February 17th 1960
Image provided by: University of Florida
Diario Las Americas
An excellent article showing what was planned at the new Jack Tar Grand Bahama Club.
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A company called Holiday Inns of America expressed interest in the resort and had some plans for the location. They tried to negotiate a lease agreement with the Cape and General company but were unsuccessful. The reply to Holiday Inns of America indicated that the site was for sale, not for lease, and they were invited to make an offer if they wished to purchase it; otherwise, the lease request would be declined. After reviewing the details, Holiday Inns of America decided to withdraw their interest in the site.
The future of the former Butlins Bahamas resort is about to change, as a new owner has taken over the site from Cape and General Ltd. The new owners, the Jack Tar Hotel group, have significant plans to enhance the site's popularity, aiming to surpass that of the Grand Bahama Club. The Jack Tar hotel group was established by Mr. Edward C. Leach Sr., who started working at a young age despite having a condition known as clubfoot. This condition did not prevent Mr. Leach from working hard as he took the necessary medications and wore the appropriate aids to manage his daily life. Eventually, Mr. Edward Leach had surgery that corrected his condition, enabling him to lead a normal life.
Mr. Edward Leach's background goes back to when he was 10 years old, during which time his family moved to India, where his father was employed as a civil engineer in an agricultural implements factory. Sadly, a tragedy occurred when Mr. Leach's father died from smallpox. Subsequently, Mr. Leach and his mother, Mrs. Marguerite Sullivan Leach, returned to Ohio, where Mrs. Leach earned a living by providing singing and piano lessons. Mrs. Marguerite was a mezzo-soprano who sang with both the Metropolitan and Chicago Civic Opera. (source) (2nd source)
In the later stages of his career, Mr. Edward Leach secured a position at a hotel in Mineral Springs, Texas, where he worked hard as a gardener, aiming to provide an excellent experience for all visitors on their vacations. Mr. Leach was recognised for his strong work ethic, often spreading fertiliser on the plants by hand. His dedication quickly led him to advance in his career, first taking a job as a porter at another hotel and subsequently becoming the manager. Mr. Leach's professional journey culminated in his ownership of his first motel in Galveston, Texas, which opened in 1940. The name Jack Tar Hotels was selected through a naming contest, which referred to a slang term for sailors. The history of this location is also linked to another person named Mr Charles Sammons, who is a part of the Jack Tars Resort in the Bahamas.
Mr. Charles Sammons began his journey to wealth as a grain and hay merchant in Texas, which laid the foundation for his career. In the late 1920s, he co-founded a news company named "Postal Indemnity Co" with two partners, which quickly became successful within a few years. Mr. Sammons is also recognised for being the first entrepreneur to offer health insurance and for introducing the concept of monthly payments for members, known as Sammons Care. In 1938, following the death of one partner and the desire of the third partner to sell his shares, Mr. Sammons took complete control of the Dallas insurance firm, renaming it Reserve Life Insurance Company. In 1952, he ventured into the tourism sector by acquiring the Galveston motel from Mr. Edward Leach, which included the Jack Tar brand. He continued to grow the brand by purchasing the former Butlins Bahamas resort. There is an interesting article on the Toledo Blade, dated 23rd November 1960 that you can read here about Mr Sammons.
In May 1959, Mr. Edward Leach and Mr. Charles Sammons acquired the previous Butlins Bahamas site for $2,500,000 and promptly initiated refurbishment plans. The Pittsburgh Press reported on Sunday, the 23rd of August 1959, that a hotel was under construction on the former Butlins resort, which was set to be one of the most luxurious on the island. Spearheaded by the company's president, Mr. Edward Leach, the investment was aimed at revitalising the 2000-acre resort and was intended to "give a new burst of life" to the island. A golf course was also part of the plans, which had already yielded positive results for the company, as the championship had been secured for the location by Mark Mahannah.
Investment plans on this site include
* 125 feet in length yacht basin that can take up to 100 yachts in a private landlocked harbour.
* An upgrade to the electricity to the village to now include 100 and 208 volt systems.
* Pure fresh water with ice and freezer storage lockers.
