With each new setting for books, it’s fun to discover the history of the area–at least that’s one of the things I most enjoy. I also love to share some of the history I’ve discovered because, believe it or not, most of the research conducted while preparing to write a book, doesn’t make it into the story. That doesn’t diminish the fun-of-the-find, but I always wish I could share more with readers. So hang onto your hats because that’s what I hope to continue doing with this blog. At left is a picture of the Jekyll Clubhouse where Tracie Peterson and I stayed while conducting our research for the Bridal Veil series. Beyond beautiful!

I’ll tell you a little more about the clubhouse next time, but today I thought I’d share about a few of the conveyances used on Jekyll Island, a few of which are mentioned in the Bridal Veil series. One of the favorite activities on the island was horseback and buggy riding. Some of the members were experts in horsemanship and coach driving, while others simply took pleasure in leisurely rides around the island or on the beach.

 

 

 

Carriage rides provided the entire family with fun outings. A steamer arrived every season carrying members’ buggies, horses, hay and oats along with stable boys and coachmen who would don full livery and top hats for the outings.  One of the fun conveyances visitors enjoyed was a chaise roulante, a large wicker chair with wheels attached that a bicyclist peddled in order to transport visitors around the island. Employees and visitors enjoyed bicycling on the beach and along the island paths, as well.

In 1900, automobiles were permitted on the island but only on the beach and back roads between the hours of 10:00 a.m. till noon and from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. They were to be limited to a speed of six miles an hour and had to come to a full stop if they met a horse being ridden or a carriage. As time went on, the rules became much more relaxed.

In the 1920′s and 1930′s the ‘red bug,’ a miniature motorized vehicle powered at different times by gasoline or electricity became popular among both children and adults. Not sure I’d want to turn a child loose in this, but I’m thinking it may have been the precursor to that little Barbie car. Somehow I think having little kids tooling around on these things could have been more dangerous than regular automobiles doing fifteen miles per hour. They sure are cute and I would have really enjoyed riding one!