Glass Snake

There is always something to entertain an eight year old at Ocracoke. Yesterday David & Lachlan discovered a glass snake slithering along in their yard. Here are a few photos. You can click on any one to see a larger image.

Glass Snake...closeup

 

Glass Snake with Friends

Away She Goes

"Glass snakes" are actually legless lizards. They are in the genus ophisaurus ("snake lizard").

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Pirate Jamboree

Avast, me hearties! Mark your calendars. Pyrates be returning to Occacock soon.  

The first annual Blackbeard Pirate Jamboree will be launched on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands next month. The Hatteras-Ocracoke Council of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce will present this free, two-day pirate fest Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27, on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.

You can read more information here or here.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm. 

A Lighthouse, An Actor, and a Proposal...

An alert reader recently commented on a story that was published on line by the Hatteras Genealogical Society. It is an interesting tale.

"In 1822, a renown[ed] actor, while making passage between Norfolk and Charleston, had a chance encounter with a fellow passenger. Perhaps while viewing the Cape Hatteras Light, the young thespian tell[s] of his desire “to retire from public life and keep a lighthouse”.... By chance, the stranger happens to be one Thomas H. Blount, the Collector of Customs for the port of Washington, N.C. As Collector of Customs, he is responsible for the administration of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Mr. Blount must have been impressed with the young actor because Blount eventually offers him the position of light keeper. The actor is Junius Brutus Booth, the Father of the yet to be born, John Wilkes Booth...."

To read the rest of the story click here:
http://hatgensoc.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/a-lighthouse-an-actor-and-a-proposal/

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Beauty

Just in case you missed my comment on my post for Saturday, September 22 (A Window Into the Past), Wayne is wearing the striped shirt, Stanley is wearing the white shirt, and I am sitting astride Wayne's pony "Beauty." 

A commenter on that post asked, "Oh, to set your way-back machine to 1956, eh? Bet you'd go back in a heart beat--just for a little visit." No doubt about it...the mid-1950s on Ocracoke was a wonderful, magical time for a young boy. Just looking at the photo you can see that it was "Tom Sayer-ish." Life was simple and uncomplicated -- sandy lanes, no shoes, dungarees rolled up to our ankles, t-shirts (without corporate logos), and a pony without a saddle.

Life on Ocracoke is still good, if different.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Shorts to Jeans

It is that time of year again -- time to trade in shorts for blue jeans, at least for a while. For the last few days the early morning temperature has been in the high 60s, increasing to the mid 70s by midday. Shorts still feel good during the day, but once the sun sets, I don long pants and maybe a long sleeved shirt or a light jacket.

Cooler, sunny days mean more opportunities to work outside in comfort, or to bike around the village, or to walk along the beach.

The forecast is for slightly warmer temperatures today and tomorrow, but the humidity is low which makes for a beautiful fall.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

One More Paragraph About Lighthouses

Another paragraph from Charles Nordhoff's 1874 article, "The Light-Houses of the United States":

"The light-houses, light-ships, buoys, beacons, fog-signals, machine-shops, and other property controlled by the Light-house Board, are worth between forty and fifty millions of dollars. The whole of this is a free gift of the American people to the world. Other nations exact light-house dues which to a great extent defray the expense of maintaining their lights, but our government has made all lights free to the mariners of all nations. The whole establishment is sustained by annual appropriations of Congress."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

More About Lighthouse Keepers

Because individuals today generally have little idea of what the US government required of lighthouse keepers I am reproducing here two paragraphs from the 1874 article "The Light-Houses of the United States" by Charles Nordhoff:

"It would be tedious, and take more space than we have to spare, to give even a bald list of all the tools and materials required in a first-class light-house. A glance over the index of the volume of directions shows that it contains instructions for cleaning, placing, removing, and preserving the lamp chimneys; for cleaning the lamps; for keeping the lantern free from ice and snow; for preserving the whiting, rouge powder,etc.; for using two or three dozen tools; for preserving and economically using the oil, filling the lamp, using the damper; for precautions against fire; 'how to trim the wicks;' and for dozens of other details of the light-keeper's daily duties.

"The keeper is required to enter in a journal (daily) all events of importance occurring in and near his tower, and also to keep a table of the expenditure of oil and other stores. Besides the officer who is district light-house inspector, and who may make his examinations at any time, there are experts called 'lampists,' who pass from light to light, making needed repairs, and also taking care that the machinery of the light is in order, and that it is properly attended to by the keeper."

