If you have been reading this blog very long you know about cousin Blanche. Just yesterday Lou Ann published a short video she made of Blanche sitting on her pizer Sunday afternoon. Lou Ann filmed as she opened the front gate and walked up to Blanche dressed in her Sunday best. Lou Ann asked Blanche to tell her the story of the goslings. It is a delightful story that takes you back for a glimpse of island life in the early twentieth century.
Click on the link below to watch the six minute video:
http://louannhoman.blogspot.com/2012/07/come-visit-blanche-jolliff-howard.html
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Mast Heads & Lookout Posts
I have recently been reading Herman Melville's Moby Dick. In chapter 35 ("The Mast-Head") I read this sentence: "...[I]n the early times of the whale fishery, ere ships were regularly launched in pursuit of the game, the people of that island [Nantucket] erected lofty spars along the sea-coast, to which the lookouts ascended by means of nailed cleats, something as fowls go upstairs in a hen-house."
I was reminded of an image printed on a pitcher depicting the commercial enterprise that was established on Shell Castle island in the late 1700s/early 1800s. Note the lookout post,with a ring at the top for holding on. Unlike the lookout posts at Nantucket, the similar one at Shell Castle, in Pamlico Sound, was undoubtedly used by pilots for spotting ships offshore, not for looking for whales.
To see more photos of the pitcher, and more information about Shell Castle see: http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/MOH/vfpcgi.exe?IDCFile=/moh/DETAILS.IDC,SPECIFIC=48135,DATABASE=49292562.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
I was reminded of an image printed on a pitcher depicting the commercial enterprise that was established on Shell Castle island in the late 1700s/early 1800s. Note the lookout post,with a ring at the top for holding on. Unlike the lookout posts at Nantucket, the similar one at Shell Castle, in Pamlico Sound, was undoubtedly used by pilots for spotting ships offshore, not for looking for whales.
To see more photos of the pitcher, and more information about Shell Castle see: http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/MOH/vfpcgi.exe?IDCFile=/moh/DETAILS.IDC,SPECIFIC=48135,DATABASE=49292562.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Cenchrus Echinatus
Cenchrus echinatus is the scientific name for that common Outer Banks grass found in dry, sandy soil. Most folks know this plant as the producer of those irksome sand spurs.
Sand spurs may be small, but their barbs are razor sharp, and they stick to shoe laces, sneakers, pants legs, bare feet, and pet paws. Anyone who has stepped barefooted on a sand spur knows how painful they can be. Even plucking them from clothing must be performed with great care to prevent the numerous sharp points from penetrating the skin.
If any of our readers would like to carry home an authentic souvenir from Ocracoke, you are welcome to pull as many clumps of Cenchrus Echinatus from my side lot. You don't even have to ask permission!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Sand spurs may be small, but their barbs are razor sharp, and they stick to shoe laces, sneakers, pants legs, bare feet, and pet paws. Anyone who has stepped barefooted on a sand spur knows how painful they can be. Even plucking them from clothing must be performed with great care to prevent the numerous sharp points from penetrating the skin.
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| Sand Spur Grass |
If any of our readers would like to carry home an authentic souvenir from Ocracoke, you are welcome to pull as many clumps of Cenchrus Echinatus from my side lot. You don't even have to ask permission!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Diamondback Terrapins
Every evening from spring through early fall diamondback terrapins congregate in the Old Slough just below Frank & Jude's deck. Lou Ann and I stopped by Thursday evening about 7 o'clock to watch. Eighteen to twenty turtles swam around, poking their noses above the surface, then venturing up onto the mudflats to snatch a morsel of food. (Take a look at Lou Ann's video of the turtles: http://louannhoman.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-video-glimpse-of-carolina-terrapins.html.)
Terrapins are considered a species of special concern by the state of North Carolina. Although once harvested for food (I have seen an antique island contraption believed to have been used for proguing for turtles), they are now protected.
In the interest of preserving a bit of island tradition, here is Mrs. Loui Dell Williams' stewed diamondback terrapin recipe:
"Remove shells from four terrapins,k pour boiling water over meat, skin and remove claws, cut off head.
