Island Character

Ocracoke has never had a shortage of wonderful island characters. Some that come to mind are Rob Hanks (who, in the 1950s, would tell you the story of Ocracoke for a dime), Wilbur Gaskill (who carved birds and entertained visitors with crazy hand gestures), Horatio Williams (who sank his schooner during the Civil War to keep it out of the hands of both the North & the South), Bill Askren (a hippy before there were hippies), and Mad Mag Howard (who liked to stand in graveyards after dark). I also think of Henry (with the 3-lgged dog), Don Wood (whose living room also served as his workshop), and Dale (he works sometimes at Village Craftsmen!).

Just a few days ago I joined several friends, including Susan, an Ocracoke property owner and part-time resident, for a walk on the beach. Susan had to point out her new bumper sticker:

Susan's house is full of creative things: colorful quilts of her own design, numerous animal bones and skulls, elaborate crucifixes and statues...and baby doll heads.

"You know, Susan," I said to her, "you are a wonderful person, full of love and compassion, smart, and incredibly talented and creative. But those baby doll heads are kind of weird."

"Philip, you would be surprised to know how many people collect baby doll heads," she replied.

With nothing more to be said, we then proceeded to enjoy our walk on the beach.

Just another Ocracoke Island Character!

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the dramatic story of life-saver Rasmus Midgett and his rescue of the crew of the barkentine Priscilla in August, 1899. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052116.htm.