Enigma of the Island

Enigma of the Island. Pulitzer-Albright Cottage Site. , Joseph Pulitzer was one of the first 53 charter members of the Jekyll Island Club. He purchased his shares from Newton Finney, the Club’s mastermind., Among the members of the Club, Pulitzer was an anomaly. He was a Democrat, whereas most of his fellow members were Republicans. He was also a recent immigrant, in the midst of many well established families, such as the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and Morgans., Pulitzer was typically outspoken in his newspapers against the Industrial Giants of the late nineteenth century, looking out for the working class and poor. As a consequence Pulitzer’s newspapers were banned from a number of the elite New York Gentlemen’s Clubs., At every turn Pulitzer seemed completely opposed to the beliefs of the typical member of the Jekyll Island Club. So why was he here? Was it better to keep your enemies closer than your friends? Or was it as William Jennings Bryan once said “… now that he has acquired wealth he is just like the rest of the capitalists“? , (sidebar) , His Island Paradise , Joseph Pulitzer constructed a cottage on Jekyll Island in 1897. He grew to love the place and spent a great deal of time on the island during the Club Season (January through April). His love of the island would never convince to his wife to enjoy the place, however. She constantly complained about the heat and sand flies. Major improvements to the cottage were meant to persuade Kate to feel more comfortable on Jekyll. But Pulitzer’s family rarely enjoyed the solitude and restful atmosphere of Jekyll as he did., Pulitzer’s cottage was rather eclectic. His house did not reflect the vacation atmosphere of the island nor of any high-style architectural trends of the time. It rambled aimlessly as Pulitzer continued to build additions and make improvements to the house. . This historical marker was erected by Friends of Historic Jekyll Island, Inc.. It is in Jekyll Island in Glynn County Georgia