Nordhoff makes no mention of painting the lighthouse, a task normally done by the keeper and his assistants, and maintaining the keeper's quarters and the grounds.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Great Birnam Wood...

  ...comes to Dunsinane Hill (er, I mean Ocracoke)!

Late Friday afternoon Lachlan appeared in my yard covered in vines, and holding a tree branch. I honestly don't know what this was all about, but Macbeth came to mind. If you've read this Shakespeare play (Lachlan saw our local production several months ago, so maybe he was playacting) you will understand my comment.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

A Window into the Past

I was sorting through several cigar boxes of old photos a few days ago, and discovered this one, taken about 1956 on Lawton Lane, right in front of the house I now live in. I am in the photo with two close friends. Stanley Gaskins is one of the other boys in the picture. Stanley moved off the island about five years after this photo was taken. Unfortunately Stanley died several years ago. Wayne Teeter is also in the photo. Many readers of this blog know Wayne, a local fisherman and colorful island character. My uncle Marvin, scout master for the mounted Boy Scout troop, is in the background standing beside his Jeep pickup truck.

Does anyone want to guess which one of the boys is me, which one is Wayne, and which one is Stanley? Click on the photo to view a larger image, and leave your comment. I will give the answer in a few days.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Fences of Howard Street & Lawton Lane

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. I took the pictures earlier this month.

Howard Street Fence

To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Instructions and Directions to Lightkeepers

From "The Light-Houses of the United States in 1874" by Charles Nordhoff:

"There is a printed book of one hundred and fifty-two pages specially devoted to 'instructions and directions to light-keepers'.... The first article of these instructions announces the fundamental duty of the light-keeper: 'The light-house and light-vessel lamps shall be lighted, and the lights exhibited for the benefit of mariners, punctually at sunset daily. Light-house and light-vessel lights are to be kept burning brightly, free from smoke, and at their greatest attainable heights, during each entire night, form sunset to sunrise;' and it is added that 'the height of the flame must be frequently measured during each watch at night, by the scale graduated by inches and tenths of an inch, with which keepers are provided.' Finally, 'All light-house and light-vessel lights shall be extinguished punctually at sunrise, and every thing put in order for lighting in the evening by ten o'clock A.M. daily."

Ocracoke Light

Keeper Enoch Ellis Howard & his Wife Cordelia

 

Just the basics of more than 150 pages of instructions for lighthouse keepers.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Turtle

He was meandering across Lawton Lane about 11 am on Monday. I knew Lachlan would be hurrying home for lunch in just a few minutes, so I put this box turtle in a big flower pot.

Lachlan was excited to see the turtle. We got a good look at him, then put him back exactly where I found him...and he immediately crawled right into the wooded area between our houses. Lachlan wanted to pick him up, but we thought it best not to stress him (or her) out any more.

Ocracoke Box Turtle

In case anyone is worrying about salmonella poisoning...I washed my hands thoroughly after handling the turtle.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

More Photos from Cape Lookout

As promised, a few more photos from my recent trip to Cape Lookout. My last visit to the Cape was about 30 years ago. You can click on any picture to view a larger image.

Wild Horses on Shackleford Banks

A Black Snake

Looking West

Looking South

Keeper's Quarters

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

View from the Boat (image by Jim Fineman)

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Cape Lookout

This weekend I went across the sound to Harker's Island for the Fall Membership Meeting of the Friends of Portsmouth Island. After the meeting we caught a ride to Cape Lookout to climb the lighthouse. It was only the second time I had been to Cape Lookout. Here are three photos I took (click on any one to see a larger image):

Approaching the Cape

Looking North

A View from the Balcony

Look for a few more pictures tomorrow.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Such Foolishness

Islanders have always enjoyed playing tricks on each other...and they enjoy just as much telling the stories over and over. Back in 2004 Maurice Ballance told me a story he had heard from Edgar Howard (1904-1990). 

The main character is Arcade Williams (b. 1842). In the mid-1950s Edgar's brother, Walter, wrote this about Arcade: "Kade lived in an old house framed entirely from the beams of old shipwrecks. [She] could 'cuss like a sailor' and woe be unto anyone who 'ruffled' her feathers the wrong way, or should by any chance, be the recipient of her caustic, venomous tongue lashing. She is still remembered today for her biting wit and vitriolic sarcasm. Aside from those human weaknesses she was a good soul and didn't have an enemy in the world."

