Ocracoke Nurses

I recently had a conversation with a woman writing a book about nursing in North Carolina. She was intrigued with how remote the island was until the mid-twentieth century, and with the career of Kathleen Bragg, Ocracoke's first trained native nurse. Kathleen (1899-1975) earned her nursing degree in Rocky Mount, NC in 1923 and returned home to care for her island community. Although medical doctors occasionally set up practice on the island, for the most part Ocracoke was without other medical professionals.

In addition to making house calls as a private practitioner and working for the county as the school nurse, Kathleen delivered more than one hundred babies in her long career.

Elsie Garrish (1915-2003), another island native, also studied nursing, in the 1930s.  Elsie worked in hospitals on the mainland for a number of years, but returned to Ocracoke in 1963. If you look carefully at the 1960s tourist map below (you can click to enlarge the map), you will see Kathleen's house (near the lighthouse) and Elsie's house (on Howard Street) noted. There was no medical doctor, nor clinic on the island at that time.

Early, 1950s Tourist Map

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

“Living Shoreline” Project Announced for Springer’s Point Preserve

The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust announced that it will begin work this spring on a natural shoreline restoration project, known as a “Living Shoreline”, at Springer's Point.

“Springer’s Point is an ecological and cultural gem for locals and visitors alike,” said Lee Leidy, Attorney and Northeast Region Director of the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, which owns and manages the 122-acre nature preserve. “Unfortunately, the shoreline at the Preserve no longer functions like a natural shore system, and areas that previously served as an important buffer to the maritime forest are now eroded.”

The Living Shoreline project focuses on restoring approximately 500 feet of shoreline near Old Slough. “Living shorelines are alternatives to bulkheads that protect eroding shorelines while creating important estuarine habitat,” said Erin Fleckenstein, Northeast Coastal Scientist with the North Carolina Coastal Federation.

An oyster bag sill will be placed offshore and parallel to the existing marsh to create a living breakwater, which will allow a natural aquatic ecosystem to form. The area between the oyster bag sill and the shoreline will then be planted with native marsh grasses. The goal is that the sill will buffer wind and wave-driven erosion so that the shore can accrete and build naturally. At the same time, maintenance work on the existing jetty will also be carried out.

The Coastal Land Trust has contracted with the North Carolina Coastal Federation, which has completed more than 20 “Living Shoreline” projects at locations on the coast, including state parks, to design and implement the project. “These projects offer the opportunity to combine shoreline protection with habitat creation for estuarine organisms. We are excited to partner with the Coastal Land Trust to protect the shoreline at Springer’s Point,” said Erin Fleckenstein.

“Springer’s Point is very important to Ocracoke and the Outer Banks, so we are grateful but not surprised that so many in the community have stepped forward to help,” said Lee Leidy. Local fisherman will help bag the oyster shell and build the oyster bag sill, and contractors from Hatteras and Wanchese will assist with the maintenance work on the jetty. Volunteers from local schools and the community will be recruited to assist with the planting of marsh grass. The Coastal Land Trust plans to begin the restoration work as soon as possible, but no later than March, and hopes to complete the marsh grass plantings by the end of May.If necessary, the Coastal Land Trust will temporarily close the Preserve to visitors for safety reasons and to promote the success of the project. The Preserve will be open this summer.

Funding for the Living Shoreline project at Springer’s Point Preserve is being provided by grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Partnership between the NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program and Restore America's Estuaries, and by private donations to North Carolina Coastal land Trust.

The North Carolina Coast land Trust works with landowner in North Carolina to save the lands you love at the coast, for the benefit of all North Carolinians. Since 1992, the Trust has helped save more than 48,000 acres of land in 22 coastal counties of the state. The Coastal Land Trust has offices in Elizabeth City, Wilmington and New Bern. More information about the living Shoreline project at Springer's Point and about North Carolina Coast Land Trust is available at www.coastallandtrust.org.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm

Surprise

I went to the beach yesterday afternoon around 3 o'clock, a little later than I normally go. Imagine my surprise when I walked onto the platform and noticed someone swimming in the ocean! Oh, it was warm yesterday, almost 70 I'd say, but I knew the water was still chilly.

OK, it was a child. They're nearly always the first ones in the water in the spring. However, I am proud to say that I have been swimming in the ocean here at Ocracoke every month of the year. The secret is to get out when your inner ear starts getting cold.

I also noticed about 30 people enjoying the beach, more than I've seen in many months. Several were strolling at the water's edge looking for seashells; two or three were reading; a few were lying on blankets catching a few rays; others were walking their dogs; or just standing around chatting. It was the perfect spring beach day.

But this is Ocracoke -- I walked about 100 yards to the north, and from there, as far as the eye could see, was nothing but sand, surf, sea oats, and a few seagulls. What a gorgeous day!

March 14 Photo by George Brown, added at 10 am

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Let Ocracoke Alone!

At least twice I have published my views about Ocracoke and change. You can read my most recent post on that subject here: http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2011/06/change.html.

As I mention in that article, I very much understand the sentiment to "let Ocracoke alone!" And even though I believe it is naive to think that Ocracoke will never change, I am sentimental enough to long for the simple life that was island living when I was a youngster. With that in mind, I share below what I believe may be a never before published poem written by Carl Goerch (author of "Ocracoke") in the 1950s (it was discovered in a file saved by an islander who died in 1997):

LET OCRACOKE ALONE!

Hark unto me, oh friend of mine
And listen while I speak.
My eyes are dimmed with unshed tears --
'Tis sympathy I seek.

They're modernizing Ocracoke
And say it won't be long
Before you'll hardly know the place,
And this, my friend, is wrong.

For years I've loved its sandy shores,
Its gnarled and stumpy trees,
Its calm and placid atmosphere
Its fragrant, balmy breeze.

