More good music on Ocracoke

As we all know, Ocracoke has a rich musical heritage and a plethora of talented performers. While we deeply appreciate all they have to offer us, we enjoy bringing other performers to the island to inspire us and our children. The Ocrafolk Festival outreach program is helping us do this by sponsoring three concerts at Deepwater Theater over the winter. In addition to evening performances, visiting performers will be making daytime appearances at the Ocracoke School. Businesses and individuals interested in helping to sponsor the school concerts/residence series with a $50 donation to Ocrafolk Festival may contact David Tweedie (info@ocrafolkfestival.org or 252-928-3411). Supporting partners will be listed on the posters, on the programs, and thanked from the stage at the performances. This program is brought to the Ocracoke community with the help of the National Endowment of the Arts, the North Carolina Arts Council, the Beaufort County Arts Council, the Ocracoke Preservation Society, and the Ocrafolk Festival. The Ocrafolk Festival is housed under the Ocracoke Preservation Society, a non-profit 501(c)3. Concert information is listed below. Thank you to everyone who helps keep these programs running!

Wednesday, December 1, 7:30 PM at Deepwater Theater
~ Michael Ronstadt Generations
Ronstadt Generations consists of Michael J. Ronstadt (brother of Linda Ronstadt), Michael G. Ronstadt, Petie Ronstadt and Josh Hisle, spanning two generations with a repertoire that reaches back to the end of the 19th century while continually looking forward into the 21st. Michael J. Ronstadt is a vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who continues in the tradition of southwest troubadours.
http://mjronstadt.com/mjronstadt/Ronstadt_Generations.html

Friday, January 28, 7:30 PM at Deepwater Theater
~ Basso Baroque Ensemble
Ocrafolk Festival's stellar standup bass player, Robbie Link, will be coming to the island and bringing some friends for an evening of baroque music. Basso features Barbara Blaker Krumdieck on the baroque cello, Robbie Link on the viola da gamba and John O'Brien on the harpsichord.

Friday, March 4, 7:30 PM at Deepwater Theater
~ Mandolin Orange
Recent audience favorites from the Ocrafolk Festival, Emily Frantz and Andrew Marlin are bringing their sweet harmonies and songwriting back to Ocracoke Island.
http://www.myspace.com/mandolinorange

Ticket prices are $10 Adults and $5 Children for all concerts.

Here's a little more information about the Ronstadt Generations band from their website www.ronstadtgenerations.com:



Ronstadt Generations represents the multi-cultural roots America was founded upon. Dating back five generations in North America, Michael J. Ronstadt, younger brother of Linda Ronstadt, continues the family tradition with his two sons, Michael G. and Petie, along with Josh Hisle, referred to fondly as his adopted son.

These four voices -- all multi-instrumentalists and solo artists in their own right -- bring to life a repertoire that reaches back to the end of the 19th century while continually looking ahead into the 21st, with a rich innovation of original material alongside traditional Southwestern and Mexican songs.

Each comes with the highest credentials, having appeared around the world in performance and on recordings with such diverse artists as Linda Ronstadt, Los Lobos, the Dixie Hummingbirds, Muriel Anderson, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and countless others. Of additional note is Josh’s music being featured in Neil Young’s acclaimed film CSNY/Déjà vu.

Enjoy a fascinating musical journey with Ronstadt Generations.

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a history of the early twentieth century Doxsee Clam Factory on Ocracoke island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112110.htm.

Giving

Now that it is slower on Ocracoke, the members of the Ocracoke Needle and Thread Club, aka the Quilters, are beginning to return to their weekly meetings. Projects they are working on include a quilt each for the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum and the Ocrafolk Festival to raffle off. The quilters are all volunteers and provide not just the labor but also much of the material themselves.

Volunteers are the backbone of Ocracoke life. Our community would suffer without all the generous folks that live here. Every fundraiser, scout meeting, fire call, festival, school program, etc. would not exist if it were not for our talented and caring community members. Thanks to everyone everywhere who gives a little something of themselves to make a more beautiful community.

