Saint Simons Island, Georgia
Picturesque Memoirs of an "Oldtime - Islander"
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SAINT SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA
"PICTURESQUE MEMOIRS OF AN OLDTIME-ISLANDER" is a collection of poems and other writings by Louise Symons Smith. In her writings of Georgia History, she shows her knowledge and interests of the area, and also her love of Saint Simons Island. Her use of words to describe a scene, a thought or a feeling allows the reader to see in his mind an actual painting. She had many interests and talents, but her most enjoyable ones were painting, writing poems and prose. As seen in her memoirs, she wrote with an artist's eye.
Three generations of Louise's family have made her poems come to life with painted illustrations by her daughter, Fe' Louise Brumit (artist for over 50 years) and her great-granddaughter Mary Louise Brumit (Graphic Design Art Major). The book was compiled and published by her granddaughter, Margaret Louise Alexander Mills "Peggy". This book was her dream and we feel it to be a honor and a privilege to be a part of this journey.
Over 50 years ago, Louise wrote; "There is an inexpressible something about Saint Simons Island that weaves a spell over anyone happening to stop here to rest for a while from many problems that beset us in these troubled times. A peculiar kind of nostalgia seems to seep into ones thoughts when visiting some of the old historic and romantic spots. Here nature has been unhindered through many generations, and the "Old South" still lingers in these places, untouched by the invasion of modern civilization".
"It is with the hope that the "feel" of these places will never be completely lost, that I have attempted to express what they mean to me".
Louise Symons Smith 1950
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About the Book
SAINT SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA "OLD-TIMER'S MEMORIES" In the words of the Author "The charm of Saint Simons Island lies in the atmosphere of tranquility and peace surrounding its' many spots of historic and romantic places. In these places, untouched by modern civilization, nature's healing hand has been left unhindered through many generations. In fancy one senses the lingering presence of past inhabitant, and nostalgia for the "Old South" permeates ones consciousness. A moment of mediation bring the realization that, courage, honor, and integrity will never be completely obliterated. A tiny spark will always linger, waiting to be the inspiration which will rekindle the fire of hope in a troubled world. Greatness, regardless of its' origin, will never be completely forgotten but will live forever in the memories and thoughts of mankind." LOUISE SYMONS SMITH 1950
About the Author
On December 15th 1903, Louise was born in Brunswick, Georgia. Her family heritage has been traced back to the 1700's in the Glynn County and Savannah area. Her father, James Seagrove Morel Symons worked at the Atlantic Refining Company and was known as "Captain" of the port of Brunswick. Her grandfather, the distinguished Dr. James Seagrove Morel Symons, a prominent and prosperous member of Savannah society, served in the Civil war as a physician when Sherman made his infamous march through Georgia. He returned to Savannah and Ossabaw Island to set up practice after the war. Louise's family moved to Saint Simons Island in the early 1920's, where she lived there until her death April 15th 1977. People whose families have lived on the island since the 1920's and their descendants became known as "Old-Timers". They share a unique perspective of the island and the way it was before the influx of condos and tourist attractions. Before WWII she worked at the Employment Agency and became secretary at the Ship Yard during the war. She and her husband Carl, who served in the 7th Cavalry with the Punitive Expedition in Mexico in 1916, had three daughters who shared their mother's love of the island. For more than 20 years, she was executive secretary to the Saint Simmons Island Chamber of Commerce and dealt with civic and community problems or improvements. In May 1960, she was named and designated Georgia Industrial Ambassador, for her reposing trust and confidence in patriotism and her energetic ability in behalf of the industrial growth of the State of Georgia. She served on Iris Blitch Congressional Executive Committee in 1960. On October 9th 1969, she became a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.