I've been awakened many times
By softly-quacking ducks,
But this may soon be drowned out now
By noisy cars and trucks.

I love the Gaskills, Burruses,
McWilliams and O'Neals;
I love the nights of restful sleep;
The seafood at most meals.

I love to hear the people say;
"Hoigh Toide at Foive o'clock"
The finest folks you've ever seen,
And I don't mean to mock.

Change Chicago or New York,
Or any other city,
But to make a change at Ocracoke
Would be an awful pity.

Sure, there have been changes on the island -- some for the better, some for the worse. But we still have our miles of undeveloped beach, our sandy lanes, our tight-knit community, fresh seafood, quiet winter nights, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Ocracoke continues to be a delightful place to call "home."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Village Crafstmen Spring Hours

March is the time of year when new life springs forth. On Ocracoke camellias and crocuses are blooming. Tulips are poking through the soil, and fresh buds are appearing on shrubs. This is also the season when visitors begin returning to the island and many village stores, shops, and restaurants re-open their doors.

Village Craftsmen opens for the 2012 season this coming Friday at 12 noon. Spring hours will be Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday 10 am - 2 pm; (closed Monday).  Stop by and visit. We continue to follow our 40 year commitment to carry only quality US made handcrafts. We love to see our many local and off-island friends.

Stop by and say hello!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Fig Wasps ?

New leaves are bursting forth from our island fig trees. And Ocracoke gardeners are giving springtime thoughts to tending to these iconic trees. On July 16 of last year I posted a short article about the complex and fascinating relationship between figs and fig wasps (every species of fig has a unique species of tiny wasps that fertilizes that type of fig tree).

After I published that journal entry I pondered the completeness of the description. Island fig trees are rooted from cuttings, or reproduce by sending supple limbs down to the ground where they root. I questioned if they ever reproduce from seed.

A little bit of research revealed that fertilized fig seeds generally come from Turkey or other Middle Eastern locations because fig wasps are native to those areas. I further learned that "persistent" or common figs do not need pollination. I am not 100% certain, but I suspect that all fig trees on Ocracoke are descendants of trees that were cultivated millennia ago, and that their fruit develops parthenocarpicly (without fertilization).

So, if you've ever been squeamish about eating figs (and therefore wasp larvae), I think you can relax. I have never seen evidence of fig wasps in Ocracoke figs.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Ash Wednesday Storm

This past Wednesday, March 7, marked the 50th anniversary of the devastating "Ash Wednesday Storm" that pummeled the Outer Banks in 1962.

The storm, which struck with very little warning, assaulted the North Carolina coast with gale force winds for two and a half days. Higher than average spring tides combined with powerful wind brought extreme flooding from Nags Head to Hatteras Island. A new inlet between Buxton and Avon severed Hatteras Island.

When it was over more than 2,000 Outer Banks buildings were either washed into the ocean, otherwise totally destroyed, or severely damaged. Officials estimated the damage to property at more than $234 million dollars.

Old and abandoned automobiles were dumped into the breech on Hatteras. Dredges pumped sand on top of the vehicles to finally fill in the new inlet.

In 1986 Outer Banks historian, David Stick, wrote a book, "The Ash Wednesday Storm," which chronicled the devastation with photographs and interviews with people who lived through the ordeal and with everyday heroes who rescued countless individuals from the rising tide.

The book is a sobering reminder of the power and fury of North Atlantic storms, but I don't believe the book is still in print.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Mad Mag's Studio

Margaret Eaton Howard's legacy lives on in Ocracoke as the story of Mad Mag, a woman of peculiar habits who, among other things, wandered the island graveyards after dark in a long white dress. You can hear more about Mad Mag on our popular Ghost & History Walking Tours during the warmer seasons.

Lou Ann has always felt a special kinship with Mad Mag. Several years ago we restored a 100 year old wash house in my back yard, and converted it to a getaway for Lou Ann. She calls it Mad Mag's Studio.

Mad Mag's Studio

If you stop by to visit her studio, especially after dark, keep a wary eye out for Margaret Eaton's ghost!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Ocracoke Airport

Long ago, in January of 1969, I read an AP wire service report about Ocracoke. I cut and saved the article. Here is the report as it appeared in newspapers across the country:

"Town's Airport Not 'Rundown'. Ocracoke, N.C. (AP) -- An airport with a 3,000-foot paved runway has been built on this isolated Outer Banks island so that visitors arriving by air no longer will have to use a highway as a landing strip."

I thought our readers (especially our pilots) would appreciate the understatement.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Restored Skipjack Donated to Ocracoke Non-Profit, Ocracoke Alive Inc.

Hardly a day goes by that something interesting or exciting doesn't happen on Ocracoke. Today I share some very wonderful news. Because of the generosity of Mr. Herb Carden of Kinsale, Virginia, Ocracoke Alive, Inc., the island's arts and cultural organization, is now the proud owner of one of the nation's last oyster dredging sailing vessels. Mr. Carden had this 70 year old vessel, the 47' skipjack Wilma Lee, completely restored and has donated it to Ocracoke Alive.

The Wilma Lee in Virginia

The Wilma Lee's bow

Hoisting the Sails

We are very excited and extremely grateful for this generous donation. Please read the press release for the full story:

The Skipjack Wilma Lee, a restored 47 foot, 20 ton, sloop-rigged, centerboard sailboat will soon become a new educational and cultural attraction on Ocracoke Island. The 70 year old boat has been donated to the non-profit organization Ocracoke Alive Inc, which is dedicated to promoting arts and culture on this Outer Banks island.

One of only a few remaining Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks, the Wilma Lee is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The donor and restorer of the boat, Mr. Herb Carden, of Sandy Point, Virginia, had been looking for a new home for his boat for some time when he first opened up a dialogue with Ocracoke Alive last fall.