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a history of the early twentieth century Doxsee Clam Factory on Ocracoke island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112110.htm.

It's beginning to feel a lot like winter!

Friday started out sunny and warm, but a cold front moved in during the afternoon led by quite blustery winds. The folks who started the day out in t-shirts were caught shivering by mid-afternoon and had to hurry home to put on long sleeves.
It's also starting to get quiet on the island. The visitors here for the Thanksgiving holiday are slowly packing up their cars and heading toward the ferry. The restaurants are taking the cue and one by one they are closing up for the season. However, if you are planning a winter trip to Ocracoke, there are always a couple of restaurants that stay open throughout the year. You can't escape good food on this island!

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a history of the early twentieth century Doxsee Clam Factory on Ocracoke island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112110.htm.

Ocrafolk Festival Thanksgiving Fundraiser

Once again the Ocracoke performers wowed a crowd of fans in a sold out show at the Ocrafolk Festival Fundraising Concert last night. The audience enjoyed a wide selection of entertainment including songs from Julie Howard's "A Tale of Blackbeard," ballads, folk versions of punk songs, traditional tunes, a couple of true(?) tales from Capt. Rob and a story about growing up by Donald Davis. Many of the Ocrafolk Opry regulars appeared on stage joined at times by friends from the "real world." Thanks to all the performers and support staff of this event who volunteer their time to make it a success.

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Click on the photo below to view a selection of wrought iron kitchen items from Village Craftsmen's online catalog.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a history of the early twentieth century Doxsee Clam Factory on Ocracoke island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112110.htm.

Old Diver

Almost one hundred years ago Augustus Abner McGuire, a diver, died while attempting to make a repair in the hull of a vessel offshore of Ocracoke. His body was brought to the island and buried near the Howard family and Williams family cemeteries along what is now known as British Cemetery Road.

For many years a cedar post marked the head of the grave, and McGuire's diving boots were placed at the foot of the grave. Almost immediately islanders began feeling that the ghost of "Old Diver," as he came to be known, haunted the narrow lane and wooded area near where he was buried. For many years folks have been wary of walking there after dark.

Eventually the cedar post rotten away, and the boots were removed.

Just last week a wooden marker was placed in the vicinity of Old Diver's grave. Made by island craftsman, Len Skinner, and paid for by the Ocracoke Preservation Society, the marker is a fitting tribute to an island legend.

(Click on photos to view larger images.)

Look for a more comprehensive article about Augustus Abner McGuire in an upcoming Ocracoke Newsletter to be published in spring or summer of 2011.

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a history of the early twentieth century Doxsee Clam Factory on Ocracoke island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112110.htm.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We at Village Craftsmen wish all of our readers a very Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you enjoy your friends, your family, and an abundance of life's gifts during this time of national thanksgiving.

Philip, Jude, & Jaren

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a history of the early twentieth century Doxsee Clam Factory on Ocracoke island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112110.htm.

It's Not Too Early...

...to register for a Heritage Arts Class in quilt making, taught by nationally recognized teacher and quilter, Pepper Cory. Classes will be given January 26-28 (Wed.-Fri.), 2011 from 9-12 & 1-5 at the Ocracoke Community Center. The $50 fee includes all supplies. For more information or to register please contact Marcy Brenner at 252-928-2555 or marcy@coyotemusic.net. Class size is limited, so don't be late!

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a history of the early twentieth century Doxsee Clam Factory on Ocracoke island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112110.htm.

Doxsee Clam Factory

In the early twentieth century the Doxsee family from New York state established a large commercial clam operation in Ocracoke village. Their enterprise, and the buildings associated with it, provided work and income for many men and women on Ocracoke, as well as a focal point for much of the island's social life.

The clam factory is long gone, but stories remain. Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter recounts the history of the Doxsee Clam Factory on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112110.htm.

