Today was a perfect day for wriggling toes in the sand. We went out to the beach with Lachlan and did just that. He also had a grand time filling up his big dump truck with sand while we streched out and soaked up the warm, spring sun. The water was a beautiful green/blue and fairly calm except for a pretty good shore break. Just as we were packing up to leave, a family of dolphin gave us a show by jumping and splashing out beyond the breakers.
The Ocracoke School plant sale is tomorrow, so if you're around and you didn't get an order in, stop by the school in the morning to see what extra plants they have available. All the profits go toward funding school trips and school dances.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Community
It's amazing how time slips away. It's a common misconception that there is nothing to do here in the winter. In fact, most of us are so busy we lose track of the days going by. There is always something to do...a pot-luck to go to, a committee meeting to attend, a volunteer position to fill, a business to get ready to re-open, or just a visit with a friend you haven't seen in a long time. That doesn't even include meetings of the book club, quilters, knitters and scrabble players (to name just a few). Our days are not spent idly waiting for summer to reappear, but they are spent full of community interaction which makes us love our surroundings even more.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Sunday, March 26, 2006
Rumgagger
Not many folks have a rumgagger for a friend. I am happy to say that my good friend, Captain Rob Temple, is one of the best rumgaggers I know. According to Captain Rob (of the schooner Windfall) a rumgagger is a salty old seaman who frequents pubs and will tell you a tall tale of the sea for a few crowns or a round of grog.
Last night at the Deepwater Theater Rob entertained a group of about 30 people with an hour and a half of his poems and stories. Fiddler Dave played a few jigs and sailor's songs between stories, and Gary Mitchell was there to record Rob's performance live. So look for the captain's rumgagger CD on your next visit to the island.
A wonderful time was had by all!
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Last night at the Deepwater Theater Rob entertained a group of about 30 people with an hour and a half of his poems and stories. Fiddler Dave played a few jigs and sailor's songs between stories, and Gary Mitchell was there to record Rob's performance live. So look for the captain's rumgagger CD on your next visit to the island.
A wonderful time was had by all!
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Saturday, March 25, 2006
Talkin' Trash
This morning at 9 am more than 65 islanders gathered in front of the United Methodist Church to get bags and road assignments for our 33rd annual Spring Litter Pick-up. It's amazing how much litter accumulates along our roadsides. Some blows out of the backs of pickup trucks, some gets strewn about when dogs tear into trash bags, and some is carelessly thrown alongside the road by thoughtless people.
Right now the village looks great. The day is cool and crisp, and hardly a beer bottle or candy wrapper is to be seen. Thanks to all the folks (too numerous to mention all individually,but especially to Julie Howard & Karen Lovejoy) who planned and helped with this event. If you are a visitor to our island please remember to keep a trash bag handy in your vehicle (and maybe even do a little extra by picking up roadside trash here and there as you stroll about the village). We'll all appreciate it.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Right now the village looks great. The day is cool and crisp, and hardly a beer bottle or candy wrapper is to be seen. Thanks to all the folks (too numerous to mention all individually,but especially to Julie Howard & Karen Lovejoy) who planned and helped with this event. If you are a visitor to our island please remember to keep a trash bag handy in your vehicle (and maybe even do a little extra by picking up roadside trash here and there as you stroll about the village). We'll all appreciate it.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Friday, March 24, 2006
New Artwork
Reggie Parker, a native of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, who now lives in Elizabeth City, NC, has been building authentic, museum-quality boat replicas for Village Craftsmen for several years. He is also an accomplished artist, and has recently completed an acrylic painting (and numbered prints) of my house, the Homer & Aliph Howard home. Click on either of the links above to go directly to one of our web pages of Reggie's work.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island..
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island..
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Happy Birthday Jen and Lulu!