Carden, along with Master Shipwright John Morganthaler, has completed over twenty boat restoration projects, but the Wilma Lee is the one he shows with the most pride. "My goal for rebuilding the Wilma Lee was to do exactly what I have done. That is to see it donated by Liz [Carden's wife] and me, where it will be used to educate the history of its past," Carden said. "I trust that all of you in control of Wilma Lee will make sure that she is used for educational purposes to all the young and old who might have the privilege to sail on her," he added. One of Carden's special hopes for the Wilma Lee is that it will inspire young people to learn a love of boats and boating.

Though skipjacks are historically associated with the Chesapeake Bay oystering industry, they eventually made their way south, into the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. And in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, North Carolina boat builders were copying the famous design. Skipjacks were a single purpose boat, designed and built for oyster dredging, though Carolina watermen also used Skipjacks for harvesting she-crabs, and hauling lumber and cargo. They are hard working boats with massive sails intended to generate the power necessary to drag a heavy dredge and to work in low wind.

Ocracoke Alive president David Tweedie said of the gift, "We are overwhelmed by Mr. Carden's generosity. This is a very valuable gift, but it is also a huge responsibility for Ocracoke Alive."

Ocracoke Alive is an Ocracoke-based non-profit organization that is best known for the production of the Ocrafolk Festival and the Ocrafolk School. Tweedie said that Ocracoke Alive will do everything possible to carry out Mr. Carden's hopes for his boat, "to make The Wilma Lee's presence in Ocracoke an educational and cultural attraction that will draw tourism to the island and to the Ocracoke waterfront."

According to Ocracoke Alive treasurer Tom Pahl, "It will cost about fifteen to twenty thousand dollars a year just to keep the boat in the water. Plus it will be necessary to plan for repair and maintenance contingencies that will no doubt come up in the future. It is a boat, after all and a wooden boat at that."

Pahl explained that Ocracoke Alive agreed to accept the boat only after an exhaustive study of costs and potential income. "The only way we are able to accept this gift is if the boat can generate its own income," Pahl said.

To that end, Ocracoke Alive will lease the boat to local sailboat captain Rob Temple. Temple has been sailing the passenger schooners Windfall and Windfall II continuously out of Ocracoke for almost twenty years. The lease agreement will require that a percentage of the Wilma Lee's income be returned to Ocracoke Alive to support and promote educational and cultural programming connected to the Wilma Lee as well as other Ocracoke Alive events and programs.

The Wilma Lee's activities will include free programs for the Ocracoke School and off-island school groups, plus a regular schedule of free dockside events, such as historic talks, storytelling and boat tours, allowing curious visitors to learn about the long history of wooden boats and commercial fishing in and around the waters of Ocracoke.

"Our hope is that this boat will draw people of all ages and interests to the waterfront, in much the same way that the Elizabeth II brings folks to Manteo," Tweedie said. "We want this to benefit everyone – we want visitors to have a memorable experience, we want to advance the notion of Ocracoke as a destination for those with a taste for maritime history and we want to bring more people down to the waterfront."

The Wilma Lee was built in 1940 on the Maryland shore. It is one of the younger boats in the fleet of around 32 skipjacks still afloat. Over the years, about 800 of these boats sailed the oyster-laden waters along the Maryland, Virginia and Carolina shores. The last remaining North Carolina-built skipjack was built in Rose Bay (Hyde County) in 1915. Named the Ada Mae, it's now used for educational purposes as part of Carolina Coastal Classrooms in New Bern, NC.

The skipjack Wilma Lee is expected to make its debut entrance into Ocracoke harbor around the Easter holiday. For more information about the Wilma Lee and Ocracoke Alive, go to www.ocracokealive.org.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Macbeth

This is Bill. On a recent beach walk with Philip I told him about an experience I had recently had and he asked me to "write that up for the blog". So here goes.

Ocracoke High School English teacher, Charles Temple, recently announced his intention of directing a production of Macbeth this spring and invited "actors" from the community to audition for roles along with the mostly student cast. I had so much fun two years ago in A Midsummer Night's Dream that I showed up again this year and was generously given a role.

And so that's how I found myself in the English classroom this past Saturday afternoon with about ten teenage students and our director. We spent an hour and half reading through Act I and talking about nearly every exchange of dialogue and "what was going on there."

The amazing thing to me was how, as far as I could tell, we all seemed to be having the time of our lives...as if we'd rather be there doing that than almost anywhere else! For an hour and a half. Saturday afternoon. Macbeth. What fun! Teenagers!

Now I've got to start memorizing my lines.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Baskets

This winter more than a dozen people joined Judith Saunders for a Basket Making Workshop here on Ocracoke. 
 

The "Island Weavers," as they call themselves, will be hosting an Open House / Exhibition of Basket Creations this evening from 6:30 - 8:00 at Books to be Red on School Road. Light refreshments will be served.
Come on out to celebrate island creativity!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Dragon Tree Revisited

On Thursday I posted a photo of the tree Audrey Penn calls the "dragon tree." Here it is again:

No one seemed to know where to find this tree. That is not too surprising because it is not particularly obvious. However, the dragon tree is on public property. It is one of the trees at Springer's Point, right where the path ends at the beach.

Here is another photo of the tree:

The "dragon's head" is difficult to see. It is obscured by the branches on the left side of the photo. But if you look carefully on your next visit to Springer's you should be able to find it. Good luck.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Place Names of the Outer Banks...

...that is the name of a 1985 book by Roger L. Payne. Unfortunately, the book is currently out of print. At nearly 200 pages the book lists hundreds (probably several thousand) names of islands, inlets, marshes, hammocks, creeks, villages, dunes, shoals, swamps, etc. in Carteret, Currituck, Dare, and Hyde Counties.

