Thursday, August 02, 2012
Happy Birthday Philip!
Hi Folks!
This is Lou Ann letting you know that today is Philip's birthday! (He would never tell you himself!)
He also shares this day with his grandson Lachlan and, to make the day extra special, his son Stefen is bringing two of his children to spend the week.
It is a great day on the island with the early sun shining in the cedars and the world drenched in fresh rain from yesterday. We are ready for a beautiful day with family and friends and, of course, all of you who can't be here with us.
As always,
Lou Ann
Fishermen
I once wrote that after 1846, when Hatteras Inlet opened during a hurricane, that many Ocracoke men either moved to Hatteras to continue operating as pilots, or turned to seafaring. In looking over the 1900 census I discovered that only eighteen men are listed as sailors, but thirty-six men are listed as either fishermen (25), oystermen (10), or watermen (1). I had thought that fishing didn't surpass seafaring until several decades later, when inboard engines replaced sails, and when electricity (and hence, the manufacturing of ice) came to the island. So I see that I was wrong about that. When I have more time I will check the other early twentieth century censuses and give a report of the occupations listed.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
More from Melville
As I continued to read chapter 25 (The Mast-Head) of Moby Dick, I came across this sentence:
"For the most part, in this tropic whaling life, a sublime uneventfulness invests you; you hear no news; read no gazettes; extras with startling accounts of commonplaces never delude you into unnecessary excitements; you hear of no domestic afflictions; bankrupt securities; [or] fall of stocks...."
Ocracoke is not so isolated from the modern world as it once was, but in some ways island life can be somewhat akin to life on a nineteenth century whaling ship, as described above. It can be psychologically easy to avoid watching the evening news, reading a newspaper or magazine, or checking Internet news sites.
Activity here often revolves around family, friends, community, and nature...walking along the surf at sunrise, sharing dinner with friends, clamming in Pamlico Sound, sipping a late afternoon drink on the front porch, playing or listening to music at an outdoor cafe, taking a scud in your skiff, or watching the red-orange sky melt into a deep indigo at sunset.
Ignorance can be bliss, after all.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
"For the most part, in this tropic whaling life, a sublime uneventfulness invests you; you hear no news; read no gazettes; extras with startling accounts of commonplaces never delude you into unnecessary excitements; you hear of no domestic afflictions; bankrupt securities; [or] fall of stocks...."
Ocracoke is not so isolated from the modern world as it once was, but in some ways island life can be somewhat akin to life on a nineteenth century whaling ship, as described above. It can be psychologically easy to avoid watching the evening news, reading a newspaper or magazine, or checking Internet news sites.
Activity here often revolves around family, friends, community, and nature...walking along the surf at sunrise, sharing dinner with friends, clamming in Pamlico Sound, sipping a late afternoon drink on the front porch, playing or listening to music at an outdoor cafe, taking a scud in your skiff, or watching the red-orange sky melt into a deep indigo at sunset.
Ignorance can be bliss, after all.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Goslings
If you have been reading this blog very long you know about cousin Blanche. Just yesterday Lou Ann published a short video she made of Blanche sitting on her pizer Sunday afternoon. Lou Ann filmed as she opened the front gate and walked up to Blanche dressed in her Sunday best. Lou Ann asked Blanche to tell her the story of the goslings. It is a delightful story that takes you back for a glimpse of island life in the early twentieth century.
Click on the link below to watch the six minute video:
http://louannhoman.blogspot.com/2012/07/come-visit-blanche-jolliff-howard.html
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Click on the link below to watch the six minute video:
http://louannhoman.blogspot.com/2012/07/come-visit-blanche-jolliff-howard.html
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Mast Heads & Lookout Posts
I have recently been reading Herman Melville's Moby Dick. In chapter 35 ("The Mast-Head") I read this sentence: "...[I]n the early times of the whale fishery, ere ships were regularly launched in pursuit of the game, the people of that island [Nantucket] erected lofty spars along the sea-coast, to which the lookouts ascended by means of nailed cleats, something as fowls go upstairs in a hen-house."
I was reminded of an image printed on a pitcher depicting the commercial enterprise that was established on Shell Castle island in the late 1700s/early 1800s. Note the lookout post,with a ring at the top for holding on. Unlike the lookout posts at Nantucket, the similar one at Shell Castle, in Pamlico Sound, was undoubtedly used by pilots for spotting ships offshore, not for looking for whales.
To see more photos of the pitcher, and more information about Shell Castle see: http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/MOH/vfpcgi.exe?IDCFile=/moh/DETAILS.IDC,SPECIFIC=48135,DATABASE=49292562.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
I was reminded of an image printed on a pitcher depicting the commercial enterprise that was established on Shell Castle island in the late 1700s/early 1800s. Note the lookout post,with a ring at the top for holding on. Unlike the lookout posts at Nantucket, the similar one at Shell Castle, in Pamlico Sound, was undoubtedly used by pilots for spotting ships offshore, not for looking for whales.
To see more photos of the pitcher, and more information about Shell Castle see: http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/MOH/vfpcgi.exe?IDCFile=/moh/DETAILS.IDC,SPECIFIC=48135,DATABASE=49292562.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Cenchrus Echinatus
Cenchrus echinatus is the scientific name for that common Outer Banks grass found in dry, sandy soil. Most folks know this plant as the producer of those irksome sand spurs.