Yesterday evening a group of more than twenty people gathered for a birthday party/pot luck dinner for Jennifer Kidwell (just about everyone calls her by her childhood nickname, Jen Fu). She's had some problems with her house on the loop road (it will soon be back to normal), so we were all there to help cheer her up & cheer her on. As usual the food was outstanding -- spinach & cheese patties, Thai egg rolls, baked chicken, deviled eggs, various salads, and homemade cream puffs!
At 9 o'clock many of the folks moved on over to the Community Center to wish Lulu a happy birthday also (a surprise party was in progress there), but I had other obligations, so I missed that party. And people often wonder "what do you do on that island all winter?"!!
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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At 9 o'clock many of the folks moved on over to the Community Center to wish Lulu a happy birthday also (a surprise party was in progress there), but I had other obligations, so I missed that party. And people often wonder "what do you do on that island all winter?"!!
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Down Below
In the late 1700s or early 1800s there seem to have been a few people living amongst the sandhills near Hatteras Inlet at what is called "Styron's Hills." In 1883 the Cedar Hammock Life Saving Station was established nearby, with about six families living there.
Our best evidence indicates that the Parker family moved to Ocracoke sometime near the turn of the 20th century. Their idea was to establish a farm (raising vegetables, or maybe livestock?). The venture did not work out and they only stayed a few years. However "Parker's Hills" & "Parker's Creek," south of the pony pen, still bear their name.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Monday, March 20, 2006
Cool & Clear
It's been on the cool side today, but with bright, blue skies. Unfortunately, I've been indoors most of the day, waiting on the occasional customer, and working on the Village Craftsmen web site. It has become overcast towards the end of the afternoon, and we're anticipating rain this evening and tomorrow.
The island seems to be rather quiet today. Not much news to report. I suppose that's a good thing. Soon I'll be walking back home to grab a bite to eat, work on a crossword puzzle, and maybe research some more island history.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island..
The island seems to be rather quiet today. Not much news to report. I suppose that's a good thing. Soon I'll be walking back home to grab a bite to eat, work on a crossword puzzle, and maybe research some more island history.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island..
Sunday, March 19, 2006
An Historical Note
On this date in 1892 the schooner "Lizzie James" (master G. Howard) carrying a load of coal from Philadelphia to New Bern, was stranded at Hatteras Inlet in a "fresh gale" and "flud [sic] tide." The captain & crew (6 men) and cargo were all saved.
Although it's breezy today, and cool, the sun is shining brightly and we do not expect any shipwrecks. I think I'll just take a stroll out on the beach and look for dolphins.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Although it's breezy today, and cool, the sun is shining brightly and we do not expect any shipwrecks. I think I'll just take a stroll out on the beach and look for dolphins.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Saturday, March 18, 2006
Some Answers to Recent Questions
Lately I've had a number of readers respond to our posts with comments and questions. Here are the last three questions.
Q: "As for tales of Olde Ocracoke, your post the other day about your neighbor's 102nd birthday made me wonder whether anyone's ever captured her tales of the old days. Can't imagine what Ocracoke must have been like back in 1904."
A: Walt Wolfram, the William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of English at North Carolina State University, & founder of the North Carolina Language & Life Project, has interviewed Muzel extensively with an emphasis on her dialect. He oversaw a video project celebrating her 100th birthday. I have visited Muzel often (she used to be my next door neighbor) and have made notes of tales she has shared. However, Muze is a rather quiet person and she talks sparingly.
Q: "Love your blog !!!! Will you be giving us an update of changes made this year in Ocracoke like you did last year. i.e. changes to retail stores, restaurants, and things like is Miss Ocracoke still sailing."
