This 1 1/2 story central gabled house was built ca. 1886. The columned stoop and porches visible in yesterday's photo were added in 1936-1937. The house was raised, additional rooms added, and the porches expanded around the turn of the 21st century. This house was originally built for James Hatton Wahab (1861-1915) and his wife Martha Ann Howard Wahab (1867-1949). James Hatton was a notable islander who served in the US Life-Saving Service.
Hatton and Martha Ann's son, Robert Stanley Wahab (1888-1967), continued to live in the house. Stanley established and operated the island's first ice and electric plant, began the Wahab Village and Wahab Hotel (now Blackbeard's Lodge), and turned the former Odd Fellows Lodge building into an inn that was the forerunner of today's Island Inn.
Stanley Wahab was one of Ocracoke's first native entrepreneurs and one of the first to envision the island's tourist potential. Stanley's widow, Myra Wahab (1903-2002), lived in the house until her death. Stanley's nephew, Chip Stevens, owner of Blackbeard's Lodge, and his family live there today.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Ellen Marie Cloud's first-person account of the Great Ocracoke Lighthouse Window Heist. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012117.htm.
Beautiful home
ReplyDeleteIs not the Historic District a matter of public record?. So if you live in the Historic District, current residents should be comfortable with names and addresses being a matter of public record. So who is living in this house today and thus responsible for it care and well being?? Do tell I wonder if they will be willing to share what it like living in a Historic Home on OI.
ReplyDeleteNo, names of current residents of homes in Ocracoke's Historic District are not a matter of public record. And there are no obligations or benefits that come with inclusion in the District except for recognition and tax credits.
Delete