Sand spurs may be small, but their barbs are razor sharp, and they stick to shoe laces, sneakers, pants legs, bare feet, and pet paws. Anyone who has stepped barefooted on a sand spur knows how painful they can be. Even plucking them from clothing must be performed with great care to prevent the numerous sharp points from penetrating the skin.
If any of our readers would like to carry home an authentic souvenir from Ocracoke, you are welcome to pull as many clumps of Cenchrus Echinatus from my side lot. You don't even have to ask permission!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Sand spurs may be small, but their barbs are razor sharp, and they stick to shoe laces, sneakers, pants legs, bare feet, and pet paws. Anyone who has stepped barefooted on a sand spur knows how painful they can be. Even plucking them from clothing must be performed with great care to prevent the numerous sharp points from penetrating the skin.
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| Sand Spur Grass |
If any of our readers would like to carry home an authentic souvenir from Ocracoke, you are welcome to pull as many clumps of Cenchrus Echinatus from my side lot. You don't even have to ask permission!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Diamondback Terrapins
Every evening from spring through early fall diamondback terrapins congregate in the Old Slough just below Frank & Jude's deck. Lou Ann and I stopped by Thursday evening about 7 o'clock to watch. Eighteen to twenty turtles swam around, poking their noses above the surface, then venturing up onto the mudflats to snatch a morsel of food. (Take a look at Lou Ann's video of the turtles: http://louannhoman.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-video-glimpse-of-carolina-terrapins.html.)
Terrapins are considered a species of special concern by the state of North Carolina. Although once harvested for food (I have seen an antique island contraption believed to have been used for proguing for turtles), they are now protected.
In the interest of preserving a bit of island tradition, here is Mrs. Loui Dell Williams' stewed diamondback terrapin recipe:
"Remove shells from four terrapins,k pour boiling water over meat, skin and remove claws, cut off head.
"1/4 lb. salt pork cut in cubes, fried out in pot terrapins are to be cooked in. Add terrapin and eggs if any (of terrapin). 4 or 5 medium potatoes peeled and quartered, 1 onion cut up, salt and plenty of black pepper; 1 pod red pepper. Water to cover. Cook about 1 1/2 hours."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Terrapins are considered a species of special concern by the state of North Carolina. Although once harvested for food (I have seen an antique island contraption believed to have been used for proguing for turtles), they are now protected.
In the interest of preserving a bit of island tradition, here is Mrs. Loui Dell Williams' stewed diamondback terrapin recipe:
"Remove shells from four terrapins,k pour boiling water over meat, skin and remove claws, cut off head.
"1/4 lb. salt pork cut in cubes, fried out in pot terrapins are to be cooked in. Add terrapin and eggs if any (of terrapin). 4 or 5 medium potatoes peeled and quartered, 1 onion cut up, salt and plenty of black pepper; 1 pod red pepper. Water to cover. Cook about 1 1/2 hours."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Ocracoke Railroad Agent??
When I was looking through the 1900 census the other day I noticed this entry: George P. Hassell, 39 years old, Agt. N&S RR. Right away I recognized the reference to the Norfolk and Southern Railroad. Why, I wondered, was a railroad agent living on Ocracoke in 1900? Of course, I decided to ask Blanche.
It seems that George Hassell married island native Ida Ballance. In the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century a steamship made regular trips across Pamlico Sound and stopped at Ocracoke dropping passengers off at the old Ponzer Hotel (1885-1900) and the Pamlico Inn (early twentieth century). Blanche thought the steamship line was owned by the railroad...and that would explain why George Hassell was living on the island.
A little time on an Internet search revealed the following information:
"In 1882, less than a year after the railroad's completion, the railroad company signed a five-year contract with the Old Dominion Steamship Company to make connections with the railroad in Elizabeth City and to provide passenger and freight service between Elizabeth City and New Bern and Washington, North Carolina. This arrangement ended in 1887, with the Norfolk and Southern Railroad operating its own line of steamers and the Old Dominion Steamship Company continuing its Norfolk to New Bern-Washington route through the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal. This route change meant the loss to Elizabeth City of much of the trade of the Pamlico Sound region. During the summer, however, most vacationers going to the prospering resort at Nags Head [and Ocracoke!] were still dependent on taking a steamship from Elizabeth City." (http://www.carolana.com/NC/Transportation/railroads/nc_rrs_elizabeth_city_norfolk.html)
Sometimes folks are surprised to learn that Ocracoke had several large hotels/inns and connections to the mainland long before ferries and paved roads made their debut on the island in the middle of the twentieth century.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
It seems that George Hassell married island native Ida Ballance. In the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century a steamship made regular trips across Pamlico Sound and stopped at Ocracoke dropping passengers off at the old Ponzer Hotel (1885-1900) and the Pamlico Inn (early twentieth century). Blanche thought the steamship line was owned by the railroad...and that would explain why George Hassell was living on the island.