An Historic Date

It was on this date in 1718 that Lt. Robert Maynard of the British Royal Navy encountered the pirate Blackbeard at what has ever after been known as Teach's Hole, a protected anchorage in Pamlico Sound, just offshore from Springer's Point. After a bloody naval battle, Blackbeard (who suffered more than 20 wounds before he was beheaded) and his crew were defeated, ending the "Golden Age of Piracy." Benjamin Franklin, at that time a young "printer's devil," composed the following ditty to commemorate the event:

"Come all you jolly sailors
You all so stout and brave;
Come hearken and I’ll tell you
What happen’d on the wave.
Oh! ’tis of that bloody Blackbeard
I’m going now for to tell;
And as how by gallant Maynard
He soon was sent to hell."

In about 1765 a ballad entitled "The Downfall of Piracy" appeared in a small songbook. Many scholars believe this poem descended from Benjamin Franklin's original.

The full title of the ballad is "The Downfall of Piracy; being a full and true Account of a desperate and bloody Sea-fight between Lieutenant Maynard, and that noted Pirate Captain Teach, commonly call'd by the Name of Blackbeard; Maynard had fifty Men, thirty five of which were kill'd and wounded in the Action: Teach had twenty one, most of which were kill'd, and the rest carried to Virginia, in order to take their Tryal."

Here is the full text of the ballad:


"The Downfall of Pyracy, sung to the tune of What is greater Joy and Pleasure.

Will you hear of a bloody Battle,
Lately fought upon the Seas,
It will make your Ears to rattle,
And your Admiration cease;
Have you heard of Teach the Rover,
And his Knavery on the Main;
How of Gold he was a Lover,
How he lov'd all ill got Gain.
When the Act of Grace appeared,
Captain Teach with all his Men,
Unto Carolina steered,
Where they kindly us'd him then;
There he marry'd to a Lady,
And gave her five hundred Pound,
But to her he prov'd unsteady,
For he soon march'd of[f] the Ground.
And returned, as I tell you,
To his Robbery as before,
Burning, sinking Ships of value,
Filling them with Purple Gore;
When he was at Carolina,
There the Governor did send,
To the Governor of Virginia,
That he might assistance lend.
Then the Man of War's Commander,
` Two small Sloops he fitted out,
Fifty Men he put on board, Sir,
Who resolv'd to stand it out:
The Lieutenant he commanded
both the Sloops, and you shall hear,
How before he landed,
He suppress'd them without Fear.
Valiant Maynard as he sailed,
Soon the Pirate did espy,
With his Trumpet he then hailed,
And to him they did reply:
Captain Teach is our Commander,
Maynard said, he is the Man,
Whom I am resolv'd to hang Sir,
Let him do the best he can.
Teach reply'd unto Maynard,
You no Quarters here shall see,
But be hang'd on the Main-yard,
You and all your Company;
Maynard said, I none desire,
Of such Knaves as thee and thine,
None I'll give, Teach then replyed,
My Boys, give me a Glass of Wine.
He took the Glass, and drank Damnation,
Unto Maynard and his Crew;
To himself and Generation,
Then the Glass away he threw;
Brave Maynard was resolv'd to have him,
Tho' he'd Cannons nine or ten:
Teach a broadside quickly gave him,
Killing sixteen valiant Men.
Maynard boarded him, and to it
They fell with Sword and Pistol too;
They had Courage, and did show it,
Killing the Pirate's Crew.
Teach and Maynard on the Quarter,
Fought it out most manfully,
Maynard's Sword did cut him shorter,
Losing his Head, he there did die.
Every Sailor fought while he Sir,
Power had to weild [sic] the Sword,
Not a Coward could you see Sir,
Fear was driven from aboard:
Wounded Men on both Sides fell Sir,
'Twas a doleful Sight to see,
Nothing could their Courage quell Sir,
O, they fought courageously.
When the bloody Fight was over,
We're inform'd by a Letter writ,
Teach's Head was made a Cover,
To the Jack Staff of the Ship:
Thus they sailed to Virginia,
And when they the Story told,
How they kill'd the Pirates many,
They'd Applause from young and old."

