Front Museum, housed in the Historic Coast Guard Station at East Beach. To learn more about the Society, its museums, diverse programs, and membership, please visit coastalgeorgiahistory.org.