A little time on an Internet search revealed the following information:
"In 1882, less than a year after the railroad's completion, the railroad company signed a five-year contract with the Old Dominion Steamship Company to make connections with the railroad in Elizabeth City and to provide passenger and freight service between Elizabeth City and New Bern and Washington, North Carolina. This arrangement ended in 1887, with the Norfolk and Southern Railroad operating its own line of steamers and the Old Dominion Steamship Company continuing its Norfolk to New Bern-Washington route through the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal. This route change meant the loss to Elizabeth City of much of the trade of the Pamlico Sound region. During the summer, however, most vacationers going to the prospering resort at Nags Head [and Ocracoke!] were still dependent on taking a steamship from Elizabeth City." (http://www.carolana.com/NC/Transportation/railroads/nc_rrs_elizabeth_city_norfolk.html)
Sometimes folks are surprised to learn that Ocracoke had several large hotels/inns and connections to the mainland long before ferries and paved roads made their debut on the island in the middle of the twentieth century.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
1900 Census
Census records provide only basic information, but they also provide clues and leads to more complete stories about families and communities, sometimes by what they record, and other times by what they leave out.
The 1900 Ocracoke census lists Name, Age, Sex, Occupation, Date of Birth, Number of Children Had, Number of Children Living, and Number of Years Married. Sometimes the enumerator, Perry Coleman Howard, added information not asked for. For example, William Kelly's occupation is listed as "Head (Frm: MD)"; his wife, Neva M.is listed as "Wife (Frm: NC)." William Kelly was a mariner (from Maryland as indicated). Neva Mae Howard was born and raised on Ocracoke. Perry Coleman obviously thought it noteworthy to point out that Capt. Kelly was not from North Carolina.
In a similar entry William H. Luther, one of the island preachers, is listed as "Minister/N.J." I wonder...did Mr. Luther introduce some of those northern ideas? And did Perry Coleman want to make sure folks understood that he, too, was not from North Carolina.?
For whatever reason, it was thought worth jotting down on the census records that two people living on Ocracoke in 1900 were not born in the state.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
The 1900 Ocracoke census lists Name, Age, Sex, Occupation, Date of Birth, Number of Children Had, Number of Children Living, and Number of Years Married. Sometimes the enumerator, Perry Coleman Howard, added information not asked for. For example, William Kelly's occupation is listed as "Head (Frm: MD)"; his wife, Neva M.is listed as "Wife (Frm: NC)." William Kelly was a mariner (from Maryland as indicated). Neva Mae Howard was born and raised on Ocracoke. Perry Coleman obviously thought it noteworthy to point out that Capt. Kelly was not from North Carolina.
In a similar entry William H. Luther, one of the island preachers, is listed as "Minister/N.J." I wonder...did Mr. Luther introduce some of those northern ideas? And did Perry Coleman want to make sure folks understood that he, too, was not from North Carolina.?
For whatever reason, it was thought worth jotting down on the census records that two people living on Ocracoke in 1900 were not born in the state.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Free Hugs
I am often delightfully surprised on Ocracoke. Last Thursday evening was no exception. Lou Ann and I were strolling along Highway 12, having just finished a delicious dinner at the Flying Melon. About half way home a small group of teenagers on the other side of the road caught our attention. There were three boys and one girl. Each had a small cardboard sign on which they had hand-lettered "Free Hugs."
"Would you like a free hug?" they called out to us, holding aloft their signs.
Of course we agreed. We couldn't imagine not accepting hugs from these smiling, enthusiastic teens. They only tarried long enough to convey the hugs, and to tell us they were visiting from High Point, North Carolina. Then they were off, merrily offering hugs as they proceeded toward the harbor.
The next time I am tempted to think about rowdy or surly teenagers, I will remind myself of these congenial and refreshing young people.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
"Would you like a free hug?" they called out to us, holding aloft their signs.
Of course we agreed. We couldn't imagine not accepting hugs from these smiling, enthusiastic teens. They only tarried long enough to convey the hugs, and to tell us they were visiting from High Point, North Carolina. Then they were off, merrily offering hugs as they proceeded toward the harbor.
The next time I am tempted to think about rowdy or surly teenagers, I will remind myself of these congenial and refreshing young people.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Not The Opry
As many visitors to Ocracoke know, Wednesdays during the season you can enjoy the Ocracoke Opry, a wonderful performance of local musicians and storytellers at Deepwater Theater. This week the organizers of the Opry, our nationally well know folk band Molasses Creek, will be off-island at a Folk Festival in Floyd, Virginia.
Not wanting to let even one week go by without a performance at Deepwater Theater, Lou Ann has put together a group of talented musicians and storytellers, many of them Wednesday night regulars, others creative islanders who perform periodically. It is shaping up to be a memorable evening of music, storytelling, and fun (how could it not be, with Lou Ann as emcee!).
Come on out this Wednesday night at 8 o'clock (ticket sales begin at 7:15). Follow the signs to Deepwater Theater on School Road.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Not wanting to let even one week go by without a performance at Deepwater Theater, Lou Ann has put together a group of talented musicians and storytellers, many of them Wednesday night regulars, others creative islanders who perform periodically. It is shaping up to be a memorable evening of music, storytelling, and fun (how could it not be, with Lou Ann as emcee!).
