Monday, December 16, 2013

USLSS

Today we have another historic Ocracoke line marker. This one has the letters USLSS on it.


















Two questions for our readers:
  • Can you tell us what USLSS stands for?
  • Do you know what parcel of land this object marked?
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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

8 comments:

  1. I'll guess, United States Lifesaving Service. Location: Maybe on Portsmouth Island.

    ReplyDelete
  2. United States Life Saving Service is correct, but this marker is on Ocracoke. The Life Saving Service owned at least three parcels of land on the island. Two of these markers designated the boundaries of the USLSS boat house. The marker in the photo above is not in its original location. However, the other marker is...and it is clearly visible from the paved road. The boat house is still extant. Any idea which building was originally the boat house?

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  3. Bear MacDonald10:22 AM

    My guess would be on the north end of the island nearby where the life saving station once was. Although I have never noticed this marker while roaming the beach and dunes in that area.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, the marker is not at the north end...but, of course, you are correct that there was a station at the north end. That was from 1883 until the mid 1950s, when the station washed away.

      Delete
  4. julie s2:39 PM

    I believe I remember reading that the Bryants lived in an old boat house - large door for the boats still visible. Could the market be there?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am not sure what you mean by "the market," but the old boat house is still a private residence. I will publish more about the boathouse in the next several days.

      Delete
    2. I just realized that was a typo! You meant "marker" of course. Yes, the marker was on the property line of the old boathouse.

      Delete
  5. Julie S9:29 AM

    Sorry about the typo. Getting used to "voice typing" on my new Christmas gift and I swear this "smart phone" has a mind of its own!

    ReplyDelete