Saturday, December 5, 2009

Aunt Jemima and her Scarf

All pretty black mamas from the south adorn there heads with the prettiest scarves.You see it in the Southern Pictures of old,the slave women in the field,as the headdress of the Black Mississippi Masalas,this colorful headdress of color.So,I wonder if it carries a special meaning on Aunt Jemima's Head Scarf, Mrs.Butter Worth's headdress, or my grandmama's photos.Is this part of our Southern Heritage.Are we all descended from the Geechee?

The First Mobile Home, Black Churches

Now just consider Addy of the curious sorts.She has been all throughout the coastal waterway,this slave cabin,that slave cabin and of course church,the epicenter of the black community. And she truly believes the black church was the first portable modular premanufactured home.All the churches look the same.You don't have to ask where the bathroom is,the kitchen, the deacon room, or the cemetery.They are all built the same.So my questions,was this an earlier version of Negro shui.Did the building have to face the east,did so many pews have to be in the room, was the men's bathroom always on the right,and the women's on the left,and how is it they all have the table in the same place when you walk through the front door. And they all sit by the same big oak tree at the same angle.

Disclosure:Addy is only talking of the churches where the baptisms occurred in the local water and you had to clear the tally wackers and alligators away before the dunking was done to heaven.

40 Acres And A Mule Fall Festival Talk

Now Addy had some flashbacks...She knew the group 40 acres and a mule,the beer 40 acres and a mule,the negro talk of 40 acres and a mule,and the reparations raps by the new artists of 40 acres and a mule.She kind of giggled inside at the Harrisneckeans rant of reparations and their 40 acres and a mule at last Saturday's Fall Festival at First African Baptist Church Field meeting. She giggled inside thinking good luck on getting that one,don't hold your breath.

Well, due to circumstances beyond her control, Addy found herself riding through the rice fields of Mound Bayou,Mississippi.And as a plaque to the Black Struggle,their resides the first family in the country to receive their 40 acres and a mule,and yet another,and another.And the local Black Mississippians know this like ordering french fries from McDonalds, or getting okra at a Geechee fest.She sat dumbfounded,and was like I thought that was a Myth.The Raws is that family's name,they got their 40 acres and a mule,and so did their neighbors. And right around them sits their 40 acres.And they did get their mule.

Now,I am looking back at the Fall Festival and saying not only is Harris Neck coming back,but if they got their 40 acres,who else got their 40 acres, and when do we get our 40 acres.

The End

Friday, December 4, 2009

First African Baptist Church Harris Neck

Hinder Me Not oh world because I was so happy to see Reverend Timmons Jr,walk blindly by faith to the table and eat.That's how strong the Geechee Gullah eatings smell. And 3 times people had to tell me he was blind.I finally got it when a bee flew right into his fish and he kept eating.

And then my cousin next to me,whose nose was stuck down in the red beans and rice...and the white folks who just drove off the road and helped themselves to some food. You knew they hadn't seemed black people before,but they decided it was time for them to eat so they caught a little of the Gullah spirit so they can make their way over to the eating tent.

So word to the wise,next time you come,get everybody's name before the food starts.We all know Chester Dunham and McIntosh county,but I don't know the name of the soul eating the sloppings next to me. No wonder,the other church was called Hinder Me Not..because nothing hindered Reverend Timmons from his food. A Blind Man that walked and smelled by faith,so much for seeing eye dogs.

Black Smoked Fish

Now,I went to the Harris Neck Fall Festival,and the folks there were some kind of greedy.They ate all of the Black Smoked Fish at 10 morning. Now,isn't that something because the Festivities and the Cherokees didn't start til 10 morning either.

That just doesn't add up.So, which ever one of yal kin folk ran off with the Black Smoked Fish can you please post the recipe so us others can make some up the street.

I didn't travel all down those geechee roads for nuthing.

FAB Harris Neck Anniversary Festival

FAB Harris Neck Anniversary Festival

Fund-Raising Festival at First African Baptist Church of Harris Neck on Harris Neck Road in McIntosh County. From 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday November 28. Delicious food. Entertainment. Activities for kids. To raise funds for the Harris Neck Movement.
Saturday, November 28th, 2009
10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Location:
FAB Church of Harris Neck
Harris Neck Road
Townsend, GA

Contact:
Phone: 912-832-3931

F.A.B. Harris Neck 2009 Fall Festival November 28

It was midday...Addy..her Cherokee spirits and foremothers had traveled a few hours to get to the woods we call Harris Neck. And she says foremothers,because it is the only place where God's voice is a woman,the Cherokee nations speaks through a women,and the Afrikan mother is worshipped by all men on their feet.

As Addy pulled into the First African Baptist Church located on the Ancestor's land,she thought of only two things...the crocodile eyes in the pond and the Cherokee/Creek Indians on the stage. She had too forgotten that the Indian soul had been melted in the black ancestry that lines the Gullah culture.She was greeted by the spirits of the wood and remembered how to run through these woods and outrun the tally whacker,the deer, and the croc as she had when she was a child.It is the one thing that made the slave the slave to begin with. The Afrikan Slave was master over Mother Nature and the master couldn't conquer without the Afrikan Slave subduing the land.

Nature slaved to the Afrikan souls and that's why this land remains unconquered by the Whites until its returned by to its Afro-Indian hands.That's why we were all here to remember how we were booted off,and the Afrikan mama's that have held on after death to see it returned. A history never written but never forgotten.

She also thought about what fools her and her brother had been to run this marsh as young as if there were the only existents.

The best part is that Amelias hammock was still there, the Old Country Store was still cooking and like Ossabaw the long road to life was still intact. And even better,no names need to be remembered we recognized each other by spirit.

This is the only place where Addy will worship because as they say God is in the Water. The Water Spirit is in the water..it's that spirit that gets you cross the sound and calls out snake as you run through the water.This is Harris Neck...Where our people once sailed from to other ancestral grands.Yes, the storyteller said it right, the Water Spirit will call you to the water,to the edge of the water,and when you get in,only then do you get the Cool Water of The Holy Ghost.

Welcome to Harris Neck.

I hope to see ya here next here

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Reverend Edgar Sunny Timmons Sr

The passing of our family member: Edgar Sunny Timmons Sr.

Please visit the Obituary for Edgar Timmons (Sunny) Sr.

