Anyone who visits Ocracoke can see that part of its charm is that it is, among many other things, a quaint, old village. When I became a member of the Executive Committee of the Ocracoke Preservation Society (we operate the OPS Museum) I quickly discovered the fragility of that historic village in these fast-changing times.
OPS has received a wonderful gift from the estate of Geraldine Beveridge. The bequest directs the funds to be used for "preservation and promotion of the history and heritage of Ocracoke." To that end we have recently purchased an historic home at 458 Lighthouse Road; we're placing "covenants" on the property and will sell it to someone who will restore it according to guidelines for "historic structures."
That's not the only home in our village being "rescued" right now. Tom and Carol Pahl have purchased the Uriah Garrish House adjacent to the intersection of Highway 12 and Howard Street. They are documenting the process involved in an historic restoration on a blog of their own. Here's a link to it.
http://ocracokehistoricrestoration.blogspot.com/
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a transcript of a letter written in 1949 by a visitor to the island. You can read the letter (which provides a glimpse into Ocracoke life sixty years ago) here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102509.htm.
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Always enjoy my visits to the Museum, plus the newsletters. Sorry I'll miss this years, annual meeting, enjoyed meeting more locals at last years meeting.
ReplyDeleteEveryone that reads your Blog should be a member of OPS, it's another way of keeping up with what's happening on the Island!!!! So if you are reading this hope you will join OPS!! Even a small donation HELPS!!!!
Will be on Island Nov 14-21st, counting down the days!!!
See you in a few days. - Nollie