As we have done the last several years, we will again be suspending our Ocracoke Journal for several weeks in order to more fully enjoy the holidays with our family and friends. This will be our last post until January 6, 2013.
In the meanwhile, we wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah (I know it's almost over), a Delightful Winter Solstice, a Wonderful Kwanzaa, and a Joyous New Year filled with peace and love.
We will be back here January 6. Be sure to join us in 2013.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Another Poem
Today I share one more poem written by Vernon Ward. It is not exactly about Ocracoke, but it does have a nautical theme.
Silver Night
A silver ship in a silver sea,
And hardly a stir at all,
A drooping sail and an idle wheel
And a lazy lift and fall,
The hot air of a heavy night
And a song for you and me:
No silver night is idle, Lad,
When we are off at sea.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed at Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Silver Night
A silver ship in a silver sea,
And hardly a stir at all,
A drooping sail and an idle wheel
And a lazy lift and fall,
The hot air of a heavy night
And a song for you and me:
No silver night is idle, Lad,
When we are off at sea.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed at Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Beyond This Present
Several weeks ago a neighbor discovered a sheaf of poems by Vernon Albert Ward, Jr. (1913-2000) who procured a summer job on Ocracoke in 1938, and helped establish an "Artists Colony" on the island in 1940 & 1941 (http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112908.htm). The 48 pages of poems are yellow and brittle, but they reveal an idealistic young man struggling with life, beauty, love, sex, politics, war, and peace.
Most of the poems do not refer to Ocracoke, but one political poem does. "Beyond This Present" references "The meeting of four great men in Europe this week, The dismemberment of Czechoslovakia" (almost certainly the 1938 "Munich Agreement" by which Nazi Germany annexed portions of Czechoslovakia, which was signed by Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy).
The poet writes:
"Here on this island
All outwardly is quiet.
The sun warms the sand,
The sea runs gently,
And the forests are still.
Fisherman steer their boats
Into the sound
And fish their nets.
Housewives milk in the morning
And quilt in the evening.
Young people dance
At the Village."
He goes on to say:
"But underneath the calm
A strong tide is running.
The people are restless,
Disturbed inwardly."
He ends his poem this way:
"For I am not one
Of this mad generation.
Mine is the land of universal love.
"Rather,
I look beyond the war that is coming
To the time of peace and rebuilding,
To the time when all men of all nations
Will join hands in brotherhood,
When every man will work for the good of all
And the earth will be returned to man.
"I, for one,
Look beyond this present
To the time of peace.
For beyond this present
A new light is shining."
Let us join with Vernon Ward, and again hope that this coming Christmas season will bring us closer to a "time of peace" with a "new light shining."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the time Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Most of the poems do not refer to Ocracoke, but one political poem does. "Beyond This Present" references "The meeting of four great men in Europe this week, The dismemberment of Czechoslovakia" (almost certainly the 1938 "Munich Agreement" by which Nazi Germany annexed portions of Czechoslovakia, which was signed by Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy).
The poet writes:
"Here on this island
All outwardly is quiet.
The sun warms the sand,
The sea runs gently,
And the forests are still.
Fisherman steer their boats
Into the sound
And fish their nets.
Housewives milk in the morning
And quilt in the evening.
Young people dance
At the Village."
He goes on to say:
"But underneath the calm
A strong tide is running.
The people are restless,
Disturbed inwardly."
He ends his poem this way:
"For I am not one
Of this mad generation.
Mine is the land of universal love.
"Rather,
I look beyond the war that is coming
To the time of peace and rebuilding,
To the time when all men of all nations
Will join hands in brotherhood,
When every man will work for the good of all
And the earth will be returned to man.
"I, for one,
Look beyond this present
To the time of peace.
For beyond this present
A new light is shining."
Let us join with Vernon Ward, and again hope that this coming Christmas season will bring us closer to a "time of peace" with a "new light shining."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the time Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Charles Temple
Mark your calendar for this Thursday December 13 at
7:00 p.m., and meet at the Ocracoke Library.
In May of 2011, Charles Temple, Ocracoke School’s high school English teacher was the winner of Jeopardy’s first Teachers Tournament. He will share his experiences and more in his talk entitled: "Alex, I’ll Take Lifelong Learning for One Hundred Thousand Dollars! An Insider’s View"
Reception to follow.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
In May of 2011, Charles Temple, Ocracoke School’s high school English teacher was the winner of Jeopardy’s first Teachers Tournament. He will share his experiences and more in his talk entitled: "Alex, I’ll Take Lifelong Learning for One Hundred Thousand Dollars! An Insider’s View"
Reception to follow.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Aunt Thelma
My Aunt Thelma Howard Babb (born December 23, 1912 on Ocracoke Island) died on Tuesday, November 27, 2012. As her daughter Becky put it, she was 99.92 years old!
Aunt Thelma moved away from Ocracoke when she was a teenager, and lived in Norfolk for a number of years. She did return to live on the island for a while when she was young, and throughout her life she loved to come back to visit family and friends. In recent years she lived near her daughter in Texas. Becky remarked that "Ocracoke was one of the last things she remembered. She loved the island immensely."
Aunt Thelma was my father's sister. She was only fourteen months younger than my dad, and they remained close friends throughout their lives. A number of older island residents remember Aunt Thelma well. "She would always keep you laughing," is a frequent comment made by people who knew her. Aunt Thelma had an infectious smile, a twinkle in her eye, and a knack for telling entertaining stories that are told and retold (some of them best saved for family get togethers over a glass of wine!).
Aunt Thelma leaves behind three granddaughters, six great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many other dear family and friends.
After her mama died Becky discovered the following hand-written passage that Aunt Thelma read at her own mother's funeral in 1950. Becky read it at Aunt Thelma's funeral last week.
Aunt Thelma moved away from Ocracoke when she was a teenager, and lived in Norfolk for a number of years. She did return to live on the island for a while when she was young, and throughout her life she loved to come back to visit family and friends. In recent years she lived near her daughter in Texas. Becky remarked that "Ocracoke was one of the last things she remembered. She loved the island immensely."
Aunt Thelma was my father's sister. She was only fourteen months younger than my dad, and they remained close friends throughout their lives. A number of older island residents remember Aunt Thelma well. "She would always keep you laughing," is a frequent comment made by people who knew her. Aunt Thelma had an infectious smile, a twinkle in her eye, and a knack for telling entertaining stories that are told and retold (some of them best saved for family get togethers over a glass of wine!).
Aunt Thelma leaves behind three granddaughters, six great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many other dear family and friends.
After her mama died Becky discovered the following hand-written passage that Aunt Thelma read at her own mother's funeral in 1950. Becky read it at Aunt Thelma's funeral last week.
In Memory of Mother
The Midnight Stars are shining above her
silent grave,
Beneath it sleeps the one we love and the
one we could not save.
What would we give to hold her hand, her
dear face just to touch,
Her
loving smile, her welcome voice, that meant so much to us.
Just when life was not quite the best....
The gates of heaven opened and God took
her home to rest...
The hills were hard to climb...
He gently closed your eyes and whispered,
Please be mine.
Gone but not forgotten...
Monday, December 10, 2012
Coral
One day last week, as I was walking along the high tide line, I spotted a thin pink object protruding from under a pile of seaweed. Thinking it was a plastic streamer or a deflated section of a balloon, I reached down to rid the beach of it. To my surprise, I discovered that it was a piece of hard coral in the shape of delicate and graceful tentacles. Within a half a mile I found another specimen. I can't remember ever before finding such a coral on Ocracoke's beach.
An Internet search yielded only the following Wikipedia photo of a similar, but differently colored coral:
Perhaps one of our readers can identify the coral I found on the beach. Please leave a comment if you can.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
 |
| Pink Coral Found at Ocracoke, Dec. 2012 |
An Internet search yielded only the following Wikipedia photo of a similar, but differently colored coral:
 |
| Corail_à_Myrtle..._le_retour.jpg by Maniacduhockey |
Perhaps one of our readers can identify the coral I found on the beach. Please leave a comment if you can.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Sunday, December 09, 2012
Still More Christmas Traditions
On Friday & Saturday I shared some Ocracoke Island Christmas traditions, and promised a few more for today.
