The release of "Daufuskie Island Mysteries: The Adventures of Sallie Anne Jenny Lynn" brings to light the deep historical roots and cultural fabric of Daufuskie Island, a place whose civilization dates back to the Paleo-Indian Period (12,000 – 8,000 BC) and continues to the present, all without a bridge connecting it to the mainland. This new book, set on the island, weaves a tale of friendship, mystery, and the supernatural against a backdrop of real historical events and Gullah heritage.
The story begins with Captain Samuel Blakeley and two crew members, the sole survivors of a shipwreck during the great hurricane of 1788. They washed ashore on Daufuskie Island and, unable to return to England, built a lighthouse to guide other ships. Their mysterious disappearance years later left the lighthouse abandoned and rumored to be haunted. The narrative then shifts to the 1950s, when a new school was built on the island, where Gullah people have lived since emancipation, maintaining traditions of farming, fishing, and weaving.
Central to the tale are two young girls: Sallie Anne Sesso, a 12-year-old fifth-generation Gullah girl, and Jenny Lynn Murphy, the 13-year-old daughter of the new teacher, Miss Frances. Jenny's father, Professor Murphy, is documenting the island's history. Despite their different backgrounds, the girls form an instant bond over their shared love of history, mysteries, and ghostly encounters. Their adventure, "The Mystery of the Old Lighthouse," promises to engage young readers while introducing them to the unique Gullah culture and the island's layered past.
The authors, Jan Ross and Rosy Mae Bateau, bring distinct perspectives to the project. Jan Ross, a professional artist in residence on Daufuskie Island, has studied Gullah history and culture extensively. Her artistic credentials include training at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and exhibitions in over 600 juried shows across the United States and abroad. Rosy Mae Bateau, a full-time island resident, grew up in a rural setting where friendships and adventures were forged among a close-knit group of children. Her lifelong fascination with writing and her immersion in Gullah culture enrich the narrative.
This book is more than a ghost story; it serves as a vehicle for preserving and sharing the history of Daufuskie Island, from its earliest inhabitants to the Gullah community that thrives today. By centering on a friendship that transcends racial and cultural lines, the authors also subtly address themes of unity and understanding. The island's lack of a bridge has helped preserve its unique character, making it a living museum of sorts.
The announcement of this book is significant because it highlights the importance of documenting and celebrating local histories that might otherwise be overlooked. Daufuskie Island's story, from Paleo-Indian settlements to its role in the Gullah narrative, is a microcosm of American history. Through the adventures of Sallie Anne and Jenny Lynn, readers are invited to explore a world where the past is ever-present, and where even a lighthouse can hold secrets waiting to be uncovered.
For those interested in learning more, the book is available through the authors' websites: Daufuskie Mysteries and Jan Ross Watercolors. The authors can also be reached via email at jan@janrosswatercolors.com and rosy@daufuskiemysteries.com for further inquiries.