On page 23 Payne includes a table of the "Grouping of Names on the Outer Banks According to Type of Name" (based on eight categories established by H.L. Mencken in his book "The American Language").

Below are the categories (examples in parentheses are all on Ocracoke), total number on the Outer Banks, and their percentages:

Personal Names (e.g. "Dick's Camp"): 274 total names, 25.3%
Transferred from England (e.g. "Up Trent" an historic area of Ocracoke village): 25 total names, 2.3%
Indian (e.g. "Ocracoke"): 72 total names, 6.6%
Other Languages: 0 total names, 0%
Biblical & Mythological: (none that I know of on Ocracoke): 7 total names, 0.7%
Descriptive (e.g. "Try Yard Creek"): 376 total names, 34.7%
Flora, Fauna, & Geology (e.g. "Billy Goat Hill"): 197 total names, 18.2%
Fanciful (maybe "Old Quawk's Creek" falls in this category): 73 total names, 6.7%
Unknown (e.g. "Guesses Reef"): 60 total names, 5.5%

If you come across Payne's book in a used book store, consider purchasing a copy for yourself, or to donate to the Ocracoke Preservation Society or to the Ocracoke Library (I am not sure if they have a copy or not).

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Lightning Whelk

Every now and then, even when we haven't had any stormy weather, a beautiful shell will wash up on the beach...and I will just happen to be the first person to walk by. That happened a few days ago. There, right at the high tide line, was this perfect, unbroken lightning whelk, a treasure from the sea, as they say.

Lightning Whelk

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Oyster Dredging

On Tuesday I had the opportunity of a lifetime. My friends, Rob & Steve and I were invited to spend a day with Ed Farley, captain of the skipjack H.M. Krentz, on the Chesapeake Bay dredging for oysters. We met Ed at sunup on Deal's Island, Maryland. By 6:30 we were on board with six other crew members. After a hearty breakfast of eggs, potatoes and scrapple we arrived at the oyster beds. From then until sundown the H.M. Krentz, built in 1955, worked the oyster beds several miles out in the Bay.

Although the H.M. Krentz is a sailing vessel built especially for oystering, she was accompanied by a "push boat," a small yawl powered by a 150 hp diesel engine tethered to the stern, and controled at the helm of the skipjack.

The dredges were tossed overboard, one on each side. After a couple of minutes the winder motors were started and the dredges were hauled back on deck and emptied. Over the side went the empty dredges, and down on their hands and knees went the crew, three on each side, culling through the heap of shells. Legal size oysters were tossed behind the men, and empty shells & smaller oysters were pushed back into the water. After only a brief interlude the dredges were hauled back to the boat.

Over and over this process continued...until noon. Then the crew went below deck for their dinner of ham, sweet potatoes and green beans. After 30 minutes they were back at their stations, working the dredges until the sun sank below the horizon, twelve hours after we left the dock.

By the end of the day the H.M. Krentz and her crew had harvested 53 bushels of oysters. It was all in a day's work.

Enjoy the photos:

Ready to leave the dock

The push boat at the stern

Culling oysters early in the day

A mid-day view of the dredges, winder motors, and oysters

Sunset on the H.M. Krentz

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Dragon Tree

Audrey Penn has written a number of children's books. In addition to "The Kissing Hand" and other books for young children, all familiar to teachers, school librarians, and parents, Audrey has written three novels for older children (and adults) loosely based on the story of Blackbeard the Pirate and Ocracoke Island. I have been honored to illustrate "Mystery at Blackbeard's Cove," "Blackbeard and the Sandstone Pillar," and "Blackbeard and the Gift of Silence."

Audrey is working on one more book, and she asked me to illustrate it as well. One drawing that she asked for was an illustration of an Ocracoke Island tree she calls the "dragon tree." Here is a photo I took of the tree:

Dragon Tree

Do any of our readers recognize this tree? Do you know where it is? (I will post the answer in a few days.) By the way, the books are available here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/islandbooks.htm.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Linoleum

Seven years ago, when I re-habilitated my grandparents' house on Lawton Lane, I discovered layers of linoleum (older Ocracokers called it "carpet"), one on top of the other, that had been laid down on the floors.

As I pulled the linoleum off I began to realize that I had come across something akin to an archeological discovery. Over several days I collected one 8 X 10 sample of every design. All told I found 16 different patterns. The photo shows three of them.

Linoleum Samples

I thought I might frame and mount them, but I never have. But I have stored them in protective plastic sleeves...and I bring them out every now and then to show visitors.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Influenza

This is the time of year for head colds, allergies, and the flu. I should know. Even though I have been feeling much better for several days, I still have a residual cough and the sniffles. As O'cockers say, I've been doasted right.

Earlier this month a reader asked about the impact the Influenza Epidemic of 1918-1919 had on Ocracoke. There is no one alive on the island who remembers when the pandemic swept across the world. However, some older folks remember a few stories. It seems that Ocracoke fared better than many places. Nevertheless, several people living on the island contracted the flu, but we don't know how many, if any, died from it. For example, my grandparents' thirteenth child, Aliph Dean, died in October of 1918. She was not even one month old. We do not know the cause of death.

Also, a few islanders who had moved to Philadelphia and other northern port cities came down with this particularly virulent flu that killed between 50 and 100 million people worldwide.

This 2012 season of colds and allergies on Ocracoke has been annoying, but mild compared to 1918-1919. Let's hope it doesn't get any worse!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Children & Lighthouses

Blanche has told me several times that Wesley Austin, Ocracoke Lighthouse keeper from 1912-1929, enjoyed giving people tours of the lighthouse. That, of course, was in the days before Ocracoke became a popular tourist destination. He especially liked showing the tower to island children. Lela Howard (Blanche's sister) and Lela's playmate, Virginia Howard (both were born in 1911), would visit the lighthouse every Fourth of July after they were about eight years old. Wesley greeted them and invited them to climb to the top. From the lantern room the children would crawl through the access door onto the balcony, then sit on the ledge with their legs hanging over the side. What a spectacular view they had!