"1/4 lb. salt pork cut in cubes, fried out in pot terrapins are to be cooked in. Add terrapin and eggs if any (of terrapin). 4 or 5 medium potatoes peeled and quartered, 1 onion cut up, salt and plenty of black pepper; 1 pod red pepper. Water to cover. Cook about 1 1/2 hours."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Terrapins are considered a species of special concern by the state of North Carolina. Although once harvested for food (I have seen an antique island contraption believed to have been used for proguing for turtles), they are now protected.
In the interest of preserving a bit of island tradition, here is Mrs. Loui Dell Williams' stewed diamondback terrapin recipe:
"Remove shells from four terrapins,k pour boiling water over meat, skin and remove claws, cut off head.
"1/4 lb. salt pork cut in cubes, fried out in pot terrapins are to be cooked in. Add terrapin and eggs if any (of terrapin). 4 or 5 medium potatoes peeled and quartered, 1 onion cut up, salt and plenty of black pepper; 1 pod red pepper. Water to cover. Cook about 1 1/2 hours."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Ocracoke Railroad Agent??
When I was looking through the 1900 census the other day I noticed this entry: George P. Hassell, 39 years old, Agt. N&S RR. Right away I recognized the reference to the Norfolk and Southern Railroad. Why, I wondered, was a railroad agent living on Ocracoke in 1900? Of course, I decided to ask Blanche.
It seems that George Hassell married island native Ida Ballance. In the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century a steamship made regular trips across Pamlico Sound and stopped at Ocracoke dropping passengers off at the old Ponzer Hotel (1885-1900) and the Pamlico Inn (early twentieth century). Blanche thought the steamship line was owned by the railroad...and that would explain why George Hassell was living on the island.
A little time on an Internet search revealed the following information:
"In 1882, less than a year after the railroad's completion, the railroad company signed a five-year contract with the Old Dominion Steamship Company to make connections with the railroad in Elizabeth City and to provide passenger and freight service between Elizabeth City and New Bern and Washington, North Carolina. This arrangement ended in 1887, with the Norfolk and Southern Railroad operating its own line of steamers and the Old Dominion Steamship Company continuing its Norfolk to New Bern-Washington route through the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal. This route change meant the loss to Elizabeth City of much of the trade of the Pamlico Sound region. During the summer, however, most vacationers going to the prospering resort at Nags Head [and Ocracoke!] were still dependent on taking a steamship from Elizabeth City." (http://www.carolana.com/NC/Transportation/railroads/nc_rrs_elizabeth_city_norfolk.html)
Sometimes folks are surprised to learn that Ocracoke had several large hotels/inns and connections to the mainland long before ferries and paved roads made their debut on the island in the middle of the twentieth century.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
It seems that George Hassell married island native Ida Ballance. In the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century a steamship made regular trips across Pamlico Sound and stopped at Ocracoke dropping passengers off at the old Ponzer Hotel (1885-1900) and the Pamlico Inn (early twentieth century). Blanche thought the steamship line was owned by the railroad...and that would explain why George Hassell was living on the island.
A little time on an Internet search revealed the following information:
"In 1882, less than a year after the railroad's completion, the railroad company signed a five-year contract with the Old Dominion Steamship Company to make connections with the railroad in Elizabeth City and to provide passenger and freight service between Elizabeth City and New Bern and Washington, North Carolina. This arrangement ended in 1887, with the Norfolk and Southern Railroad operating its own line of steamers and the Old Dominion Steamship Company continuing its Norfolk to New Bern-Washington route through the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal. This route change meant the loss to Elizabeth City of much of the trade of the Pamlico Sound region. During the summer, however, most vacationers going to the prospering resort at Nags Head [and Ocracoke!] were still dependent on taking a steamship from Elizabeth City." (http://www.carolana.com/NC/Transportation/railroads/nc_rrs_elizabeth_city_norfolk.html)
Sometimes folks are surprised to learn that Ocracoke had several large hotels/inns and connections to the mainland long before ferries and paved roads made their debut on the island in the middle of the twentieth century.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
1900 Census
Census records provide only basic information, but they also provide clues and leads to more complete stories about families and communities, sometimes by what they record, and other times by what they leave out.