A: Please see yesterday's post about the new Teach's Hole Pirate shop. I also spoke with Steven Wilson a few days ago. He had on his wet suit and was about to go diving under his boat to scrape off barnacles. So the Miss Ocracoke should be in tip-top shape for your next fishing trip. In other news, Captain Rob of the schooner Windfall just had his Coast Guard inspection and he is looking forward to a great new season (maybe even with a few new cruises this year -- I've heard rumors of a pirate cruise for young-uns). You can check out his web page athttp://www.villagecraftsmen.com/windfall.htm or just stop by the docks and ask him what his schedule is. I've heard that a new business, "Island Thymes," will be opening on the Back Road where Teach's Hole was formerly located. And I understand that a new realty will be setting up shop just to the right of the Island Inn. Two island business appear to be closed, at least temporarily -- Quay Haul Productions & Sterling Construction. I've heard that the owners have other concerns in Washington, NC. The Community Store is also closed temporarily. We're hoping that new life will soon be added to this traditional island general store.
Q: "In listening to the actor who played Blackbeard, I was curious if he got the Ocracoke dialect tapes to use as a guide. I could hear true Ocracoke brogue in his dialogue at times."
A: I'm not sure about this one. I never asked. Actually, I'm not sure where Ben Cherry is from originally. Usually when I hear him he is "speaking like a pirate." Aaaargh!!
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Q: "As for tales of Olde Ocracoke, your post the other day about your neighbor's 102nd birthday made me wonder whether anyone's ever captured her tales of the old days. Can't imagine what Ocracoke must have been like back in 1904."
A: Walt Wolfram, the William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of English at North Carolina State University, & founder of the North Carolina Language & Life Project, has interviewed Muzel extensively with an emphasis on her dialect. He oversaw a video project celebrating her 100th birthday. I have visited Muzel often (she used to be my next door neighbor) and have made notes of tales she has shared. However, Muze is a rather quiet person and she talks sparingly.
Q: "Love your blog !!!! Will you be giving us an update of changes made this year in Ocracoke like you did last year. i.e. changes to retail stores, restaurants, and things like is Miss Ocracoke still sailing."
A: Please see yesterday's post about the new Teach's Hole Pirate shop. I also spoke with Steven Wilson a few days ago. He had on his wet suit and was about to go diving under his boat to scrape off barnacles. So the Miss Ocracoke should be in tip-top shape for your next fishing trip. In other news, Captain Rob of the schooner Windfall just had his Coast Guard inspection and he is looking forward to a great new season (maybe even with a few new cruises this year -- I've heard rumors of a pirate cruise for young-uns). You can check out his web page at
Q: "In listening to the actor who played Blackbeard, I was curious if he got the Ocracoke dialect tapes to use as a guide. I could hear true Ocracoke brogue in his dialogue at times."
A: I'm not sure about this one. I never asked. Actually, I'm not sure where Ben Cherry is from originally. Usually when I hear him he is "speaking like a pirate." Aaaargh!!
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Friday, March 17, 2006
Teach's Hole
Wednesday, March 15, marked the grand opening of the brand new Teach's Hole Pirate Specialty Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit. Owners, George & Mickey Roberson, have built an impressive new building on Highway 12, just across from the Variety Store. Painted red with black trim, it even suggests Blackbeard's flag.
The New Teach's Hole Pirate Shop:
Blackbeard's Flag:
Mickey & George with special guest Edward Teach & his companion, DeeGee:
Be sure to stop by Teach's Hole on your next visit to the island. Or check them out on-line at http://www.teachshole.com
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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The New Teach's Hole Pirate Shop:
Blackbeard's Flag:
Mickey & George with special guest Edward Teach & his companion, DeeGee:
Be sure to stop by Teach's Hole on your next visit to the island. Or check them out on-line at http://www.teachshole.com
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Thursday, March 16, 2006
Old Quawk
Today is "Old Quawk's Day!" Named after an island resident of about 200 years ago who ventured out in his skiff in a storm and never returned, this is the day that Ocracoke sailors & fishermen feared most.
Also on this date in 1888 the 3-masted Schooner, "S. A. Rudolph," out of Philadelphia, was stranded in rough seas at Hatteras Inlet.
Although today is sunny, with only a light breeze, last year on this date the weather was more typically "wet, cold, and downright miserable." Actually, as if to reinforce Ocracoke's assesment of this date, this week has been declared North Carolina's severe weather awareness week for 2006.