If the above story makes parents cringe with fear, consider the following account by Dorothy Gaskill from the book, "Lighthouse Families." Dorothy Gaskill is the daughter of Vernon Gaskill, Sr. who was Principal Keeper of the Bodie Island Lighthouse from 1919-1939.

"We used to climb over the railing [of the catwalk] and walk on the ledge -- six or seven inches wide at the most -- and lean out hanging onto the railing. Of course this was without our parents' knowledge!"

How times have changed.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Permit & Model A

On Saturday morning I gathered together the registration certificate for my 1994 Ford pickup truck, my driver's license, and my checkbook, and headed to the National Park Service building to get my beach driving permit. All of the rangers there were pleasant and cordial. I asked about responses to the new regulations. I was told that the Park Service has issued about 100 permits so far, almost all of them annual permits. Of course, some people complained about the fees, but apparently everyone has been civil.

With my permit affixed to the windshield, I got David and Lachlan, and we went for a scud down to South Point. It was a perfectly beautiful winter day with colors that seem to appear only on chilly, windy days. We saw only two other vehicles -- one neighbor, and a couple from Virginia, bundled up for protection from the wind, doing some surf fishing.

Back in the village we stopped at the Post Office to check our mail. That's where we met Tom Wright who has restored a 1929 Model A Ford, and who drives it around the village. He offered to take us for a ride. What a fun time we had. Tom showed us how to advance the spark, choke the carburetor, turn the key, then press the starter button. The engine jumped to life and we toured the village. Tom blew the horn for us, showed us the gauges, and propped open the windshield (1929 air conditioning, he called it). On the way to the air strip we managed to accelerate to 45 mph, but we could hardly hear each other talk because the engine was so loud.

Back at the Post Office Lachlan thanked Tom and pronounced the adventure "awesome."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Gannets & Bitterns

I am not a birder, but many folks who live on Ocracoke, or visit here, know a lot about birds. Peter Vankovitch, who just moved back to the island, recently started a bird watching group.

Not many days ago Bill and I saw fairly large white birds with black wingtips diving for fish off shore. We weren't sure what they were, but Peter identified them as gannets. Apparently, they migrate through here this time of the year. I learned a number of fascinating facts about gannets. They dive from great distances (as much as 100 feet), and travel as fast as 60 mph when they hit the water. As a result, they can pursue fish much deeper than many other birds. Gannets have several adaptations that facilitate their behavior, including air sacs in their faces to help protect them from the impact, and no external nostrils.

Two days ago we noticed a bittern feeding in the ditch alongside NC Hwy 12, between the airstrip and the campground. The bittern is a fairly large bird in the heron family. Though not an everyday occurrence, it is not unusual to see bitterns wading in the marsh looking for insects, fish, and small reptiles.

I doubt I will ever be an expert on birds, but I do enjoy learning about them as I wander about the island.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Spontanaity

On Wednesday afternoon Amy & I were standing in front of Eduardo's Taco Stand near the Variety Store when I noticed one of Ocracoke's newest teachers riding by on his bicycle. "Amy," I said, "I should invite him over for dinner sometime. I have never had a chance to spend any time with him."

Moments later he rode by again. "Shay," I called out. He rode over and we asked him if he wanted to join us for dinner. He agreed without any hesitation. He ordered a burrito, and we went back to my house to join David and Lachlan for an enjoyable evening of great Mexican food and lively conversation.

Shay Youell is our new middle school language arts teacher. He is in his mid-20s, with connections to Virginia and North Carolina. It was clear from our first conversation that he is full of energy and enthusiastic about language, literature and teaching. One of his classes has 19 students, one of the largest classes ever at Ocracoke School.

One of the many things I like about Ocracoke is the spontaneity. Sometimes a notion just pops into our heads and we go for it. There was no planning, no stress or worry. Just on the spur of the moment we created an evening of fun, and strengthened our sense of community at the same time.

Welcome to Ocracoke, Shay. We're glad to have you on board

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Concert

Ocracoke Alive, a cultural, artistic, educational, and environmental non-profit group will be sponsoring the Celitc musical band Craicdown in concert on Sunday, February 26, 7 PM at Deepwater Theater.

Craicdown describes its music as WORLD ACOUSTICANA -- acoustic roots music with a high-energy, rock inspired flare. Drawing from both traditional sources as well as penning much of their own material, Craicdown's repertoire includes both songs and instrumental pieces ranging in style from Americana to reggae-sounding vocals, from Celtic influenced jigs and reels to the music of Brazil and Argentina.

The ensemble’s instrumentation sets it apart from other acoustic acts. The band features Rob Sharer on guitar, flute, fiddle and vocals; David DiGiuseppe on accordion and Irish cittern; and Jim Roberts on percussion.

Tickets are $10 Adults, $5 Students

During the following week Craicdown will be giving performances for Ocracoke School students.

Come on out and get inspired by some high quality, energizing music!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Ocracoke Newsletter

On January 28 I mentioned Josephus Daniels, Jr., Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is a brief account of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, the Josephus Daniels, Sr. family connection to Ocracoke during that period, and Josephus Jr.'s subsequent life and career as a newspaper publisher, Secretary of the Navy, and Ambassador to Mexico.

You can read this latest Ocracoke Newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.

Cannibalism

On this date in 1854 the sailing vessel Orline St. John encountered a severe gale and heavy seas in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship was dismasted and sank off the coast of Hatteras Island. The captain's wife and several crew members drowned or died of exposure as the derelict vessel wallowed in the surf for a week and a half.