The Obituary

Georgia Outdoor News and Vernon Holt

Vernon Holt
The Saga of Harris Neck NWR

THE SAGA OF THE HARRIS NECK WILDLIFE REFUGE
Follow this discussion here: Georgia Outdoor New Forum

At the recent mention of hunting on the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge, I thought it might be of interest to give an account of how the refuge came into being.

The refuge occupies 2800 acres of coastal land and is in reality an island, being separated from the mainland by salt water rivers, marsh, and tidal creeks. The lands originally were granted to a handful of influential individuals (the Kings, Harris’, and Thomas’) in the 1736’s to 1740’s. They were slaveholders who cleared and worked the land for long staple Sea Island Cotton as well as for rice culture.

This agricultural system thrived until the Civil War period when this source of labor no longer existed. With it no longer feasible to work the plantations, the lands were simply abandoned since they had virtually no value.

The freedmen were given small tracts or were simply allowed to squat on the lands which they had formerly tended. Harris Neck then became an isolated community of small farms scattered over some four square miles. These people were self sufficient, working their small farms and gardens, and tending their livestock. Many of them were heavily dependent upon the bounty of the sounds, streams, and marshes. They rowed their heavy bateaus out to the oyster grounds on ebb tide, where they harvested the bounty when low tide exposed the fine quality oysters. They returned to the landing, utilizing the flood tide to make the task less burdensome. They utilized the same process to make their way to the mud flats where they cast their handknitted nets for the bounteous shrimp and mullet. I have heard it said many times, “you could never starve a man who lives on the river”

All was peaceful for these people and their little bit of Eden until the advent of air travel dictated a need for emergency landing strips at intervals along the coast. In the mid 1930’s the Civil Aeronautical Adm. Acquired some 200 acres in the middle of Harris Neck and constructed a grass landing strip capable of handling DC-2 aircraft. With minimal effect the people of Harris Neck carried on with their normal lifestyle.

All was well until 1941 when the US was thrust into World War II. Surveyors and Lawyers moved into the community of Harris Neck without warning and began condemnation proceedings to acquire lands for an Army Air Corps base. The people were totally bewildered and helpless to resist the taking of their lands. They were told to move immediately. As they did so their houses, barns and any evidence that people had once lived there were bulldozed and totally removed.

The air base was activated in 1942 and operated until 1944 when the war ended in Europe . During this time it served as a training facility for fighter pilots (P-39’s and P-40’s) which were utilized mostly for enemy submarine patrol along the coast.

Shortly after the war ended, the property was deeded to McIntosh County with the provision that the county keep it open for air traffic and further that they do an acceptable job of maintaining the facilities, including lights on the runways. In complete defiance of the special provisions in the deed, the county powers that be (County Commissioners and Sheriff)) proceeded to strip and loot everything of value from the base, wiring, plumbing, pumps, electric motors, even to the extent of moving entire buildings which were converted into dwellings.

In addition to the looting of the facility the county commissioners leased the entire airbase, including the old colonial Livingston Mansion (which had been the officers club) to the county sheriff to be operated as an “exclusive club”. When the Feds learned that the county had sub-leased the property to the sheriff, they promptly informed the county that they were repossessing the property due to failure to perform the requirements of the provisional deed.

The Harris Neck Army Airbase was then turned over to the US General Services Adm. For disposal. When the US Fish and Wildlife learned of this turn of events, they requested that the land be turned over to them to be utilized as a waterfowl refuge with emphasis on providing a rest stop for migrating geese. Their request was honored.

The US F&W Service wanted the land because it was available, and not because of its suitability as a waterfowl refuge. Land in this coastal area leans heavily toward wetland. Not so with this particular piece of land. I would estimate that no more than 5% of the total area is in wetland. To counter this wetland shortfall, the Service diked areas on and around the old runways and then dug wells and set up huge pumps to provide water for the man made potholes. One small wetland on the edge of the refuge provided a site for a rookery for Egrets, Herons, Wood Storks, and Alligators.

What Might Have Been: If the Fish and Wildlife Service truly needed a Waterfowl Refuge at this point along the Ga. Coast, prime wetland sites were available for their choosing. Fact of the matter is that they could establish a dozen new refuges today on the Atlantic Flyway and they would not increase the number of ducks. Ducks cannot be manipulated like chessmen.

There is a social aspect to this matter. Condemnation continues to this day to be a controversial subject. This land was taken from these people for a worthy cause. Most people who are familiar with this history have strong feelings that the land should have been turned over to the families of the former owners. I happen to be one of these.

The Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge is a lovely place to visit today. While it makes little impact on “waterfowl” today, the service promotes it as a great place for bird watching. As a token to hunters, they allow three days for hunting deer. They also have a boat launching ramp. The humanitarian aspect associated with this refuge is seldom mentioned today.

My knowledge of this area stems from the fact that I lived within five miles of Harris Neck while this story unraveled. I knew many of the people who were affected by this based being established. I also knew the local officials who by their own greed cost the citizens of McIntosh a wonderful resource. I hunted for 35 years on property immediately adjacent to Harris Neck.

Coastal Georgia Historical Society...A Bit Of Our History

Gullah Heritage
Transatlantic linkage: The Gullah/Geechee-Sierra Leone Connection


The Gullah, or Geechee as they are known in Georgia, are an extraordinary group of African-Americans who live in small farming and fishing communities on the sea islands of Georgia and South Carolina. Because of their geographic isolation, the Gullah/Geechee have been able to retain more of their African heritage than any other African-Americans. Their ancestors' ability to cultivate rice and their high resistance to malaria due to the sickle trait, a heritable hemoglobin characteristic, are common links to Africans from the "Windward" or " Rice Coast " of West Africa, particularly to the country of Sierra Leone .

The Gullah/Geechee-Sierra Leone linkage is about people separated by time and ocean, who speak a similar language and share similarities of crafts, food ways, music, folk tales, architecture, textiles, ceramics and belief systems.

This exhibition page celebrates the cultural linkage and the rich heritage shared by the descendants of Africans taken from their homeland to work as slaves in America , African-Americans repatriated to Sierra Leone after the American Revolution, and the Sierra Leonians who have sustained through the generations the culture and traditions shared by these three groups.

The warm, semi-tropical climate of the sea islands makes Georgia and South Carolina a perfect location for the cultivation of rice. Rice cultivation was a special skill that captives from Sierra Leone possessed which made them highly prized in slave trading. From ca. 1700-1800, over 50,000 slaves were imported by South Carolina and Georgia planters from the Windward Coast of Africa, specifically, the Senegambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, to cultivate large plantations in the growing of rice and cotton. Ethnic and cultural groups from this area included the Djolas, Wolof, Serer, Mandinga, Mende, Temne and Vai. Despite antislavery importation laws enacted in Georgia in 1799, slaves quickly outnumbered their masters on the sea islands. Slaves from Sierra Leone were often purchased in Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia to be taken to isolated communities in Georgia such as Sapelo Island and Harris Neck where their unique African culture was preserved.