Many years ago (at the turn of the twentieth century) some island children kept an old custom of visiting family and friends at Christmastime, and holding out their hands, palm up. "Christmas treats," they would say, and be rewarded with a few pennies or a nickle or a dime.
I'm sure this practice hearkens back to the tradition alluded to in the seasonal song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas":
One year two local carpenters built a large faux fireplace and chimney for the Christmas celebration at the Northern Methodist church. After the children's program of scripture reading, carols, and a pageant, Ben Gaskill (1871-1953), dressed as Santa and hidden in the chimney, was to descend from the fireplace to distribute bags of fruit, nuts, and candy. Unfortunately, his pack was too large, and he got stuck in the chimney, and had to be rescued. Still today, a few older residents get a chuckle thinking of the time Santa Claus got stuck in the chimney!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Many years ago (at the turn of the twentieth century) some island children kept an old custom of visiting family and friends at Christmastime, and holding out their hands, palm up. "Christmas treats," they would say, and be rewarded with a few pennies or a nickle or a dime.
I'm sure this practice hearkens back to the tradition alluded to in the seasonal song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas":
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer
We won't go until we get some;
We won't go until we get some;
We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here
For a number of years Ocracoke had two Methodist churches. The Southern church was located on Howard Street (where Dicie's Cottage is today); the Northern church was located on the Back Road (where Zillie's is today).
One year two local carpenters built a large faux fireplace and chimney for the Christmas celebration at the Northern Methodist church. After the children's program of scripture reading, carols, and a pageant, Ben Gaskill (1871-1953), dressed as Santa and hidden in the chimney, was to descend from the fireplace to distribute bags of fruit, nuts, and candy. Unfortunately, his pack was too large, and he got stuck in the chimney, and had to be rescued. Still today, a few older residents get a chuckle thinking of the time Santa Claus got stuck in the chimney!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Saturday, December 08, 2012
More Christmas Traditions
Yesterday I shared a few island Christmas traditions. Today I share a few more. (Also be sure to read the two messages I posted earlier this morning.)
Amasa Fulcher opened the Community Store in 1918. By then Christmas gift giving had become more common on Ocracoke. At Christmastime Mace would rearrange the center shelf of his store, and pile it high with toys, gifts, and other enticements for the holiday season. Blanche remembers books (Bible stories and fairy tales), dolls and other toys, games (dominoes and checkers), and clothing.
Of course, Sears & Roebuck and other mail order stores provided Christmas presents as well.
In many communities turkey or ham provided the main Christmas dinner. On Ocracoke goose was the preferred dish. Smothered in giblet gravy, and served with collards, sweet potatoes, and pone bread, it was a true southern holiday meal. Popular desserts were sweet potato pie and pineapple layer cake.
Although several Ocracoke families continued to celebrate "Old Christmas" even after the adoption of the Gregorian Calendar in 1752, it is only at Rodanthe on Hatteras Island that the tradition continues.
In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII proclaimed a new calendar to replace the old Julian calendar which had miscalculated the length of the year. In order to bring the calendar back into sync with the seasons he eliminated 10 days.
Protestant Europe initially would have none of this foolishness. But they would eventually capitulate.
By the time England adopted the new calendar, Christmas (on the Julian Calendar) now corresponded with January 5 (on the Gregorian Calendar). The town of Rodanthe still celebrates "Old Christmas" with an oyster roast, revelry, and the appearance of "Old Buck." Do an Internet search for "Rodanthe Old Christmas" for more information.
Look for still more Christmas traditions tomorrow.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Amasa Fulcher opened the Community Store in 1918. By then Christmas gift giving had become more common on Ocracoke. At Christmastime Mace would rearrange the center shelf of his store, and pile it high with toys, gifts, and other enticements for the holiday season. Blanche remembers books (Bible stories and fairy tales), dolls and other toys, games (dominoes and checkers), and clothing.
Of course, Sears & Roebuck and other mail order stores provided Christmas presents as well.
In many communities turkey or ham provided the main Christmas dinner. On Ocracoke goose was the preferred dish. Smothered in giblet gravy, and served with collards, sweet potatoes, and pone bread, it was a true southern holiday meal. Popular desserts were sweet potato pie and pineapple layer cake.
Although several Ocracoke families continued to celebrate "Old Christmas" even after the adoption of the Gregorian Calendar in 1752, it is only at Rodanthe on Hatteras Island that the tradition continues.
In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII proclaimed a new calendar to replace the old Julian calendar which had miscalculated the length of the year. In order to bring the calendar back into sync with the seasons he eliminated 10 days.
Protestant Europe initially would have none of this foolishness. But they would eventually capitulate.
By the time England adopted the new calendar, Christmas (on the Julian Calendar) now corresponded with January 5 (on the Gregorian Calendar). The town of Rodanthe still celebrates "Old Christmas" with an oyster roast, revelry, and the appearance of "Old Buck." Do an Internet search for "Rodanthe Old Christmas" for more information.
Look for still more Christmas traditions tomorrow.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Birthday!
Today (December 8) is Blanche's birthday. If you see her be sure to wish her a Very Happy Birthday! Blanche is an island treasure.
Today's Island Christmas Events
- Library Cookie Swap at 11 a.m. at the library. More details and photos here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/50298
- Ocracoke Community Christmas Concert7pm at the Community Center
More information here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/50778
Friday, December 07, 2012
Christmas Traditions
Several days ago a reader asked about Ocracoke Island Christmas traditions. As in many rural areas, Christmas on Ocracoke was a much more modest holiday in the nineteenth century. Although a detailed history of Christmas celebrations is too long for this blog, keep in mind that Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, a novel that greatly influenced our perceptions of Christmas and the way we celebrate the holiday today, was written only in 1843.
My father was born on Ocracoke in 1911. Blanche's father, Stacey Howard, was born on the island in 1885. We both remember our fathers remarking that Christmas presents were rare and modest when they were children. Some years there were no presents at all; other years children might receive an apple or an orange. One Christmas my father had a single orange in his stocking. He remembered rolling it back and forth across the floor with his sister for several days before finally eating it.
Although Blanche says she remembers always having a Christmas tree (a native cedar) in her house (she was born in 1919), earlier generations cut cedar branches and yaupon sprigs (with red berries) to decorate their homes. In later years paper streamers and "fold-out" paper bells festooned living rooms.
For a century and a quarter the Ocracoke Methodist Church has provided a large tree as the centerpiece for the community's Christmas Eve celebration. In earlier days parents would bring presents for their children and place them under the tree, or hang them from the branches. Inevitably some gifts were larger or more expensive than others which led to the abandonment of the practice. Instead, the church began providing "Christmas bags" filled with apples, oranges, peanuts, and candy for everyone in the community.
Santa Claus has long been an attendant at the Ocracoke Methodist Church's Christmas Eve service. He makes his entrance after the benediction, visits with children, and distributes the bags of goodies. Of course, the church's Christmas bags are no longer the primary holiday present for island children. The church still provides the bags of goodies as a unique island tradition, but nowadays only for those who request them.
Look for more Ocracoke holiday traditions in tomorrow's blog.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
My father was born on Ocracoke in 1911. Blanche's father, Stacey Howard, was born on the island in 1885. We both remember our fathers remarking that Christmas presents were rare and modest when they were children. Some years there were no presents at all; other years children might receive an apple or an orange. One Christmas my father had a single orange in his stocking. He remembered rolling it back and forth across the floor with his sister for several days before finally eating it.
Although Blanche says she remembers always having a Christmas tree (a native cedar) in her house (she was born in 1919), earlier generations cut cedar branches and yaupon sprigs (with red berries) to decorate their homes. In later years paper streamers and "fold-out" paper bells festooned living rooms.
For a century and a quarter the Ocracoke Methodist Church has provided a large tree as the centerpiece for the community's Christmas Eve celebration. In earlier days parents would bring presents for their children and place them under the tree, or hang them from the branches. Inevitably some gifts were larger or more expensive than others which led to the abandonment of the practice. Instead, the church began providing "Christmas bags" filled with apples, oranges, peanuts, and candy for everyone in the community.
