Diomita Maurer’s Blog

“Forget me not, is all I ask.” is inscripted on the grave slab of Effie L. Wilson, who was born Jan. 16th, 1880 and died Oct. 12th, 1893 on Holland Island which is located the Cheseapeake Bay. She just became 13 years old. Holland Island itself is mostly sunken, just some sandbanks are left and might vanish soon as well as hundreds of other islands did in the Chesapeake Bay.

Stephen White, a waterman and Methodist Minster, fought more than 15 years trying to save Holland island and the last house remaining of once 60 houses which were inhabitated by more than 400 people in the 19th century. He lost this fight. The last house sunk in 2010. But he did succeed in one thing: Effie L. Wilson isn’t forgotten.

Holland Island in the Chesapeake Bay – real and virtual

This and other stories around the many sunken islands inspired Serene Footman and Jade Koltai to re-erect not only Holland Island in the state shortly before the last house was swallowed by the sea.
Serene and Jade also added a lighthouse from Sharps Island which still peeks out of the water while Sharps Island itself sank in 1960, somewhat earlier than Holland Island. And they added a popular hotel that was built on the island and sank with it.

Sharps Island in the Chesapeake Bay – real and virtual

Serene Footman published a very interesting and instructive article about the sunken islands in the Chesapeake Bay and the stories behind his’ and Jade’s newest installation “Chesapeake Bay” (read “The Islands that Disappeared” on Serene’s website furillen.org). There’re many pictures of today and from the past alongside some videos for example about Stephen White and his futile fight to save the last house of Holland Island.

Impressions of Chesapeake Bay in Second Life (1)

I strongly recommend to read and watch the Videos first before you visit “Chesapeake Bay” in Second Life. Knowing the background and some of the stories, the many lifes lived on these sunken islands lets you feel the magic of this place in the virtual world of Second Life.

Impressions of Chesapeake Bay in Second Life (2)

Of course there’s more to explore and discover at Chesapeake Bay. Besides the historical buildings and structures there’re plenty of places to sit, mediate, chat or just enjoy the environment and the rich wildlife. Colonies of birds are living on what’s left of the Islands.

Impressions of Chesapeake Bay in Second Life (3)

For me it was particular to visit Chesapeake Bay in Second Life, as I was in the area in the 1990ies and in the 2010ies – not aware of all of this. Serene and Jade’s transformations of particular places in the physical world into the virtual world of Second Life truely enrich my expierence. Thank you Serene and Jade!

Landmark to Chesapeake Bay
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Epsilon/191/179/21
Information and background provided by Serene Footman “The Islands that Disappeared”
https://furillen.org/2019/02/09/the-islands-that-disappeared/
Serene Footman’s website
http://www.furillen.org/