The slave trade brought the importation of slaves from the Windward Coast region of West Africa to the rice growing regions of the coastal sea islands of Georgia and South Carolina through a complex pattern of migration and relocation. Slaves from Sierra Leonean ethnic groups such as Mende, Temne, Vai and Fula intermingled with slaves from other parts of West Africa . Living on the sea islands, isolated from outside influence, the Gullah/Geechee community still reflects this cultural linkage with Africa .

The profitable slave trade that fed on ethnic warfare in West Africa is represented today by the remains of what was once a major slave trading fortress and castle at Bunce Island in Sierra Leone on the Sierra Leone River . Between 1672 and 1807, the slave trade flourished under the protection of powerful English cannons at Bunce Island . The fort, with its adjacent shipyards, supplied slaves by using a fleet of vessels that cruised the Windward Coast .

By 1870, it is estimated that 10-12 million Africans were taken to the Americas , many of whom perished during the transatlantic voyages. Slaves were purchased by the Europeans for textiles, iron guns, Venetian glass beads, rum and brandy, and were exchanged for rice, cotton, indigo, gold, silver, sugar and tobacco in the Americas .

During the American Revolution, British forces offered slaves freedom and grants of land if they fought for the Crown. Many slaves fled the plantations of South Carolina and Georgia for this promise. Two important figures in the history of the repatriation of sea island slaves were Henry Laurens, an influential planter, slave trader and the Charleston agent for Richard Oswald, a Scotsman who owned Bunce Island during the 1750s and 60s. During the Revolutionary War, Laurens became President of the Continental Congress. Captured by the British, Laurens was rescued by his associate Oswald, then the leader of the British negotiating team for the Treaty of Paris. Laurens and Oswald, though on different sides of the war, tried to force the return of the freed slaves to their owners in America . The British commander in New York refused and, on his own authority, directed the slaves to safety in British Nova Scotia.

In 1787, British philanthropists founded the " Province of Freedom ," which later became Freetown , a British crown colony and the principal base for the suppression of the slave trade. By 1792, 1,200 freed slaves from Nova Scotia joined the original settlers, called the Black Poor. Another group of slaves who had rebelled in Jamaica , , the Maroons, followed in 1800. The British established a naval base in Freetown after outlawing the slave trade in 1807 and patrolled against illegal slave ships. Those rescued from slave ships were taken to Freetown . Over 50,000 recaptives had been settled by 1855. Known as Krios, the repatriated settlers of Freetown today live in a multi-ethnic country embracing such diverse groups as the Mende, Temne, Kono, Vai, Krim Sherbro, Gola, and Loko.

Although the ancestors of the Gullah/Geechee came from different ethnic groups living along the Windward Coast of Africa , many aspects of their contemporary material culture are shared specifically with Sierra Leoneans. In addition to rice and indigo cultivation, there are strong shared traditions of the following skills and crafts between Sierra Leone and coastal Gullah/Geechee communities: Textiles, fishing, foodways, folktales, vernacular architecture, music, basket making, net making, language, belief systems, pottery and woodcarving.

This exhibition is presented by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, the Museum of Coastal History and the Sierra Leone National Museum . It was made possible by funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities Public Programs. Additional funding assisting the project provided by the International Partnership Among Museums, the United States Information Agency, and the Rockefeller Foundation. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the: Coastal Georgia Historical Society, 101 12th Street, P.O. Box 21136, St. Simons Island, GA 31522, (912) 638-4666.

Acknowledgements This text is from an exhibit brochure presented by The Museum of Coastal History and The Sierra Leone National Museum. Used here courtesy of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Ossabaw Island Asks Part X

Ossabaw Island: Cousin Mayberry, You never went over to Ossabaw?
Cousin Mayberry: I never been on Ossabaw Island.But they got that boat that come over there and get them.

Ossabaw Island Asks Part IX

Ossabaw Island:...Interuppted by Cousin before the question asked!
Cousin Mayberry: Willie Mae,Bobo Mama,I think she would live over der too.

Ossabaw Island Asks Part VIII

Ossabaw Island: Cousin Mayberry, Aunt Christmas did she live on Ossabaw?
Cousin Mayberry: Aunt Christmas use to live on Ossabaw...She'd come home on Friday,and take the boat back over on Monday.Yeah.She would come on home on Friday evening.

Ossabaw Island Asks Part VII

Ossabaw Island: Cousin Mayberry, Aunt Christmas, that's her name for real?
Cousin Mayberry: Yeah,that's Horse's aunt,his Daddy's sister,my granddaddy's sister.

Ossabaw Island Asks Part VI

Ossabaw Island: Cousin Mayberry, Who is them?
Cousin Mayberry: Ohh, Aunt Christmas and Bobo Mama Willie Mae use to work over there.

Ossabaw Island Asks Part V

Ossabaw Island: Cousin Mayberry,Tell me more about their hunting?
Cousin Mayberry:They got 'coon,sometimes they'd go crabbing over der,and sometimes they'd come back with fish.

Ossabaw Island Asks Part IV

Ossabaw Island: 'Coon ha, Racoon?
Cousin Mayberry: They use to sale it for $1.25.

Ossabaw Island Asks Part III

Ossabaw Island: Cousin Mayberry, Are you saying corn or coon?
Cousin Mayberry: My daddy use to skin the coon,let it sit for 2 to 3 days,and then sell it. It wasn't like it is today you know,you could just it out,the coon and not get sick. People ate that.

Ossabaw Island Speaks Asks Part II

Ossabaw Island: Cousin Mayberry, Who was your Daddy?
Cousin Mayberry: My daddy's is Luscious, I think you spell it Luciuicuis, and he use to go over there for 'coon and sell it around Pin Point.

Ossabaw Island Asks Part I

Ossabaw Island: Cousin Mayberry, Who do you know from Ossabaw?
Cousin Mayberry: My daddy use to go over there on that Island,I din't go, no I never went...

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Descendants of Ossabaw

The original Afrikaans of Ossabaw Island have dispersed through Low Country.