Santa Claus has long been an attendant at the Ocracoke Methodist Church's Christmas Eve service. He makes his entrance after the benediction, visits with children, and distributes the bags of goodies. Of course, the church's Christmas bags are no longer the primary holiday present for island children. The church still provides the bags of goodies as a unique island tradition, but nowadays only for those who request them.
Look for more Ocracoke holiday traditions in tomorrow's blog.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Thursday, December 06, 2012
Holiday Cookie Swap
This Saturday, December 8, at 11 a.m., the Ocracoke Community Library will host their annual tradition
of The Holiday Cookie Swap
It's simple. Bring some cookies to the library, and bring some home. There will be a poetry reading by the 3rd grade students of Ocracoke School and this year Jocelyn and Jessica will be hosting a special Christmas Trivia Contest just for the library!
Everyone is welcome! This is how the Cookie Swap works:
Bring a dozen or more homemade cookies to share.
Take home an equal amount of assorted cookies made by other
island bakers.
Yum!
Please bring an extra container to
collect your cookies.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
It's simple. Bring some cookies to the library, and bring some home. There will be a poetry reading by the 3rd grade students of Ocracoke School and this year Jocelyn and Jessica will be hosting a special Christmas Trivia Contest just for the library!
Everyone is welcome! This is how the Cookie Swap works:
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Christmas Tree
I suppose this might become an annual Ocracoke holiday tradition. It seems as if every fall a storm washes a dead tree up on the beach. Last year someone planted a driftwood tree in the sand near the lifeguard beach, and hung a few flotsam & jetsam "ornaments" on it. Others added their own findings.
I was thinking about last year's tree when I noticed another dead tree lying on the beach a week or so ago, but I never propped it up. Then a few days ago I was walking near the Pony Pen beach when I saw this year's tree. It was already planted in the sand, festooned with seashells, a flipflop, a Milk Dud box, and assorted other items.
The tree is a visual testament to islanders' creativity and quirkiness. Take a beach walk down by the Pony Pen and add a seashell, some seaweed, or another treasure.
Don't worry, we'll undecorate the tree after Christmas.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
I was thinking about last year's tree when I noticed another dead tree lying on the beach a week or so ago, but I never propped it up. Then a few days ago I was walking near the Pony Pen beach when I saw this year's tree. It was already planted in the sand, festooned with seashells, a flipflop, a Milk Dud box, and assorted other items.
The tree is a visual testament to islanders' creativity and quirkiness. Take a beach walk down by the Pony Pen and add a seashell, some seaweed, or another treasure.
 |
| Beach Christmas Tree |
Don't worry, we'll undecorate the tree after Christmas.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Wassail Party
"Waes hael," ("Good Health!" or "Be Ye Healthy") is how English revelers many years ago greeted friends and neighbors as they held up a
mug of spiced cider during the winter holidays.
Eventually, the expression came to mean the drink as well as the greeting. Later, the toast that was traditionally floated atop the wassail drink became our "toast." When you hold up your glass and announce, "I'll toast to that," you are acknowledging this very old ritual of floating a bit of toast in a mug of spiced cider.
Join the members and staff of Ocracoke Preservation Society this afternoon from 5 - 7 for the island's traditional Wassail Party and lighting of the OPS Christmas Tree.
Good Health to You All!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Eventually, the expression came to mean the drink as well as the greeting. Later, the toast that was traditionally floated atop the wassail drink became our "toast." When you hold up your glass and announce, "I'll toast to that," you are acknowledging this very old ritual of floating a bit of toast in a mug of spiced cider.
Join the members and staff of Ocracoke Preservation Society this afternoon from 5 - 7 for the island's traditional Wassail Party and lighting of the OPS Christmas Tree.
Good Health to You All!
Wassail, first started
as a greeting or as a toast. Waes hael, revelers might say holding up a
mug of spiced cider. Eventually, as things go, wassail referred less
often to the greeting and more often to the drink. Similarly, the toast
that was traditionally floated atop the wassail eventually became our
toast; that is, when you hold up your glass and announce, “Let’s have a
toast,” or ”I’ll toast to that,” you’re paying homage to this very old
ritual of floating a bit of toast in a spiced ...
Read More at nourishedkitchen.com/traditional-wassail-recipe/ © Nourished Kitchen
Read More at nourishedkitchen.com/traditional-wassail-recipe/ © Nourished Kitchen
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Monday, December 03, 2012
Whale
Whale sightings are most common from Ocracoke in November and December, so it wasn't too surprising when Amy called me two days ago from the beach to say that she and Laura had just seen a whale off shore. I am almost always ready to take a walk on the beach, especially this time of year, so I drove out to the "Lifeguard Beach" to take a look.
By the time I arrived the whale had apparently swum away, so we walked and chatted for a half hour. When we returned to the walk-over ramp we stood for a while, gazing out to sea, hoping we would get one final glimpse of this majestic creature.
Sure enough, we were quickly rewarded with a spout of water and air far beyond the breakers. Immediately afterwards the great dark form of the whale rolled up, out, and then back down. This was repeated a number of times. It was impossible to tell if we were seeing one whale, or several. And the display was too far out to get a decent photo.
If you are walking along the beach this time of year, be sure to pay attention to what's going on off shore. There are almost always plenty of dolphins to entertain...and occasionally leviathan pays us a visit also.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
By the time I arrived the whale had apparently swum away, so we walked and chatted for a half hour. When we returned to the walk-over ramp we stood for a while, gazing out to sea, hoping we would get one final glimpse of this majestic creature.
Sure enough, we were quickly rewarded with a spout of water and air far beyond the breakers. Immediately afterwards the great dark form of the whale rolled up, out, and then back down. This was repeated a number of times. It was impossible to tell if we were seeing one whale, or several. And the display was too far out to get a decent photo.
If you are walking along the beach this time of year, be sure to pay attention to what's going on off shore. There are almost always plenty of dolphins to entertain...and occasionally leviathan pays us a visit also.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Whelk Egg Case
Back in March I posted a few paragraphs about whelk egg cases (http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2012/03/egg-cases.html). But the specimen I had was just eight capsules long. A few days ago I found a long, fresh serpentine string of egg cases. Sometimes they are called Mermaids necklaces.
The whelk shells inside each capsule are so tiny (about 4mm) that I could not get a decent photo. I had to use a magnifying lens even to see them clearly.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
 |
| Whelk Egg Case |
The whelk shells inside each capsule are so tiny (about 4mm) that I could not get a decent photo. I had to use a magnifying lens even to see them clearly.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Saturday, December 01, 2012
"Calling the Mail Over"
Many of our readers have heard the expression "calling the mail over." Back in the days before ferries and paved roads, mail was delivered to the island by mail boat. When the boat pulled up to the dock every afternoon at 4:30 almost the entire village was there waiting.
Canvas mailbags were carried to the post office and sorted. Then the postmaster stepped outside and "called the mail over." Names were called out, and letters and packages passed around.
Since the recent damage to NC Hwy 12 on Pea Island, mail and package delivery some days reverts to the old ways. If the driver doesn't have time to deliver his packages before the next Swan Quarter ferry leaves, we all just gather in one place as boxes and parcels are "called over" and passed out.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Canvas mailbags were carried to the post office and sorted. Then the postmaster stepped outside and "called the mail over." Names were called out, and letters and packages passed around.
Since the recent damage to NC Hwy 12 on Pea Island, mail and package delivery some days reverts to the old ways. If the driver doesn't have time to deliver his packages before the next Swan Quarter ferry leaves, we all just gather in one place as boxes and parcels are "called over" and passed out.
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| A Full Parking Lot, Waiting for Package Delivery |
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| Islanders Waiting at the PO for the Mail to be "Called Over" |
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Deer Tracks
For many years Ocracoke was home to very few mammals. The most noticeable, of course, were human beings. We did have wild horses, quite a few feral cats, nutria, rats & mice, some minks, eventually squirrels, now raccoons, and an occasional bear that would swim over from the mainland.