In the late 1800s several young men decided to play a prank on Arcade Williams. They enlisted the help of Perry Coleman Howard, the village magistrate. Somehow they convinced Kade that her neighbor, Caswell Williams, had filed charges against her for trespassing on his property. They brought her before the magistrate. 

Kade called Mary Louise Williams ("Miss Med") as her witness, but Miss Med didn't show up for the hearing. A runner was sent to fetch her, and he came back with the news that Miss Med would be there "as soon as her collards were finished cooking."

Perry Coleman declared that he had actually heard enough evidence and ruled in favor of Caswell.  He "fined" Arcade $5.00.  

With that Arcade turned her back to the magistrate and hobbled away.  When she reached the door she leaned on her cane, turned her head back to the court, and announced "If you want that five dollars, Coleman, you'll have to get it out of this." And with that she slapped her rear end and marched outside. 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

 

For What It's Worth

Ted Dedowitz was a quirky retired college professor who moved to Ocracoke about 50 years ago. He published a number of booklets of philosophical musings. He didn't have a computer, of course...and he didn't even use a typewriter. Each small booklet was a copy of his free-hand writing, a calligraphy of sorts.

Here is an example of Ted's thoughts:

"A University Vice President of Finance retired recently. A tribute to him, which I heard, mentioned:
1. He arrived at work at 6:30 am,
2. He lasted 37 years,
3. He left an hour after others,
4. He never took a vacation,
5 He will be replaced by four young V.P.s

"My [Ted's] conclusions regarding him =
a. He worked very slowly,
b. He had no friends,
c. He could not, would not, delegate,
d. He disliked his wife,
e. He had no hobbies,
f. He was under paid,
g. He concentrated on one activity,
h. He was sick -- a workaholic."

I suppose Ted moved to Ocracoke because it suited his philosophy, a tribute to "thinking sitting down": "When you place your brain, your lower brain ["the human butt"], onto a chair seat and start the rocker in motion you are 'revving' your own motor." 

Just a few thoughts from the late Ted Dedowitz, onetime resident of Ocracoke.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

From the publication, Ford Times, Vol 42, No. 10, October 1950:

"There are twenty-eight national parks in the U.S. with some eleven million acres but the nation does not own a single foot of ocean-front beach. In order that people will always be able to walk on a sandy ocean beach, climb windblown dunes and bathe in the surf without trespassing on private property, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Park may be established. The Government is now buying what land along the Banks south from Manteo it can get. Bankers (those who live on the Banks) are not sure they want a National Park on their islands but they are coming to realize that the alternative is to have it turned into a Coney Island sort of thing by private investors. Government men are doing an educational job among the Bankers and report that the Park is a growing possibility."

An historical note: The Cape Hatteras National Seashore was authorized by Congress on August 11, 1937. Because World War II delayed purchase of much of the land the park was not officially dedicated until April 24, 1958.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Sand Sledding

My good friend, Monroe Gaskill, brought a load of sand to spread on the parking area at the Village Craftsmen. He left the sand there for several days. Lachlan and his playmates had a field day on that gigantic pile of sand. Children on the island seldom have an opportunity to enjoy snow sledding, so they make the best of what they have!

 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Community Spirit

By the look on his face Capt. Rob had bad news when he came to my door yesterday at 8 am. "Philip," he said, "your boat has sunk." I could hardly believe what he was saying. I keep my 18' skiff tied up at the Community Square dock. I check it regularly, and it hadn't been long since I was out in it. I got on my bike and rode down to assess the situation.

Sure enough, the entire stern was underwater; the outboard was half submerged. Rob was already in his dingy seeing what could be done to raise the gunwales above the surface. Before long David and Amy were there to help. Kelton was there, too. Then Hank and Joe, island visitors and boat owners, showed up. Before long James and Van were there with a gasoline powered pump.

With some effort, pulleys...and ingenuity we raised the stern above the surface. David positioned the hose in the bilges, and Van and James fired up the pump. Rob steadied the stern. It wasn't long before the skiff was nearly fully bailed out. Joe used his boat to tow my skiff to the boat ramp. Juan lent a hand at the ramp. By then Tom had arrived to help David and Rob get the boat on my trailer.

Just one more example of people helping people on Ocracoke Island. Many thanks to everyone who pitched in to help me out! 