If you are a descendant of the original Afrikaan from Ossabaw or have a strong family presence in one of the following communities, please fill out the contact form located on the right sidebar:
Pin Point
Sandfly
Montgomery
White Bluff
Ricesboro
Harris Neck
Sapelo Island
Daufuskie Island
St Catherine Island
Fernandina Beach/American Beach
Counties surrounding Darien, Georgia

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Pig Hunting At Ossabaw

Ossabaw Island: Did you do any Pig Hunting at Ossabaw like they use to do at Ossabaw, I know you were a hunter so...I just wanted to know?

Cousin Freddie: Yeah Yeah...ohh...it was so many of them.

Cousin Freddie

Ossabaw Island Asks: So, we heard that your family came here from Ossabaw Island, did you know or hear anything about that growing up?

Cousin Freddie: Yea, I didn't live there, but it was a stopping point Ossabaw. They used to stop at Ossabaw to pick up fruits and vegetables. You know Ossabaw is where the rich use to stop ...it was for the rich people. They use to stop over their to get their fruit and vegetables on their excursions.

Their were many old houses and churches over there. I don't remember the name of the black or white churches tho.You know I use to sail over there with my daddy, the Revered. The only was you use to get over there was by boat. That use to be the only way you could get to Skidaway too before they built the land pass. Buck and Mollie use to carry me over there from the dock in Pin Point at your Grandma's House.

Do you know how Pin Point started. Well you know, everybody use to work at the crab factory at your Grandma's House. You know we, my daddy, your daddy, and I use to catch about 30 to 40 pounds a day and she would sale 40 pounds of crab meat at a time. And you know all the boats use to stop there in her yard, she would have 4 to 5 boats pulled up there at a time.

Miss M...

Ossabaw Island Asks: So, we heard that your family came here from Ossabaw Island, did you know or hear anything about that growing up?

Miss M: You know, I am still learning about the story myself, But you know what I wanna tell you is that most of your people and their people (Pin Point) great great grandparents grew up in the Tabby Villas over there on Ossabaw.There was a church over their "Don't Hinder Me Church", where most of our people went.We, our people in Pin Point were force to moved when the "Great Hurricane" came in the late 1800's and blew it down. That's when they moved over to Pin Point.

Cousin Iggy

Ossabaw Island Asks: So, we heard that your family came here from Ossabaw Island, did you know or hear anything about that growing up?

Cousin Iggy: No, I just new Ms. Helen and the crab factory she ran at her house. I don't really remember how she got to Pin Point. I had just joined the Army from 1951, and was in the Korean War, I was in the Army from 1951 to 1953.

My first trip to Pin Point was in 1952, but I don't know how she got there.

Milk Memories From Mama's House

You know, I wasn't born that long ago and as I was reading about Hemo, I vividly remember Grandma getting up in the morning and putting the milk bottles in the green container and meeting the Milk man each morning...I was only about 5 or 6.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Hemo

They called him "Hemo" because he loved chocolate milk. You know "Hemo" is what they use to call chocolate milk back in the day. "Hemo" drank so much chocolate milk in his granddaddy's truck, that "Hemo" became his name....

Hemo..One of the legends of Ossabaw

Look at the Hemo Ad

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Vernon View

From PinPoint To Vernon View Island To Ossabaw
Check out the view at, you can PinPoint the locations: Map

Our family car would leave Mama's house from PinPoint, no later than 6 or 7 o'clock in the morning. You know with Mama we were never late.We would get to Vernon View in time enough to load the boxes and stuff onto the boat so we can be off and on the Torrey's Boat(which was docked at Vernon View) by 9 a.m.

Malcolm Bell The Purchasing Agent...he had the dock at Vernon View...he was a purchasing agent ..... The go to guy for when you needed anything on the island ...and the go to guy for the Torreys. So when The Torreys needed something...you can count on us sailing along with their supplies.

So ...through him we were able to come and go on the island... Horse

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Horse ... And The Tallywacker

His name was Horse...as a young boy he was the smartest of the clan. For years he remained silent of his roots until he heard the call in the middle of the night "Come Home." But this time home wasn't to Pin Point or Savannah. It was the long silent boat ride across the Moon, pass Skidaway, down Green River. After 40 years, he came back home to Ausapaugh. Where the spirit of the Indian was in the Negro, the white folks were not native, and his tabby shack stood waiting for his story to be told and the white mans story to be untold-besides what did the historians know.

This was Oesebaw, and Ausaaugh when the Indian descended into the night from the back of the island with the Water Spirit beckoning everyone home. There he stood, Horse, as he walked into his Tabby Shack and the long black tally wacker that kept him company at night.

You see here, the Afrikaan was not a slave, the Indian was not massacred, and the European was not power. They were Ausapaugh, one race called to the invisible island...and this is where I, Horse, became one with my Tabby Shack,the Tally Wacker, and the voice that calls me in the middle of the night...

Hello, my name is Horse ...and I am from Oesebaw...not a Geechee...but Ausapaugh.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

The Politics Around Ossabaw

Taken from the site: http://www.usg.edu/ossabaw/report/

2009 Annual Report of the Ossabaw Island Education Alliance
January 2009


Overview
As we approach the second decade of this century, the Georgia coast faces a critical issue. On the one hand, it remains remarkably well preserved in contrast to the coast-line of neighboring states. One-third of the salt marsh that exist on the entire east coast today are found within the waters of Georgia, and nine of the thirteen barrier islands boast sand dunes, maritime forests and marsh where the human presence is minimal. On the other hand, development of the mainland along the coast is inevitable, and pressures on barrier islands for greater usage are increasing.

This paradox places a special burden on the Ossabaw Island Education Alliance. Created in 2005, the Alliance exists to stimulate usage of the island by faculty and students of the University System, create educational programs that will benefit the young, and reach out to conservationists, naturalists, artists and writers. The dilemma we face is simple. How do we share this island without destroying it? In the past year, 2008, the Alliance reaped the benefit from the groundwork laid down in previous years. The following is a brief synopsis of the high points.

The Symposium
In August, 2005, the Alliance held a roundtable discussion on Ossabaw of historians, educators and archaeologists to discuss how best to interpret the three tabby slave cabins that stand at the North End. The outcome was a recommendation for a symposium on a much neglected topic, African Americans life in the Georgia Lowcountry from the eighteenth century onwards.
The symposium attracted an array of sponsors. Three regional universities agreed to be co-sponsors with the Ossabaw Island Foundation: Armstrong Atlantic State University, Georgia Southern University, and Savannah State University. The Georgia Historical Society lent its support as did the University of Georgia Press. Finally, the Georgia Humanities Council joined in. Eleven leading scholars were invited to present original research. All but one accepted. This distinguished group included three winners of the Bancroft Prize.