The 1900 Ocracoke census lists Name, Age, Sex, Occupation, Date of Birth, Number of Children Had, Number of Children Living, and Number of Years Married. Sometimes the enumerator, Perry Coleman Howard, added information not asked for. For example, William Kelly's occupation is listed as "Head (Frm: MD)"; his wife, Neva M.is listed as "Wife (Frm: NC)." William Kelly was a mariner (from Maryland as indicated). Neva Mae Howard was born and raised on Ocracoke. Perry Coleman obviously thought it noteworthy to point out that Capt. Kelly was not from North Carolina.
In a similar entry William H. Luther, one of the island preachers, is listed as "Minister/N.J." I wonder...did Mr. Luther introduce some of those northern ideas? And did Perry Coleman want to make sure folks understood that he, too, was not from North Carolina.?
For whatever reason, it was thought worth jotting down on the census records that two people living on Ocracoke in 1900 were not born in the state.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
The 1900 Ocracoke census lists Name, Age, Sex, Occupation, Date of Birth, Number of Children Had, Number of Children Living, and Number of Years Married. Sometimes the enumerator, Perry Coleman Howard, added information not asked for. For example, William Kelly's occupation is listed as "Head (Frm: MD)"; his wife, Neva M.is listed as "Wife (Frm: NC)." William Kelly was a mariner (from Maryland as indicated). Neva Mae Howard was born and raised on Ocracoke. Perry Coleman obviously thought it noteworthy to point out that Capt. Kelly was not from North Carolina.
In a similar entry William H. Luther, one of the island preachers, is listed as "Minister/N.J." I wonder...did Mr. Luther introduce some of those northern ideas? And did Perry Coleman want to make sure folks understood that he, too, was not from North Carolina.?
For whatever reason, it was thought worth jotting down on the census records that two people living on Ocracoke in 1900 were not born in the state.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Free Hugs
I am often delightfully surprised on Ocracoke. Last Thursday evening was no exception. Lou Ann and I were strolling along Highway 12, having just finished a delicious dinner at the Flying Melon. About half way home a small group of teenagers on the other side of the road caught our attention. There were three boys and one girl. Each had a small cardboard sign on which they had hand-lettered "Free Hugs."
"Would you like a free hug?" they called out to us, holding aloft their signs.
Of course we agreed. We couldn't imagine not accepting hugs from these smiling, enthusiastic teens. They only tarried long enough to convey the hugs, and to tell us they were visiting from High Point, North Carolina. Then they were off, merrily offering hugs as they proceeded toward the harbor.
The next time I am tempted to think about rowdy or surly teenagers, I will remind myself of these congenial and refreshing young people.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
"Would you like a free hug?" they called out to us, holding aloft their signs.
Of course we agreed. We couldn't imagine not accepting hugs from these smiling, enthusiastic teens. They only tarried long enough to convey the hugs, and to tell us they were visiting from High Point, North Carolina. Then they were off, merrily offering hugs as they proceeded toward the harbor.
The next time I am tempted to think about rowdy or surly teenagers, I will remind myself of these congenial and refreshing young people.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Not The Opry
As many visitors to Ocracoke know, Wednesdays during the season you can enjoy the Ocracoke Opry, a wonderful performance of local musicians and storytellers at Deepwater Theater. This week the organizers of the Opry, our nationally well know folk band Molasses Creek, will be off-island at a Folk Festival in Floyd, Virginia.
Not wanting to let even one week go by without a performance at Deepwater Theater, Lou Ann has put together a group of talented musicians and storytellers, many of them Wednesday night regulars, others creative islanders who perform periodically. It is shaping up to be a memorable evening of music, storytelling, and fun (how could it not be, with Lou Ann as emcee!).
Come on out this Wednesday night at 8 o'clock (ticket sales begin at 7:15). Follow the signs to Deepwater Theater on School Road.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Not wanting to let even one week go by without a performance at Deepwater Theater, Lou Ann has put together a group of talented musicians and storytellers, many of them Wednesday night regulars, others creative islanders who perform periodically. It is shaping up to be a memorable evening of music, storytelling, and fun (how could it not be, with Lou Ann as emcee!).