By 11 am my skiff was in my yard. By 5 pm I had my outboard drained of salt water, and running smoothly. I haven't checked the boat yet, but I think Van might be right. I am wondering if the wake from the dredge sent a wave over the transom and swamped my old wooden skiff. If it put enough water inside to bring her down where the planks weren't swelled tight the bilge pump may not have been capable of keeping up with the influx of water. 

Below are a few photos: 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Dredge

Several people have asked about the dredge (with all of its pipeline) that has been in the harbor lately. A few of our readers have seen it on a web-cam; others have seen it while visiting the island. Capt. Rob Temple has written a great article about the dredge for the Ocracoke Current. You can read his article, and see photos of the dredge, here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/42512.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

A Touch of Fall

Although there have been a few signs of fall lately, yesterday was the most noticeable. I stepped outside before breakfast and felt the cooler air. I opened my front and back doors, and turned off the air conditioning. A gentle, pleasant breeze wafted through the house. 

Susan Dodd stopped by at 3 o'clock and we went to Clyde and Virginia's for an afternoon visit. I even changed from shorts to blue jeans. We spent about an hour and a half, chatting, sharing stories, and laughing. 

Back home, I sat on my porch enjoying the changing weather, and the beginning of another Ocracoke Island off-season. 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Andy

Lachlan and I spent the evening together last night. After a hearty supper we settled down to watch a little classic TV. I had worked in the yard all day, and was too tired for much else. Lachlan doesn't watch much TV, and had never seen the Andy Griffith Show, so I introduced him to Andy, Barney, Opie, and Aunt Bea. It was a big hit. Lachlan loved it. 

I explained that Andy Griffith died recently, but that he had lived in Manteo. I told him about the one time I saw Andy in the Manteo Furniture Store. I had heard that he didn't like fans to badger him, so I never even let on that I recognized him. Andy was chatting amiably with the salesman, finished his business, stopped to acknowledge a neighbor, and left. Manteo is a lot like Mayberry.

RIP Andy!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Breast Enlargement

I subscribe to Google Alerts for "Ocracoke." Every morning I receive an email with links to recent web sites that mention Ocracoke. Imagine my surprise yesterday when I discovered an advertisement for "Ocracoke NC Breast Enlargement."

According to the site, women can opt for  "cosmetic surgery by board certified Ocracoke, North Carolina Breast Enlargement Specialists," although they do recommend checking "the credentials of the surgeon and the facility."

I haven't located the island facility yet, nor have I identified the surgeons, but I suppose women will now be flocking to Ocracoke for this procedure. Ocracoke would seem like the perfect location for the service. After surgery an "enlarged" woman can purchase a new bikini at one of our local boutiques, and then head straight for the beach. What convenience!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Survey

I was hanging laundry on the line Tuesday afternoon when Jenny Scarborough rode by on her bike. "I am doing a survey for the Ocracoke Current," she said. "It's just one question. Do you want to participate?" I said sure.

"When was the last time you went skinny-dipping?" Jenny asked. 

Dear readers, I guess you'll have to check the Current to see the results of the survey!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Juanita

While visiting Blanche several days ago I happened to ask her if she knew why my cousin was named Juanita. I had never understood why she was given a Spanish name. Blanche didn't know, but she proceeded to tell me about the song Juanita that great uncle George Gregory Howard (1841-1916) wanted "sung over him."

I had never heard of the song, so Blanche sang me the final chorus: "Nita! Juanita! Let me linger by thy side! Nita! Juanita! Be my own fair bride." Then, of course, she quoted the rest of the song (how does she remember so much?).

Juanita

Soft o'er the fountain
Ling'ring falls the Southern moon,
Far o'er the mountain,
Breaks the day too soon!
In thy dark eyes splendor,
Where the warm light loves to dwell,
Weary looks yet tender,
Speak their fond farewell.

Nita! Juanita!
Ask thy soul if we should part!
Nita! Juanita!
Lean thou on my heart.

When in thy dreaming,
Moons like these shall shine again,
And daylight beaming,
Prove thy dreams are vain,
Wilt thou not relenting,
For thine absent lover's sight,
In thy heart consenting,
To a prayer gone by?

Nita! Juanita!
Let me linger by thy side!
Nita! Juanita!
Be my own fair bride.

Juanita was written by Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (1808-1877), and was included in Confederate "songsters," inexpensive collections of secular song lyrics, that were popular with southern soldiers during the Civil War.

Although not a religious song, Juanita was in at least 5 hymnals from 1907-1951, including adult Bible Class hymnals, and hymnals designed to be used in "chapel, assemblies, convocations, or general exercises of schools."