The topic attracted a broadly based audience. Thanks in part to exceptional marketing, 445 people attended the three-day symposium at the end of February 2008. They came from eighteen states and three countries. The participants took part in visits to the cabins on Ossabaw Island, teacher workshops, and a tour of African American sites in Savannah, including the place where the largest slave sale took place in Georgia. The Symposium illustrated a fundamental principle of the Chancellor’s program: finding resources outside the University System to fund university activities. The Alliance raised $71,500 for this occasion and another $30,200 in ticket sales for the special events.

University of Georgia Press
Nicole Mitchelle, Director of UGA Press, supported the idea of a book on African Americans in the Georgia Lowcountry and had her staff give valuable assistance at every step of the way. At the end of May, all ten writers turned in their manuscripts. By September, two reviewers produced an evaluation of the articles and made constructive recommendations. And in December, final revisions were received. At the moment, the senior editor of UGA Press, Nancy Grayson, and I are selecting as many as fifty photographs and images to illustrate the book, which is scheduled to come out this fall. Their intention is to make this a trade book aimed at a general audience as well as specialists.

NEH Planning Grant
The Education Alliance, together with the Foundation, is submitting a request to the National Endowment for the Humanities for a Planning Grant of $40,000 to continue the planning for the interpretation of the three tabby cabins on the site of the North End Plantation. The project will build on the work of the symposium. We spent the past fall assembling a team for this undertaking, writing the proposal, compiling a bibliography and researching the evidence. The cabins offer the opportunity to tell three different stories over time— the enslaved workers of the colonial and antebellum periods, the freedmen of the second half of the nineteenth century and their struggle to carve out an existence for themselves, and the African Americans who left the island in the 1890s to create a small community on the mainland and whose principal activities and culture reflected their earlier life on Ossabaw.

The Georgia Power Island Observatory
Ossabaw Island is a national treasure. Thirty years after its purchase by the state of Georgia, the 26,000-acre island offers a rich set of overlapping eco-systems, with verdant foliage, wildlife peculiar to each system, and a natural beauty that cannot be surpassed. The island consists of a 40,000-year-old backbone and a 5,000-year-old arm attached at the southern end that boast different vegetation and land formations. In going from one to the other, the visitor feels as if she is crossing from one time zone into another.

A main thrust of the Alliance is to share that pristine state with the wider world in a responsible way. The primary thrust is the creation of an ambitious network of sensors, monitors, and video cameras to capture the life cycle of the island and convert it into real- time information and images available on Internet. In the fall of 2007, the Foundation received grants totaling over $200,000 to create the first stage of this observatory. Several organizations are now at work to bring the barrier island’s unique environment into focus in classrooms and household across the nation through the use of broadband technology. Partners include Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Georgia Research Alliance, Armstrong Atlantic State University and NOAA through its grants to SKIO.

In the past several months, two 100-foot towers have been purchased and taken to the island by barge. The first of the towers will be erected near Bradley Beach. Sensors for measuring water quality, salinity and other variables are to be installed on the North End dock. A video camera will be placed on the tower at Bradley Beach. At the present time, the weather station is producing real-time data while a camera on the North End dock offers a 360-degree view.

Ossabest
This past summer, the first wave of students and teachers took advantage of the network and went back to their classrooms this fall to develop projects using the information provided by the Observatory. Armstrong Atlantic State University, under Dr. Ashraf Saad, chair of the Computer Science Department, obtained a grant of $1.1 million from the National Science Foundation to use the Ossabaw Observatory to interest young people in computer technology. During August, 40 students and 30 teachers from the Savannah-Chatham County School System came in four teams to collect weather data, take GPS measurements and to select some object or animal for further study. That study is resulting in a web-based field guide to Ossabaw Island. The teachers spent seven days on Armstrong’s campus to develop lesson plans.
The Savannah Morning News quoted a student from Savannah Arts Academy as saying how delighted he was with what he found on the island: “Aside from the bugs, this place has been great! In a lot of places it’s just untouched, just like it was 500 years ago when the Indians lived here.” That thought captured an essential part of the experience.

The Torrey-West House
In July 2008, seven consultants came together to explore the possibilities for the Torrey- West House when that structure passes back into the hands of the state and then comes under the direction of the Ossabaw Island Foundation. For many years, the Foundation Board has kept discussion of the House off limits in deference to Mrs. West and her desire for privacy. This event marked a turning point. Mrs. West was fully supportive of the effort and spoke at length with the visiting team.

The report affirmed the principle that the optimal use of the House would replicate the spirit of the Ossabaw Island Project of the 1960s and ‘70s. During that period, individuals from different fields of endeavor came together to pursue their own interests and gather for informal conversation. Potential users were identified, including scholars in residence, small think tanks, study tours, group retreats, cultural events, a meeting of scholars, and non-profit board retreats. Suggestions were made about developing partnerships, creating a “ramp-up” strategy that would use the house sooner than later, outlining options in operating the House, and establishing a sound financial base.

The on-island educator for the Foundation and I journeyed to Sapelo Island to survey the Reynolds Mansion and its operation. That structure comes closer than any other to providing a model for how to manage a barrier island study center. The annual budget is $500,000 and the facility is close to but not quite at the break-even point. The manager emphasized how little he and his small staff have to do for host groups. Once on Sapelo, visitors are stunned by the live oak trees, marsh, wildlife and exotic sub-tropical appearance and take over their own experience. Although the Reynolds Mansion does not have the same commitment to “study, research and education” as the Education Alliance, its workings offer insights in how to handle food, linen, room service, and maintenance. “Keep matters as simple as possible; that is what people want,” says James Maunde, who directs the estate.

Visits to Other Sites
This fall, a team from the Foundation and Alliance visited Hobcaw Barony and Yawkey Wildlife Center near Georgetown, S.C., to see how these two locations handle using coastal sites for study, research and education. Hobcaw Barony consists of 17,000 acres given to Clemson and the University of South Carolina for marine biology, and forest and wildlife research. There are fifteen full-time faculty members present as well as 35 graduates and associates. Yawkey Wildlife Center consists of three islands off Georgetown, with 22,000 acres. It has an enormous endowment and is open to college students and faculty at no charge. Hobcaw Barony was a bit like the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo except more extensive and active. Yawkey is a good illustration of what a sound endowment will do for serious research. It was interesting to note that UGA classes go over to this location for study. Again, there is no charge in reaching the island and no charge once on the island. The only requirement is that visitors bring their own food.

