Charles Lindbergh

I had a telephone call yesterday from a woman who is writing an article about airstips on the Outer Banks. She was interested in any information I might have about a story she'd heard re. Charles Lindbergh & Ocracoke.

My father often told me that Lindbergh had made a landing on the island years ago. I called cousin Blanche for more details.

It must have been in the late 1920s or very early 1930s. I'm not sure what prompted the landing -- a minor emergency? curiosity? At any rate Lindbergh landed at the north end, near Hatteras Inlet and the US Coast Guard Station that was located there at that time. The hard-packed sand on the tidal flats made a perfect runway. He must have stayed for a few hours, for the station crew recalled visiting with him. One crewman commented that he would like to sit in Lindbergh's plane, and the famous aviator cordially agreed. Maybe the entire crew had the opportunity to sit at his controls.

Ben Gaskill was the station cook. It was nearly time for dinner and he invited Lindbergh to join the men. He accepted and sat down at the table to share his stories with the captain and crew. After dinner he was on his way, having added a little excitement to an otherwise normal day.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade.
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