Women of Ocracoke Opry

The Deepwater Theater was packed Saturday night, and nearly so yesterday afternoon, for the fourth annual Ocracoke Women's Opry. However, “Opry” hardly describes the show which featured a dozen and a half numbers from Broadway musicals.



(Photo by Lou Ann Homan. Click to enlarge.)

Leslie opened the show playing the ever popular “Edelweiss” on her flute. That was immediately followed by a rousing rendition of “There’s No Business Like Show Business” which set the tone for the evening.

Half way through the first set Sundae and Molly entertained the audience (their suits and fake mustaches were a hoot) with “Brush up Your Shakespeare” from Kiss Me Kate. Cynthia and Kitty kept the energy high with “Money, Money” from Cabaret. “Lola’s Ladies,” the newly formed Ocracoke belly dancing ensemble, closed the first set to cheers and wild applause.



(Photo by Lou Ann Homan. Click to enlarge.)

Marcy and Kitty opened act two with the energetic percussion number “Stomp” executed on tubs, trash cans, cooking pots and assorted other paraphernalia. Next, the Ocracoke Troupe marched up the aisle in early twentieth century costumes, carrying signs (“Give Women the Vote!”) and singing “Sister Suffragette” from Mary Poppins. Susie Kennedy added spice with her dance routine to “Hey Big Spender.”

To comment on all of the numbers and performers would tax my time and writing ability. I apologize to the others since each one deserves special mention. Suffice it to say that the ladies of Ocracoke presented the community with a wonderful show that will be long remembered. You can click here to view the full program.

_________________________________________________

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the wreck of the George W. Wells on Ocracoke's beach in 1913. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.

What Were They Thinking?

I know I shouldn't have laughed, but I just couldn't help it. Several days ago I had a call from a representative of a company who was hoping I could give an Ocracoke tour for a large group in late September. I gave her all of the particulars and explained that we would meet in front of the Village Craftsmen at 7:30 pm. "That will be great," she said. "We are having lunch at Howard's Pub, we'll do some sightseeing, then we're having supper at 6 o'clock at Western Sizzlin. We'll see you at 7:30."

"I'm afraid not," I said with a chuckle, but she insisted that was the way their tour was planned, that's how they'd done it before, and if I didn't want to accommodate them she'd just have to cancel my tour. I learned that she hadn't looked at a map, and was unwilling to accept the fact that Ocracoke is about three hours from the closest Western Sizzlin, which is in Kill Devil Hills.

Anyway, I hope they enjoy their trip to the Outer Banks!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.

Photos

Yesterday I posted a link to a video of my dancing man. Bisse Bowman, who took the video, also sent me the link to her gallery of Ocracoke photos. I thought our readers might enjoy seeing them. Just click on the link below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36684008@N00/sets/72157594268923343/with/3755220952/

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.

Dancing Man

For more than twenty years we sold "limberjacks" at the Village Craftsmen. These jointed wooden dolls with a dowel attached at the back can be made to dance on a thin wooden paddle. Of all the items we've ever carried, this one is most remembered by children and adults alike. Unfortunately, they sold well only when I demonstrated them...and after thousands of demos (probably more than one hundred thousand demos by my calculations) I just had to put the dancing man away. Then last year I brought my limberjack out of retirement and took him to the Wednesday evening Opry where I made him come alive during our final performance. He is now a regular feature of our show.

Wednesday night I met Bisse Bowman at the Opry and she sent me this link to a video she made last year:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36684008@N00/3755220952/in/set-72157621713914027/

Many thanks to Bisse for the link. I hope you enjoy the dance...and be sure to join us if you are on the island Wednesday nights during the season.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.

Ferry Cancellations for July 27

I just received the following email that may be of interest to folks traveling to or from Ocracoke on July 27:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: July 22, 2010
CONTACT: Lucy Wallace, (252) 473-3461

SEVERAL RUNS AT SWAN QUARTER, OCRACOKE AND CEDAR ISLAND ROUTES
TEMPORARILY CANCELLED FOR JULY 27
Motor Vessel Cedar Island needs minor repairs

MANNS HARBOR — The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry
Division announces that several runs at the Swan Quarter-Ocracoke and
Cedar Island-Ocracoke routes will be cancelled Tuesday, July 27, for
necessary repairs to the Motor Vessel Cedar Island. The Ferry division
selected that date, because it had the least number of reservations
and would inconvenience fewer passengers.

