Tony is a musician and luthier (he brought one of his violins, and he and David and Jule Garrish entertained us in Blanche's living room). He is also a jolly fellow who sports a full white beard. I couldn't help but ask him if he ever acts as a stand in for old Saint Nick. I was not a bit surprised with his positive answer, but I was totally impressed with the thoroughness of his involvement.
This is what Ann told me: "Tony has been "Father Christmas" for 6 years. The director of our local history museum here in Jefferson, Ga. asked him to do it. She rented him a costume. He enjoyed it so much he wanted to continue, so he grew the hair and beard and I got out the sewing machine. Our characters get busier every year."
Ann was kind enough to send me a photo so our readers can see the amazing detail they put into their Christmas portrayals. As I mentioned a couple of days ago, Lachlan has never been very enamored of Santa Claus, and in May he declined to be introduced to Tony. But he was curious. Maybe he'll relent on Tony's next visit!
If you are still looking for holiday gifts you can go to our on-line catalog by clicking here.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Artists' Colony that operated on the island more than 65 years ago. You can read it here.
To read about Philip's new book, Digging up Uncle Evans, History, Ghost Tales, & Stories from Ocracoke Island, please click here.
Hey Phillip I can understand your time constraints for the web site and no photos--- but since you are into publishing books ---- may I suggest to you a Day in the life of the Outer banks ----and create a coffee table sized book of Images from a Day in the Life of the Outer banks ---- or a week or a year -----to capture the island and all its unique people, events and places --- I like the St Nick photo as that garish red santa suit was not used IMHO it is a modern day Cocacola convention.
ReplyDeleteIs it true the light house has a wreath this year and what about the wassail recipe??
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