I want to thank Dr. Cathie Mayes Hudson for participating in two of the biggest events of the year. She came to the symposium and attended three days of presentations and activities. And she joined the team of consultants to examine future possibilities of the Torrey-West House, devoting valuable time to helping establish ground rules for considering how best to use this structure.

Paul M. Pressly,Ph.D.DirectorOssabaw Island Education Alliance

List of Original Afrikaan Families

If you are a descendant of one of the original Afrikaan families to Ossabaw. Please send in a comment with your family name.

Pin Point Historic Designation

Pin Point Historic District
The Pin Point Historic District was designated on February 27, 2009 by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners.

What are the Pin Point Design Standards?
The Pin Point Design Standards are part of the designation ordinance. MPC Staff worked with Pin Point residents to develop design standards. Click here for a copy.

What are the boundaries of the district? How do I know if I'm in the district?
Please see the map of the historic district boundaries.

What if I live in the district but my house is not historic?
All structures within the historic district have been evaluated and determined to be "contributing" or "non-contributing." A contributing structure adds to the historic or architectural value for which the district is significant. Typically, contributing structures are older than 50 years. Non-contributing structures do not add to the historic or architectural value for which the district is significant. Typically, non-contributing structures are less than 50 years old. Alterations to non-contributing structures do have some design standards to meet, but they are to ensure that changes are compatible with the character of the district and are different from the design standards for contributing structures. For example, there may be no restrictions on the demolition of non-contributing buildings, while there may be restrictions on the demolition of contributing buildings.

What if something on my property does not meet the standards? Do I have to remove it?
No, the standards would only apply when you want to make a change to your property. They are not retroactive and you do not have to un-do any changes already made.

What's the difference between a National Register Historic District and a Local Historic District?
A National Register Historic District is a federally-designated historic district. While it certainly prestigious to be designated as a National Register Historic District, the designation is more of an honorary title that does not provide any protection of historic resources on privately funded projects (if the project is federally funded, more protection is provided). A local historic district provides real protection of historic resources. All exterior material changes must meet the design standards developed for the area before a building permit is issued.For more information on the differences between National Register historic districts and local historic districts, click here.

What sorts of things require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and what things are excluded?
Additions, alterations which increase liveable space (such a porch enclosures), new construction, demolition, relocation of buildings, signs, and certain site alterations such as a fence, paving, or pools require a COA. Regular maintenance and repair doesl not require a COA. Color changes do not require a COA. Any changes not visible from the public right-of-way do not require a COA. Any changes to the interior which have no effect on the exterior do not require a COA. Signs less than three square feet will not require a COA.

What sorts of projects are reviewed at Staff Level and what projects go before the CCHPC?
Many projects can be reviewed at Staff Level. Only new construction, additions over 500 square feet, and demolition of historic resources go to the CCHPC for review. Thisl gives the public the opportunity to comment on major changes within the district.

What other communities in Georgia have local historic districts?
As of September, 2006, 126 communities in Georgia have historic preservation ordinances. Many of these have multiple historic districts within their community. Please click here for a full list.

What are the economic implications of historic preservation?
Donovan Rypkema, an internationally known expert in preservation economics, recently gave a lecture entitled Preservation Economics in Coastal Georgia. You can link to a video of his 40 minute talk by clicking here:
http://www.coastalgeorgiardc.org/planning_rypkema_v2_small.html

For more information or to comment, please contact Ellen Harris atmailto:harrise@thempc.org or 912-651-1482.

Preserving Our Heritage

Taken From: Chatham County Commissioner Meeting

CHATHAM COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
110 EAST STATE STREET
ARTHUR A. MENDONSA HEARING ROOM
July 2, 2008 2:00 P.M.


MINUTES
CCHPC Members Present: Daves Rossell, Chairman
George Cohen, Vice-Chairman
Jane A. Feiler
Vaughnette Goode-Walker
William Haynes
Stephen T. Lindell
Pamela G. Lossing
Christian Sottile
Lisa L. White

CCHPC/MPC Staff Members Present: Thomas L. Thomson, P.E., AICP, Executive Director
Ellen Harris, Historic Preservation Planner
Janine N. Person, Administrative Assistant

I. WELCOME
The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m.

II. INTRODUCTIONS
Dr. Rossell asked Board and Staff members to introduce themselves.

III. Guest Speaker: Dr. Paul Pressly, Director, Ossabaw Island Education Alliance, “African-
American Life in the Georgia Low-Country: Ossabaw and Pinpoint”
Ms. Harris stated that Dr. Paul Pressly is the Director of the Ossabaw Island Education Alliance and that many have worked with him in the past. She said she was excited to have Dr. Pressly talk about African-American life in the Georgia Low-Country, Ossabaw, and Pinpoint. She hoped that Pinpoint would be the first local historic district, that they were waiting for comments from the County Attorney, and that everything was prepared but was a matter of going through the process. Dr. Pressly stated that three years ago there was a discussion between historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists from Ossabaw Island about how South Carolina did a wonderful job with the Gullah heritage. He said there is the Penn Center, the Avery Institute and basket weaving, and Georgia has neglected the Geechee heritage for lack of sites. He showed a DVD about the history and development of Ossabaw Island.

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He said they lost one of their greatest advocates about four weeks ago when Mr. Bo Bowens passed away. The Ossabaw Island Foundation has a use agreement with the State of Georgia that says the foundation is responsible for approving educational groups who come onto the island and for preserving the structures on the island. They have raised money to reroof the main house, the clubhouse that is an old 1880’s hunt house, and the three tabbies, one built in the 1920’s and two built in the 1840’s. They are especially interesting because they were continuously lived in from the 1840’s until the 1980’s. That is why they are in good shape.

Mr. David Crass, the state archaeologist, said that they are the best preserved cabins in the state of Georgia. They could be used to tell three different stories of Ossabaw Island: the antebellum period, the African-Americans in the late 19th century, and the story of 20th century workers living there. He found that there is a contact between Ossabaw and Pinpoint, got in touch with Mr. Bowens, and in June of 2006, 17 people came to Denegal Marina from Pinpoint. Mr. Jim Bitler, the educator, was showing the tabby cabins but the people weren’t paying attention to him because they were pointing out where they lived and how their lifestyles were. They realized the people knew more than they did and allowed them to take over the tour. These people grew up there in the 1940’s and they wanted to recapture their story.