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Jette

Jette Carr, a familiar sight down on the dock at the Community Store, died last Tuesday, November 11 after a lengthy illness. As the notice on the Ocracoke Post Office bulletin board noted, she was one of a kind...a woman who could sew a beautiful, lacy wedding dress in the morning, rebuild a diesel engine in the afternoon, and cook a gourmet dinner in the evening with the fish she'd caught. She always had a smile and a kind word when I would walk down the dock and pass her working on her commercial fishing boat.

Ocracoke will miss Jette and the way she added spice and character to our little island off the coast of North Carolina. Farewell!

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

The George W. Wells Redux

A couple of weeks ago I was walking along the beach north of the Pony Pen, and I noticed that the remains of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells, had become more exposed. Several days later I took the picture below. I haven't been down that way since the latest high tides, so I'm not sure if it's still as visible. But I thought our readers would like to see this rather large hunk of a once great sailing ship that has lain upon our beach for nearly 100 years.



(Click on photo to view larger image.)

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Blackbeard's Crew Returns to Ocracoke

Blackbeard's pirate crew is scheduled to be back on the island tomorrow. A number of those scalawags are here already. Dressed in tricorn hats, capes, boots, and waistcoats...with swords, pistols, and mugs suspended from their belts, they are accompanied by their women (some of who are also pirates).

Two years ago they were on Ocracoke to remember their fallen brethren, Blackbeard and his men, who were killed at Teach's Hole November 22, 1718. This year they are back again. If you are on the island be sure to stop by Blackbeard's Lodge at 1 o'clock tomorrow where they will gather for their procession to Springer's Point.

Follow along as they make their way to the shore. There you can listen to their proclamations and watch as they salute the dead with pistols and cannons.

Below are a few photos from the 2008 event. You can click on any photo to view a larger image.

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

AT&T Update

Here is the latest news from the street re. AT&T: A neighbor spoke with one of the AT&T workers. He says they still need to bring various pieces of equipment down to the island for installation. He thinks it will be February before AT&T service will be available on Ocracoke.

Just remember -- all cell phones have "Off" buttons. The off buttons work exceptionally well on the beach, while taking a moonlit stroll, chatting with friends, and inside stores and restaurants.

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Leonid Meteor Shower

Ocracoke Island is one of the best places to watch shooting stars. And tonight (and early Thursday morning) is one of the best nights to look for them. That is because Comet 55p/Tempel-Tuttle will be passing close to the earth. As it does, our planet intersects the path of the comet (and its past iterations). When particles of dust and debris associated with the comet (nearly always extremely tiny) pass through the earth's atmosphere (at more than 200 times the speed of sound) they are incinerated, leaving a visible trail of light as they streak across the sky. During the peak (late tonight and early tomorrow morning) observers may see as many as 60-100 shooting stars per hour. Because of a waxing gibbous moon, however, the number will likely be less.

By the way, this particular event is called the Leonid Meteor Shower because the shooting stars appear to radiate from the constellation Leo.

Maybe I'll see you out on the beach after dark this evening! If so, please give a wave.

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Autumn Color

Lou Ann and other folks off the island often call or write to tell me about the breathtaking fall colors in woods and forests in their areas. Not to be outdone, I am sharing with our readers today a photo I took of the turning leaves nestled among the branches of several evergreen cedar trees in my side yard. Enjoy!

Poison Ivy Exhibiting Fall Colors:



(Click on photo to view a larger image.)

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Testing Water Quality in Silver Lake

About two months ago several researchers conducted tests of the water quality in Silver Lake Harbor. The results of the tests will not be available until after all of the data has been analysed, sometime in 2011. In the meanwhile you can read more about this project in an article written for the Island Free Press by Pat Garber:

http://islandfreepress.org/2010Archives/11.08.2010-TestingWaterQualityOfOcracokesSilverLakeHarborIsUnderway.html

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Hyde County History

Several days ago my neighbor, Al Scarborough, showed me an interesting entry in "High Tides" Volume XXXII, Number 2, Fall 2010, the official journal of the Hyde County Historical & Genealogical Society.