About 15 or so years ago islanders began reporting deer on the island. I occasionally noticed deer tracks in the National Park, and on one early morning drive to the Hatteras ferry a doe and her fawn bounded across the road in front of my car.
I hadn't noticed evidence of deer, or heard about any sightings, for quite a while. I thought they had vanished. So, on a recent walk in the Park I was intrigued to see numerous deer tracks "down below" (this is anywhere from the edge of the village to Hatteras Inlet). I was not too far from the Pony Pen when I spotted the tracks.
Let me know if any of you have seen deer on the island recently.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
About 15 or so years ago islanders began reporting deer on the island. I occasionally noticed deer tracks in the National Park, and on one early morning drive to the Hatteras ferry a doe and her fawn bounded across the road in front of my car.
I hadn't noticed evidence of deer, or heard about any sightings, for quite a while. I thought they had vanished. So, on a recent walk in the Park I was intrigued to see numerous deer tracks "down below" (this is anywhere from the edge of the village to Hatteras Inlet). I was not too far from the Pony Pen when I spotted the tracks.
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| Deer Track |
Let me know if any of you have seen deer on the island recently.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Christmas Market
Mark your calendars for this Saturday December 1st. The Ocracoke United Methodist Women will be holding a Christmas Market at the Methodist Church Rec
Hall. Silent auction and craft
sale start at 10 a.m.
A special treat this year will be a delicious lunch of shrimp burgers and clam chowder starting at 11 a.m. Hot dogs & baked goods will also be offered.
10% of the Market's proceeds will be donated to UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief) for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
You can stop by the Church Rec Hall Friday evening between 4 and 6 p.m. to preview auction items. A list of auction items can be found here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/50049.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
A special treat this year will be a delicious lunch of shrimp burgers and clam chowder starting at 11 a.m. Hot dogs & baked goods will also be offered.
10% of the Market's proceeds will be donated to UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief) for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
You can stop by the Church Rec Hall Friday evening between 4 and 6 p.m. to preview auction items. A list of auction items can be found here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/50049.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Olives
The winter beach is more likely to yield seashells than the summer beach. Late summer and fall hurricanes and storms stir up the sea floor, and fewer people are walking on the beach, especially on cold and blustery days.
Not long ago I stumbled upon two nice olive shells while walking along the beach. I wasn't even looking for them...just out taking a brisk walk. But of course I stopped to pick them up.
If you are on the island this time of year, keep your eyes open for treasures from the sea.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Not long ago I stumbled upon two nice olive shells while walking along the beach. I wasn't even looking for them...just out taking a brisk walk. But of course I stopped to pick them up.
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| Lettered Olive Shells |
If you are on the island this time of year, keep your eyes open for treasures from the sea.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Ocracoke Cutie
I've located another vintage Ocracoke video. I was chatting with Melissa Garrish Sharber at the post office a few days ago and she alerted me to a YouTube video of the 1990 July 4th entertainment at the Ocracoke Preservation Museum. The "sailors" from the local musical "A Tale of Blackbeard" were performing one of their favorite numbers, "Ocracoke Cutie."
Danny Garrish, Melissa's daddy, and one of the funniest and most delightful people I've ever known, has the lead (he played the ship's cook). My son Stefen played the lead romantic role and sings the duet with Danny.
Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_OJKwfUGK8.
If you remember "A Tale of Blackbeard," Danny, Stefen, or any of the other actors, leave a comment with your recollections. I hope you enjoy the video.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Danny Garrish, Melissa's daddy, and one of the funniest and most delightful people I've ever known, has the lead (he played the ship's cook). My son Stefen played the lead romantic role and sings the duet with Danny.
Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_OJKwfUGK8.
If you remember "A Tale of Blackbeard," Danny, Stefen, or any of the other actors, leave a comment with your recollections. I hope you enjoy the video.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Winter Roses
A few days before Thanksgiving I noticed these lovely winter roses blooming in my front yard. Maybe they are a sign that winter won't be too severe.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Gift Giving
I was volunteering at the Community Square Market two days ago..."Black Friday." My grandson, Eakin, was visiting from his home in the mountains of North Carolina. About an hour after we opened the market we had five people quietly looking at merchandise. Eakin leaned over and whispered to me, "It's the Black Friday rush!"
Business picked up as the day progressed, and we at Village Craftsmen had a burst of business in spite of recent problems with NC Highway 12. Of course, everything will slow down again now that the Thanksgiving holidays are over.
But don't forget that Village Craftsmen has a large selection of hand made American crafts that are just perfect for holiday gift giving. Visit our on-line catalog (http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/catalog.htm) to see a selection of our pottery, glassware, jewelry, musical instruments, and much more.
Our quality American handcrafts are bound to please almost anyone on your Christmas gift list.
Business picked up as the day progressed, and we at Village Craftsmen had a burst of business in spite of recent problems with NC Highway 12. Of course, everything will slow down again now that the Thanksgiving holidays are over.
But don't forget that Village Craftsmen has a large selection of hand made American crafts that are just perfect for holiday gift giving. Visit our on-line catalog (http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/catalog.htm) to see a selection of our pottery, glassware, jewelry, musical instruments, and much more.
Our quality American handcrafts are bound to please almost anyone on your Christmas gift list.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Concert
I was wrong. I thought there would be a smaller crowd for this year's Festival Fundraising Concert. After all, the road on Hatteras Island is still closed periodically, even for four-wheel-drive vehicles. And yesterday morning, because of fog, none of the ferries were running.
But last night the Community Center was packed with enthusiastic Ocracoke residents and visitors. And no one was disappointed. As usual, talented island musicians entertained the crowd with rousing jazz numbers, thoughtful original tunes, and traditional local ballads. There were even two popular sing-alongs -- "Avast" from the musical A Tale of Blackbeard, and "You Are My Sunshine." In addition, Captain Rob Temple told a new Thanksgiving poem he wrote recently, Donald Davis shared a new story, and I told the story of the 1889 wreck of the steamboat Pioneer.
As they say, a fun night was had by all!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
But last night the Community Center was packed with enthusiastic Ocracoke residents and visitors. And no one was disappointed. As usual, talented island musicians entertained the crowd with rousing jazz numbers, thoughtful original tunes, and traditional local ballads. There were even two popular sing-alongs -- "Avast" from the musical A Tale of Blackbeard, and "You Are My Sunshine." In addition, Captain Rob Temple told a new Thanksgiving poem he wrote recently, Donald Davis shared a new story, and I told the story of the 1889 wreck of the steamboat Pioneer.
As they say, a fun night was had by all!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Tell A Story, Listen to A Story
As I mentioned two days ago, today is "National Day of Listening."
This is a great opportunity to sit down with a family member or friend and listen to their stories. This year StoryCorps, promoter of this recognition, is encouraging us to listen to stories of veterans, active duty military, and their families. You can read more here: (http://nationaldayoflistening.org/):
"The National Day of Listening is a day to honor a loved one through listening. It's the least expensive but most meaningful gift you can give this holiday season. You can choose to record a story with anyone you know. Learn more here."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
This is a great opportunity to sit down with a family member or friend and listen to their stories. This year StoryCorps, promoter of this recognition, is encouraging us to listen to stories of veterans, active duty military, and their families. You can read more here: (http://nationaldayoflistening.org/):
"The National Day of Listening is a day to honor a loved one through listening. It's the least expensive but most meaningful gift you can give this holiday season. You can choose to record a story with anyone you know. Learn more here."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing all of you a wonderful day of offering thanks for our many blessings.
And a special, hearty "Thank You" to all of our faithful readers. We hope you enjoy the fruits of this bounteous land, share a portion with others, and celebrate this day with family and friends.