The ferry will be moved to the N.C. State Shipyard in Manns Harbor
where the repairs will take place. Once it is fixed and cleared for
operation by the U.S. Coast Guard, the ferry will return to service.

The following runs have been cancelled for July 27:

The 7 a.m. run from Cedar Island to Ocracoke;
The 9:30 a.m. run from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter;
The 12:30 p.m. run from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke; and
The 3:30 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Cedar Island.


The boat will be back at the Cedar Island terminal in time to make the
6 p.m. departure to Ocracoke, as well as the 8:30 p.m. run from
Ocracoke to Cedar Island.

The rest of the regular runs at these locations will take place using
the Motor Vessels Pamlico, Silver Lake and Carteret.

Travelers with reservations for any of these cancelled runs should
call the reservations center at 1-800-BY-FERRY (800-293-3779) and
press “2” to make alternative arrangements. For further information,
call the Cedar Island terminal at (252) 225-7411or the Ocracoke
terminal at (252) 928-1665.

NCDOT also offers ferry travel information on Twitter, a free
social-networking Web site. Citizens can get brief updates, or
“tweets,” for ferry routes by signing up at
www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.

***NCDOT***


Lucy Wallace
Communications Officer
NCDOT - Ferry Division
252.473.3461
252.473.1490 (Fax)

July 22

If you happen to see Lou Ann as you are wandering around the village today be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday! We went to the beach early this morning to watch the sunrise (maybe Lou Ann will share a photo or two sometime soon), then stopped by the Pony Island Restaurant for breakfast.

Tonight Amy & David are planning a family cookout with hamburgers and all the fixin's...including my usual -- deviled eggs-- and root beer floats!

Happy Birthday Lou Ann!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.

George W. Wells

I've just published another Ocracoke Newsletter. This month I relate the story of the sinking of the six-masted schooner George W. Wells, one of the largest wooden sailing vessels ever built. The Wells wrecked on Ocracoke's beach in September of 1913 during a violent storm. You can read this fascinating story here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.

Way Off Broadway

Ocracoke may be about as far "off Broadway" as you can imagine...but this Saturday evening (at 8 o'clock) and Sunday afternoon (at 2 o'clock) the Women of the Ocracoke Opry, under the direction of Lou Ann Homan-Saylor, will be putting on their fourth annual performance. All numbers will be from Broadway musicals. I understand there will be song and dance (be ready for some exiting numbers), and performance art. From what I hear it will be great fun, so come on out!

All seats are $10.00. To reserve tickets, please call Lou Ann at 252-921-0192. Leave a message if you get her voice mail.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Family

Yesterday afternoon David, Lachlan, and I motored out into the sound. Our goal was to meet the Cedar Island ferry as it approached Ocracoke. My son, Stefen, and his family were coming to the island for two weeks.

We were early so we anchored off of Springer's Point and David & Lachlan went for a swim. It was such a pleasure to see them frolicking in the water...laughing and carrying on. When they finally climbed back on board I asked Lachlan if he knew what an idyllic childhood he was having! Of course, he didn't have a clue what I was asking...but he will remember fondly these experiences for the rest of his life.

As it turned out, the Cedar Island ferry was late, and Lachlan & David had reasons to get back to shore, so we didn't see Stefen, Snee, Zoe, Eakin, & Eliza until their car pulled into the yard across the lane. Immediately the grandchildren ran over and gave me enthusiastic hugs. We walked through the house, filled buckets with water from the hand pump, and sat on the porch swing chatting. But they all wanted to get to the ocean before supper. So off we went. What fun it was to see them swimming, diving, and laughing together.

By 6:30 we were all sitting around a large outdoor table at the Jolly Roger restaurant enjoying a simple supper, watching sailboats and shrimpers in the harbor, sharing stories, and listening to David and the rest of the band entertain us with lively tunes as the sun sank below the horizon.