Come on out this Wednesday night at 8 o'clock (ticket sales begin at 7:15). Follow the signs to Deepwater Theater on School Road.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Lou Ann!
Lou Ann has been here on the island since earlier this month, full of energy and ideas. In case you haven't heard, she is posting Ocracoke photos and short island videos on her blog. She has been interviewing locals and visitors, and sharing views from my skiff, from the inside of the lighthouse, and from elsewhere around the village.
Be sure to take a look at Lou Ann's blog: http://louannhoman.blogspot.com/
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House, and the Hurricane Boards. Take a look here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Lou Ann has been here on the island since earlier this month, full of energy and ideas. In case you haven't heard, she is posting Ocracoke photos and short island videos on her blog. She has been interviewing locals and visitors, and sharing views from my skiff, from the inside of the lighthouse, and from elsewhere around the village.
Be sure to take a look at Lou Ann's blog: http://louannhoman.blogspot.com/
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House, and the Hurricane Boards. Take a look here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Hurricane Boards
We have just published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter, an account of the "Hurricane House" and the "Hurricane Boards." Penciled on the kitchen wall of this old house were accounts of four major hurricanes that struck Ocracoke Island -- two in 1933, one in 1944, and one in 1949.
You can see photographs of the Hurricane Boards and read transcriptions here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm. They are fascinating first hand accounts of our island history.
You can see photographs of the Hurricane Boards and read transcriptions here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm. They are fascinating first hand accounts of our island history.
Friday, July 20, 2012
USLHE
The Ocracoke lighthouse is open again this summer at various times so visitors may step inside (climbing the spiral staircase is not permitted). Ed Johnson has been volunteering for this for several months. Lou Ann began volunteering again on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 3
Last year when I visited the lighthouse I saw the metal gate with the letters USLHE. I had no idea what the "E" stood for.
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| USLHE Gate at Ocracoke Lighthouse |
Inside I noticed a replica of a typical 100 gallon kerosene tank. On the side was embossed "USLH Establishment."
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| USLHE Kerosene Tank |
The United States Light House Establishment, an agency of the Department of the Treasury, operated from 1791 to 1852 (the Ocracoke lighthouse was built in 1823). During most of that time Stephen Pleasonton oversaw the agency. Although Pleasonton was responsible for saving many important United States founding documents from destruction, he ran afoul of Congress for poor decisions regarding the Light House Establishment's funds and other matters. When he refused to adopt Augustin Fresnel's new and improved lenses Pleasonton was forced out by the creation of a new agency, the United States Lighthouse Board. This agency operated from 1852 to 1910.
In 1910 the United States Lighthouse Service was established, and the service moved from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Commerce. In 1939 the USLHS was merged with the United States Coast Guard, where it remains today.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Big Foot Slough
If you have come to Ocracoke from Swan Quarter or Cedar Island you might have noticed one of the channel markers that has the letters "BF" on it. Just in case you were curious about the letters, they stand for "Big Foot [Slough]," a channel in Pamlico Sound about a mile and a half northwest of Ocracoke village. I have no idea how the channel got its name. Maybe someone thought its shape resembled a foot, but that is just a guess.
If any of our readers know the answer to this mystery, please leave a comment.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
If any of our readers know the answer to this mystery, please leave a comment.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Mud Fiddlers
There is an old saying on Ocracoke that when mud fiddlers start crawling across the paths and sandy lanes that storms are on the way.
These last few days I have been walking on the Hammock Hills Nature Trail, across from the NPS campground. It is shady and cooler than the beach. I was surprised as I neared the sound to see dozens and dozens of mud fiddlers scurrying across the footpath. When they retreated under the pine needles, into their holes, or between the bark of nearby trees their claws made a rhythmic clicking noise.
As with most traditional weather predictors, I am more than a tad skeptical. It seems to me that the mud fiddlers' natural cycle likely includes a mid-summer explosion of these critters who then scurry across the mud flats and adjacent footpaths in great numbers. Of course, hurricanes occur most frequently shortly afterwards, in August and September.