* Two filtered gasoline tanks with a capacity of 55,000 gallons of diesel oil,
* Bait and tackle station.
* Daily laundry service and telephones,
* trained mechanics and a travelling hoist with a capacity of 20 tons,
* Yachtsmen's showers and dockside customers', and immigration offices.
* The club's own specialised fishing craft fleet, including 11 new twin-engine cruisers, 6 new 18-foot inboard sea skiffs and 10 twin-outboard powered skiffs.
* 6000-foot paved landing strip.
The yacht basin was hewn from limestone and coral rock, with 2,000,000 tons extracted in the process. The dimensions of the basin are 550 feet by 350 feet, equivalent to several football fields, and its channel is 8.5 feet deep at low tide, allowing for sufficient room for large ocean ships. This area has garnered considerable attention from yachtsmen, as the harbour is perceived as a prime location due to the plentiful fish available nearby. Furthermore, this harbour provides complete access to the facilities at the Grand Bahama Club. (source)
The manager of the new hotel is C. C. McInnis, who is closely monitoring the development of the site to ensure that everything aligns with the expectations of the Jack Tar group. The resort will feature large-scale convention facilities, which will include an auditorium hall, an exhibit hall, and a private meeting room. Additionally, the plans incorporate a new entrance lobby with a patio that overlooks the beach, along with a dining room and ballroom that will host a tropical nightclub. The plans also extend to include a calypso lounge featuring local entertainment, coffee, and main shops. In the Pittsburgh Press, on the 13th December 1959, it was announced in the headline "Jack Tar Chain now in Bahamas," as it explains that this is the first continental hotel from the Jack Tar group.
As we approach the official launch of the new Jack Tar Grand Bahama Club and Country Hotel, we begin to see numerous guests being invited to the resort. One notable guest is a comedian named Herb Shriner, accompanied by his wife Pixie. They arrived at the location via a "Sky-Yacht" and are set to be present on the opening day to unveil the $3,000,000 refurbishment of the former Butlins Bahamas village. The Jack Tar Grand Bahama Club is managed by Charles A. Sammons from Dallas and Mr. Edward C. Leach from Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Shriner are considering relocating to the area to embrace the lifestyle of a "Florida Cracker." Also present for this significant occasion were Mr. Stafford Sands and Sir Symonette. Guests arriving for this special event will be welcomed at the airport by calypso entertainers, with festivities planned. Attendees will enjoy a Bahamian night party, cocktail gatherings, beach parties, a gala breakfast, dancing, and entertainment, including a water ballet.
On March 7, 1960, Billboard magazine announced that the NVA convention would be altering its plans to move the event to the Grand Bahama Club. They described the venue as "the plush new Grand Bahama Club located on the West End, Grand Bahama Island, largest of the Bahamas chain and just 55 miles of the Florida coast". This exclusive convention is priced at $14 per day for a double occupancy room, and those wishing to extend their stay a week before or after can do so at this rate. The journey to the resort will cost $21 from Miami Beach, with the NVA organising special group flights as well as boat transportation. Additional arrangements have been made for attendees travelling from Chicago, New York, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles. Reservations are managed by Jane Mason, the executive and convention secretary at Leaf Brands. The convention will also feature cocktail parties, banquets, and luncheons, along with a comprehensive social program. Attendees can expect exhibits, forums, clinics, informal activities, and a recreational program with several guest speakers. (source)
According to the Beaver Country Times, published on April 4, 1960, Kenneth A. Ranchill, who previously managed the Brodhead Hotel in Beaver Falls, has been designated as the new resident manager of the Grand Bahama Club. Mr. Ranchill will commence his duties on April 15, utilising his 21 years of experience in the hotel industry to provide excellent service to patrons. His role will also involve overseeing the 320-room hotel, which boasts the Caribbean's largest swimming pool, a private yacht basin, and an 18-hole golf course, along with a pitch and putt course. (source)
The NVA convention was a large success as two hundred people from vending operators, distributors, suppliers, and manufacturers arrived. The event was from the 21st to the 23rd of April and was called the National Vendors Association annual convention. There were also 22 firms exhibiting the machines and new lines that sparked an interest in those who attended this special event.
