Portsmouth Island Homecoming

Every two years the Friends of Portsmouth Island hosts Homecoming across the inlet. Hundreds of people arrive, breathing life into this wonderful community suspended in time. Below is information you will need if you are planning to attend.

Portsmouth Homecoming

April 26, 2014

If coming for the day on the Cedar Island-to-Ocracoke ferry:

You will need to make reservations with the North Carolina Ferry Service (1-800-BY-FERRY).  The Ferry Service schedules and prices are subject to change before April, so make your own plans and reservations.  At this time, walk-ons do not need reservations.  From Ocracoke to Portsmouth, you will need reservations with Rudy Austin.

If coming from Hatteras, or if already on Ocracoke:

You will need to make reservations with Rudy Austin. 

Reservations to Portsmouth from Ocracoke should be made with Rudy Austin (252) 928-4361 ($20 per person, round trip).

Do not call Rudy until April.

If coming from Core Banks:

Four-wheel drive owners might drive from the Long Point Camps.  Catch the vehicle ferry from Atlantic, then 17 miles up the beach to Portsmouth.  Contact Morris Marina at Atlantic for reservations (252) 225-4261.

You may, of course, travel in your own boat!

·         Dress for the weather and for the boat ride.  Bug spray, water, and good walking shoes are important. 

·         Portsmouth t-shirts and special Portsmouth notecards will be available.  The Portsmouth Post Office will be open and a special cancellation will be available for

 that day only.

·         The Portsmouth Methodist Church building is 100 years old in 2014.  This will be the focus of Homecoming.  The Methodist Bishop of North Carolina will be our special guest.

·         After Homecoming services, "dinner on the grounds" will be served.  Be sure to bring a dish that will be shared with others.  Paper products, tea, and ice will be provided.

·         Major buildings will be open.  Friends of Portsmouth Island, many of whom are family members related to each building, will be on-site hosts.  The Washington Roberts House will be open for the first time.  Buildings will be open after lunch for you to tour.  Boats back to Ocracoke will run until everyone is off  the Island.  Please take your  time on Portsmouth and enjoy the day. 

Contact Richard Meissner (252) 728-3242 or dingbatter204@ec.rr.com for more info.

Out latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of a 1948 article about the Mail Boat Aleta, "Boat Hauls Mail, More." You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032114.htm.