According to David Stick in The Graveyard of the Atlantic (1952), the remaining crew members who "suffered constantly from cold and exposure" survived only by eating the body of a sailor named Douglass who had died in the rigging, and whose body was left hanging there.

Stick says this is the only case of cannibalism on the North Carolina coast that had come to his attention.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Sick in Bed

The shifting winds have brought many islanders down with cold symptoms.  Allergy symptoms are on the rise too as the cedars are full of pollen. I won't be posting anything else today or possibly the next couple of days depending on how my cold symptoms progress. Right now, I'm happy to stay in bed to rest and recover.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Good Advice

"What's happened has happened, and what's going to happen is going to happen, so enjoy the sun on your face right now."

That quotation from an Ocracoke islander is recorded on page 31 of Ann Ehringhaus' book Ocracoke Portrait. It is under a photo of Henry (or Hank...I can't remember his last name) who found his way to Ocracoke about 25 years ago. Henry was elderly, spoke in a gravelly voice, almost always wore a jacket and necktie, and walked around the village pushing his bicycle as if it were a walker. His black dog was a constant companion.

Henry was quite a character. He lived in a modest little cabin on the south side of Cockle Creek. In the winter he once rolled a smoldering log under his house to help keep it warm! He was gregarious, and made many friends, but I never learned where he came from or what he had done for a living. He was arrested once for a minor infraction of societal norms, but no one thought the worse of him for it. He eventually moved away because of health issues, and I don't know what finally became of him.

It is fitting that Ann paired the above quotation with Henry's photo. He was pretty much the embodiment of that sentiment. Henry was just one of many colorful people who have called Ocracoke "home."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Flying Cloud

A sailing vessel by the name of the Flying Cloud (a barkentine, not the famous clipper ship) wrecked on Ocracoke beach in 1854. According to Sonny Williamson in his book, Shipwrecks of Ocracoke Island, Elijah Styron, Sr. (1841-1910) salvaged the figurehead from the ship. An unknown islander composed a chantey about the ship:

"Oh! I looked to the east'ard
And I looked to the west'ard --
And I saw old Flying Cloud a-comin;
She was loaded with silks,
And the finest of satins,
But now she's gone across Jordan."

I understand that some years later the figurehead was sold by a family member to a summer resident of Nags Head. I wonder if any of our readers might know where that figurehead is today. Please leave a comment if you do.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

"Everybody is Equal"

"Everybody is Equal," that is the title of a chapter in Carl Goerch's 1956 book, Ocracoke. Goerch notes that North Carolina congressmen and senators frequently visited Ocracoke because they fell in love with this place. When they came to the island, he tells us, Ocracokers routinely addressed them by their first names: Lindsay, Herbert, and Joe.

Goerch adds this advice for newcomers to the island: "And for heaven's sake, if you've never been to Ocracoke, don't make the mistake of patronizing the people down there just because they live in a location which might be described as being isolated. If you do, you're sunk, so far as the natives are concerned.

"You may have all the money in the world, be known all over this country, wield all kinds of influence but it won't get you anywhere. If the people on the island like you it's because of you, yourself. If they don't like you, it's for the same reason."

Not much has changed in 55 years!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Euphemia Curtis

On February 16, 1848 William S. Woodard and Amasa Simpson, both of Ocracoke, made the following deposition after the death of Simon H. Garrish which occurred the day before:

"...being in attendance during that day [February 15, 1848] a few hours previous to the death of said Garrish, he appeared to manifest much anxiety relating to some worldly matters which seemed to bear heavily on his mind, which his extreme weakness prevailed his expressing, although he undoubtedly retained his perfect since [sense] to the last. Yet, he was sufficiently understood as wanting paper and pen and ink, which induced a belief that he wished to make a will. Consequently, as he was unable to write, we concluded to question him in the following manner, and having reason to believe that his wish was in regards to his property, JOHN PIKE, Esq. (who was present) asked him to signify to the same by raising his hand if it is his wish that his daughter EUPHEMIA CURTIS should possess the whole of his estate at his death. He did raise his hand in reply and we distinctly heard him say, yes. After which, he became quite reconciled and resigned up to the time of his death."

Euphemia Garrish Curtis (1819-1882) inherited the property where Village Craftsmen is now located. Her father, Simon Henry Garrish, appears to never have married Euphemia's mother, Jane Simpson Harvey, although they lived together as man and wife for many years. Simon was the son of Henry Garrish and Elizabeth Howard. Elizabeth was the granddaughter of William Howard, Sr., one-time owner of Ocracoke Island.

Euphemia is my 2nd cousin, 3 times removed.

She is buried behind the Village Craftsmen. When I acquired that land in the mid-1970s I had no idea who Euphemia Curtis was.There are no other known graves nearby. Her gravestone, now 130 years old, is weathered badly, and very difficult to read. Euphemia's epitaph reads:

"Religion filled her soul with peace
Upon a dying bed.
Let faith look up,
Let striving cease,
She lives with Christ our head."

I think of Euphemia every time I pass her grave. May she rest in peace.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Talking Backwards

Over the years I have periodically mentioned the distinctive Ocracoke brogue, and have even pointed out unique and unusual Ocracoke words and phrases. Pizer, mommuck, buck, and givvy come to mind.

Recently I was perusing a yet-to-be-published chapter of a book about the Outer Banks brogue. I was reminded that a dialect's features may include much more than accent and a distinctive vocabulary. One aspect of Ocracoke speech is a "ritualized language routine" sometimes referred to as "talking backwards."

If you hang around Ocracoke long enough you will eventually hear someone say something like this: "De Blessed Father, that's one fancy outfit you've got on." What they mean is just the opposite, that you're out and about in your dirty old work clothes. Or you might hear someone exclaim, "That's one ugly young-un you've got!" when they are paying the parents a heartfelt compliment about their beautiful child. Of course, the context, inflection, and body language are all important.