Come on out this Wednesday night at 8 o'clock (ticket sales begin at 7:15). Follow the signs to Deepwater Theater on School Road.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Lou Ann!
Lou Ann has been here on the island since earlier this month, full of energy and ideas. In case you haven't heard, she is posting Ocracoke photos and short island videos on her blog. She has been interviewing locals and visitors, and sharing views from my skiff, from the inside of the lighthouse, and from elsewhere around the village.
Be sure to take a look at Lou Ann's blog: http://louannhoman.blogspot.com/
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House, and the Hurricane Boards. Take a look here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Lou Ann has been here on the island since earlier this month, full of energy and ideas. In case you haven't heard, she is posting Ocracoke photos and short island videos on her blog. She has been interviewing locals and visitors, and sharing views from my skiff, from the inside of the lighthouse, and from elsewhere around the village.
Be sure to take a look at Lou Ann's blog: http://louannhoman.blogspot.com/
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House, and the Hurricane Boards. Take a look here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Hurricane Boards
We have just published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter, an account of the "Hurricane House" and the "Hurricane Boards." Penciled on the kitchen wall of this old house were accounts of four major hurricanes that struck Ocracoke Island -- two in 1933, one in 1944, and one in 1949.
You can see photographs of the Hurricane Boards and read transcriptions here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm. They are fascinating first hand accounts of our island history.
You can see photographs of the Hurricane Boards and read transcriptions here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm. They are fascinating first hand accounts of our island history.
Friday, July 20, 2012
USLHE
The Ocracoke lighthouse is open again this summer at various times so visitors may step inside (climbing the spiral staircase is not permitted). Ed Johnson has been volunteering for this for several months. Lou Ann began volunteering again on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 3
Last year when I visited the lighthouse I saw the metal gate with the letters USLHE. I had no idea what the "E" stood for.
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| USLHE Gate at Ocracoke Lighthouse |
Inside I noticed a replica of a typical 100 gallon kerosene tank. On the side was embossed "USLH Establishment."
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| USLHE Kerosene Tank |
The United States Light House Establishment, an agency of the Department of the Treasury, operated from 1791 to 1852 (the Ocracoke lighthouse was built in 1823). During most of that time Stephen Pleasonton oversaw the agency. Although Pleasonton was responsible for saving many important United States founding documents from destruction, he ran afoul of Congress for poor decisions regarding the Light House Establishment's funds and other matters. When he refused to adopt Augustin Fresnel's new and improved lenses Pleasonton was forced out by the creation of a new agency, the United States Lighthouse Board. This agency operated from 1852 to 1910.
In 1910 the United States Lighthouse Service was established, and the service moved from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Commerce. In 1939 the USLHS was merged with the United States Coast Guard, where it remains today.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Big Foot Slough
If you have come to Ocracoke from Swan Quarter or Cedar Island you might have noticed one of the channel markers that has the letters "BF" on it. Just in case you were curious about the letters, they stand for "Big Foot [Slough]," a channel in Pamlico Sound about a mile and a half northwest of Ocracoke village. I have no idea how the channel got its name. Maybe someone thought its shape resembled a foot, but that is just a guess.
If any of our readers know the answer to this mystery, please leave a comment.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
If any of our readers know the answer to this mystery, please leave a comment.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Mud Fiddlers
There is an old saying on Ocracoke that when mud fiddlers start crawling across the paths and sandy lanes that storms are on the way.
These last few days I have been walking on the Hammock Hills Nature Trail, across from the NPS campground. It is shady and cooler than the beach. I was surprised as I neared the sound to see dozens and dozens of mud fiddlers scurrying across the footpath. When they retreated under the pine needles, into their holes, or between the bark of nearby trees their claws made a rhythmic clicking noise.
As with most traditional weather predictors, I am more than a tad skeptical. It seems to me that the mud fiddlers' natural cycle likely includes a mid-summer explosion of these critters who then scurry across the mud flats and adjacent footpaths in great numbers. Of course, hurricanes occur most frequently shortly afterwards, in August and September.
So I agree with Francis Bacon (1561-1626) who observed that, "the general root of superstition is that men observe when things hit, and not when they miss; and commit to memory the one, and forget and pass over the other."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
These last few days I have been walking on the Hammock Hills Nature Trail, across from the NPS campground. It is shady and cooler than the beach. I was surprised as I neared the sound to see dozens and dozens of mud fiddlers scurrying across the footpath. When they retreated under the pine needles, into their holes, or between the bark of nearby trees their claws made a rhythmic clicking noise.
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| Mud Fiddler |
As with most traditional weather predictors, I am more than a tad skeptical. It seems to me that the mud fiddlers' natural cycle likely includes a mid-summer explosion of these critters who then scurry across the mud flats and adjacent footpaths in great numbers. Of course, hurricanes occur most frequently shortly afterwards, in August and September.
So I agree with Francis Bacon (1561-1626) who observed that, "the general root of superstition is that men observe when things hit, and not when they miss; and commit to memory the one, and forget and pass over the other."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Life Car
Shipwrecks and life saving have been part of Ocracoke's history since the sixteenth century. The United States Life Saving Service was established in 1871. The first station to be built on Ocracoke was near Hatteras Inlet (it was sometimes known as the Cedar Hammock Station). It was put in operation in 1883.
