Old Tanabogus

Last night on my Ghost & History Walk a gentleman asked me about traditional island sayings. The one that came immediately to mind was "He's been around about as long as old Tanabogus." It seems that in the late eighteenth century a man (or maybe it was a woman) of native American stock was living on the island. His (or her) name was Tanabogus (or at least that's how O'cockers pronounce it) and (s)he lived to a ripe old age. Unfortunately, no one living remembers any more details about this person. I wonder, did Tanabogus marry into the English speaking community? Did Tanabogus leave any heirs? What could he or she teach us about our heritage? How I wish there was someone to ask. But there isn't, so Tanabogus must remain mostly a mystery. Nevertheless, the saying lives on.

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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