Roy

For all of our readers who know Roy Parsons (island native, onetime vaudeville performer, engaging storyteller, Opry regular, model boat builder, and much more) -- Roy has had health problems of late. I visited him several days ago and he was having trouble breathing. Once settled on his sofa he recovered and was soon back to his old self, asking about old timers, sharing stories, telling jokes, rhyming his sentences. He was wearing one of his cowboy shirts. But I doubt if he'll be back on stage this season. He is mighty frail.

Roy's birthday is this Saturday. I think he'll be 86 or 87. You might want to send him a card. I know he'd appreciate it. I don't know his PO Box, so just send it to Roy Parsons, General Delivery, Ocracoke, NC 27960.

Or, if you're on the island, stop by Pamlico Gifts and tell Elizabeth you'd like to say a few words to Roy. He enjoys company.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Black Squall, a brig loaded with circus animals that wrecked on Ocracoke in April of 1861. You can read it here.