Evolution of Elegance
The Clubhouse
At the heart of any luxury resort or vacation retreat is sumptuous lodging. When the Jekyll Island Club incorporated in 1885, they knew that the success of the Club depended on a splendid but simple elegant Clubhouse. The Dubignon farmhouse would do for the Executive Committee's assessment of the island, but would never be adequate for the 53 members, and their families and guests.
The Executive Committee hired architect Charles Alexander to design the Clubhouse. Alexander designed the Clubhouse in a Queen Anne style that complemented the natural beauty of the island and emphasized the rustic simplicity that the Jekyll Island Club embraced. It was completed for (what was considered) the modest price of $45,000.
The Clubhouse was by no means ostentatious in comparison to the Clubs in the North such as the Union Club. The well-trained staff met every comfort of Club members in the 60 guest rooms, reading room, card room, parlor, or billiard room of the rustic Clubhouse here on Jekyll Island.
The great success of the Club resulted in a need for an expansion to the Clubhouse in 1897. Charles Alling Gifford directed these additions that included enlarging the dining room, billiard wing, barbershop and toilet room, two new stairways, and several extra baths. Gifford supervised this project while constructing Sans Souci across the green.
Horace W.S. Cleveland
Horace W.S. Cleveland knew the attributes of the island upon his arrival to Jekyll Island in 1886 as he began to develop a landscape plan for the Jekyll Island Club. He guided the club into choosing the ideal location for the Clubhouse, and recommended a layout for expansion of the Club, including plots for members to construct cottages.
Cleveland's philosophy of simplicity and appreciation for the natural landscape was clearly visible in his recommendations to the Jekyll Island Club. He suggested having roads flow around established trees, and used plants that were native to the area. Cleveland believed these recommendations would promote a more comfortable and community-oriented setting but would retain the spirit of a wild paradise.
Marker can be reached from Riverview Drive near Pier Rd..
Courtesy hmdb.org