So I agree with Francis Bacon (1561-1626) who observed that, "the general root of superstition is that men observe when things hit, and not when they miss; and commit to memory the one, and forget and pass over the other."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
These last few days I have been walking on the Hammock Hills Nature Trail, across from the NPS campground. It is shady and cooler than the beach. I was surprised as I neared the sound to see dozens and dozens of mud fiddlers scurrying across the footpath. When they retreated under the pine needles, into their holes, or between the bark of nearby trees their claws made a rhythmic clicking noise.
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| Mud Fiddler |
As with most traditional weather predictors, I am more than a tad skeptical. It seems to me that the mud fiddlers' natural cycle likely includes a mid-summer explosion of these critters who then scurry across the mud flats and adjacent footpaths in great numbers. Of course, hurricanes occur most frequently shortly afterwards, in August and September.
So I agree with Francis Bacon (1561-1626) who observed that, "the general root of superstition is that men observe when things hit, and not when they miss; and commit to memory the one, and forget and pass over the other."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Life Car
Shipwrecks and life saving have been part of Ocracoke's history since the sixteenth century. The United States Life Saving Service was established in 1871. The first station to be built on Ocracoke was near Hatteras Inlet (it was sometimes known as the Cedar Hammock Station). It was put in operation in 1883.
Rescues were effected by means of the surf boat (a heavy wooden boat that was rowed out to a wreck; normally used when a wreck was more than 700 yards off shore), the breeches buoy (the most common method, in which a line was fired to the vessel, and by means of ropes, pulleys and other equipment, a pair of canvas pants attached to a life ring was sent out to the ship; passengers and crew were hauled ashore one at a time), and the life car.
The life car occasionally replaced the breeches buoy.
However, the life car had limited use. It was made of metal, and much heavier and more cumbersome than the breeches buoy.
Although several people could be brought ashore at one time, they were required to lie down in this coffin-like container. Several shipwreck victims refused to get in the life car because of fear of enclosed spaces.
For many years, back in the late 1960s and 1970s, a life car was sitting on a platform at the side of a building on the corner of Creek Road and Silver Lake Drive. It was used as a water cistern. The life car was eventually donated to the Ocracoke Preservation Society and sent away for restoration. Unfortunately, the metal was so badly compromised that it was considered beyond restoration.
Perhaps some of our readers will remember Noma Hardin's life car cistern.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Rescues were effected by means of the surf boat (a heavy wooden boat that was rowed out to a wreck; normally used when a wreck was more than 700 yards off shore), the breeches buoy (the most common method, in which a line was fired to the vessel, and by means of ropes, pulleys and other equipment, a pair of canvas pants attached to a life ring was sent out to the ship; passengers and crew were hauled ashore one at a time), and the life car.
The life car occasionally replaced the breeches buoy.
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| USLSS Life Car |
However, the life car had limited use. It was made of metal, and much heavier and more cumbersome than the breeches buoy.
Although several people could be brought ashore at one time, they were required to lie down in this coffin-like container. Several shipwreck victims refused to get in the life car because of fear of enclosed spaces.
For many years, back in the late 1960s and 1970s, a life car was sitting on a platform at the side of a building on the corner of Creek Road and Silver Lake Drive. It was used as a water cistern. The life car was eventually donated to the Ocracoke Preservation Society and sent away for restoration. Unfortunately, the metal was so badly compromised that it was considered beyond restoration.
