Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Porstmouth Island Homecoming

Every two years the "Friends of Portsmouth Island" sponsors a homecoming across the inlet. This year the event takes place this coming Saturday, April 24. Portsmouth Island lies just south of Ocracoke and has been abandoned for about 35 years. The National Park Service now manages the entire island, including the village.

There will be "open houses" at the post office (where you can get a one-day-only Portsmouth stamp cancellation), Methodist church, schoolhouse, US Life Saving Station, and selected homes. Volunteers will also offer porch talks & demonstrations (quilting, boat building, net mending, and decoy carving), and new exhibits at the Visitors Center will be officially opened. This year's theme is "Celebrating the Life of Portsmouth Village."

Two hymn sings are scheduled at the church, as well as a potluck dinner on the grounds.

Portsmouth is accessible only by boat. More information about the Homecoming, including transportation across the inlet, is available at the Friends of Portsmouth Island web site: http://www.friendsofportsmouthisland.org/homecoming.htm

This is a wonderful event that highlights one of the most unique villages on the Outer Banks. If you are on Ocracoke this coming Saturday, make arrangements to join the festivities across the inlet. You'll be glad you did!

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is about "Ocracats" and was written by Pat Garber. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031710.htm.

6 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:14 AM

    Sounds like a wonderful day of events. It makes me think of the LuAnn bird count how is that gal young 'un doing. Have not heard a peep about her!!

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  2. You can keep up with Lou Ann's antics by checking out her blog on a regular basis: http://louannhoman.blogspot.com/

    Th word around the campfire is that she's dancing (in her own fashion), but not raising much dust.

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  3. Michael, thanks for the promo. I will be on the Island when I can dance (and stir up dust)on Howard Street!! Lou Ann

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  4. See tomorrow's blog (Wed. April 21) for an update on Lou Ann.

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  5. Anonymous1:54 PM

    Are there post cards participants can purchase and bring to the event to have the card or first class letters postmarked with the Commemorative Portsmouth cancellation Sending a postcard back home to even yourself would be a great idea for a keepsake

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  6. In the past visitors to Portsmouth just brought along their own letters, post cards, etc. Many people did address them to themselves. You are right. Those letters make great mementos of Portsmouth village and the homecoming.

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