Uncle Homer

My grandson, Lachlan, is now eleven years old. He loves to hear stories about his colorful family members and ancestors. When I was Lachlan's age I was fascinated with my Uncle Homer (1917-1966). For a time he served in the United States Navy, and he had acquired numerous tattoos, mostly of anchors, ships, and other nautical symbols. But my favorites were the naked ladies inked on his legs (those are the stories Lachlan most likes to hear, of course!).

Homer R. Howard,
courtesy of Earl O'Neal

When Uncle Homer stopped by to visit, he delighted in rolling up his pants legs, and flexing his calves to make the ladies dance for me. Cousin Dallie recalls Uncle Homer's exceptional patience. When he visited her home, she says, he would sit for an hour or more, allowing her to tape various paper doll outfits on the naked ladies!

Every family needs a quirky or unconventional relative to provide stories for future generations. My Uncle Homer is just one of many!

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.