Yes, indeed, it's so fine to have family to share the good life with!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Wind

Weather is a constant part of life when you live on an island more than 20 miles from the mainland. The last two days have been windy, with gusts up to 30 mph. Sometimes it's difficult to guage wind speed from the protection of Howard Street, but on a dock in Silver Lake there is little doubt how windy it is. I took some friends clamming early Friday afternoon and, even at slow speed, spray over the bow got everyone at least a little wet. Coming back, my flat bottom skiff with so little dead rise, surfed the waves and shunted us from side to side several times.

Few people stayed for long on the beach these last few days. Blowing sand bit into bare legs and swirled around beach chairs & towels. The water was warm, but it stayed churned up by the wind.

I stayed in port yesterday (it was even windier than Friday), and only walked a mile or so on the beach, but I think the wind may lay down a bit today. Weather is part of our daily life...and part of the charm of living on Ocracoke.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Gospel Sing

Next week, on Tuesday, July 20 Books to be Red, on School Road, will host a Gospel Sing in their outside stage area from 6-8 pm. This event is co-sponsored by the Ocracoke United Methodist Church and the Ocracoke Assembly of God. All are invited to attend and participate.

Interested in singing or participating? Call or email Joyce or Ivey.
Ivey: ivey@riptidecomputers.com 252-921-0021
Joyce: joycereynolds44@gmail.com 252-921-0366

Also, they are looking for a sound system to use. Please let Ivey know if you can help with that.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Important Ferry Information

Yesterday afternoon I received the following email message about ferry run cancellations. If you are travelling to or from Ocracoke this coming Monday or Tuesday please read this carefully.

From: Wallace, Lucy M
Date: Thu, Jul 15, 2010 at 2:05 PM
Subject: SEVERAL RUNS AT SWAN QUARTER, OCRACOKE AND CEDAR ISLAND ROUTES TEMPORARILY CANCELLED EARLY NEXT WEEK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: July 15, 2010
CONTACT: Lucy Wallace (252) 473-3461

SEVERAL RUNS AT SWAN QUARTER, OCRACOKE AND CEDAR ISLAND ROUTES
TEMPORARILY CANCELLED EARLY NEXT WEEK
Motor Vessel Pamlico needs minor repairs

MANNS HARBOR — The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division announces that several runs at the Swan Quarter-Ocracoke and Cedar Island-Ocracoke routes will be cancelled Monday, July 19, and Tuesday, July 20, for necessary repairs to the Motor Vessel Pamlico.

The ferry will be moved to the N.C. State Shipyard in Manns Harbor. Once it is fixed and cleared for operation by the U.S. Coast Guard, it will return to service.

The following departures have been cancelled for July 19:

The 12 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter; and
The 5 p.m. run from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke.


The following runs have been cancelled for July 20:

The 7 a.m. run from Ocracoke to Cedar Island;
The 9:30 a.m. run from Cedar Island to Ocracoke;
The 12 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter; and
The 5 p.m. run from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke.


The following runs will continue as scheduled:

The 6:30 a.m. run from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter;
The 7 a.m. run from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke;
Both 9:30 a.m. runs from Swan Quarter and Ocracoke;
The 4:30 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter;
The 7 a.m. run from Cedar Island to Ocracoke;
The 10 a.m. run from Ocracoke to Cedar Island;
Both 3:30 p.m. runs from Cedar Island and Ocracoke;
Both 6 p.m. runs from Cedar Island and Ocracoke; and
Both 8:30 p.m. runs from Cedar Island and Ocracoke.


Travelers with reservations for any of these cancelled runs should
call the reservations center at 1-800-BY-FERRY (800-293-3779) and
press “2” to make alternative arrangements. For further information,
call the Ocracoke terminal at (252) 928-1665.

NCDOT also offers ferry travel information on Twitter, a free social-networking Web site. Citizens can get brief updates, or “tweets,” for ferry routes by signing up at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.

Lucy Wallace
Communications Officer
NCDOT - Ferry Division
252.473.3461
252.473.1490 (Fax)

________________________________

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

The Captain William & Eliza Thomas House

William Charles Thomas was born March 23, 1857 in Elizabeth City. He was a sea captain, and married Ocracoke native Eliza Gaskill. Sometime in the late nineteenth century Capt. Thomas was in the harbor at St. Kitts in the Caribbean. There he noticed a stately two story home with a prominent center cross gable, saw-tooth trim boards, sturdy wooden shutters, and a full length two story front porch.

