Our next stop on the tour is the R. J. Reynolds mansion, starting with its empty pool and fountain. It was built in the 20s, and numerous celebrities came as the tobacco magnate's guests throughout the 30's, 40's, and 50's. Charles Lindburgh is said to have flown in, landing on the nearby beach. Today it can be rented for a fee, and various groups make it their base while enjoying the island. A few are sitting around reading as we tour.
Here is the dining room.
The elegant woodwork, stained glass, and drawing room show off Reynolds' good taste.
There is also a basement, dedicated mostly to sport.
A bar suggestive of a ship.
On the wall is a fanciful portrait of William Keach, the infamous "Blackbeard the pirate," who used a small island next to Sapelo's northern end as a base in the 1700's.
The gun room, with ammunition boxes aong the wall.
Even a bowling alley.
Near the mansion is the lighthouse, built around the turn of the century.
It is set amidst salt flats teaming with wildlife.
The view from the top of the lighthouse:
On the drive out, Dolores told us about the "turkey monument" that we passed by, out by the barns. It seems that R. J. had it built as a surprise for his wife. He kept it covered until it was done, and then brought her over and unveiled it proudly.
The wife reportedly was not amused. One day, when R. J. was having one of his emphysema attacks, his oxygen mask was missing. They found it in time, in a laundry bin with dirty laundry. A heavy smoker, he died at age 55, from lung cancer. Poetic justice. Of course his death was not attributed to the cigarettes he made his money from.
And so we returned to the dock, where Cornelia was waiting to drive us to our new digs.
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