Rescues were effected by means of the surf boat (a heavy wooden boat that was rowed out to a wreck; normally used when a wreck was more than 700 yards off shore), the breeches buoy (the most common method, in which a line was fired to the vessel, and by means of ropes, pulleys and other equipment, a pair of canvas pants attached to a life ring was sent out to the ship; passengers and crew were hauled ashore one at a time), and the life car.
The life car occasionally replaced the breeches buoy.
However, the life car had limited use. It was made of metal, and much heavier and more cumbersome than the breeches buoy.
Although several people could be brought ashore at one time, they were required to lie down in this coffin-like container. Several shipwreck victims refused to get in the life car because of fear of enclosed spaces.
For many years, back in the late 1960s and 1970s, a life car was sitting on a platform at the side of a building on the corner of Creek Road and Silver Lake Drive. It was used as a water cistern. The life car was eventually donated to the Ocracoke Preservation Society and sent away for restoration. Unfortunately, the metal was so badly compromised that it was considered beyond restoration.
Perhaps some of our readers will remember Noma Hardin's life car cistern.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Rescues were effected by means of the surf boat (a heavy wooden boat that was rowed out to a wreck; normally used when a wreck was more than 700 yards off shore), the breeches buoy (the most common method, in which a line was fired to the vessel, and by means of ropes, pulleys and other equipment, a pair of canvas pants attached to a life ring was sent out to the ship; passengers and crew were hauled ashore one at a time), and the life car.
The life car occasionally replaced the breeches buoy.
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| USLSS Life Car |
However, the life car had limited use. It was made of metal, and much heavier and more cumbersome than the breeches buoy.
Although several people could be brought ashore at one time, they were required to lie down in this coffin-like container. Several shipwreck victims refused to get in the life car because of fear of enclosed spaces.
For many years, back in the late 1960s and 1970s, a life car was sitting on a platform at the side of a building on the corner of Creek Road and Silver Lake Drive. It was used as a water cistern. The life car was eventually donated to the Ocracoke Preservation Society and sent away for restoration. Unfortunately, the metal was so badly compromised that it was considered beyond restoration.
Perhaps some of our readers will remember Noma Hardin's life car cistern.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Water Fire
We went to the beach again last night. And again the sky was spectacular. And so was the surf. As the days lengthen and the water warms up, the phosphorescent plankton appears at night. When a wave recedes and swirls around your ankles the plankton lights up, casting tiny sparkles through the water. Thousands of the plankton are also left near the tide line, in the wet sand. Walking there is magical. Each step triggers a hundred twinkling lights. What fun!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Milky Way
We went to the beach last night after supper because we heard that recent solar flares might trigger Northern Lights far into the south. Alas, it was not to be. At least we did not see the Aurora Borealis last night (although I have seen this dramatic phenomenon at Ocracoke: http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2004/11/red-skies.html). But the night sky at Ocracoke never disappoints. Constellations were prominent amidst a blanket of stars too numerous to count. Two satellites scurried across overhead, momentarily gleaming bright as they reflected the now hidden sun. Three shooting stars streaked down, surprising us each time. And the Milky Way stood out dramatically as if silver dust had been strewn in an arc across the heavens. It was a magical night.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Out and About
On Wednesday I drove to New Bern to pick up Lou Ann. She had a lot going on and didn't make it to the island for the Festival this year. But already she has been out and about on Ocracoke. She's taught herself how to upload videos to her blog, and she has decided to make a short daily (or almost daily) video while she is here. She published her first one yesterday. It is an interview of Bill Jones and me in one of the Howard Street graveyards. Here is the link to Lou Ann's blog: http://louannhoman.blogspot.com/. Enjoy!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Ocracoke Newsletter
I know quite a few people read this blog on a fairly regular basis. They tell me so often. But sometimes I wonder how many readers also know about our Ocracoke Newsletter, a monthly article about Ocracoke history that I have been writing for twelve and a half years. The articles are longer than this blog, and they contain a wealth of information about island culture, traditions, and heritage. So this is simply a reminder. Every now and then you might want to choose an article to read. They are all archived on our web site. You can click on the link to the right, or click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
How Times Have Changed!
Ocracoke is presently a part of Hyde County. This is the only part of the Outer Banks in Hyde County. The rest of our county is on the mainland. Swan Quarter is our county seat (that's where we go when we are called for jury duty). Before 1845 Ocracoke was in Carteret County. Before 1770 Ocracoke was not part of any county. It was simply an isolated, independent island with a very small population.
In 1770 Ocracoke Island was annexed to Carteret County after a member of the Colonial Assembly noticed that "those lawless bankers on Occacock Island are not paying taxes anywhere."
We still like to think of ourselves as rather independent and still a little bit "lawless" but we are definitely paying our share of taxes.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
In 1770 Ocracoke Island was annexed to Carteret County after a member of the Colonial Assembly noticed that "those lawless bankers on Occacock Island are not paying taxes anywhere."