And a special, hearty "Thank You" to all of our faithful readers. We hope you enjoy the fruits of this bounteous land, share a portion with others, and celebrate this day with family and friends.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
National Day of Listening
Friday, November 23, 2012 (the day after Thanksgiving) has been designated this year's "National Day of Listening" by StoryCorps. This is how they put it on their web site (http://nationaldayoflistening.org/):
"The National Day of Listening is a day to honor a loved one through listening. It's the least expensive but most meaningful gift you can give this holiday season. You can choose to record a story with anyone you know. This year, StoryCorps has chosen to feature the stories of veterans, active duty military, and their families. Learn more."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
"The National Day of Listening is a day to honor a loved one through listening. It's the least expensive but most meaningful gift you can give this holiday season. You can choose to record a story with anyone you know. This year, StoryCorps has chosen to feature the stories of veterans, active duty military, and their families. Learn more."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Charles Lindbergh
We have just published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter, the story of the day Charles Lindbergh landed on Ocracoke Island. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Travel on NC 12
For the latest official information about the NC Highway 12 recovery effort, please visit the NCDOT website: http://www.ncdot.gov/travel/nc12recovery/.
Click here for the latest information about extra runs from Swan Quarter during the Thanksgiving period: https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=7361
Click here for the latest information about extra runs from Swan Quarter during the Thanksgiving period: https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=7361
Tourism
Yesterday, in response to the 1965 home movie of a trip to Ocracoke, a reader asked, "Is there one key moment that catapulted OI into a mecca for tourists...?"
Perhaps we should begin with this statement about Ocracoke Island: "[T]his healthy spot is in autumn the resort of many of the inhabitants of the main[land]." This "Description of Occacock Inlet," accompanied Jonathan Price's map of 1795!
Next we should mention the old Ponzer Hotel which was built in 1885, and was located where the US Coast Guard Station/NCCAT campus is today. The hotel, which catered to wealthy North Carolinians who traveled to the island by steamship, burned down in 1900. The following photo, taken in 1898 speaks for itself.
Of course, modern-era tourism received a major boost in the late 1950s from the building of roads and the beginning of ferry service to Ocracoke Island. To be sure, various islanders (Stanley Wahab comes to mind) and others saw the continued economic potential of Ocracoke as a tourist destination. The rest, as they say, is history.
Another question was, "is there a higher percentage of rental income properties owned by non residents vs local resident population landlords?" I don't have any official figures but I am certain the answer is yes.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Perhaps we should begin with this statement about Ocracoke Island: "[T]his healthy spot is in autumn the resort of many of the inhabitants of the main[land]." This "Description of Occacock Inlet," accompanied Jonathan Price's map of 1795!
Next we should mention the old Ponzer Hotel which was built in 1885, and was located where the US Coast Guard Station/NCCAT campus is today. The hotel, which catered to wealthy North Carolinians who traveled to the island by steamship, burned down in 1900. The following photo, taken in 1898 speaks for itself.
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| Ponzer Hotel |
Of course, modern-era tourism received a major boost in the late 1950s from the building of roads and the beginning of ferry service to Ocracoke Island. To be sure, various islanders (Stanley Wahab comes to mind) and others saw the continued economic potential of Ocracoke as a tourist destination. The rest, as they say, is history.
Another question was, "is there a higher percentage of rental income properties owned by non residents vs local resident population landlords?" I don't have any official figures but I am certain the answer is yes.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
1965
A few days ago Leroy O'Neal's daughter Kathi sent me a link to a six minute Ocracoke video that her cousin recently uploaded to YouTube. Leroy made the video in 1965 while on a fishing trip to the island (although born on Ocracoke, Leroy moved away when he was a young boy).
Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukxHq2MnpoA.
Several minutes of the video are simply Leroy's friends fishing and carrying on with a shark they caught, but there are a few noteworthy segments. Pay attention to scenes of Silver Lake harbor and note all of the traditional wooden skiffs tied to stakes (not at docks). Also notice just a few vehicle tracks on the beach, and no other trucks in sight! Native islander, Murray Spencer (father of William Nathan who works at the "dump"), is the man with gray hair, sunglasses, and a small mustache. You will also see the Pony Island Restaurant and Motel...and enjoy the music of two O'cockers, Jule Garrish & Martin Garrish.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukxHq2MnpoA.
Several minutes of the video are simply Leroy's friends fishing and carrying on with a shark they caught, but there are a few noteworthy segments. Pay attention to scenes of Silver Lake harbor and note all of the traditional wooden skiffs tied to stakes (not at docks). Also notice just a few vehicle tracks on the beach, and no other trucks in sight! Native islander, Murray Spencer (father of William Nathan who works at the "dump"), is the man with gray hair, sunglasses, and a small mustache. You will also see the Pony Island Restaurant and Motel...and enjoy the music of two O'cockers, Jule Garrish & Martin Garrish.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Wallace Spencer
Wallace Spencer (1912-2001) was a wonderful old-time Ocracoke character. One Sunday morning I heard him say, "I've got a mind to go to church today."
Then on reflection he added, "but I've two minds to go fishin'."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Then on reflection he added, "but I've two minds to go fishin'."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Maritime Salvage
Yesterday a reader asked, "would you venture to put into words an Ocracoke perspective on the matter [of maritime salvage]?"
In 1750 colonial Governor Johnson described Outer Bankers as "a set of indigent desperate outlaws and vagabonds." It has been said that an Ocracoker would drop a corpse on the way to the graveyard if someone yelled "Ship Ashore!"
That about sums it up.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
In 1750 colonial Governor Johnson described Outer Bankers as "a set of indigent desperate outlaws and vagabonds." It has been said that an Ocracoker would drop a corpse on the way to the graveyard if someone yelled "Ship Ashore!"
That about sums it up.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Beach Finds
Recently a reader asked this question: "To the point of beachcombing, metal detectors are not permitted anywhere on the
ocean beaches of Ocracoke, are they?"
The answer is no. Metal detectors are prohibited in all US National Parks.
A related question was: "Separately, aside from the stories of salvaged cargo from wrecks over the years, any anecdotes you have to share (yours or from others) re. particularly noteworthy beach finds?"
I have heard or seen evidence of the following being found on the beach within the last 100 or so years: hundreds of bunches of bananas, top hats, gold coins, Indian arrowheads, dozens of shoes (originally destined for Jim Jones' People's Temple in Guyana), fruits and vegetables (apples, onions, and oranges), and thousands of bags of Doritos in 2006 (http://hamptonroads.com/node/189201).
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
The answer is no. Metal detectors are prohibited in all US National Parks.
A related question was: "Separately, aside from the stories of salvaged cargo from wrecks over the years, any anecdotes you have to share (yours or from others) re. particularly noteworthy beach finds?"
I have heard or seen evidence of the following being found on the beach within the last 100 or so years: hundreds of bunches of bananas, top hats, gold coins, Indian arrowheads, dozens of shoes (originally destined for Jim Jones' People's Temple in Guyana), fruits and vegetables (apples, onions, and oranges), and thousands of bags of Doritos in 2006 (http://hamptonroads.com/node/189201).
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Re. the mailboat Aleta: a reader recently asked, "Before and after the period you mention for the Aleta,1940s - early 1950s, how
did mail and people get to the island? What kind of boat and from what port?"
A full answer to this question will require more than a few sentences, so I will just give several brief comments today. I will write a lengthier history of the US Postal Service on Ocracoke for an upcoming monthly Ocracoke Newsletter. Look for that article in the next few months.
The Ocracoke Post Office was established in 1840. Prior to that time letters were carried to and from the island by family and friends, or by entrusting them to ship captains.The first "mail boats" were probably "bugeyes" (two masted sailboats) that also carried passengers and freight.
By the early 1900s mail was carried back and forth across Pamlico Sound (from Beaufort, and later from Atlantic, North Carolina) on motor powered mail boats. These included the Meteor, the Hero, the Viola, the Lillian, The Kitty Watts and the Ripple. The Aleta carried mail and passengers from 1938 to 1952. The Dolphin was Ocracoke's last mail boat. It operated until 1964, although mail also came by way of Hatteras soon after Frazier Peele established a private ferry service across Hatteras Inlet in 1950. Charles McWilliams (Charlie Mac) drove the mail truck (a WWII era Dodge Power Wagon) to the north end of Ocracoke (either on the hard beach at low tide, or on a deeply rutted sand road farther back) for a number of years.