If you are not used to this method of speech you might be a tad confused. But it does help make the local dialect even more interesting.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Cormorants & Dolphins

By yesterday afternoon the mercury had climbed into the low 40s, quite a different scenario from the day before. The sky was clear, and a winter crispness lingered in the air. Only a few wispy clouds hung above the beach as medium-sized waves broke cleanly on the bar, and smaller, languid waves lapped against the shore. Dozens of dolphins were making their way south, an occasional one slowing down to surf just under the surface or leap above the breakers with a flourish.

Farther offshore there was an unbroken line of cormorants heading out to an afternoon rendezvous. The horizon seemed to be undulating as thousands of the diving fish-eaters flew by. It was impossible to estimate their numbers accurately. Amy thought there were at least 50,000. I guessed closer to 100,000.

Every day at the beach is a different experience. And every day out there is a delight.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Farewell

Two gentlemen with strong ties to Ocracoke died recently. On Monday, February 6 Elmo Murray Fulcher, Jr. died at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Although Murray had not lived on Ocracoke recently, he will be remembered by many family and friends. His mother, Lillian Jackson Fulcher, was a native islander, and his father, Elmo Fulcher, Sr., was captain of the Mailboat Aleta in the 1940s and 1950s, as well as a local commercial fisherman. Islanders and visitors from several decades ago will remember when Murray ran the fish house and captained the steel trawler, the She-Don-Di. He was a tireless advocate for commercial fishermen in eastern North Carolina.


Collage: Elmo Murray Fulcher, Jr.
courtesy Michelle Hawkins




















Charlie Jones died Thursday, February 9, at his home in Michigan. Charlie was one of five children of Sam Jones and Mary Ruth Kelly (see our Ocracoke Newsletter for January, 2011: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012111.htm). Paul Dickson had this to say about his father-in-law's connection with Ocracoke: "Having spent many summers there growing up, he has fond memories of the island and remembers many of the stories you have been relating via the blog.  One of his favorites was the story about the mail boat Aleta which he spent many hours on throughout his visits there....I spent my last visit with him last Sunday reading the Ocracoke Journal to him as I had done many times over the last year or so.  It was our special connection "


Philip & Charlie Jones



Farewell, Murray and Charlie.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm. 

Brrr!

I had almost forgotten what February is like! Then, after dark last night Old Man Winter roared across the island, huffing and puffing. In short order, trees were dancing and my porch swing was swaying as 35-45 mph frigid winds forced temperatures down to near freezing. By early morning the temperature was in the upper 20s, and now it feels like it is in the teens.

Until now it had been exceptionally mild (take a look at Thursday's blog). Flowers were blooming, neighbors were working outside in shirtsleeves, and thoughts were turning to spring.

Today, folks will be huddling around their fireplaces trying to stay warm. I think I'll work outside another day.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm. 

A Word to the Wise Sailor

Several days ago I relayed one of the "101 Things I Think I Learned While Sailing With Marlene on Different Drummer." If you will remember, the list was compiled by the skipper of the Different Drummer, a 39' catamaran he and his wife were cruising on last summer. His #5 item concerns Blackbeard.

I recently had an opportunity to visit the Blackbeard exhibit at the Maritime Museum in Beaufort, NC. By the way, the exhibits there are just wonderful. Consider stopping there on your next trip through eastern North Carolina. You won't be disappointed!

And if you are sailing in our waters, please take heed to items #5:

"DO NOT, REPEAT, DO NOT, sail over the wreck of Capt. Edward Teach's flagship Queen Anne's Revenge, sunken in Beaufort, North Carolina, inlet. A.K.A. "Blackbeard the Pirate," sailing over Capt. Teach's sunken ship is said to be bad juju and results in bad karma. We did it early on, shortly before our first engine blew up. 'You're done for!' said 86 year-old sailor Richard, drinking straight, very expensive rum at Bob Laverty's pool party in Oriental. 'But I didn't know!' I cried. 'You're still done for,' he said."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Marionette Workshop

Last Friday the North Carolina Marionette Theater (http://northcarolinamarionettes.com/), based on the Outer Banks, held workshops on Ocracoke. Deb and Mark and their crew performed on the island last summer, bringing delight to young and old with their story of Tom Benn and Blackbeard the Pirate.

This winter they helped participants learn the basics of constructing and manipulating those wonderful puppets. Here are a few photos taken by Marcy Brenner:

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Spring is on the Way

Spring can't be far behind when the daffodils begin popping their heads out. This photo was taken in my front yard Tuesday morning:












Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

The Outer Banks & World War I

On June 28, 1914, a Bosnian-Serb assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Exactly one month later, after a period of diplomatic maneuvering among major European powers, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

Initially, the United States followed a policy of non-intervention. In 1915 a German U-boat sank the British liner, Lusistania, killing 128 Americans. Under pressure from president Wilson, Germany suspended attacks on passenger vessels.

That lasted until June of 1917.

Only after the sinking of seven U.S. merchant ships did the U.S. Congress finally declare war on Germany, on April 6, 1917. United States warships were immediately pressed into service to transport and protect troops sent to France. The east coast of the US was left virtually unprotected.

By June 5 the U-151, the first enemy warship to invade US waters in more than 100 years, arrived off the Carolina coast. She had already laid mines in the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and New York harbor. From that time until the end of the war, in November of 1918, seven German submarines attacked and sank eleven vessels off the coast of North Carolina (the Harpathian, the Vinland, the Pinar Del Rio, the Vindeggen, the Heinrich Lund, the Jennings, the Stanley M. Seaman, Lightship #71, the Merak, the Mirlo, and the Nordhav).