Blanche confirms that Juanita was sung at great uncle George Gregory's funeral...and, I wonder, was my uncle Enoch (1903-1972) inspired by the song to name his daughter Juanita? Maybe she will read this post, and let us know!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

1806 Redux

Re. my post for Sunday, Sept. 2 -- More from the Wilmington Gazette, October 14, 1806, as recounted in Sony Williamson's book Shipwrecks of Ocracoke Island:

"Occacock, September 30 -- The cutter DILIGENCE arrived from sea on the 28th inst [a common abbreviation of the time for "instante mense," meaning a date in the current month], in the evening about sun down anchored close to Shell Castle, bearing NE. A gale came on at NE about 10 o'clock and at twelve blew a most violent gale: The Cutter upon perceiving the violence of the gale and the sea flying over in such quantities as to endanger her foundering, threw her guns overboard and while in the act of cutting away her masts, she broke adrift and run foul of a small schooner on a shoal about a mile from the Castle bearing WSW and there sunk.

"The officers and crew retreated aboard the little schooner who survived the gale and were taken off as soon as the weather would permit by the humanity of governor Wallace and Mr. Tuck the only inhabitants of the Castle without being able to save the least article of clothing whatever."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Strange Light

Last night, as I was sitting on the porch swing on my pizer, about 10 o'clock, leaving a message on Lou Ann's voice mail, my eye was drawn upward and I looked into the northern sky. There, above the tree tops, was a "star" that shone extra bright. I wondered if it might be an airplane or a satellite. It was not large, but extremely bright. I soon realized that it wasn't moving. Then, suddenly, as I watched, it faded and disappeared. It only lasted a few seconds, then was completely gone.

I am wondering if anyone else saw this unusual celestial display. I am almost certain it was not a flare. I have seen flares before. This object appeared suddenly, and was small and white. Also, it did not travel like a shooting star. There was no trail or tail. It  looked exactly like an extremely bright star. It simply brightened, then quickly faded away.  

It was very unusual.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Clear

Every now and then the water at the ocean is remarkably, invitingly clear. It was like that yesterday morning when Lachlan and I decided to spend some time together at the beach. We both remarked at how easily we could see the bottom, even when standing in chest deep water. Then a large wave stirred up the sand and it took a while for the water to clear. As we played, the big waves came a bit more frequently. The water wasn't quite so clear anymore, but it sure was fun. We stayed until we both got hungry, then headed back home for lunch and an ice cream cone at the Community Square.

 Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

1806

John Crowe recently gave me an article from the July 31, 2012 issue of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, reprinted from the Virginian-Pilot.  It was about the 1852 storm and the Currituck lighthouse. As a side note in the eleventh paragraph, the author, Jeff Hampton, notes that "during one 1806 hurricane, at least 31 ships apparently ran aground on Ocracoke Island to escape [foundering or capsizing]."

Sony Williamson, in his comprehensive book, Shipwrecks of Ocracoke Island, reproduces contemporary accounts of the September, 1806 storm from the Wilmington Gazette. A few select passages follow:

"About 12 o'clock last evening a gale...blew the most tremendous storm, ever I believe, witnessed by a human being...."

"The cutter belonging to this station [Shell Castle]...upset and sunk at her anchors."

"Nearly all the lighters of the navigation sunk, ashore, or dismasted."

Numerous schooners, lighters, and sloops are reported as "sunk, "dismasted," "upset," "ashore," and "adrift."

Supporting the account from the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the 1806 Gazette reports from an eyewitness that "such was the scene of distress when I arrived that we lay on our oars & counted thirty one wrecked in one single view around us." As I read the 1806 articles I am convinced that the majority of the vessels were driven ashore by the storm, not intentionally to prevent foundering or capsizing. Such is the power of Nature's fury.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Sprangles

Walking through some thick underbrush several weeks ago my bare arm brushed against a branch. Immediately my forearm started to sting and tingle. I glanced down and a rash had already formed. It looked and felt as though I had been stung by a jellyfish. I showed my arm to a couple of people. The consensus was that I had probably contacted a stinging caterpillar. Several days went by and a couple of people who had seen my rash wanted to know if I had the sprangles. They were glad to hear that I didn't.

To "sprangle" means to branch out in different directions. On Ocracoke, sprangles are red lines that spread out from a wound or rash. They generally indicate blood poisoning or some other serious problem.

I didn't have the sprangles, but I'm still not sure what critter stung me. 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.