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Splendid Isolation: The Jekyll Island Millionaires’ Club 1888-1944

Pamela Bauer Mueller
Pinata Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780980916300
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads (03/10)


 A small private island off the coast of Georgia, developed by millionaires for the relaxation of millionaires, Jekyll Island stood as an unequalled retreat for the elite to escape from the pressures of business.  Well-known tycoons such as the Astors, Rockefellers, Morgans, Pulitzers and Goodyears were among the many members of this exclusive Millionaires’ Club.  Each bought shares in the property allowing them and their families to reside in the apartments built for their use or to build separate “cottages.”  They came during the winter season to rest, fish, hunt and play.  It was truly the first “pleasure island!”

This sanctuary became a union of the rich administrated over by a board of directors comprised of members.  They were to oversee enforcement of the club rules and maintenance of the property.  They hired a club superintendent to manage its day to day operation.  The clubhouse became the focal point of the social and recreational activities and provided meals for the guests. 

This is a non-fictional novel based on old articles and letters researched by the author.  She has sectioned her book to read as memoirs through the eyes of four employees: the club superintendent, the club ship captain, a governess of the Macy family, and an employee of the Maurice family.  This is not an expose of poor treatment of servants by their employers, but rather a vehicle to present a glimpse into the lives of these famous titans.  We are treated to both their personal joys and tribulations in a way that humanizes them.  We also become privy to the history that was made on the island such as the first transcontinental telephone call, the planning of the Federal Reserve Act, and President McKinley’s visit to plan his 2nd election campaign.   The contributions of these tycoons to industry and government were daunting.

I had not been aware of the existence of this island and found its history quite enlightening, but it was not the contribution to world finance and politics that was most fascinating to me.  It was the relationship between these employers and their staff.  There appeared to be open communication and interest in each others’ lives as well as a mutual respect, quite a surprising revelation.