Poe

"After incredible labor we succeeded, at length, in getting the long-boat over the side without material accident, and into this we crowded the whole of the crew and most of the passengers. This party made off immediately, and, after undergoing much suffering, finally arrived, in safety, at Ocracoke Inlet, on the third day after the wreck."

So writes Edgar Allan Poe in his 1844 short story "The Oblong Box." Inspired, perhaps, by the 1837 wreck of the steam packet "Home" on Ocracoke's beach, Poe weaves a tale of mystery, anguish, and death.

You never know where references to Ocracoke will show up. Read it sometime; it's only seven and a half pages long.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter celebrates colorful islander Don Wood (1936-1998). You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042610.htm.