I quote, " [Thaxton Selby, born 26 September, 1895] related to me a story he remembered hearing about the last man ever hung in Hyde County. His name was Scarborough. His reputation was that of a great hunter but one who believed in witchcraft. One day on the way hunting, he met an old woman who put a curse on him. Scarborough threatened to kill her, and one day she was found dead of a broken neck. The man denied killing her although he admitted drawing her picture and shooting it. Scarborough was hung at Lake Landing, but years later, another man admitted killing the old woman."

Al, thanks for that fascinating insight into the Scarborough family!

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Highway 12

I understand (from unofficial sources) that Highway 12 on the Outer Banks is now open to all traffic.

A Recent Visitor

I recently walked out of Village Craftsmen at 5 p.m. and noticed something peculiar at the corner of Amy & David's house. There, perched on a galvanized tub, was a cormorant. We very occasionally see an egret or a blue heron in the village, but I've never seen a cormorant alone and so far from the ocean or sound.

We thought maybe it was injured or ill, but it didn't seem to be. It stayed for a while, drinking from the tub, then flew away.

Click on photo to view a larger image.

By the way, Ocracoke Child Care is sponsoring a pig pickin' this afternoon at the Center starting at 2 pm. Plates are $10 each, and tea is included.

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmn.com/news102110.htm.

Road Closure

Announcement from Dare County Emergency Management Coordinator, N. H. "Sandy" Sanderson (received at 10:30 this morning): NC 12 is closed south of Oregon Inlet Bridge until further notice due to heavy overwash. Road is open north to Rodanthe.

Tolerance

On Tuesday evening Walt Wolfram, linguist from NC State University, researcher of the distinctive Ocracoke brogue, and long-time friend of of the island, gave a presentation after our annual Ocracoke Preservation Society meeting. In between playing recordings of a number of native speakers (including Roy Parsons, Essie O'Neal, Blanche Howard Jolliff, James Barrie Gaskill, & Chester Lynn) Walt made a very interesting comment.

He had just played a vintage recording of an old-time islander (she was born in 1892) relating the 1919 story of the young island woman who, at age 21, "changed into a man."

Walt said that he's been studying language for more than 40 years, and during that time he's researched four or five other islands. He pointed out, not surprisingly, that residents of islands can often be xenophobic. The Ocracoke recording illustrated something quite different. It was remarkable, he said, that even nearly a century ago, Ocracokers exhibited unusual tolerance, acceptance, and openness towards people who were different.

One of the reasons Walt so enjoys Ocracoke is because of the island's ready embrace of him and other "dingbatters." His comments reminded me of the wreck of the Vera Cruz in Ocracoke Inlet in 1903. The ship was carrying 399 black people from the Cape Verde islands, and they spoke only Portuguese. After being rescued, the Cape Verde islanders were housed and fed by the good people of Portsmouth (just across the inlet) for several days.

Today Ocracoke carries on that tradition of hospitality, openness, and tolerance. It's one of many reasons why I love calling Ocracoke "home."

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

National Veterans Day Ceremony

From the United States Department of Veterans Affairs:

"The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery . The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces."

Yesterday at the Ocracoke School a small ceremony was held to honor veterans living on or visiting Ocracoke Island.

Today we join with citizens all over the United States to honor and thank all veterans of our country's armed forces. Thank you for your service!

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Matchstick Puzzle

During our OcraFolk School, John Crowe, who, with his wife Joan, lives much of the year on Ocracoke, teased some of us with the following puzzle:

Lay out three rows of matchsticks, three in the top row, five in the middle row, and seven in the bottom row. Two players compete, taking turns. On each player's turn he or she may remove one or more of the matchsticks (including all of them) in any one row. The player who picks up the last matchstick is the loser.

I was showing this trick to Amy & David when Lachlan walked by. He immediately chastised us for "playing with matches," an activity he has been strongly warned against! We substituted toothpicks.

