Flotsam & Jetsam

Yesterday I had this question from a reader:

"What sorts of interesting flotsam/jetsam have you heard of washing ashore, and what're the interesting things you and your acquaintances have personally encountrered along the beaches?"

As you can imagine, a great assortment of things have washed ashore on Ocracoke over the years. Lumber was probably the most practical treasure, though rum & whiskey were more popular! I've heard of bananas and top hats from years ago, and I have personally found assorted fruits & vegetables, as well as new shoes. You can read more here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news080101.htm.

After I wrote that piece I learned that Mr. Tommy Howard was just a young boy when the Pioneer wrecked. His mama sent him out to scavenge whatever he could. Instead of returning home with cheese, canned goods, or other useful items, he came back with an armful of books. His mother was disappointed, but I'm told he taught himself to read, and as a result got the postmaster's job years later. Mr. Tommy was the island postmaster for 40 years.

You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.
.