On July 31, 1960, the St. Petersburg Times announced that Bob Brumby would take on the role of publicity director at the resort. Mr. Brumby, an experienced sportswriter, had been residing in Clearwater. He is associated with the Shario Manor located on Clearwater Beach and is well-acquainted with numerous sports personalities, including former heavyweight champion Rocky Marclane and golf professional Jimmy Damaret. The decision to appoint Mr. Brumby aims to infuse more of Clearwater's essence into the hotel, collaborating with Angie Barker, the former manager of the Fort Harrison hotel in Clearwater, who now serves as the director of sales.
Image provided by: University of Florida
Diario Las Americas
An excellent article showing what was planned at the new Jack Tar Grand Bahama Club.
On the 6th March, the Jack Tar group decided to change the name of the location from the Grand Bahama Club to the Grand Bahama Hotel. It was believed that the club part of the name was causing confusion, and changing it from club to hotel would help solve this issue. The Grand Bahama Club continued to attract more industries as the East Coast District Dental Society announced that their upcoming summer meeting would be held at the resort. Over the course of two days, from June 16th to 18th, the meeting will feature Dr. Fred S. Carbonell and Dr. John B. Hayes. All dentists from Vero Beach to Key West, along with two hundred members with their wives and guests, are anticipated to attend the event. The resort was doing very well at this stage, with competitions being announced for such as the one Mr and Mrs H Rollings of Quincy had won. Their prize was an all-expenses trip to the Jack Tar Grand Bahama Hotel.
Image provided by: University of Florida
The Key West Citizen (Key West, Fla)
This shows that the former Butlins Bahamas site was very popular for holidays as well as industries that were using it for their conferences and meetings.
Image provided by: University of Florida
Gadsden County Times
Mr and Mrs H. W. Rollins are sitting in front of the swimming pool with the Jack Tar Grand Bahama name in front of them, an excellent photo to share.
Information about the Jack Tar Grand Bahama resort becomes less accessible until I discover this passage in the Billy Butlin storybook: "In 1962, accompanied by Shelia, who later became Lady Butlin, I made a nostalgic visit to Grand Bahama Island". Billy Butlin received an invitation from one of the owners, Mr. Charles Sammons, to return to the resort, showcasing that his vision for this place was indeed correct and that, given a little more time, it would have flourished. This visit was not intended to flaunt anything to Billy, but rather to acknowledge the validity of his vision. In the book about the Grand Bahamas, written by Mr. P. Barratt, it is stated that Billy Butlin possessed the right vision and an excellent location, but he was a decade ahead of his time. Billy Butlin mentions that he recalls the currency of his village, which consisted of 6d, 1s, and 2s 6d coins set into the floor, making him feel that it was showing his dreams being buried.
The break was a well-deserved opportunity for Billy Butlin, as he could observe the changes and, in a way, take pride in the fact that a project he initiated continued to narrate a story and entertain numerous guests during their stay. On his journey back home, he realised that he had not gone through immigration or customs, which could affect his return. Upon arriving at the airport, he was indeed approached by an official who was tapping his pencil on the desk, stating, "You did not go through Immigration and Customs on your arrival". Billy Butlin explained that it was an oversight and apologised while the official continued tapping his pencil until he smiled and thanked Mr. Butlin, noting that his vision had helped him purchase his first pair of shoes. This illustrates a broader narrative about the significance of Butlins and the vision that Billy Butlin had, not only for the locations, towns, or cities but also for the individuals who worked with him. The fact that this gentleman was able to transform his life and express gratitude for being able to provide for himself highlights the power of the remarkable ideas that Billy Butlin possessed. This must have profoundly impacted Billy Butlin, as he was a gentleman who cared for those with little, and the fact that his holiday village could assist him in this manner only underscores that what he accomplished was not only significant but also transformative.
Details about this important location have not been featured during these years, with only advertisements from agencies promoting offers for stays here and travellers' experiences around the globe that included the Grand Bahama Hotel. This story reaches a conclusion in this section of the Butlins Bahamas Vacation Village, marking the end of my extensive research that has taken considerable time to finalise. I invite you to visit the "final words" section of the website to understand my thoughts and beliefs regarding the significance and meaning of this story.