Working with Pinpoint, an incredible discovery was made that many of the people at Pinpoint are descendents of people who came from Ossabaw, including Mr. Bill Haynes. In the late 19th century approximately 150 African-Americans on the island were tenant farmers and the one cultural institution they had was the Hinder Me Not Baptist Church.

In the 1890’s when the people left they went to Pinpoint and brought the church but renamed it to the Sweet Field of Eden Baptist Church. The church later split and the other church became the Beulah Baptist Church. Mr. Bill Haynes’ great-grandfather, Mr. Ben Bonds, was the Pastor of the Hinder Me Not Baptist Church. They realized that they are in possession of something unique and are attempting to help preserve and tell the stories of Pinpoint in conjunction with Ossabaw. He said that they have help with the Board of Regents, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Gullah/Geechee National Heritage Cultural Commission behind them. They need to make partnerships with institutions in Savannah. They are partners with the Georgia Conservancy and are raising money to help Pinpoint develop a blueprint to help the community come together to preserve themselves for the future.

The Chairman of the National Gullah/Geechee Heritage Commission, Mr. Emory Cambell, translated the New Testament into Gullah and they have some other things going on.
Ms. White stated that Ossabaw was on the National Register of Historic Places and asked if it would make sense for Ossabaw to be on the Chatham County Register of Historic Places.
Dr. Pressly stated that it sounded like a good idea to him. Mr. Cohen thanked Dr. Pressly for the presentation and asked about the plans for public access.

He said there was publicity a few years ago but that he did not know the latest. Dr. Pressly stated that there is a partnership between the Ossabaw Island Education Alliance, where he is the director and the Department of Natural Resources, the Board of Regents, and the Foundation to open the island for educational purposes: for study, research, and education. They are increasing visitation and anyone who defines themselves as an educational group may come over, but there is a transportation problem because there is no ferry service and they don’t have a boat. They are talking with DNR to see if something can be done. He said they have raised over one million dollars to create an observatory on the island that will be called the Georgia Power Observatory and is a network of monitors, video cameras, and sensors at various strategic points that will be monitoring environmental change. There will be different groups coming like the Warnell School of Forest Resources, the Odom School of Ecology, Georgia Southern, etc., primarily educational groups. They want to bring other groups that are not just inside of a school setting and said that if the Commission had some good tips that they would like the help.
Mr. Cohen stated they are doing an admirable job that is probably challenging.

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Dr. Pressly stated that Mr. Cohen touched on a sensitive point - the island is supposed to be used for education but many people aren’t visiting it. He said everyone feels it is a wonderful resource and they want to open it up and remain true to the vision of study, research, and education without a ferry or bridge. It is a challenge and they try to share the island through the internet, but it is limited. They have talked about building an education center
in a location where a barn collapsed and they want to reconstruct the barn and put a presentation center in it. Ms. Goode-Walker commended Dr. Pressly on the work that is done with Ossabaw, the Foundation, and the Education Alliance. She asked what the fallout has been after the conference in February and did the momentum continue from the symposium.
Dr. Pressly stated that because of the symposium, the Georgia Historical Society has organized trips to the island of one week workshops for the community college teachers. He said two weeks from now there will be 25 community college teachers coming from Maine to California to visit Ossabaw and Sapelo, and to look at areas in Savannah.

Ms. Feiler asked if there is any documentation of Mrs. Eleanor Torrey-West’s project that was done with the artist colony that lived on the island.
Dr. Pressly stated that they have tried to get Mrs. West to turn over her archives. He said that the Georgia Historical Society has some of the archives and that they have written to approximately 400 artists that they are starting to get back. It has started but they have a long way to go. Mr. Lindell asked if there have been studies on the importance of preserving natural areas after the devastation of New Orleans and Katrina. Dr. Pressly stated that they are way ahead of the curve. He said the State of Georgia has an incredible legacy with nine of the thirteen barrier islands being well-protected. When Georgia is compared to Florida and South
Carolina, Georgia can stand tall, but it cannot be taken for granted because you don’t know what the State Legislature would do. Mr. Lindell asked about the volume of people tolerated on the island. Dr. Pressly stated that they only take approximately 25 to 30 people at a time per day so it is limited to what they can do. He said it is so primitive there is only one wagon to take people in. It is a dynamic tension and they have to keep thinking it through. He would personally like to see them be able to take more people to the north end to
let people see the tabbies. He said there will be 24/7 video cameras on the alligator den, the rockery, and an infrared
camera watching sea turtles coming up at night. He has become aware of how much is out there in terms of
Geechee communities, like Montgomery, Sandfly, White Bluff, and Coffee Bluff and there is so much there that
is about to be lost.

IV. COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS
Ms. White asked if Board members received a letter from the Ardsley Park-Chatham Crescent Garden club requesting that someone from the Commission attend a presentation about the significance of the Ardsley Park- Chatham Crescent neighborhoods.

She said they will celebrate the centennial in 2010 and that they are planning events and a legacy profit. With the Commission’s permission she would go, although it is outside of their scope. Dr. Rossell thanked Ms. White for bringing it to the Commission’s attention and volunteering to go. He asked when it would be held.

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Ms. White stated that there are two meetings: one on Thursday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m. and the other is on Monday, July 14 at 6:00 p.m. She said that both meetings will be held at 3601 Abercorn Street at the home of Mrs. Jo Hickson who is a retired landscape architect.

V. MEETING MINUTES - June 4, 2008
Mr. Lindell stated that on Page 3 through Page 4 he had asked about the current status of the World War II monument. He asked that the discussion be stricken from the record.

CCHPC ACTION: Ms. White made a motion that Chatham County Historic Preservation Commission approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Haynes seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Dr. Rossell stated that if anyone is interested in the full record of any meetings that Staff has access to the recording of the meetings.
Ms. Feiler stated that Dr. Rossell would be giving a lecture next Thursday night July 10 at the Telfair at 6:00 p.m. on the subject of architecture.

Dr. Rossell stated that there is an exhibit at the Telfair about William Christenberry, a photographer who is wellknown for his photographs of vernacular architecture, particularly in western Alabama. If anyone is interested please come.

He said the Commission should pursue the designation of Ossabaw Island or begin discussions related to the designation of Ossabaw as one of the Chatham County Historic Preservation designated sites.

