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| Photo courtesy OcracokeNavigator.com |
However, our readers may not know that the United States Coast Guard continues to have a presence on Ocracoke. According to http://www.uscg.mil/d5/sectNorthCarolina/StaOcracoke.asp (last modified April, 2015), "Coast Guard Station Ocracoke (small) is located on the southern end of Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. The station building is a modular structure constructed in the 1970's situated on 1 acre of National Park Service land. Station Ocracoke (small) operates on a seasonal basis and under the administrative and operational control of Station Hatteras Inlet.
"As a multi-mission unit, Station Ocracoke (small) conducts search and rescue, boating safety, law enforcement, and marine environmental protection operations. A boat crew is available 24 hours a day and responds to more than 100 calls for assistance annually. The station's Area of Responsibility (AOR) includes more than 1350 square nautical miles of Atlantic Ocean, one third of the Pamlico Sound, and half of Ocracoke Island. Station Ocracoke (small) also maintains the grounds and upkeep of the famous British Cemetary [sic] on Ocracoke Island."
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is a reproduction of a 1960s booklet titled The Great Ocracoke Cat Hunt. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092115.htm.
The NCCAT must hide the info on their web site, at least acknowledging the facility is now in their domain is not front and center. It probably is a facility available to rent out for conferences and maybe weddings too!!!! I hope one of your readers can explain how a building and land once owned by the US taxpayer is now in the hands of a union affiliated profession.
ReplyDeleteThat facility is really be wasted...it should be a grand museum of all that has happened in the Atlantic Ocean in that area. AND above all OPEN TO THE PUBLIC NOT THE CHOSEN FEW.........WAKE UP! A famous historic building is bring held back from celebrating it's history, America's history...wake up NC! you are loosing out on a historic possession, Ocracoke you are really loosing out. The tenants in that building have contributed nothing to your benefit...think about it. I have said enough.
ReplyDeleteIn all fairness, A grand museum would need an overseeing non-profit organization with a board of directors and a dedicated volunteer esprit de corps. My point , when the property changed hands where was Jon Q Public asking questions about the deal that was cut??? Unless the NCCAT turns around and sells it at a profit __if in fact it makes use of the facility why did the NCCAT need the building? If the tax rolls are online and available to the public to see , an address would be necessary to view the available public records. Anon6:34 are the tenants a party not the NCCAT?????? Or PH can you respond to this forum with a historical perspective on a current Event. Mucho gracias
ReplyDeleteReally, I was not planning to reply to the comment of 6:34. The situation is much too involved for a brief comment. But basically, if I understand the situation (and I may not be entirely correct because it transpired some years ago), after the USCG abandoned the property it was transferred to the state of NC, not to the community of Ocracoke (at any rate, Ocracoke is not incorporated, so it could only have been transferred to a local non-profit organization [and it is not likely that any local organization would have had the resources to repair and maintain the property]). NCCAT uses the building for teacher enrichment programs. As it happens, just by coincidence I had a pleasant evening's conversation with one of this week's teacher participants, a young lady from Asheville who was very positive about the program, and who is returning to her classroom with renewed enthusiasm. I have taught school. It is an emotionally demanding profession. All of my experience with NCCAT participants has been very positive. Enough said!
DeleteEmotionally demanding profession because.... every time a teacher turns around the state board of education stipulates a new standard to measure a student's progress. In my town, it seems new schools get built before the old schools get repaired. Money gets thrown at PORTABLES, rented "temporary" classrooms-- that sit on the grounds for DECADES. Parents need to Be the change they want to see in education and see the change you want to happen in education even before your child is old enough to step foot in any classroom. We are all in this together it takes a village --- did not SomeOne say that??? Do I need to draw a picture??
ReplyDeleteIf you have children in school and your are reading this- do you know the names of the politicians in your state capitol have serve and chair the committee that oversees the department of education or board in your state.?? Do you attend the local School board meetings??? Everyone should attend these meetings.
DeleteI don't want to fight but I do think a museum for all the people would be a wonderful addition to Ocracoke. We are not going to visit Ocracoke to see a teachers lounge ...but a FIRST CLASS museum on the outerbanks celebrating the history of the area would be nice. AND THE PICTURES YOU COULD TAKE FROM THE TOP! Remember, I am not fighting here! Thanks for listening to my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your idea. We do have a small museum (the Ocracoke Preservation Society's museum), but a larger facility would be stellar. I just am at a loss to imagine who would/could purchase such a property, and maintain and fund it. The former USCG facility was never a possibility.
DeleteYou're right. It would be too expensive to upkeep. I guess it's good that it being look after.BUT I would love to tour it and stand in that outstanding tower. What a view that must be.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a compromise, many historic buildings allow tours --if the NCCAT was in the business of Education and there seem to be people interested in Learning about the building and with technology to day why is there not a video Tour ala a real estate agent promoting a property!! and perhaps an OPEN house once a year ?? if nothing else the local state representative or Senator needs to be questioned on the matter :>
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea...center it around memorial day weekend or july 4 or between..we will go for it
ReplyDeleteGood idea. I'd even pay for that tour! A Memorial Day Coast Guard Station Tour...or July 4th tour....that will bring them in! Hotdogs, hamburgers...we are on a roll now...
ReplyDelete.I want my place in line now.
As a teacher for many years, I can testify that there are very few perks. Let these teachers have their day in the sun to study Ocracoke history and sea life. They can take it back to their classes refreshed as the only the sea can do.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, with the internet and you tube are there not enterprising OI history buffs that can film Out and about videos to post and then interested parties can watch at any time --then visit the OI whenever-- and be informed before they step foot on the island! I myself purchased the book a tour guide needs to study and learn to pass the test to be a certified tour guide in a popular South Carolina town. I am suggesting a tour guide book to sell on OI whether or not someone gives tours it would be a single source of Info and perhaps a money maker for some worthy organization.
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