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In the year 1886, a group of fifty-three wealthy businessmen purchased Jekyll Island, Georgia, and made it into their winter retreat. Hunting, horseback riding, and later bicycling and golf, were some of the diversions these millionaires enjoyed during the "season", usually January until March or early April.
Some of these captains of industry were so enamored with their island property that they arrived early and stayed late. One such man was Charles Stewart Maurice, a respected and successful bridge engineer from Athens, Pennsylvania. Mr. Maurice often brought his family to Jekyll in time to celebrate Christmas on the island. The family loved the retreat and by 1892 had begun the construction of a palatial "cottage" in the Jacobean-Tudor style of architecture.
The house was given a name, "Hollybourne". The Maurice family spent many pleasant hours at Hollybourne, located four lots north of the millionaire's "clubhouse" and providing a serene view of the river. And there was a houseful of children born to Stewart Maurice and his wife Charlotte--nine!
Archibald Stewart
George Holbrooke
Marian Bridge (Mamie)
Charles Frasier
Cornelia (Nina)
Charlotte Marshall (who died as an infant)
Margaret Stewart (Peg)
Albert Touzalin
Emily Marshall
The Maurice sisters enjoyed the island, and would often embark on photographic expeditions. They would faithfully record their thoughts in journals. Alas, this idyllic existence had to come to an end. Many of the younger generation had more interest in the world's "hot spots" and found Jekyll Island staid and unexciting. A changing economy and a changing world brought about the decline of the Jekyll Island Club. By 1946 the Club had closed its doors, and the State of Georgia purchased the island and all of the island property. So there are the verifiable historical facts.
As a visitor to Jekyll Island takes a stroll through the historic millionaire's village, he will see many dwellings carefully restored and in use. The Club House and some adjacent buildings are now a Radisson resort. The State of Georgia has a museum in one of the "cottages", and other cottages contain historical items, art exhibits and the like. In fact, these cottages have all been restored, or are in the process of restoration, with one glaring exception--Hollybourne!
Why does Hollybourne, which once rang with the laughter of children and reverberated with joy now sit solemnly, silently alone? It is certainly not beyond repair; in fact, it is probably one of the better-constructed cottages on the island, as Mr. Maurice persuaded his architect to use bridge-building techniques. New shingles and a heavy, nearly-opaque glass door were put in place many years ago. But this once-grand lady is aging....crumbling...weeping....why?
A conversation with some island folk may serve to enlighten the confused observer. It seems that Margaret (Peg) Maurice petitioned the State of Georgia for a living lease to her beloved island home, Hollybourne. Peg, still single and then in her sixties, longed to return to the place that held so many childhood memories. She was denied. According to some, the spirit of Peg has never rested in peace. She has thwarted efforts to restore the dwelling and has frightened many locals with her presence. An island employee related a story to me from the mid-1990's:
It seems that a small group allowed their curiosity about the old house to overcome them, and they stealthily obtained entrance. After walking through the house, peering into rooms and taking in the dilapidated scenery, they re-emerged into the open air. To their dismay, they found themselves covered with powdery-white footprints: woman's shoes, about size nine-and-a-half.......Peg!
More recently, according to another island employee, a group of Jekyll Island Authority leaders made an effort to have a meeting inside Hollybourne, complete with refreshments. Bowls and other objects mysteriously fell to the floor. Shutters banged against window frames. Birds flew against the windows on the outside.
The anecdotal evidence abounds. But are there any hard facts? At least one psychic has visited the site, as recently as July 2000. Her observation was that there was definitely a "presence".
Be sure to read chapter two, in the story of Peg's ghost! Click here to read chapter two!
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