Zora Bable

Yesterday afternoon at one o'clock family and friends of Zora Bable Gaskins gathered at the Gaskins-O'Neal cemetery to remember him and celebrate his life. Zora was 76 years old when he died early last week, and beloved by his family. Sitting on folding chairs amidst old and new tombstones scattered about, I glanced up at a patch of blue-gray sky framed by gnarled and twisted branches of a dozen live oaks. Lying on a table nearby, surrounded by flowers and photos, were Zora's hair clippers. I was reminded of my dad who died in 2002. Zora would cut my dad's hair, and my dad would cut his. But it wasn't just about cutting hair. When they got together to cut hair it was a social event, for they would stay for hours sharing stories and laughing about their youthful antics. Farewell, Zora. We'll miss yet another old timer who has left us with fond memories.

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.