To read more about Old Quawk's day click here.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Also on this date in 1888 the 3-masted Schooner, "S. A. Rudolph," out of Philadelphia, was stranded in rough seas at Hatteras Inlet.
Although today is sunny, with only a light breeze, last year on this date the weather was more typically "wet, cold, and downright miserable." Actually, as if to reinforce Ocracoke's assesment of this date, this week has been declared North Carolina's severe weather awareness week for 2006.
To read more about Old Quawk's day click here.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Pirates
After several days with temperatures in the mid to upper 60s, it's turned cooler again today. And windy. Gusts are nearing 30 mph, but it is sunny and actually quite delightful.
Blackbeard is here today for the official opening of the new Teach's Hole pirate shop on Highway 12. I'll stop by later this morning and maybe I'll be lucky and get a photo of Ocracoke's favorite rascal.
Speaking of Blackbeard, some of our readers may have seen the National Geographic special Sunday evening. A bunch of us got together at Frank & Jude's house to watch the show. Although none of us thought the "docudrama" added any new insights, we had a great time afterwards as we sang one of the classic songs ("Avast, Avast") from Julie Howard's 1970's musical, "A Tale of Blackbeard," and later, as we listened to Captain Rob recite his newest poem about Teach's fellow buccaneer, Israel Hands.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Blackbeard is here today for the official opening of the new Teach's Hole pirate shop on Highway 12. I'll stop by later this morning and maybe I'll be lucky and get a photo of Ocracoke's favorite rascal.
Speaking of Blackbeard, some of our readers may have seen the National Geographic special Sunday evening. A bunch of us got together at Frank & Jude's house to watch the show. Although none of us thought the "docudrama" added any new insights, we had a great time afterwards as we sang one of the classic songs ("Avast, Avast") from Julie Howard's 1970's musical, "A Tale of Blackbeard," and later, as we listened to Captain Rob recite his newest poem about Teach's fellow buccaneer, Israel Hands.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news031806.htm. It's the story of traditional quilting on Ocracoke Island.
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Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Monday, March 13, 2006
Pizer
Colleen posted the following comment recently:
"Ok, Philip,
I know I have a pizer on my house in Oriental, because my porch looks like yours in Ocracoke. My question is, how do you pronounce "pizer" and do you know where the word came from? Is it an Ocracoke word? I'm curious!"
"Pizer" has a long "i" and rhymes with "wiser." It is a local corruption of the Italian word, piazza, meaning "an arcaded and roofed gallery," or more particularly, a veranda or porch.
Ocracrokers often truncate words, change vowel sounds, and sometimes add "r" after vowels. So "Eliza" becomes "Lizer;" "Epherina" (an old-time island name) becomes "Freener;" "Armeda" (another island name) becomes "Meeter," and "caulk" becomes "cork." I suspect that piazza entered into the English language through contact with Italian sailors. On Ocracoke, over the years, the word was shortened, vowels changed, and an "r" sound was added to the end. The result is "pizer."
I know that some communities in eastern North Carolina use other variations of piazza (I'm sorry but I can't remember the particulars), but to my knowledge, only Ocracokers use "pizer."
My house & pizer:
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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"Ok, Philip,
I know I have a pizer on my house in Oriental, because my porch looks like yours in Ocracoke. My question is, how do you pronounce "pizer" and do you know where the word came from? Is it an Ocracoke word? I'm curious!"
"Pizer" has a long "i" and rhymes with "wiser." It is a local corruption of the Italian word, piazza, meaning "an arcaded and roofed gallery," or more particularly, a veranda or porch.
Ocracrokers often truncate words, change vowel sounds, and sometimes add "r" after vowels. So "Eliza" becomes "Lizer;" "Epherina" (an old-time island name) becomes "Freener;" "Armeda" (another island name) becomes "Meeter," and "caulk" becomes "cork." I suspect that piazza entered into the English language through contact with Italian sailors. On Ocracoke, over the years, the word was shortened, vowels changed, and an "r" sound was added to the end. The result is "pizer."