Perhaps some of our readers will remember Noma Hardin's life car cistern.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Water Fire
We went to the beach again last night. And again the sky was spectacular. And so was the surf. As the days lengthen and the water warms up, the phosphorescent plankton appears at night. When a wave recedes and swirls around your ankles the plankton lights up, casting tiny sparkles through the water. Thousands of the plankton are also left near the tide line, in the wet sand. Walking there is magical. Each step triggers a hundred twinkling lights. What fun!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Milky Way
We went to the beach last night after supper because we heard that recent solar flares might trigger Northern Lights far into the south. Alas, it was not to be. At least we did not see the Aurora Borealis last night (although I have seen this dramatic phenomenon at Ocracoke: http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2004/11/red-skies.html). But the night sky at Ocracoke never disappoints. Constellations were prominent amidst a blanket of stars too numerous to count. Two satellites scurried across overhead, momentarily gleaming bright as they reflected the now hidden sun. Three shooting stars streaked down, surprising us each time. And the Milky Way stood out dramatically as if silver dust had been strewn in an arc across the heavens. It was a magical night.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Out and About
On Wednesday I drove to New Bern to pick up Lou Ann. She had a lot going on and didn't make it to the island for the Festival this year. But already she has been out and about on Ocracoke. She's taught herself how to upload videos to her blog, and she has decided to make a short daily (or almost daily) video while she is here. She published her first one yesterday. It is an interview of Bill Jones and me in one of the Howard Street graveyards. Here is the link to Lou Ann's blog: http://louannhoman.blogspot.com/. Enjoy!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Ocracoke Newsletter
I know quite a few people read this blog on a fairly regular basis. They tell me so often. But sometimes I wonder how many readers also know about our Ocracoke Newsletter, a monthly article about Ocracoke history that I have been writing for twelve and a half years. The articles are longer than this blog, and they contain a wealth of information about island culture, traditions, and heritage. So this is simply a reminder. Every now and then you might want to choose an article to read. They are all archived on our web site. You can click on the link to the right, or click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
How Times Have Changed!
Ocracoke is presently a part of Hyde County. This is the only part of the Outer Banks in Hyde County. The rest of our county is on the mainland. Swan Quarter is our county seat (that's where we go when we are called for jury duty). Before 1845 Ocracoke was in Carteret County. Before 1770 Ocracoke was not part of any county. It was simply an isolated, independent island with a very small population.
In 1770 Ocracoke Island was annexed to Carteret County after a member of the Colonial Assembly noticed that "those lawless bankers on Occacock Island are not paying taxes anywhere."
We still like to think of ourselves as rather independent and still a little bit "lawless" but we are definitely paying our share of taxes.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
In 1770 Ocracoke Island was annexed to Carteret County after a member of the Colonial Assembly noticed that "those lawless bankers on Occacock Island are not paying taxes anywhere."
We still like to think of ourselves as rather independent and still a little bit "lawless" but we are definitely paying our share of taxes.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
John Wallace
In 1789 John Gray Blount and John Wallace obtained five islands between Ocracoke and Portsmouth. The most prominent island was dubbed Shell Castle Rock. Wallace and Blount established a piloting enterprise there that eventually included warehouses, a grist mill, a windmill, a store, a fishery, two residences, and a wooden lighthouse. Wallace was given the title "Governor of Shell Castle."
John Wallace's tombstone reads:
John Wallace's tombstone reads:
Here are Deposited
the Remains of
Captain John Wallace
Governor of Shell Castle
who departed this life
July 22, 1810
Age 52, 6 months.
Shell Castle mourn! your pride is in the dust
Your boast, your glory's in the dreary grave.
Your sun is set ne'er to illume again
The sweet asylum form th' Atlantic wave.
Yes, here beneath this monumental stone
This awful gloom amid the silent dead
Thy founder lies whose sainted soul we laid
To heaven's high mansion has its journey sped.
Mourn charity, benevolence bewail
Kind hospitality his lot deplore
And own with one unanimous acclaim
Misfortune's sons will view his like no more.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Elnora Ballance
Many visitors to Ocracoke enjoy exploring our family cemeteries. Directly across the lane from Village Craftsmen is Elnora Ballance's grave site. Elnora was born April 14, 1882, and died July 11, 1969. The epitaph on her tombstone is one of my favorites. It reads:
"She was as good as goodness is. Her acts and all her words were kind. And high above the memories I hold the beauty of her mind."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
"She was as good as goodness is. Her acts and all her words were kind. And high above the memories I hold the beauty of her mind."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Monday, July 09, 2012
Wisdom
On Saturday afternoon Lachlan and I walked downtown to get an ice cream cone. We meandered over to the Black Schooner gift shop and sat on the porch. There weren't any customers in the shop, so the proprietor, Sundae, was sitting in one of the rockers. We chatted for a few minutes when Lachlan (he's seven years old; soon to turn eight) addressed Sundae: "What do you think the meaning of human existence is?" he asked.