1963
Reports regarding the Grand Bahamas Hotel have significantly decreased, with only advertisements promoting visits to the resort similar to those mentioned above. Furthermore, contributing to its historical record, the Democratic Women's Club has scheduled meetings for small planning conferences this year. (source)
1965
The Grand Bahama Hotel and Country Club served as the venue for the annual Wurlitzer distributor meeting, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bear, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Palmers, Bert Davidson, and Mr. and Mrs. Gary Sinclair. The meeting featured activities including fishing, skin diving, sailing, golf, swimming, bowling, limbo dancing, and duty-free shopping at the port. (source)
1972
Reports from the Reading Eagle explain that there was a fire at the Grand Bahama Hotel and that everyone was safely evacuated. The cause of the fire was unknown, and everything in the hotel was destroyed. (source)
1980's
The resort was renamed once again to "Jack Tar Village Grand Bahama".
1997
The Jack Tar company was sold to Allegro Resorts.
What happened to the resort after 1997?
Gathering information on the Jack Tar Village in Grand Bahama proved challenging, as there is scarce detail regarding its past. Nevertheless, I can inform you that the resort's operations ceased shortly after, resulting in the demolition of the older structures. A significant development initiative was launched by the new owner, "Ginn Resorts," which invested $130 million, which included plans for a marina, a golf course, and residential properties. Interestingly, this same company encountered financial issues during the 2008 recession, eventually leading to bankruptcy. In 2010, the resort was acquired by the current owners, the Wynn Group, for $24 million.
Today, the site no longer reflects the history of Butlins Bahamas, bringing that narrative to a close. The venue has undergone an impressive change, now operating under the name Old Bahama Bay Resort, and it looks incredible. While it may not echo any of its former titles, it still has that magical feeling. I have not been asked to promote them, but I feel it would be great to share their website so you can appreciate the remarkable transformation of the location. Please have a look at my final words where I share about the research and my feelings about the resort, including the important meaning it has to the Butlins timeline.
Please click on these words to see the Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour
Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC
Evening Star (Washington D.C.)
An excelent advert showing the Jack Tar Grand Bahama Club
Showing the Grand Bahama Hotel's Yacht decking.
Butlins Memorabilia website is the unofficial website for Butlins!
The research and details provided on the Butlins Memorabilia website have been thoughtfully assembled by Mark Banks, the site's owner. It is important to emphasize that Butlins and its owners have not reached out to me or requested that this information be collected and displayed here. Butlins has a rich legacy, with its founder, Sir Billy Butlin, celebrated for his success in establishing a company that continues to offer joy and create cherished memories. The official website for Butlins is www.butlins.com. As such, the information on this site should be considered unofficial, as the Butlins Memorabilia website is a fan-oriented endeavor.
Billy Butlin and The Grand Bahama Books
The information I discovered while investigating my favourite subject, the story of Butlin's and Sir Billy Butlin, has been incredibly engaging, as it highlights the importance of each site and its meaning to the Butlins timeline. To assist with my research, I have used notes from Sir Billy Butlin's autobiography and The Grand Bahama book for reference. The sections presented below are brief excerpts from these works, aimed at shedding light on a particular area of the Butlins Bahamas story. Each excerpt will provide full credit to the source, including the page number and details on how to obtain a copy. No scans were included; only small excerpts are provided to enhance this historical educational topic regarding the Butlins Bahamas project and its importance within the Butlins timeline.
The British Newspaper Archive
The significant and noteworthy newspaper articles featured on the Butlins Memorabilia website have been sourced from a platform known as "The British Newspaper Archive." You can explore their offerings at www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk. I am providing this link as a gesture of appreciation for their ongoing and professional service, with the hope that you may discover something of interest. The research conducted on Butlins has greatly benefited from extensive newspaper involvement, which has significantly enhanced the Butlins Memorabilia website.
The Butlins Memorabilia website operates as a non-commercial platform, created to provide free access for everyone to celebrate the remarkable history of Butlins and the legacy of Sir Billy Butlin. Each document features a watermark to recognize the copyright of the image, along with a direct link to the British Newspaper Archive website. We encourage you to review their terms and conditions regarding the sharing of items from their collection at this link: terms and conditions.