Ms. Harris stated that she has sent several letters to let them know they are qualified and has not received a response.
Ms. Goode-Walker asked who Ms. Harris sent the letters to.
Ms. Harris stated that they were sent to the director of the foundation.
Dr. Rossell stated that Dr. Pressly is the director.
Ms. Harris stated that he is the director of the Educational Alliance which is a different organization.
Dr. Rossell stated that Dr. Pressly seemed amenable to the idea.
Ms. Feiler asked if Ms. Harris had contacted Ms. Zelda Tannebaum.
Ms. Harris stated that she sent the letters to Ms. Elizabeth DuBose.
Ms. Goode-Walker stated that Ms. DuBose works with Dr. Pressly.
Mr. Haynes stated that he is on the Board and that he would ask them.
Ms. Feiler asked about an update from Mr. Michael Brown.
Dr. Rossell stated that Mr. Brown is in charge of providing the Commission with parking stickers and it is unfortunate that every Commission that only meets once a month will not have their parking stickers renewed. He said that he parked upstairs very easily today.

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Mr. Thomson stated that if they park in the garage and put their name on the back of the ticket along with the letters “MPC” that it would be taken care of.

Dr. Rossell stated that he appreciated all of the help they’ve had trying to pursue this.
Ms. Harris stated that on next Tuesday, July 8, at 11:30 a.m. she and Ms. Bridget Lidy will give a Brown Bag lunch at the MPC on their trip to France, and she invited the Commission members to attend.

VI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Chatham County Historic Preservation Commission, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ellen Harris,
Preservation Planner
EH/jnp

Remembering BoBo

An online diary of support taken from Coastal Outdoors

Bo has been diagnosed with lung cancer. He's not doing so good. He has been operated on and is currently going through treatments. I've know Bo since 1987. We both worked at Gulfstream. He always greeted me with a smile, a "How's it going, Dan," followed by a hardy laugh. He was one on the more recognizable people there. That says a lot for a place with 3-4,000 employees.

When he retired and was approached about buying Bandy's I was glad he did because I got to continue to visit with him. When I had time I would sit on the porch with him and we'd laugh together as we watched the "hey y'all watch this" types recover their boats.

I think we should do something to show our support for both Bo and Liz. They are both wonderful people. As usual, I don't have time to organize anything, but it sure would be nice if the Coastal Outdoors family got together and did something for them. Maybe some with th e time could volunteer to run the drag net for them to get bait shrimp. Maybe others could run the bait store for them for a couple of hours a week. I don't know, I'm just throwing some ideas out there. A fishing tournament would be a good idea to help raise money and awareness for them.

Whatever we come up with, we should approach Liz with what we want to do to make sure she is OK with it. The media would be a great tool to help get the word out also.

Y'all see what you can come up with. Thanks.

Back To Ossabaw

Daylong trip to Ossabaw Island helps Pin Point residents and others reconnect to their heritage

Visit: http://savannahnow.com/node/258213

Some came to see history firsthand. Others came to revisit a childhood home or to celebrate the contributions of the Gullah-Geechee people.

On Saturday, more than 40 people took a cold, choppy boat ride across the water to Ossabaw Island. There, they spent the day rediscovering their roots, shoring up images and cementing memories to pass on to their communities on the mainland.

The group, composed of residents from Sandfly, Skidaway Island, Pin Point, Hilton Head Island and other places, was among the 2,000 or so people who will be granted access to the island this year.

After it was designated as the state's first Heritage Preserve in 1978, only those with education, research, cultural or historical aims are allowed access to Ossabaw.

Saturday's visit, arranged by the Ossabaw Island Education Alliance in conjunction with the Ossabaw Island Foundation, fit firmly under the "cultural" and "historical" categories.

The group, separated into a pontoon boat and two smaller vessels, launched from the Skidaway Narrows boat ramp and slowly chugged its way to the island.

The wind-whipped passengers piled into a former hunting lodge called the Clubhouse to defrost in front of the fire.

Jim Bitler, the Ossabaw Island Foundation's on-island coordinator, reeled off a few facts about the island and its past and present inhabitants, but he stressed the aim of the day was to share recollections passed down from earlier generations.

"I have as much to learn from you as you do from me," he said.

Everyone loaded into the back of a trailer and proceeded down one of the oldest, continuously used roads in America. The island has slowly been allowed to revert back to its natural state, and there was a hint of wildness to the foliage - the massive, sprawling oaks, the dense canopies of Spanish moss, the clumps of palmettos. Low-lying branches brushed the tops of heads.

The scenery prompted Marion "Bo" Bowens, who lived on the island as a child, to mention that horses were the main mode of transportation on the island for a long time.

"I bet that was fun, huh Bo?" someone asked.

"For the guys that rode the horses it was!" he replied.

After a couple of miles, the caravan stopped at Middleplace, an area once used for timbering. The site was marked by a huge mound of sawdust and a few freestanding tabby walls (a concoction of sand, lime, oyster shells and water).

Renee Sams peered closely at a crumbling wall and slowly ran her hand over it, trailing dust.

"I am amazed," she said. "This is historic in a real sense of the word. Can you imagine how long it took them to make this with the shells?"

The visitors headed back to the Clubhouse for lunch and to share their thoughts on the day so far.

Emanuel "Hemo" Williams lived on the island until he was 5. His mother worked as a maid and his father was a gardener. Williams recalled his dad crabbing off the main dock and his own small hands helping pull in the crab line.

His voice shook at the memory, now more than 50 years old.

"I'm just so overwhelmed to be back," he said.

The day's trip included historical and cultural lessons as well as familial memories.

Living historian Jamal Toure appeared as the "spirit of the island" to remind the group of how the Gullah-Geechee people have contributed to American culture, from before the time of the "Big Shoot" (the Civil War) to today.

Very late in the afternoon the group headed back to the mainland. Kesi Sams, who came on the trip at the request of her father, Adolphus Morris Sams, said she'd never seen him so happy.

All her life, her dad recounted the struggle growing up as a black man in the South, but on Saturday "a little boy came out that I have never seen."

Hearing stories about her dad living on the island all those years ago - playing on the beach, swimming, roping cattle - was a revelation.

"You don't hear about the lighthearted stuff. It's good that he had time to enjoy life when he was young."

The elder Sams came away from the island with a renewed purpose to keep telling the stories of his youth spent on Ossabaw.

"If you know about your culture, you can find your place without getting lost in this world," he said.

"I know who I am. I don't need anyone to validate who I am. I'm from Ossabaw."