Sundae jokingly asserted that meaning was "overrated" and allowed as how we humans tend to view our species as the center of the universe (she didn't actually put it quite like that, but I think that's close to what she was trying to convey), and that we often want to assign cosmic meaning where there isn't any. A rather nuanced discussion ensued.
Finally Lachlan said simply that he thought the meaning of existence was to be happy with what you have, enjoy nature, and try not to kill animals.
I think Lachlan's thoughts will change some as he matures, but they sure seem like a darn good beginning to me.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Sundae jokingly asserted that meaning was "overrated" and allowed as how we humans tend to view our species as the center of the universe (she didn't actually put it quite like that, but I think that's close to what she was trying to convey), and that we often want to assign cosmic meaning where there isn't any. A rather nuanced discussion ensued.
Finally Lachlan said simply that he thought the meaning of existence was to be happy with what you have, enjoy nature, and try not to kill animals.
I think Lachlan's thoughts will change some as he matures, but they sure seem like a darn good beginning to me.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Sunday, July 08, 2012
Sand Sculptures
You may remember that my camera is broken, so I didn't take any photos of the July 4th Sand Sculpture Contest. But our local on-line news site, the Ocracoke Current, has published photos and a list of the winners. Take a look at their web site for a dozen and a half pictures. Enjoy!
http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37731
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37731
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Saturday, July 07, 2012
Ferry Tolls
For several months the island has been abuzz about proposed tolls on the Hatteras Inlet ferries and increased tolls on the Pamlico Sound ferries. At first there was talk of tolls on all North Carolina ferries, then the Hatteras route was exempted, then news was that the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter routes would be raised (in some scenarios more than tripled). Then there was a moratorium...then that was overturned, with a proposal to toll all ferries.
Round and round it went, with intense lobbying from coastal counties most effected by the proposed changes. The latest news is good. There will be no fees on the Hatteras run, and tolls on the other routes will stay the same...at least until 2013, when the issue is sure to be raised again.
You can read more on Hyde County's web site:
http://hydecountync.gov/news_and_information/latest_ferry_tax_update_no_ferry_tax_for_2012-2013!.php
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Yesterday's Celebration
As usual, Ocracoke Island's July 4 celebration was a blast. I spent all morning working the outdoor market at the Community Square. I had my sketches & watercolor paintings for sale (go to my post for July 19, 2011 -- http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2011/07/drawings.html to see a few photos). I never did get to the beach to see the sand sculptures...but we did set up chairs along the road to watch the parade. In the evening I called an Ocracoke Square Dance for a crowd of enthusiastic and jovial Independence Day celebrators. My camera is broken (and my new one hasn't arrived yet), so I didn't take any photos. However, the Ocracoke Current has several articles and photos of yesterday's events. Below are several links:
Parade: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37598
Ocracoke Market: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37547
Grand Marshal, Kenny Ballance: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37543
If I learn of any photos of the sand sculpture contest or the square dance I will post links later.
We hope all of our readers had a wonderful time yesterday with family and friends!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Parade: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37598
Ocracoke Market: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37547
Grand Marshal, Kenny Ballance: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37543
If I learn of any photos of the sand sculpture contest or the square dance I will post links later.
We hope all of our readers had a wonderful time yesterday with family and friends!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
July 4
We wish all of our readers a Very Happy Independence Day!
Enjoy the day, celebrate freedom, be safe, and we'll see you back here tomorrow.
Enjoy the day, celebrate freedom, be safe, and we'll see you back here tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Gull Eggs
I had an interesting conversation with a visitor yesterday. She wanted to know where to get gull eggs. They are good for reducing cholesterol, she informed me. "That might be true," I replied, "but I don't recommend that you gather gull eggs, especially in the National Seashore. I'm pretty sure that's illegal." She then went on to explain that they were available on Ocracoke.
Of course, she couldn't tell me exactly where she had gotten that information. I had never even heard of anyone years ago eating gull eggs, so I asked cousin Blanche. She had never heard of it either, though we both knew that O'cockers were fond of eating beach birds decades ago.
