Louise and Scott Olson traveled 1,100 miles from their home in northern Illinois to Jekyll Island, leaving behind their fast-paced suburban lifestyle. In 2018, during a rain-soaked trip to the north Georgia Mountains in their motor home, Louise did a Google search for a “coastal campground with a dog-friendly beach” and found sunny weather at Jekyll Island. They quickly packed up and by the end of the day, had crossed the causeway, the first of many, a moment that would define an important chapter in their lives.
They stayed at the campground for ten days, arriving during vintage camper weekend. The campground’s ambiance, despite the gnats, the friendliness of fellow campers, and the passion of those who restored vintage campers, immediately drew them in. It was a unique camping experience. The proximity to the beaches and the joy of enjoying them with their three Goldendoodles made for the perfect recipe for fun and relaxation.
Inspired by their experience, they returned in early 2019 with plans to purchase a second home nearby for retirement. Soon after, Scott retired, and they relocated permanently from their lifelong Midwestern home.
As a child, Louise’s family vacations focused on historical trips to the mid-Atlantic and northeast. Her mother meticulously researched historical sites and typed detailed day-by-day overviews of their visits. Louise still has these booklets and marvels at the time and effort her mother put into preparing them. This fueled Louise’s love for visiting historical sites.
Louise and Scott sought opportunities to learn about the history of Jekyll Island and began contributing to the Jekyll Island Foundation (JIF) to help with the island’s preservation. Louise’s employer, Discover Financial, matched their donations. The island’s rich historical significance, coupled with its natural beauty, soon drew Louise and Scott to visit regularly from their nearby home. They celebrated special occasions at the island’s restaurants and enjoyed live music venues.
In early 2023, Scott lost a brief, hard-fought battle with a recurrence of gastric cancer. They had married just seven years earlier and enjoyed many travel adventures, but none more frequently than to Jekyll Island.
To honor Scott, Louise reached out to JIF discuss a tribute and find an available bench. In late 2023, Louise, her family, and friends gathered to dedicate the bench. “I find great peace and energy at the bench and have met others who share their love for particular benches for various reasons. Each bench has a beautiful story to tell,” Louise said.
In this new chapter of her life, Louise finds comfort and safety on solo visits to the island whether dining out at the Wharf and enjoying live music, visiting the [Georgia Sea] Turtle Center and Horton Pond, joining ranger-led nature walks, or riding along on the [Landmark Trolley] history tour. The historical tours and the [Georgia Sea] Turtle Center are her passions. Now, newly retired, she hopes to one day become a volunteer.