Captain Thomas made a sketch of the house and brought it to his brother-in-law, Mr. Charlie Scarborough, one of Ocracoke's most respected carpenters. Mr. Charlie had all of the lumber brought to the island from the mainland, and built this replica for Capt. Thomas and Miss Eliza for $50.00.



Just a few months earlier the "Old August Storm of 1899" had flooded many island homes, including Mr. Charlie Scarborough's. Determined to minimize the damage from future hurricanes, Mr. Charlie cut a trap door in the living room floor to allow flood waters inside to prevent the house from being washed off its foundations. During the hurricane of 1944 the two-story front porch was blown away.

Capt. Thomas died in 1930. Eliza Thomas died in 1946. They are buried nearby.

Today the house is owned by Ms. Susan Barksdale, long time lover of Ocracoke.

The older bird carver who some years ago sat outside near the Capt. Thomas home was Clinton Gaskill. He died in 1999 at the age of 93. Clinton was Miss Eliza's nephew. Clinton's grandmother (Eliza's mother) was Sarah Owens, one of Ocracoke's early school teachers. Sarah Owens was a cousin of Susan Dimmock (1847-1875), the first female surgeon in North Carolina. You can read more about the Thomas home and Susan Dimmock in my book, Digging up Uncle Evans.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

World View

A few days ago Lachlan (who is almost six) had a friend from off the island visiting. While they were playing, discussion turned to their birthdays (they were both born in August).

"Are you a Leo or a Sagittarius?" the friend inquired.

"Neither," replied Lachlan, "I am a scientist."

The exchange tells us as much about their parents as it does about the children!

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

A Few Boating Photos

Several days ago I took Lou Ann out in the boat for a short ride. As always, she had her camera with her, and she took several pictures. Here are a few for your enjoyment. Click on any photo to view a larger image.

Just about ready to cast off:



A visiting schooner lies at the Community Store dock:



Nets & boats at the Fish House dock:



The Lighthouse and houses "Down Point":



The Captain Thomas home, and dock:



Laundry hanging out to dry:



Pamlico Sound ahead:



Ferries passing:



Kayakers:



This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Sunrise, Sunset

Ocracoke is one of those rare places where you can savor the splendor of sunrise and sunset over the water.

Many thanks to Lou Ann (who is much more of a morning person than I am) for sharing these photos she took a few days ago.

Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean:



Sunset over Pamlico Sound:



Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Power Yacht

Several days ago I took Lou Ann out for a little cruise in my 18' skiff. She wanted to make some photographs of Ocracoke village from Silver Lake, so we motored around slowly looking at the lighthouse, historic homes "down point," sailboats anchored in the harbor, and other sights. On our second pass by Captain's Landing Motel we were hailed by the captain of a large motor yacht tied up to their dock.

"Where did you get that skiff?" he wanted to know. I told him my dad had built it about 35 years ago.

"Here on the island?" he asked. I said it was one of the last wooden skiffs built right here on Ocracoke. He told me several times how beautiful it was, and how much he enjoyed seeing us go by.

I guess you don't have to be the captain of a large, expensive vessel to garner attention from other boaters!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Did You Know?

Enoch Ellis Howard (1833-1897) was appointed keeper of the Ocracoke Lighthouse in 1862 when he was just 29 years old. He served until he died, thirty-five years later. His annual salary in 1862 was $560.00. The year he died his salary was still $560.00!

Enoch Ellis and his wife Cordelia Williams* are pictured below, standing beside the keeper's quarters.



*Enoch Ellis Howard and his two brothers, Perry Coleman & James W. (my great-grandfather) each married sisters, Cordelia Williams, Elizabeth Williams, and Zilphia Williams.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit and island character Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

A Long Day

Lou Ann and I were off the island all day yesterday (thus no blog). It wasn't a very exciting trip (the main reason to go was my six-month visit to the dentist), but we did get some essential shopping done -- supplies for the Village Craftsmen, a replacement phone cord, a much needed pair of shoes, a few clothes, and some paper products.

We were gone eleven hours (returned home on the 6:30 ferry), but enjoyed the time to be together in the car, chatting and listening to 50s and 60s music on satellite radio. The best part of the trip was standing on the ferry on our way home, feeling the spray nip at our legs, smelling the scent of salt in the air, and watching Ocracoke grow larger as we approached the dock.