I don't know where she got her information, but I am certain it was misinformation. I guess you just can't believe everything you read on the Internet!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Of course, she couldn't tell me exactly where she had gotten that information. I had never even heard of anyone years ago eating gull eggs, so I asked cousin Blanche. She had never heard of it either, though we both knew that O'cockers were fond of eating beach birds decades ago.
I don't know where she got her information, but I am certain it was misinformation. I guess you just can't believe everything you read on the Internet!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Monday, July 02, 2012
July 4th Activities
July 4th is just around the corner! Below is the schedule for Ocracoke's Independence Day Celebration:
8 AM – Noon Homegrown/Handmade Market Community Square
9:30 AM- Noon 36th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest Lifeguard Beach
10 Am - 1 PM Ocracoke Ponies, with historians NPS Visitors Center
10 Am - 1 PM Ocracoke Ponies, with historians NPS Visitors Center
10 AM – 1PM Fish Print T-shirts with Ocracoke Child Care Community Square
10 AM-2 PM Bouncy House (Assembly of God Fundraiser) Boyette Condo Yard
10 AM- 2 PM Classic Cars Pony Island Motel Lawn
10 AM - 2 PM Ocracoke Lighthouse History Talk
Open for public viewing. Limited parking – please walk or bike!
12 Noon Local Fig Cake Bake-off Setup and Preview Community Square
1 PM Skydiving (The Herd) Pony Island Motel Lawn
Subject to many factors, including weather
1 PM – 3 PM Island Style Dunking Booth with Boy Scout Troop 290 Community Square
1:30 PM Fig Cake Judging begins, with awards at 2:30 PM Community Square
3 PM Old Time Ocracoke Parade
Starts at The Topless Oyster, left
on Lighthouse Rd., right on Creek Rd., right on Silver Lake Dr., follow
road around harbor to Parade’s end at NPS Parking Lot.
National Anthem, Entertainment, Prizes for Parade Winners – OPS Museum porch
4:30 – 6 PM Island Style Dunking Booth with Boy Scout Troop 290 Round # 2 Community Square
5 PM – 6 PM Donald Davis Stories Books to be Red yard Bring your own chair
6:30 PM – 7:45 PM Traditional Ocracoke Square Dance Community Square
Musicians: David Tweedie, Lou Castro, Marcy Brenner, Gary Mitchell; Caller: Phillip Howard
8 PM – 10 PM Blue Grass with the “Boone Towne” Pickers featuring Jon Jon Davis
Community Square
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Carpentry & The Bible
Yesterday's post was not quite accurate. My dad had read two other books before reading Alicia. Well, that's not quite accurate either. We had two books in our house, but no one read either one from cover to cover. One book, to no one's surprise, was the Bible.
The other book was titled simply Carpentry. Written by Gilbert Townsend, S.B. in 1943, and published by the American Technical Society, the book was subtitled "A Practical Treatise on Simple Building Construction, Including Framing, Roof Construction, General Carpentry Work, Exterior and Interior Finish of Buildings, Building Forms and Working Drawings."
As in so many other endeavors (hair cutting, car mechanics, house painting, shoe repair, furniture making, boat building, and sewing) my dad was self-taught. I am certain that Carpentry was a valuable reference when he added a kitchen to our house, finished our island home, and helped my brother and me build our homes.
Many of the drawings and explanations in the book are surprisingly accurate and relevant for today's wood working enthusiast. It wouldn't matter. I just like having Carpentry on my book shelf.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
 |
| Carpentry and The Bible |
The other book was titled simply Carpentry. Written by Gilbert Townsend, S.B. in 1943, and published by the American Technical Society, the book was subtitled "A Practical Treatise on Simple Building Construction, Including Framing, Roof Construction, General Carpentry Work, Exterior and Interior Finish of Buildings, Building Forms and Working Drawings."
As in so many other endeavors (hair cutting, car mechanics, house painting, shoe repair, furniture making, boat building, and sewing) my dad was self-taught. I am certain that Carpentry was a valuable reference when he added a kitchen to our house, finished our island home, and helped my brother and me build our homes.
Many of the drawings and explanations in the book are surprisingly accurate and relevant for today's wood working enthusiast. It wouldn't matter. I just like having Carpentry on my book shelf.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
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