Anyway, if you want to try this trick with a friend, please keep in mind that the person who goes first can always win (if he or she knows how to play the game). OK, John, I'm ready to take you on (if you let me go first).

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Click on the photo below to view pewter kitchen items in Village Craftsmen's online catalog.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Veteran's Day Ceremony & OPS Meeting

There will be a Veteran's Day Ceremony at the Ocracoke School tomorrow at 8 a.m. All island veterans are encouraged to be present. The entire community is invited to attend. School will be closed on Thursday.

We honor and celebrate all of the men and women who have served in our armed forces. And we remember those who paid the ultimate price. May their sacrifices not be forgotten.

This evening at 6 pm the Ocracoke Preservation Society will be hosting a pot luck dinner. A short annual meeting will be held afterwards, followed by a presentation by Walt Wolfram who will share his latest research on the Ocracoke brogue.

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

A Windy Walk on the Beach

A walk on the Ocracoke beach this time of year always energizes me. Yesterday it was chilly and windy, but we had the beach pretty much to ourselves. There were lots of shells, well actually pieces of shells, scattered along the high tide line, but I never found any complete ones.

The last of the George W. Wells, a six masted schooner that wrecked in 1913, is more visible than it was this summer. A large section of timbers, with iron spikes and trunnels, is poking out of the sand. There were two trawlers working far out on the horizon. Pelicans glided by, sandpipers scampered at the edge of the water, and gulls pecked at a dead fish.

We looked for whales. It is rare to see a whale off shore, but it's almost always in November or December that they are sighted. But no, there were no whales to be seen yesterday. That didn't matter. It was just good to be out by the ocean, listening to the waves crashing on the shore, and feeling the wind on my face.

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Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Sooner or Later...

...we knew it would happen. Last week for several days our Verizon cell phones either didn't work, or they only worked sporadically. At first I thought it was just my phone. But then I heard neighbors saying they were also having trouble getting a signal.

Amy pointed out that one day we had seen a large crane working at the microwave tower. Someone else told me that AT&T was adding a dish to the tower. In the process of installing the new equipment our connections were disrupted. But now, apparently, Ocracoke will have one more cell phone provider.

Just thought our visitors with AT&T would like to know that you can no longer get away from your office when vacationing on Ocracoke (unless you just turn your phones off!).

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Sea Turtles

Volunteers are being recruited along the Outer Banks to learn how to rescue young sea turtles that are stunned by cold water and become lethargic along our shores before they can make it to the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream.

Anyone interested in contributing time to help these endangered turtles please meet at the lighthouse in Buxton on Tuesday, November 9 at 10 a.m.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Yard Sales

Tomorrow morning three local organizations will be holding yard sales:

• The Ocracoke United Methodist Church's yard sale and annual bazaar starts at 9 a.m. on the church lawn. Lunch (Ocracoke clam chowder, soup, sandwiches, drinks, and deserts) will be available starting at 10:30.
• The Ocracoke Assembly of God's yard sale begins at 8 a.m. with lunch (BBQ, coleslaw, baked beans, roll, & tea) at 11 a.m.
• Ocracats, our island group dedicated to feeding and caring for Ocracoke feral cats will hold their yard sale on the Pony Island Motel lawn from 8 a.m to 2 p.m.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Pizza!

Come on out to the Ocracoke Pizza Company on Highway 12 this evening from 5 - 8 p.m. for delicious, freshly baked pizza. 50% of every sale will go to support the Ocracoke Elite Girls Basketball Team. 100% of tips will go to the cause.

You may call 928-0099 to place your order (large pizzas only!). There's even free delivery.

Funds raised will help pay for the team to travel to the Tournament in Bristol, Virginia, November 12-14.

GO DOLPHINS!!!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Congratulations!

The Ocracoke High School Boys Cross Country Team just qualified for the NC State Championships. Wow! I talked with co-coach Kitty Mitchell on Tuesday. She reminded me that this is the team's very first year...and that they got a late start practicing...and that four of the five team members are only in ninth grade.

