During the past few weeks we at Churchill Mansion have developed a souvenir calendar as originally produced in 1914. This is a calendar that was originally produced by Aaron Churchill of Savannah, Georgia (at the time). 1914 and 2009 share the same calendar dates. The calendar is 5" x 7" and contains twelve colourful, interesting photos pertaining mostly to the sea and vessels of that time. Also, an account of a 1914 Savannah newspaper article describing the calendar and congratulating Aaron Churchill is included on the cover.

We currently have a limited number of these souvenir calendars available for $8.95 each. Please contact us for more information.



Enclosed you will find a news item regarding our recent trip to Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah, Why?

For the past 27 years as owner and operator of Churchill Mansion Country Inn, Savannah, Georgia and our connections with it, are spoken of daily particularly throughout the summer season at story-telling time following our nightly seafood buffet. The question asked constantly is "Have you ever been to Savannah?" with my reply being "No but I plan on visiting soon". This spring the opportunity became available at which time we extended an open invitation to any of those that would like to join this adventure. Several expressed desire however as the departure date became a reality the fellow travelers were reduced to one.

I need to explain a bit of the Georgia connection; Aaron Churchill was born in Yarmouth, went to sea as a youth, moved to Georgia at age 24, became involved in many successful business ventures in both Brunswick and Savannah, Georgia. Never forgetting his native home, he returned to build a summer residence at Darling Lake, Yarmouth County now known as Churchill Mansion Country Inn.

The intrigue of the many stories connected to Aaron’s life far exceed the content of many fictional novels. This began with his most heroic deed carried out on the vessel Research during a voyage from Quebec to Scotland in 1866. Banking, cotton handling inventions and the Churchill Line of Steamers, not to mention his interesting family life, all contributed to the legend of Aaron Churchill.

The first morning’s stop was at the Savannah Visitors Center where we found helpful staff, lots of material, maps and useful information. We were told the building we were in was over a burial ground and was supposedly haunted as many of the building in Savannah are. This same building also provides sales display areas for tourism related product and includes the Savannah History Museum. Immediately outside we found an original railroad car serving as a café.

River Street certainly appeared to be the center focus of all visitors to the city. Many varieties of vendors, artists, street performers, etc. occupied a large area adjacent to the Savannah River. The street itself is lined with many types of shops, restaurants and pubs. Just above this area are the remnants of some of the old warehouse structures including streets lined with rocks that were brought as ballast on sailing vessels. We visited the area of the Savannah Cotton Exchange and I could almost visualize Aaron Churchill playing his role here in that very important industry.

Walking in the direction of Bay Street, we experienced the huge Spanish moss covered oak trees which line the city streets- beautiful to say the least adding much to the magic of Savannah.

Since we were on a fact finding mission in regard to Aaron Churchill’s life in Savannah our first day included a stop at City Hall where we were graciously directed to the office of Luciana Spracher the Library Archivist for the city who was very helpful, even to the extent of emailing information to us after our return.

At the Ships of the Sea Museum, after explaining my mission, I was offered free admission and I quote; "In the interest of history, please be our guest.". Huge ship models, ship paintings plus marine artifacts were all beautifully displayed.

Upon arrival at the waterfront we noted what appeared to be an older style tug. As it came to the dockside we found to our amazement that there were two of these relatively new vessels that offered free passage across the Savannah River. The captain surely is one of the greatest ambassadors for the city of Savannah.

For several years I have been aware that Aaron’s home in Savannah is operated as Forsyth Park Inn being located adjacent to this picturesque park. Upon entering the inn it felt a bit strange to me being in semi-familiar surroundings with a floor layout similar to our own Churchill Mansion. In the reception area there are eight photographs of Aaron and his family displayed; some very similar to our own photos. We were given a detailed tour by Karina Menezes through this historic property.

Tourism related product was highly visible throughout the city. This included carriage tours, numerous sightseeing tours of the city and an astounding number of ghost tours. Savannah utilizes it’s beautiful squares, parks, churches, cemeteries, other burial grounds, monuments, plaques, historic accounts of the many battles fought in the city and the production of several movies to the benefit of tourism. We were first introduced to much of the above through a Gray Line tour and our guide Mickey.

After visiting Savannah I returned to Churchill Mansion Inn and with much appreciation viewed a 12 page calendar produced by Aaron in 1914. I noted that the dates and days will the same in 2009. This prompted the reproduction of this calendar in a reduced size of 5"x7" displaying the original colours and design.

That was one result of the visit to Savannah, another was to remind myself that tourism can use what is available in a very natural way. I was very interested to find out that Savannah with a population of approximately 120,000 enjoys tourism dollars in excess of $2 billion annually.

From the conception of Churchill Mansion Country Inn we have established, promoted, catered to and enjoyed the benefits of utilizing tourism products that are considered out of the ordinary. After this visit to Savannah I feel that we are on the right road here filling niche markets in a very special way.


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