We still like to think of ourselves as rather independent and still a little bit "lawless" but we are definitely paying our share of taxes.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
John Wallace
In 1789 John Gray Blount and John Wallace obtained five islands between Ocracoke and Portsmouth. The most prominent island was dubbed Shell Castle Rock. Wallace and Blount established a piloting enterprise there that eventually included warehouses, a grist mill, a windmill, a store, a fishery, two residences, and a wooden lighthouse. Wallace was given the title "Governor of Shell Castle."
John Wallace's tombstone reads:
John Wallace's tombstone reads:
Here are Deposited
the Remains of
Captain John Wallace
Governor of Shell Castle
who departed this life
July 22, 1810
Age 52, 6 months.
Shell Castle mourn! your pride is in the dust
Your boast, your glory's in the dreary grave.
Your sun is set ne'er to illume again
The sweet asylum form th' Atlantic wave.
Yes, here beneath this monumental stone
This awful gloom amid the silent dead
Thy founder lies whose sainted soul we laid
To heaven's high mansion has its journey sped.
Mourn charity, benevolence bewail
Kind hospitality his lot deplore
And own with one unanimous acclaim
Misfortune's sons will view his like no more.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Elnora Ballance
Many visitors to Ocracoke enjoy exploring our family cemeteries. Directly across the lane from Village Craftsmen is Elnora Ballance's grave site. Elnora was born April 14, 1882, and died July 11, 1969. The epitaph on her tombstone is one of my favorites. It reads:
"She was as good as goodness is. Her acts and all her words were kind. And high above the memories I hold the beauty of her mind."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
"She was as good as goodness is. Her acts and all her words were kind. And high above the memories I hold the beauty of her mind."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Monday, July 09, 2012
Wisdom
On Saturday afternoon Lachlan and I walked downtown to get an ice cream cone. We meandered over to the Black Schooner gift shop and sat on the porch. There weren't any customers in the shop, so the proprietor, Sundae, was sitting in one of the rockers. We chatted for a few minutes when Lachlan (he's seven years old; soon to turn eight) addressed Sundae: "What do you think the meaning of human existence is?" he asked.
Sundae jokingly asserted that meaning was "overrated" and allowed as how we humans tend to view our species as the center of the universe (she didn't actually put it quite like that, but I think that's close to what she was trying to convey), and that we often want to assign cosmic meaning where there isn't any. A rather nuanced discussion ensued.
Finally Lachlan said simply that he thought the meaning of existence was to be happy with what you have, enjoy nature, and try not to kill animals.
I think Lachlan's thoughts will change some as he matures, but they sure seem like a darn good beginning to me.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Sundae jokingly asserted that meaning was "overrated" and allowed as how we humans tend to view our species as the center of the universe (she didn't actually put it quite like that, but I think that's close to what she was trying to convey), and that we often want to assign cosmic meaning where there isn't any. A rather nuanced discussion ensued.
Finally Lachlan said simply that he thought the meaning of existence was to be happy with what you have, enjoy nature, and try not to kill animals.
I think Lachlan's thoughts will change some as he matures, but they sure seem like a darn good beginning to me.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Sunday, July 08, 2012
Sand Sculptures
You may remember that my camera is broken, so I didn't take any photos of the July 4th Sand Sculpture Contest. But our local on-line news site, the Ocracoke Current, has published photos and a list of the winners. Take a look at their web site for a dozen and a half pictures. Enjoy!
http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37731
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37731
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Saturday, July 07, 2012
Ferry Tolls
For several months the island has been abuzz about proposed tolls on the Hatteras Inlet ferries and increased tolls on the Pamlico Sound ferries. At first there was talk of tolls on all North Carolina ferries, then the Hatteras route was exempted, then news was that the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter routes would be raised (in some scenarios more than tripled). Then there was a moratorium...then that was overturned, with a proposal to toll all ferries.
Round and round it went, with intense lobbying from coastal counties most effected by the proposed changes. The latest news is good. There will be no fees on the Hatteras run, and tolls on the other routes will stay the same...at least until 2013, when the issue is sure to be raised again.
You can read more on Hyde County's web site:
http://hydecountync.gov/news_and_information/latest_ferry_tax_update_no_ferry_tax_for_2012-2013!.php
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Yesterday's Celebration
As usual, Ocracoke Island's July 4 celebration was a blast. I spent all morning working the outdoor market at the Community Square. I had my sketches & watercolor paintings for sale (go to my post for July 19, 2011 -- http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2011/07/drawings.html to see a few photos). I never did get to the beach to see the sand sculptures...but we did set up chairs along the road to watch the parade. In the evening I called an Ocracoke Square Dance for a crowd of enthusiastic and jovial Independence Day celebrators. My camera is broken (and my new one hasn't arrived yet), so I didn't take any photos. However, the Ocracoke Current has several articles and photos of yesterday's events. Below are several links:
Parade: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37598
Ocracoke Market: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37547
Grand Marshal, Kenny Ballance: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37543
If I learn of any photos of the sand sculpture contest or the square dance I will post links later.
We hope all of our readers had a wonderful time yesterday with family and friends!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Parade: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37598
Ocracoke Market: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37547
Grand Marshal, Kenny Ballance: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/37543
If I learn of any photos of the sand sculpture contest or the square dance I will post links later.
