Crane Cottage: Solterra

Crane Cottage (20 rooms; 17 baths) was built in 1916 by Richard Crane of Crane Company at a cost of $500,000.00. Solterra, the island home of Frederick Baker, New York banker, was on the site until it burned in 1910. On March 20, 1899, President and Mrs. William McKinley and the President`s mentor, Senator Mark Hanna of Ohio, were guests at Solterra. Veiled in secrecy, their visit to Jekyll Island was made to plan McKinley's political future. At Solterra Andrew, Carnegie was honored at an elaborate banquet. Among the guests were Joseph Pulitzer, William Rockefeller, and George F. Baker.