Twins

The following article about two prominent islanders appeared in 1955 in The Coastland Times, a popular Outer Banks newspaper that is still in circulation.

"TWIN BROTHERS 70 YEARS OLD ON OCRACOKE

"Capt. Ike O'Neal and Capt. Walter O'Neal, twin brothers, celebrated their 70th birthday recently and were delightfully entertained by a dinner party at the home of Mrs. Maude Fulcher. Fourteen friends enjoyed the occasion with the honorees. Two tables were attractively decorated, the family sitting at one and the friends at the other. A chicken and ham dinner was served. Guests included their sisters: Mrs. Tressie Howard and Mrs. Elnora Ballance, and a brother, John O'Neal, who came here recently from Philadelphia; Mrs. Walter O'Neal, Mrs. Marvin Howard, Mr. & Mrs. Murry Tolson, Mr. & Mrs. Kelly O'NwL, Mrs. Etta Scarborough, Miss Marie Hodges, and Charles Agmon.

Capt. Walter O'Neal (standing, in white hat)

"Capt. Ike operated the freight boat between Ocracoke and Washington, N.C., skipper of the "Relief", the "Russell L." and the "Dryden". He was also in the grocery store business for many years and continues as a partner in Garrish and O'Neal's Community Store, which has recently moved into a fine new building. In addition to this he has done considerable commercial fishing.

"Capt. Walter O'Neal is a well-known sports fishing and hunting guide. He has worked with sportsmen from new England, new York, all the way down the Eastern Seaboard and even as far away as Texas. At one time he operated a small store on the island. He is now half-owner of the freight boat "Bessie Virginia" with his son, Capt. Van Henry O'Neal who operates between Ocracoke and Washington. Capt. Walter is not only a guide but an ardent fisherman. Both are members of the Ocracoke Methodist Church and active in church and community affairs."

(From http://www.ncgenweb.us/hyde/news/newsjan55_jun55.HTM)

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is a brief history of Howard's Pub. You can read it here: https://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082117.htm.