Today mail is still delivered to Ocracoke across Hatteras Inlet.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
A full answer to this question will require more than a few sentences, so I will just give several brief comments today. I will write a lengthier history of the US Postal Service on Ocracoke for an upcoming monthly Ocracoke Newsletter. Look for that article in the next few months.
The Ocracoke Post Office was established in 1840. Prior to that time letters were carried to and from the island by family and friends, or by entrusting them to ship captains.The first "mail boats" were probably "bugeyes" (two masted sailboats) that also carried passengers and freight.
By the early 1900s mail was carried back and forth across Pamlico Sound (from Beaufort, and later from Atlantic, North Carolina) on motor powered mail boats. These included the Meteor, the Hero, the Viola, the Lillian, The Kitty Watts and the Ripple. The Aleta carried mail and passengers from 1938 to 1952. The Dolphin was Ocracoke's last mail boat. It operated until 1964, although mail also came by way of Hatteras soon after Frazier Peele established a private ferry service across Hatteras Inlet in 1950. Charles McWilliams (Charlie Mac) drove the mail truck (a WWII era Dodge Power Wagon) to the north end of Ocracoke (either on the hard beach at low tide, or on a deeply rutted sand road farther back) for a number of years.
Today mail is still delivered to Ocracoke across Hatteras Inlet.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Visible Shipwrecks
On October 22, 1878, the schooner Altoona wrecked at Cape Hatteras.All seven crew members were rescued along with some of her cargo. In 1962 or 1963 the hull of the Altoona was uncovered and became a tourist attraction.
The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce web site, http://www.outerbankschamber.com/main/directions-to-visible-shipwrecks-obx/, provides directions to locate the remains of the Altoona plus six other visible wrecks on the Outer Banks, including one on Ocracoke.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce web site, http://www.outerbankschamber.com/main/directions-to-visible-shipwrecks-obx/, provides directions to locate the remains of the Altoona plus six other visible wrecks on the Outer Banks, including one on Ocracoke.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Treasure Island Day
Since tomorrow is Robert Lewis Stevenson's birthday and the day in 1750 that treasure stolen from ships anchored at Ocracoke was buried in the Carribean, John Amrhein, author of Treasure Island: The Untold Story has declared November 13th to be Treasure Island Day.
"A new history has come to light about [Robert Lewis Stevenson's] Treasure Island. It was real. On November 13, 1750, fifty chests of treasure that had been stolen from a Spanish galleon at Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina, were buried on a deserted island in the Caribbean. And because of Stevenson’s family ties to the Caribbean, he had to have known about it." (from John Amrhein's website: http://www.treasure-island-day.com/)
When you read the original Treasure Island by Robert Lewis Stevenson, keep an eye out for the name Israel Hands. Stevenson got the name from a member of Blackbeard's crew:
"[Blackbeard's] air of intimidation extended to his own crew. Just before he was killed at Ocracoke, Blackbeard had sat down to some drinking with some of his crew. He secretly pulled out two pistols under the table, blew out the candle, crossed the pistols and fired, hitting his master, Israel Hands, in the knee and maimed him for life. When asked why he did it his response was to say that if he did not now and then kill one of them, they would forget who he was. That wound may have been responsible for Hands being ashore at Bath when Blackbeard was killed. He was later pardoned. Had he been hanged or killed with Blackbeard, Robert Louis Stevenson would probably not have borrowed his character for Treasure Island. He was killed by Jim Hawkins at Treasure Island." (from John Amrhein's website: http://www.treasureislandtheuntoldstory.com/blackbeard.htm)
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
"A new history has come to light about [Robert Lewis Stevenson's] Treasure Island. It was real. On November 13, 1750, fifty chests of treasure that had been stolen from a Spanish galleon at Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina, were buried on a deserted island in the Caribbean. And because of Stevenson’s family ties to the Caribbean, he had to have known about it." (from John Amrhein's website: http://www.treasure-island-day.com/)
When you read the original Treasure Island by Robert Lewis Stevenson, keep an eye out for the name Israel Hands. Stevenson got the name from a member of Blackbeard's crew:
"[Blackbeard's] air of intimidation extended to his own crew. Just before he was killed at Ocracoke, Blackbeard had sat down to some drinking with some of his crew. He secretly pulled out two pistols under the table, blew out the candle, crossed the pistols and fired, hitting his master, Israel Hands, in the knee and maimed him for life. When asked why he did it his response was to say that if he did not now and then kill one of them, they would forget who he was. That wound may have been responsible for Hands being ashore at Bath when Blackbeard was killed. He was later pardoned. Had he been hanged or killed with Blackbeard, Robert Louis Stevenson would probably not have borrowed his character for Treasure Island. He was killed by Jim Hawkins at Treasure Island." (from John Amrhein's website: http://www.treasureislandtheuntoldstory.com/blackbeard.htm)
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Sandy Shells
I haven't had much time to get to the beach, but I have found a few nice shells each time I've been there. Scotch bonnets are the North Carolina state shell and one of my favorites. Here is a picture of some of the shells I've come home with.
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| Shells found after Sandy |
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
"Mailboats"
The mailboat Aleta carried mail and passengers to & from Ocracoke in the 1940s and early 1950s (see http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052007.htm for more information). The "mailboat" was a variation of the shad boat, a type of vessel first built by George Washington Creef on Roanoke Island in the late 1800s.
The shad boat (with wide beam, round stern, and graceful lines) evolved from dugout log boats. It was ideally suited for fishing in rough water near inlets and in Pamlico Sound. The North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill in 1987 designating the shad boat the "State Boat of North Carolina.""
According to Michael B. Alford in his book, Traditional Work Boats of North Carolina, "during Prohibition times shad boat builders found a lucrative business in supplying boats to dealers in illegal alcoholic beverages...." These boats were "euphemistically referred to as mail boats," and "for obvious reasons they usually were furnished with more powerful engines than their fishing cousins."
The Harker's Island story of the misadventures of the Adventure, a prohibition era rum runner, is told in the song "The Booze Yacht" (sung to the tune of "The Sidewalks of New York"). I'm not sure if the Adventure was a "mailboat" but this fun song is still popular on the coast of North Carolina.
This way, that way, to the Cape they’d run.
The coming of the Adventure, put the fishing on the bum.
Some lost their religion and back-slid by the score,
The “King Lock” stoppers they stood waist high
When the Booze Yacht run ashore.
Times have changed since those days.
When some were up in their “Gs”.
Others, they are down and out, but most feel just like me.
Some would give a hundred, and some a little bit more,
To see another time like that
When the Booze Yacht run ashore.
The shad boat (with wide beam, round stern, and graceful lines) evolved from dugout log boats. It was ideally suited for fishing in rough water near inlets and in Pamlico Sound. The North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill in 1987 designating the shad boat the "State Boat of North Carolina.""
According to Michael B. Alford in his book, Traditional Work Boats of North Carolina, "during Prohibition times shad boat builders found a lucrative business in supplying boats to dealers in illegal alcoholic beverages...." These boats were "euphemistically referred to as mail boats," and "for obvious reasons they usually were furnished with more powerful engines than their fishing cousins."
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| Mailboat Aleta |
Down around the “Beehive,” Harker's Island retreat,
Every night and morning the fishermen would meet.
One day there came a rounder; came running by the door,
Said, “Boys, let’s go to Cape Lookout;
There’s a Booze Yacht run ashore.”
Every night and morning the fishermen would meet.
One day there came a rounder; came running by the door,
Said, “Boys, let’s go to Cape Lookout;
There’s a Booze Yacht run ashore.”
This way, that way, to the Cape they’d run.
The coming of the Adventure, put the fishing on the bum.
Some lost their religion and back-slid by the score,
The “King Lock” stoppers they stood waist high
When the Booze Yacht run ashore.
Times have changed since those days.
When some were up in their “Gs”.
Others, they are down and out, but most feel just like me.
Some would give a hundred, and some a little bit more,
To see another time like that
When the Booze Yacht run ashore.
This way, that way, to the Cape they’d run.
The coming of the Adventure, put the fishing on the bum.
Some lost their religion and back-slid by the score,
The “King Lock” stoppers they stood waist high
When the Booze Yacht run ashore.