The National Archive website
This website showcases images obtained from research conducted on The National Archive website. I would like to emphasize that this site is dedicated to non-commercial use and is created, maintained, and overseen by me, Mark Banks. I invest my personal time into this project, which centers around a brand I hold dear, Butlins. The site is open to all visitors, and it is important to clarify that Butlins and its owners have no connection to this site or its content. Each image is accompanied by a credit and a link to its original source. The Butlins Memorabilia website is a personal endeavor that aims to preserve historical memories and, in some instances, provide educational insights into its history. You can find the terms and conditions of The National Archive by clicking on these words
Archive Website
This website features materials obtained from archive.org, which is known for its vast collection of memorabilia. It is essential to clarify that archive.org has no affiliation with this website or its creation. I would like to highlight that this site operates on a non-commercial basis, dedicated to celebrating Sir Billy Butlin, the holiday camps, the hotels, the campers, the guests, and the staff. Resources sourced from archive.org are presented here with watermarks to recognize their origin, and each item includes a direct link to their site. I invite you to explore their terms and conditions of use by clicking on these words to gain further insight into the applicable Creative Commons license.
Harold Charles Harley Drayton and Sir Bede Edmund Hugh Clifford Photos
I would like to clarify that the image in question is not owned by the Butlins Memorabilia website; it has been sourced from the National Portrait Gallery's website. A direct link to the original image location is provided just below the photo. It is essential to understand that the National Portrait Gallery in London is not affiliated with the Butlins Memorabilia website. This site serves as a non-commercial platform dedicated to the historical elements of Butlins. Additionally, Butlins itself has no connection to the Butlins Memorabilia website, which is a fan-driven initiative established by Mark Banks, an amateur web designer who invests his personal time into this endeavor. In accordance with the guidelines of the National Portrait Gallery, this website is categorized under Creative Commons - Websites. For further details on the available licenses, please click on these words to access the National Portrait Gallery and to review the Creative Commons license, please click on these words.
Library of Congress Newspaper Clippings
The Butlins Memorabilia website wishes to clarify that the newspaper clippings sourced from the Library of Congress website are utilized solely for educational purposes related to the historical narrative of Butlins Bahamas Vacation Village. In compliance with the established terms and conditions, these clippings will exclusively depict the history associated with Butlins. A discreet watermark will be included on the newspaper to indicate the website, along with a link to the document and any pertinent information. For further details regarding the terms and conditions, please refer to the section titled "Rights and Reproductions" by clicking on these words. I would like to clarify that the Library of Congress has not requested me to promote their website, nor do they have any affiliation with the Butlins Memorabilia website. I am sharing this link as a gesture of gratitude for the valuable service they provide to the numerous visitors who explore their site. To view their website, please visit https://www.loc.gov
The New York Historic Newspapers
The Butlins Memorabilia website wishes to clarify that the newspaper clippings sourced from the New York Historic Newspapers website are utilized solely for educational purposes related to the historical narrative of Butlins Bahamas Vacation Village. In compliance with the established terms and conditions, these clippings will exclusively depict the history associated with Butlins. A discreet watermark will be included on the newspaper to indicate the website, along with a link to the document and any pertinent information. For further details regarding the terms and conditions, please refer to the section titled "Copyright and Reproductions" by clicking on these words. I would like to clarify that the The New York Historic Newspapers project has not requested me to promote their website, nor do they have any affiliation with the Butlins Memorabilia website. I am sharing this link as a gesture of gratitude for the valuable service they provide to the numerous visitors who explore their site. To view their website, please visit https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org
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When I engage with any material on the website, I always check the relevant terms and conditions. It is a privilege to share resources that provide a more comprehensive view of history, as these additional documents can enhance the narrative significantly. Prior to sharing, I make sure to gather all pertinent information regarding usage rules and give credit where appropriate. As the only person dedicated to designing and uploading these details, I wish for the process to be as smooth as possible. If you believe there is an error in the newspaper clippings that needs my attention, please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss the matter by clicking on these words