At the East Regionals at Manteo on October 30, every Ocracoke runner, boys and girls, ran their best times by a minute or more. There were 15 schools represented at the regional championships from 4 conferences. The first four teams would advance to the State Championships. The Dolphin girls placed 6th and the boys placed 4th, advancing on to the State championships this Saturday in Kernersville on November 6th. We send them off with encouragement and good wishes from the Ocracoke community.

The Dolphin boys are Joe Chestnut, Carlos DeLao, Wyatt Norris, Adam Carter and Andrew Tillett. The girls are Echo Bennink, Karina Rodriguez, Alin Tellez, Diana Perez and Annie Buchanan. Coaches are Kitty Mitchell and Charles Temple.

Congratulations! Below are a few photos, courtesy of Kitty Mitchell. Click on any photo to view a larger image.

Ocracoke Boy's & Girl's Varsity Cross Country Teams, 2010:



Andrew Tillett Approaches the Finish Line:



Alin Tellez:



Carlos DeLao Approaches the Finish Line:



After the Race Celebration:

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Halloween Traditions on Ocracoke

Several readers have asked about Halloween traditions on Ocracoke. Please keep in mind that my father left the island when he was just a teenager, and we only came back home in the summer months. So I had never spent an October on Ocracoke until the early 1970s. However, the teenagers and young adults had a long tradition of playing pranks and getting into mischief on Halloween.

By the 1970s the capers and shenanigans had reached a questionable zenith. It was not unusual on the morning after Halloween to discover wooden skiffs and pilings dragged up on the highway. Many signs were pulled down, and outdoor furniture, trashcans, & lawn ornaments were scattered all around the neighborhood. But by far the most popular activity was throwing eggs. Teenagers would purchase cases of eggs and hide them in the woods weeks (or months!) before Halloween. You can imagine the results when rotten eggs hit commercial signs, houses, cars...and, of course, people.

Finally parents, teachers, ministers, and deputies made a concerted effort to stop the destructive behavior. The situation has gotten much better in recent years. Yesterday morning, for example, I only saw a few broken egg shells on Howard Street...and when the teenagers do go "egging" they pretty much know to just throw them at each other and not at neighbors' houses and businesses, or at passing automobiles. I haven't heard of any complaints lately.

It seems that modern day trick-or-treating didn't come to Ocracoke until sometime in the early 1960s or thereabouts. Much earlier, at the turn of the 20th century, young adults would dress up (perhaps in old clothes they found in the attic, with stockings pulled over their heads) and go door to door around the village. No treats of any kind were involved, and the young folks in costumes never spoke. The homeowners would try to guess who the young people were, but often they would simply leave without saying a word.

By the 1920s that tradition had waned, though six or eight young people revived the custom again after World War II, for two or three years. Again, no treats were involved.

Blanche tells me that when she was six or seven years old (about 1927) her mama let her dress up in a fancy dress and walk across the lane to her Aunt Sue's, but she went alone, and only to that one house. Blanche remembers about a half dozen youngsters coming to her house. Again, there were no treats.

Blanche does remember that her first or second grade teacher helped the students make paper pumpkins and black cats to hang in the schoolhouse windows to celebrate Halloween.

Today, Halloween, with a school parade, carnival, trick-or-treating in the village, and, alas, some egging is a popular holiday.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Trick or Treat

Last night I joined Lachlan (and Amy & David, and neighbors) trick or treating down Lighthouse Road. For many years Lighthouse Road has been the primary trick or treat destination for island children. The street was crowded with witches, gladiators, jellyfish, vampires, gypsies, bananas, and even a ghost or two.

Along the way I invited a couple of people over to my house after the children were back home. About a dozen folks stopped by, and we sat out on my pizer chatting and telling stories. It's still warm here, so most of us were wearing t-shirts or other summer clothing. It was such a pleasant evening...hardly any mosquitoes, no humidity...just a delightful opportunity to spend time with neighbors and enjoy being part of a close knit community.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article, with a number of photos, documenting the history of water cisterns on Ocracoke Island. Click on the following link to go directly there: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.