I know that some communities in eastern North Carolina use other variations of piazza (I'm sorry but I can't remember the particulars), but to my knowledge, only Ocracokers use "pizer."
My house & pizer:
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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Sunday, March 12, 2006
Happy Birthday Muzel!
Native Ocracoker, Muzel Bryant, celebrated her 102nd birthday today. Friends were invited to visit at her home at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Several kinds of cakes were served. Here's a photo of me, Lachlan, & Muze. I mentioned to Muze that Lachlan & I share the same birthday. "Oh yes," she said, "that would be August 2nd." She is truly a remarkable woman, and an island treasure. Happy Birthday, Muzel!
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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Saturday, March 11, 2006
A Family Dinner
Community pot lucks and other gatherings are great, but tonight was special for me. My son, Stefen, was back for a week visiting the island. It has been a while since he has been here. He teaches computer science at Mars Hill College in the mountains of North Carolina. He is also working on his Ph.D., so with his studies, his teaching (including summer classes), and his family (he has a wonderful wife & three super children), he doesn't get home as much as he'd like.
Amy, Lachlan, & I walked down to the ferry and met him when he drove down the ramp. It almost felt like the old days when the daily mailboat pulled up to the dock in late afternoon and everyone was gathered there to get their mail and to see who was on board. We all went back to my house for a big family dinner (there were 9 of us). After dinner Stefen & I sat in the rockers on the pizer (the front porch) and visited. Very nice!
The weather is terrific, so I'm looking forward to walking on the beach tomorrow with Stefen and Amy, David, & Lachlan.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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Amy, Lachlan, & I walked down to the ferry and met him when he drove down the ramp. It almost felt like the old days when the daily mailboat pulled up to the dock in late afternoon and everyone was gathered there to get their mail and to see who was on board. We all went back to my house for a big family dinner (there were 9 of us). After dinner Stefen & I sat in the rockers on the pizer (the front porch) and visited. Very nice!
The weather is terrific, so I'm looking forward to walking on the beach tomorrow with Stefen and Amy, David, & Lachlan.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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Friday, March 10, 2006
Some Observations
How can you tell which cars on the Hatteras ferry are local? Here are some clues:
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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- They've got a red priority loading sticker on the windshield,
- They have an Ocracoke School license tag frame,
- The back of their vehicle is loaded with groceries, paper towels, & toilet paper (only relevant to a southbound trip),
- They wave to (or stop to chat with) the deckhands as they board the ferry,
- They stay inside their cars to nap or read, or
- They wander around and talk with other islanders through open car windows,
- If it's late in the afternoon when they arrive home they all stop at the post office as soon as they get into the village.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Signs of Spring
One of the first things I noticed when I got back on the island was a beautiful yellow daffodil blooming right in front of our hurricane tide lines at the Village Craftsmen. The sign is showing its age, but the flower is announcing another new beginning. Actually daffodils are blooming all over the island along with other flowers and buds on trees. My peach tree has erupted in pink flowers. And the forecast calls for temperatures in the upper 60s tomorrow. Too bad I'll be "up the beach" visiting my dentist for a regular teeth cleaning. At least the drive should be pleasant.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Back Home
I arrived back on the island yesterday evening on the 5 o'clock Hatteras ferry. David & Amy (and David's parents, Pat & Steve, and Lachlan, of course) wanted me to stop by for chili. It was dusk, so I made a detour by the late Barbara Spencer home "up Trent" to see the recent fire damage. It was quite the scene. I understood islanders' concerns, and the respect everyone has for our volunteer fire department. Although the house was a total loss, as far as I know no one suffered any serious injury, and there was little or no damage to adjacent homes and trees.