It is always good to be home on our little island in the sea.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to an interesting island character, Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

More July 4th Photos

Many thanks to Ruth Fordon who forwarded more Ocracoke July 4th photos -- parade floats, beachgoers, sand scuptures, and classic antique cars. Click on any photo to view a larger image.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to independent spirit Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Ocracoke Square Dance

Ruth Fordon, editor of the Ocracoke Observer, sent me the following photos she took of the July 4th Ocracoke Squaredance (click on any photo to view a larger image). I thought our readers would enjoy seeing how much fun folks were having. Afterwards the Aaron Caswell Band kept a crowd of hundreds enthralled with two hours of classic rock and roll. As they say, "A good time was had by all!" Notice the range of ages of people dancing.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to the memory of indepent islander Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

July 4th Gallery

We hope all of our readers had a safe and happy Independence Day. There was so much going on here yesterday on Ocracoke Island. Following are a few photos (I'm sorry, but I don't have pictures of the sand sculptures, the classic cars, most of the parade floats, etc., but I hope you enjoy these). Click on any photo to view a larger image.

The American Flag flying from my front porch:



The Herd Skydivers Coming in for a Landing:



Lou Ann, Jim, & I on our Float (The "De-Hyde-Ration Co. ABC Store" -- sold out of everything...but only local folks got the joke!):



The Queens (and Buccaneers) of Ocracoke:



Evening Squaredance at the Community Store:



Even the Dogs were Celebrating:



Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute of the spirit of independent islander Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Stars (and Stripes)

We were sitting around a picnic table last night (enjoying a July 4th Ocracoke potluck dinner), and Katy & Ingrid were telling us about their recent bicycle trip across the US. They and several friends left Ocracoke February 1, biked to St. Augustine, Florida, then headed west. They arrived in San Diego, California on June 1. It was quite an adventure, especially biking across the desert at night. Katy said she would do it again, but would take a different route next time just so they could see another part of the country.

At the end of their tale Katy made it clear that the most spectacular nighttime sky was right here at home, on Ocracoke Island. When Lou Ann and I came back to our cottage on Lawton Lane (after a brief detour to enjoy the sunset over Pamlico Sound) we stood out in the yard and looked up in the heavens. What a scene! Stars were scattered everywhere. The Milky Way and numerous constellations were spread out across the sky. In short order a shooting star pierced the canopy. We walked up the steps and into the house, happy to be home.

Happy Independence Day to all of our readers. We hope to see you around the village, enjoying the celebrations.

Just a Reminder

The Ocracoke Civic & Business Association has asked me to publish this photo to remind all of our residents and visitors that private fireworks displays (including sparklers and bottle rockets) are prohibited on Ocracoke Island, both on National Park Service land, and in the village.

This ordinance was enacted prior to last year's tragic explosion, and was designed to protect our beautiful island from fires started by private fireworks displays.

Please enjoy our July 4th celebration, and especially our evening music and dance activities at the Community Store parking lot.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is another tribute to islander and independent spirit Don Wood. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062110.htm.

Fourth of July Celebration

The Ocracoke Civic & Business Association and the Ocracoke Preservation Society have planned a number of fun events for all day in honor of Independence Day. Here is Sunday's schedule:

• 9 am -- Flag Raising Ceremony (with moment of silence) at Ocracoke School circle.
• 10 am -- Sand Sculpture Contest at Lifeguard Beach.
• 10 am - 2 pm -- Classic Cars at Pony Island Motel.
• 10 am - 2 pm -- Ocracoke Lighthouse open for public viewing.
• 11 am -- Church services at Methodist & Assembly of God churches.
• 11 am - 2 pm -- View Ocracoke Ponies with a NPS ranger at the Pony Pen.
• 1 pm -- Skydiving onto Pony Island Motel lawn.
• 3 pm -- Old Time Ocracoke Parade
• 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm -- Ocracoke Squaredance at the Community Store Square.
• 8:30 pm - 10 pm -- Aaron Caswell band and dance at the Community Store Square.

Bring a folding chair to the Community Store Square...but don't let that stop you from dancing! The Ocracoke squaredance is fun and easy to learn (no fancy steps, and there's a good teacher!)...and the Aaron Caswell Band will be playing many of your favorites. Come on out and have a wonderful time.