The sinking of the lightship, a 124 foot vessel anchored by heavy chains and a 5,000 pound anchor in 185 fathoms of water 12 miles off shore of Cape Hatteras, came as a total surprise. Everyone believed that German submarines would consider her light as important for their navigation as for US shipping.

When the Mirlo struck a mine laid down by German U-boats in August of 1918 the 6,679 ton tanker, with a full cargo of gasoline, exploded, quickly turning the ocean into a raging inferno. The rescue of 42 of the 52 crew members by Coast Guard Captain John Allen Midgett and his crew from the Chicamacomico Station was one of the most dramatic rescues in the annals of the United States Coast Guard. Captain Midgett and his crew all received Gold Lifesaving Medals for their bravery and heroism.

For a more complete account of World War I and the Outer Banks please see Chapter 14, "Unguarded Shores," in the book, Graveyard of the Atlantic, by David Stick.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Boat Safety

Captain Rob recently contributed an excellent article about Boating Safety Courses to Ocracoke's new on-line web site, the Ocracoke Current. You can read his article here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/20845.

According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, “ On or after May 1, 2010 any person under the age of 26 must successfully complete a NASBLA approved boating education course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 HP or greater.”

Of course, Rob is an experienced captain (and at least 26 years old, I am sure), but he found the certification "a good thing to have...whether you need it or not." I decided to take Rob's advice, and enroll in the course.

Although there was much that did not pertain to my situation (e.g. my 18' open wooden skiff does not need much of the gear, safety equipment, or placards that larger vessels require), and some of the lessons included rather self-evident or "roll-your-eyes" instructions ("in general the best time to wear your life jacket is when you are near the water" and "death" [a "symptom" of hypothermia] must be "treated."), by and large it was helpful to be reminded of safety procedures and precautions, state and federal boating rules and regulations, ways boaters can protect the environment, and much more.  The lessons were presented in a conversational, easy to understand format, making the course even more appealing,

You can see Rob's Certificate with his Article

The course offered by "Boat US" is free, and easy & convenient to take. You can find out more here: https://elearning.boatus.org/

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Loop Shack

On Friday I posted a photo of a rusted and twisted piece of metal. As several of our readers knew, it is a section of WWII-era steel landing mat. Our military used them for amphibious landings in Europe.

In 1957 North Carolina built the first hardened road from the village to Hatteras Inlet. However, the last three miles was not paved. Instead, one lane of WWII landing mats was laid down. Every half mile a short section was added to allow one car to pull over so an approaching vehicle could pass. There were never any head-on collisions, but, as you might imagine, cars regularly had to back up when two vehicles met between the pull-overs.

The section of mat I photographed was lying in the sand down the hill from the remnants of the Navy's 1942 radar tower on Loop Shack Hill, which is on the left of Highway 12, just past the edge of the village.

Base of Radar Tower on Loop Shack Hill

Today, only the fractured concrete base of the tower remains. Originally the Loop Shack included a square wooden housing (with shuttered windows) mounted on the base. A metal grid-work tower rose above the house. Concrete communications buildings were located nearby.















Earl O'Neal, in his book "Ocracoke Island, Its People, the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy Base During World War II" has this to say:

"At the Loop Shack the Navy had radar and jamming equipment which was all very new, along with new listening equipment controlled from shore, and radio high frequency direction finding gear. This gave them the capability to locate the German U-boats that may have gotten past the floating mines and anti-submarine nets which were placed along the coast by the Navy. All activities were kept secret and all that the people knew was what they saw."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Pamlico Sound

Not long ago I received in the mail "101 Things I Think I Learned While Sailing With Marlene on Different Drummer." It was written by a sailor whom I met last summer. He and his wife were cruising aboard their 39' catamaran, and they spent several days at Ocracoke. One afternoon they joined Al and me clamming in the sound. Here is his  lesson #8:

"The Pamlico sound is thirty-five miles wide and seventy miles long. There is a place in the middle of it where, with no land in sight, you can run your boat aground, even if you only draw three-and-a-half feet of water. We found that place. It's called Brandt's Shoal."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Winter Days

Summer visitors to Ocracoke often imagine that Ocracoke in the winter is dead, deserted, and dismal. Shops and restaurants are mostly closed, there are no performances at Deepwater Theater, Park Service interpretive programs are suspended, and the ocean is too cold for swimming.

All of that is true, but there is plenty to do for those of us who live here. It is a time for pot luck dinners and other get-togethers for family and friends. I still play poker every Friday night. School basketball games draw large crowds. The churches and other non-profit organizations offer spaghetti suppers, bake sales, and movie nights. Gaffer's pub hosts periodic Trivia Nights and a Thursday night local Jazz Ensemble.

We walk on the beach, visit neighbors, and join friends for parties and other social events. Some of us play bridge, make quilts, draw, read, learn a new language, or build boats.

Of course, many of us work all winter: school teachers, hunting guides, grocery store clerks, carpenters, plumbers, preachers, and others. About 150 children attend school. Shop owners may take time off for trips and other off-island adventures but there is always planning and other winter responsibilities (cleaning windows & shelves; repairing and maintaining buildings; ordering new merchandise; e.g.). Officers and members of island organizations still hold regular meetings, plan events, raise funds, and contribute to the well-being of the community.

Life on the island, even in the dead of winter, is full and rewarding. It is anything but dull. 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.

Quiz

A couple of days ago I was wandering around Ocracoke and remembered having seen a piece of island history lying in an out-of-the-way corner of land. I walked down a path to the secluded spot and snapped this photo:

I am wondering how many of our readers can identify this scrap of rusted metal. If you think you know what it is, please post your comment (even if someone else has already figured it out). You might even want to share any stories of your encounters with these objects many years ago. I will add my comments sometime next week.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the "Joe Bell" flower. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012112.htm.