The Tybrisa Pavilion stood for three-quarters of a century as a landmark on the South Atlantic Ocean. Built in 1891 by the Central of Georgia Railroad, it became a well known destination for day-trippers and seasonal visitors during a time when advertisements hailed Tybee as the "Premier South Atlantic Resort." Its open dance floor amid a coastal setting made it a legendary stop on the "Big Band" tour and for five decades of other entertainers. Fire destroyed it in 1967. Led by the efforts of the people of Tybee Island, Chatham County built Tybrisa Pavilion II and dedicated it with the Tybee Island City Council on August 9, 1996. Walter W. Parker, after a distinguished military career, returned to Tybee Island, served two years on the City Council and 16 years as mayor, championed beautification and beach renourishment projects, secured federal, state, and local funding for beach projects, and helped convince Chatham County to build Tybrisa II.