We hope all of our readers had a wonderful time yesterday with family and friends!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
July 4
We wish all of our readers a Very Happy Independence Day!
Enjoy the day, celebrate freedom, be safe, and we'll see you back here tomorrow.
Enjoy the day, celebrate freedom, be safe, and we'll see you back here tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Gull Eggs
I had an interesting conversation with a visitor yesterday. She wanted to know where to get gull eggs. They are good for reducing cholesterol, she informed me. "That might be true," I replied, "but I don't recommend that you gather gull eggs, especially in the National Seashore. I'm pretty sure that's illegal." She then went on to explain that they were available on Ocracoke.
Of course, she couldn't tell me exactly where she had gotten that information. I had never even heard of anyone years ago eating gull eggs, so I asked cousin Blanche. She had never heard of it either, though we both knew that O'cockers were fond of eating beach birds decades ago.
I don't know where she got her information, but I am certain it was misinformation. I guess you just can't believe everything you read on the Internet!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Of course, she couldn't tell me exactly where she had gotten that information. I had never even heard of anyone years ago eating gull eggs, so I asked cousin Blanche. She had never heard of it either, though we both knew that O'cockers were fond of eating beach birds decades ago.
I don't know where she got her information, but I am certain it was misinformation. I guess you just can't believe everything you read on the Internet!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Monday, July 02, 2012
July 4th Activities
July 4th is just around the corner! Below is the schedule for Ocracoke's Independence Day Celebration:
8 AM – Noon Homegrown/Handmade Market Community Square
9:30 AM- Noon 36th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest Lifeguard Beach
10 Am - 1 PM Ocracoke Ponies, with historians NPS Visitors Center
10 Am - 1 PM Ocracoke Ponies, with historians NPS Visitors Center
10 AM – 1PM Fish Print T-shirts with Ocracoke Child Care Community Square
10 AM-2 PM Bouncy House (Assembly of God Fundraiser) Boyette Condo Yard
10 AM- 2 PM Classic Cars Pony Island Motel Lawn
10 AM - 2 PM Ocracoke Lighthouse History Talk
Open for public viewing. Limited parking – please walk or bike!
12 Noon Local Fig Cake Bake-off Setup and Preview Community Square
1 PM Skydiving (The Herd) Pony Island Motel Lawn
Subject to many factors, including weather
1 PM – 3 PM Island Style Dunking Booth with Boy Scout Troop 290 Community Square
1:30 PM Fig Cake Judging begins, with awards at 2:30 PM Community Square
3 PM Old Time Ocracoke Parade
Starts at The Topless Oyster, left
on Lighthouse Rd., right on Creek Rd., right on Silver Lake Dr., follow
road around harbor to Parade’s end at NPS Parking Lot.
National Anthem, Entertainment, Prizes for Parade Winners – OPS Museum porch
4:30 – 6 PM Island Style Dunking Booth with Boy Scout Troop 290 Round # 2 Community Square
5 PM – 6 PM Donald Davis Stories Books to be Red yard Bring your own chair
6:30 PM – 7:45 PM Traditional Ocracoke Square Dance Community Square
Musicians: David Tweedie, Lou Castro, Marcy Brenner, Gary Mitchell; Caller: Phillip Howard
8 PM – 10 PM Blue Grass with the “Boone Towne” Pickers featuring Jon Jon Davis
Community Square
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Carpentry & The Bible
Yesterday's post was not quite accurate. My dad had read two other books before reading Alicia. Well, that's not quite accurate either. We had two books in our house, but no one read either one from cover to cover. One book, to no one's surprise, was the Bible.
The other book was titled simply Carpentry. Written by Gilbert Townsend, S.B. in 1943, and published by the American Technical Society, the book was subtitled "A Practical Treatise on Simple Building Construction, Including Framing, Roof Construction, General Carpentry Work, Exterior and Interior Finish of Buildings, Building Forms and Working Drawings."
As in so many other endeavors (hair cutting, car mechanics, house painting, shoe repair, furniture making, boat building, and sewing) my dad was self-taught. I am certain that Carpentry was a valuable reference when he added a kitchen to our house, finished our island home, and helped my brother and me build our homes.
Many of the drawings and explanations in the book are surprisingly accurate and relevant for today's wood working enthusiast. It wouldn't matter. I just like having Carpentry on my book shelf.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
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| Carpentry and The Bible |
The other book was titled simply Carpentry. Written by Gilbert Townsend, S.B. in 1943, and published by the American Technical Society, the book was subtitled "A Practical Treatise on Simple Building Construction, Including Framing, Roof Construction, General Carpentry Work, Exterior and Interior Finish of Buildings, Building Forms and Working Drawings."
As in so many other endeavors (hair cutting, car mechanics, house painting, shoe repair, furniture making, boat building, and sewing) my dad was self-taught. I am certain that Carpentry was a valuable reference when he added a kitchen to our house, finished our island home, and helped my brother and me build our homes.
Many of the drawings and explanations in the book are surprisingly accurate and relevant for today's wood working enthusiast. It wouldn't matter. I just like having Carpentry on my book shelf.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Books
When my father was eight-three years old he read his first book, Alicia, My Story, by Alicia Appleman-Jurman. My daughter-in-law was reading the book and my father noticed that the photo on the cover looked a lot like my mother who had died recently. My dad asked to borrow the 433 page book, and finished it a couple of weeks later.
