In years past, Ocracoke residents often relied on mail-order firms (Sears & Roebuck, Montgomery Ward, and Charles Williams) for clothes and household items. Sometimes, island boat captains and merchants made regular trips across the sound. This excerpt from the Morning New Bernian [New Bern, NC], February 10, 1932 offers a glimpse into island commerce in the early part of the twentieth century:
"Capt. W[illiam] D[aniel] Gaskill, one of Ocracoke’s most progressive citizens, has just returned to the island with a cargo of foodstuffs and building materials after having spent two days here disposing of a large quantity of sea food. Capt. Gaskill is now a regular visitor to New Bern, coming here every ten days to make purchases for the families on the island…. “[T]he variety of foodstuffs is what appeals to me so much,” [said Capt. Gaskill]. Capt. Gaskill conducts the hotel on the island and is now making plans to build a dance hall over the water which will be open by the time the summer season rolls around, every piece of lumber for this work to be hauled from the mainland.”
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Capt. Bill's Pamlico Inn |
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Capt. Horatio Williams and his schooner, the Paragon. You can read the story here: www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112115.htm.
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