The coming of the Adventure, put the fishing on the bum.
Some lost their religion and back-slid by the score,
The “King Lock” stoppers they stood waist high
When the Booze Yacht run ashore.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Friday, November 09, 2012
Thursday, November 08, 2012
Ocracoke Election Results
The Hyde County unofficial election results were released yesterday about 1 pm. Frankly, I found the information a tad confusing*.
Anyway, this is what I gleaned about Ocracoke's votes:
Obama -- 193 votes on election day/117 one-stop votes/total of 310 votes
Romney -- 94 votes on election day/60 one-stop votes/total of 154 votes
Johnson -- 6 votes on election day/0 one-stop votes/total of 6 votes
There were also a number of Hyde County absentee votes, but these were not listed by precinct.
All told, Hyde County cast 1157 votes for Obama (Democrat), 1183 votes for Romney (Republican), and 15 votes for Johnson (Libertarian). Goode received no votes in Hyde County.
You can read the entire list of results here: http://hydecountync.gov/docs/Hyde_unofficial_results.pdf.
* For example, one category was listed as "Presidential Preference (DEM)" (the choices were O'Bama [sic]/Biden, Romney/Ryan, Johnson/Gray, & Virgil Goode) and another category was "Straight Party" (the sub-categories were Democratic, Republican, & Libertarian). I couldn't tell if the "Presidential Preference" category (Why was "DEM" in parentheses?? There was no "REP" counterpart.) also included the "Straight Party" numbers or not (I am guessing they did).
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Anyway, this is what I gleaned about Ocracoke's votes:
Obama -- 193 votes on election day/117 one-stop votes/total of 310 votes
Romney -- 94 votes on election day/60 one-stop votes/total of 154 votes
Johnson -- 6 votes on election day/0 one-stop votes/total of 6 votes
There were also a number of Hyde County absentee votes, but these were not listed by precinct.
All told, Hyde County cast 1157 votes for Obama (Democrat), 1183 votes for Romney (Republican), and 15 votes for Johnson (Libertarian). Goode received no votes in Hyde County.
You can read the entire list of results here: http://hydecountync.gov/docs/Hyde_unofficial_results.pdf.
* For example, one category was listed as "Presidential Preference (DEM)" (the choices were O'Bama [sic]/Biden, Romney/Ryan, Johnson/Gray, & Virgil Goode) and another category was "Straight Party" (the sub-categories were Democratic, Republican, & Libertarian). I couldn't tell if the "Presidential Preference" category (Why was "DEM" in parentheses?? There was no "REP" counterpart.) also included the "Straight Party" numbers or not (I am guessing they did).
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Deadrise
Traditional island skiffs were often flat bottom boats.These wooden boats were typically built upside down, with the bottom planks added last. The bottom planks ran from side to side, not from bow to stern. These boats were simple to construct, and could be built economically in just a few days. They were suitable for the calmer and shallower waters of Pamlico Sound.
A deadrise boat is better suited for rougher water. The deadrise boat is v-shaped in cross-section. Typically the forward section of the deadrise skiff is more sharply v-shaped, and the stern area much flatter. Bottom planks of a deadrise boat are laid fore and aft, not side to side.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
A deadrise boat is better suited for rougher water. The deadrise boat is v-shaped in cross-section. Typically the forward section of the deadrise skiff is more sharply v-shaped, and the stern area much flatter. Bottom planks of a deadrise boat are laid fore and aft, not side to side.
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| An Ocracoke Island Deadrise Skiff |
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Election Day
Don't forget to vote!
Polls on Ocracoke open today at 6:30 am at the Community Center. They will remain open until 7:30 pm.
And don't forget to get your "I voted" sticker to remind your fellow citizens to cast their ballots.
As we all know, this will be a close election. When it is over let's all work together for the benefit of our nation no matter who wins.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Polls on Ocracoke open today at 6:30 am at the Community Center. They will remain open until 7:30 pm.
And don't forget to get your "I voted" sticker to remind your fellow citizens to cast their ballots.
As we all know, this will be a close election. When it is over let's all work together for the benefit of our nation no matter who wins.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Monday, November 05, 2012
Don't Believe Everything You Read
Several days ago a friend read me this passage from a book of local photos and stories: "Ocracoke Harbor is also called Silver Lake. It used to be called Cookie Creek. It got its new name in 1923 when dredging turned it into an almost perfect circle of water..."
The original name of the harbor was "Cockle Creek," not "Cookie Creek." Maybe this was a typo. Also, the harbor was re-named "Silver Lake" when it was dredged around 1938, then again in 1942, not 1923. At least that is my understanding. According to my father, the "creek" as Ocracokers call it, was about the same size as it is today...just much shallower. There were two narrow streams or "guts" that continued all the way to the bald beach. These were filled in when the harbor was dredged in 1942.
You may also see signs identifying the Community Store area of the village as "Down Creek." Traditionally this has been called "Around Creek," not "Down Creek." The area near the lighthouse is "Down Point."
The "Down Point Decoy Shop" may cause some confusion. It was originally established down point...then moved to its present location around creek. But David O'Neal retained the name. Check it out. David is a master carver and collector of superior carvings.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
The original name of the harbor was "Cockle Creek," not "Cookie Creek." Maybe this was a typo. Also, the harbor was re-named "Silver Lake" when it was dredged around 1938, then again in 1942, not 1923. At least that is my understanding. According to my father, the "creek" as Ocracokers call it, was about the same size as it is today...just much shallower. There were two narrow streams or "guts" that continued all the way to the bald beach. These were filled in when the harbor was dredged in 1942.
You may also see signs identifying the Community Store area of the village as "Down Creek." Traditionally this has been called "Around Creek," not "Down Creek." The area near the lighthouse is "Down Point."
The "Down Point Decoy Shop" may cause some confusion. It was originally established down point...then moved to its present location around creek. But David O'Neal retained the name. Check it out. David is a master carver and collector of superior carvings.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Beautiful Sunshine
It's a beautiful day on Ocracoke today. The waves are gentle and a crisp breeze is blowing in. It's the perfect day for a walk on the beach. Perhaps I'll even find a few shells. They often wash up on the beach in greater numbers after a storm. If I locate any pretty ones, I'll post a photo.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Saturday, November 03, 2012
Basketball Fish Fry
Visitors to Ocracoke often ask us what we do in the winter. One answer is Basketball! The school Middle School and High School girls and boys teams keep us busy cheering and stomping and have a great time.
The Varsity Boy's team is hosting a Fish Fry Fund Raiser today (Nov. 3) at SmacNally's from 1 to 4 PM. For $10 a plate you get fish and hush puppies, beans and slaw. And Dune Dogs will be providing live music from 2 to 5.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
The Varsity Boy's team is hosting a Fish Fry Fund Raiser today (Nov. 3) at SmacNally's from 1 to 4 PM. For $10 a plate you get fish and hush puppies, beans and slaw. And Dune Dogs will be providing live music from 2 to 5.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Friday, November 02, 2012
Puttin' On A Show!
This Saturday Night, Nov. 3, Bland Simpson and Don Dixon will be at the Community Center at 7:30 for a presentation of of their popular Songs and Stories of the Sounds and Seas...with a King Mackerel or Two! The performance will include some special "just for Ocracoke" material.
This is a fund raiser for the Community Square Revitalization Project. Tickets are $25. All the ticket proceeds and donations made at the door will go to the Project. Space is limited; get your reservation by calling Merle Davis, 252-928-2587.
Come out to the Community Center and celebrate life here between the Sound and the Sea...and help keep the Community Square as a vital part of our village.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
This is a fund raiser for the Community Square Revitalization Project. Tickets are $25. All the ticket proceeds and donations made at the door will go to the Project. Space is limited; get your reservation by calling Merle Davis, 252-928-2587.