Amy sent me some photos. You can see for yourself how destructive this fire was.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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Amy sent me some photos. You can see for yourself how destructive this fire was.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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Sunday, March 05, 2006
Fire on the island
Fire is one of those dangers that you can't predict...When will it happen, where will it happen and how does one deal with it. Well, this morning it happened at about 5 am down Cutting Sage Rd. (the road to Oyster Creek). The couple who own the house were alerted by the smoke detector and were able to vacate the house, but the house itself is a total loss. The flames could be seen through the trees from about 1/2 a mile away, and coal sized embers were floating through the sky and landing in yards all over Cutting Sage Rd. and onto Sunset Ave. (aka Firehouse Rd.) properties as well. Residents were worried because the fire was substantial and the wind was blowing around 15 -20 miles per hour. Nearby residents were alerted and told to be prepared to evacuate. Backup help was called in from Hatteras Island, and the ferry got them here in record time. Luckily, by the time they arrived, the local crew had controlled the fire and had been successful in preventing it from spreading to the neighboring houses and woods.
We want to give a big THANK YOU to all the fire crews and the groggy eyed helpers who got roused out of bed at so early an hour to keep us all (and our property) safe. We also send our condolences to the owners of the house. Our thoughts are with you as you carry on from this tragedy.
A reminder to everyone: Our fire department consists of all volunteers. Many people help when it's needed, but we need more people to give that extra time and join the fire department and get trained. The more trained and equiped responders we have, the less likely a fire will get out of control. So, if you are thinking about becoming more community oriented, consider joining one of the most important organizations we have on the island...Join the fire department. Or, if you really can't give the time but have a little extra money, they could use that to help equip the volunteers they do have and to replace the equipment that gets damaged everytime they respond to an event like the one today. Their address is: Ocracoke Fire Department, PO Box 332, Ocracoke, NC 27960. Thanks for any help you can give!
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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We want to give a big THANK YOU to all the fire crews and the groggy eyed helpers who got roused out of bed at so early an hour to keep us all (and our property) safe. We also send our condolences to the owners of the house. Our thoughts are with you as you carry on from this tragedy.
A reminder to everyone: Our fire department consists of all volunteers. Many people help when it's needed, but we need more people to give that extra time and join the fire department and get trained. The more trained and equiped responders we have, the less likely a fire will get out of control. So, if you are thinking about becoming more community oriented, consider joining one of the most important organizations we have on the island...Join the fire department. Or, if you really can't give the time but have a little extra money, they could use that to help equip the volunteers they do have and to replace the equipment that gets damaged everytime they respond to an event like the one today. Their address is: Ocracoke Fire Department, PO Box 332, Ocracoke, NC 27960. Thanks for any help you can give!
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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Thursday, March 02, 2006
Sunshine & Snow
I look out the living room window and see fine snowflakes falling gently from the sky. But, no, I am not on the island. I am in Indiana visiting Lou Ann, and it is cold and beautiful outside. Joan & Ernest are staying in my home on Ocracoke, enjoying the weather there. My daughter, Amy, tells me that it is warm (in the mid-60s) and sunny. Well I'll be home in just a few days. I'll leave Lou Ann reluctantly and I'll bring a little bit of the mid-west back with me. In a few months Lou Ann will be back on the island, enjoying the sand and the sea. Look for her this summer at the counter of the Village Craftsmen.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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Wednesday, March 01, 2006
A Beautiful Spring Day
March is infamous for its weather. It can range anywhere from T-shirt weather to a raging snow storm. Today was perfect, and many of us were taking advantage of the crisp, clear day by spending it outdoors walking, enjoying the beach, working in the garden, lounging in the back yard visiting with neighbors or hanging laundry out the old fashioned way...on a clothes line. The humidity was so low (rare around here) and the air so clear that it was possible to see distinct houses over on Portsmouth Island from the end of Lighthouse Rd. Should we ever wonder if we are crazy for living on a little, out of the way island like this, these types of days remind us that this is what good living is all about.
You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news021806.htm. It's the story of the US Life Saving Station on Ocracoke and the wreck of the A.F. Crockett on February 17, 1885.
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