Come out to the Community Center and celebrate life here between the Sound and the Sea...and help keep the Community Square as a vital part of our village.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Thoughts on the Passing of Sandy
This is Bill posting. Lida and I moved here five years ago this fall. After spending threes days hunkering down against the visit of Hurricane Sandy, I have two thoughts. First, I can now say without hesitation that my least favorite weather is wind. It howled. It gusted. And my house shook and rocked. And this was not a "passing storm"; it carried on for three days. It is not relaxing to lie in bed and feel the house sway. And at several moments when I was not aware of my house swaying and rocking, and found myself standing over my toilet, I was amazed to see the water sloshing around in the bowl. That's where I actually would like to have seen Jim Cantore: down there shouting up to me about why that was happening!
Second thought: About a year ago Lida paid good money for a pair of hip waders. At the time I thought, "What a waste of our money; we already have two good pairs of rubber boots that come up almost to our knees." Then Sunday morning I walked down my front steps in a pair of those babies. The water was within about 2 inches of over topping them and I still had another step to go! At that point I thought "What a smart shopper Lida is!"
Ocracoke came through well. Our thoughts are with those who did not.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Second thought: About a year ago Lida paid good money for a pair of hip waders. At the time I thought, "What a waste of our money; we already have two good pairs of rubber boots that come up almost to our knees." Then Sunday morning I walked down my front steps in a pair of those babies. The water was within about 2 inches of over topping them and I still had another step to go! At that point I thought "What a smart shopper Lida is!"
Ocracoke came through well. Our thoughts are with those who did not.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Ferry & Airport Information
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Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Official NC Ferry Information
MANNS HARBOR — The
North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division today
activated the emergency route between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe.
Currently the ferries are not running a set schedule, but are taking the
top three priorities as announced by Dare County and will begin a set
schedule tomorrow. Also, the Pamlico Sound routes will return to a
normal schedule tomorrow under specific re-entry guidelines.
Emergency Route
Wed., Oct. 31, a schedule will be in place to assist Dare County with re-entry. According to Dare County Emergency Management, Priorities One, Two and Three will have access to and from Hatteras Island. Visitors will not be allowed to enter Hatteras Island yet, but will be allowed to depart. Essential commodities, as determined by DCEM will have top priority.
• Priority One includes - Essential personnel (utilities, government, assessment teams, medical/health care), white Disaster Re-entry Permit/Critical Personnel Pass required;
• Priority Two includes - Hatteras Island residents (must have a valid NC driver’s license with Hatteras physical address), personnel of crucial businesses (Orange re-entry permit/Priority II personnel pass required); and
• Priority Three includes - Non-resident property owners and employees of Hatteras Island businesses (2012-2013 Burgundy reentry permit required).
There will be law enforcement in place at the emergency route to determine re-entry status. Please contact Dare County Emergency Management at (252) 475-5655 for additional information on re-entry guidelines.
The Emergency Route schedule beginning Oct. 31, 2012, will be:
• Departing Stumpy Point at 6 a.m., 8, 10, noon, 2 p.m., 4 and 10; and
• Departing Rodanthe at 7 a.m., 9, 11, 1 p.m., 3, 5 and 7.
There may be areas along NC 12 that are impassable at this time due to sand and water on the road, but NCDOT continues working and expects to have all areas of NC 12 south of Rodanthe cleared before the 7 p.m. ferry departs Rodanthe.
Pamlico Sound Routes
There will be two return runs at 4 p.m. today from both Cedar Island and Swan Quarter to Ocracoke and a 4 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Cedar Island. Beginning tomorrow, the Pamlico Sound schedule will return to its normal fall schedule of four departures from each side at Cedar Island-Ocracoke route and two departures from each side at Swan Quarter-Ocracoke route. The schedule beginning tomorrow is:
• Departing Cedar Island and Ocracoke at 7:30 a.m., 10, 1 p.m. and 4;
• Departing Swan Quarter at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and
• Departing Ocracoke to Swan Quarter at 7 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
According to Hyde County Emergency Management, visitors will not be allowed entry at this time but will allow the following:
• Emergency Personnel – Hyde County red re-entry tag or purple priority re-entry sticker;
• Infrastructure – Hyde County yellow re-entry tag or purple priority re-entry sticker; and
• Residents – Hyde County green re-entry tag or green resident re-entry sticker.
For re-entry questions, please call Hyde County Manager at (252) 542-9283 or Hyde County Public Information at (252) 542-0842.
Hatteras-Ocracoke Route
The Hatteras-Ocracoke route will begin operating once sand is cleared off NC 12 from Ocracoke Village to the ferry dock.
Ferry information is available by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 1, or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.
Emergency Route
Wed., Oct. 31, a schedule will be in place to assist Dare County with re-entry. According to Dare County Emergency Management, Priorities One, Two and Three will have access to and from Hatteras Island. Visitors will not be allowed to enter Hatteras Island yet, but will be allowed to depart. Essential commodities, as determined by DCEM will have top priority.
• Priority One includes - Essential personnel (utilities, government, assessment teams, medical/health care), white Disaster Re-entry Permit/Critical Personnel Pass required;
• Priority Two includes - Hatteras Island residents (must have a valid NC driver’s license with Hatteras physical address), personnel of crucial businesses (Orange re-entry permit/Priority II personnel pass required); and
• Priority Three includes - Non-resident property owners and employees of Hatteras Island businesses (2012-2013 Burgundy reentry permit required).
There will be law enforcement in place at the emergency route to determine re-entry status. Please contact Dare County Emergency Management at (252) 475-5655 for additional information on re-entry guidelines.
The Emergency Route schedule beginning Oct. 31, 2012, will be:
• Departing Stumpy Point at 6 a.m., 8, 10, noon, 2 p.m., 4 and 10; and
• Departing Rodanthe at 7 a.m., 9, 11, 1 p.m., 3, 5 and 7.
There may be areas along NC 12 that are impassable at this time due to sand and water on the road, but NCDOT continues working and expects to have all areas of NC 12 south of Rodanthe cleared before the 7 p.m. ferry departs Rodanthe.
Pamlico Sound Routes
There will be two return runs at 4 p.m. today from both Cedar Island and Swan Quarter to Ocracoke and a 4 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Cedar Island. Beginning tomorrow, the Pamlico Sound schedule will return to its normal fall schedule of four departures from each side at Cedar Island-Ocracoke route and two departures from each side at Swan Quarter-Ocracoke route. The schedule beginning tomorrow is:
• Departing Cedar Island and Ocracoke at 7:30 a.m., 10, 1 p.m. and 4;
• Departing Swan Quarter at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and
• Departing Ocracoke to Swan Quarter at 7 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
According to Hyde County Emergency Management, visitors will not be allowed entry at this time but will allow the following:
• Emergency Personnel – Hyde County red re-entry tag or purple priority re-entry sticker;
• Infrastructure – Hyde County yellow re-entry tag or purple priority re-entry sticker; and
• Residents – Hyde County green re-entry tag or green resident re-entry sticker.
For re-entry questions, please call Hyde County Manager at (252) 542-9283 or Hyde County Public Information at (252) 542-0842.
Hatteras-Ocracoke Route
The Hatteras-Ocracoke route will begin operating once sand is cleared off NC 12 from Ocracoke Village to the ferry dock.
Ferry information is available by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 1, or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.
Sound ferrries to resume normal operations
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Hurricane Sandy Public Advisory 6
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Tuesday Morning
All indications are that Ocracoke village has been spared major damage from hurricane Sandy. I still don't know the full extent of various problems -- flooded cars, tree limbs down, etc. -- but I believe Sandy's impact here is minimal. We are still waiting to learn about the condition of NC Highway 12 on Ocracoke and farther north on the Outer Banks.
In the meanwhile our thoughts go out to all of our friends and fellow citizens in the northeast who are dealing with deaths, severe damage, and widespread destruction from this powerful storm.
In the meanwhile our thoughts go out to all of our friends and fellow citizens in the northeast who are dealing with deaths, severe damage, and widespread destruction from this powerful storm.
High Tide
Amy points to the high tide line for Hurricane Sandy (not as bad as it could have been):
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| High Tide, Hurricane Sandy |
Monday, October 29, 2012
Temporary Bridge
This photo was sent to me moments ago. It is the "temporary" bridge that was erected on Pea Island after hurricane Irene.
Hurricane Sandy Public Advisory 5
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