When I asked my dad why he hadn't ever read a book before, he just said that he always had other things to occupy his mind. Alicia started him on a book reading project. Before he died seven years later he had read thirty-two books, many of them classics such as Silas Marner and To Kill a Mockingbird.
I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Friday, June 29, 2012
TV Appearance
This morning at 6:30 I was down on the dock at the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Exhibit (formerly Jack's Store). Heather King and Jim Howard with WITN, a popular eastern North Carolina television station, were on Ocracoke for their "WITN News at Sunrise" program. It was the perfect setting. The lighthouse stood watch in the background, sailboats were anchored in the harbor, and one of our local fishermen motored by during the filming.
Kenny Ballance, our chief island ranger, was interviewed just at sunrise (the beam from the lighthouse was still shining over the water). Shortly afterwards our championship baseball teams were featured. Then I had a couple of minutes of fame as Heather King asked me about our popular Ghost & History Walking Tours. Of course, I had to tell her a little bit about Mad Mag Howard, one of our most popular island ghosts whom some folks tell me still prowls among our many family graveyards.
You can read more about the WITN program here:
http://www.witn.com/home/headlines/LIVE_FROM_OCRACOKE_Heather_King_And_Jim_Howard_160802375.html
They might even post videos of some of the interviews later on.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Kenny Ballance, our chief island ranger, was interviewed just at sunrise (the beam from the lighthouse was still shining over the water). Shortly afterwards our championship baseball teams were featured. Then I had a couple of minutes of fame as Heather King asked me about our popular Ghost & History Walking Tours. Of course, I had to tell her a little bit about Mad Mag Howard, one of our most popular island ghosts whom some folks tell me still prowls among our many family graveyards.
You can read more about the WITN program here:
http://www.witn.com/home/headlines/LIVE_FROM_OCRACOKE_Heather_King_And_Jim_Howard_160802375.html
They might even post videos of some of the interviews later on.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Kill Devil Hills Redux
After yesterday's post I decided to do a little more research. This is what Roger Payne writes in his book "Place Names of the Outer Banks":
"There are a number of legends concerning the origin of the name [Kill Devil Hills]. It is said that sailors stated that this portion of the sound was enough 'to kill the devil to navigate.' William Byrd of Virginia in 1728 reportedly referred to the rum in the area as being so bad that it would kill the devil.
"Also, a ship carrying a cargo of this 'kill devil rum' wrecked on a nearby beach. While guarding the cargo of the wrecked ship, the guards reported that portions of the cargo would mysteriously disappear at night. A local resident named 'devil Ike' stated that he would guard the cargo, and while standing guard he discovered that another local person was tying a rope around the cargo and pulling it away by using a horse. Ike succeeded in frightening away the would-be culprit and not wanting to implicate a neighbor Ike stated that the devil was stealing the cargo and that he (Ike) had killed the devil.
"Another legend states that a local resident made a pact with the devil -- the man's soul for a bag of gold - and the exchange was to be made on top of what is now Kill Devil Hill. The day before the exchange was to take place, the local resident dug a hole from the top of the sand dune to the bottom of the sand dune. When the 'banker' and the devil met for the exchange, the devil was coaxed into the hole and was quickly covered with sand.
"The term 'kill' is a Dutch generic term meaning stream or channel and the term 'devil' is used to refer to a sand spout or whirling dervish. While the combination of these two terms in this area utilizing their meanings is plausible it is not likely because there was no Dutch influence in the area.
"A more acceptable explanation of the name origin is that the area was once the home of many Killdee or Killdeer, a common shore bird, and the name evolved from Killdeer Hill to Kill Devil Hill."
I still think the name comes from "kill-devil rum!"
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
"There are a number of legends concerning the origin of the name [Kill Devil Hills]. It is said that sailors stated that this portion of the sound was enough 'to kill the devil to navigate.' William Byrd of Virginia in 1728 reportedly referred to the rum in the area as being so bad that it would kill the devil.
"Also, a ship carrying a cargo of this 'kill devil rum' wrecked on a nearby beach. While guarding the cargo of the wrecked ship, the guards reported that portions of the cargo would mysteriously disappear at night. A local resident named 'devil Ike' stated that he would guard the cargo, and while standing guard he discovered that another local person was tying a rope around the cargo and pulling it away by using a horse. Ike succeeded in frightening away the would-be culprit and not wanting to implicate a neighbor Ike stated that the devil was stealing the cargo and that he (Ike) had killed the devil.
"Another legend states that a local resident made a pact with the devil -- the man's soul for a bag of gold - and the exchange was to be made on top of what is now Kill Devil Hill. The day before the exchange was to take place, the local resident dug a hole from the top of the sand dune to the bottom of the sand dune. When the 'banker' and the devil met for the exchange, the devil was coaxed into the hole and was quickly covered with sand.
"The term 'kill' is a Dutch generic term meaning stream or channel and the term 'devil' is used to refer to a sand spout or whirling dervish. While the combination of these two terms in this area utilizing their meanings is plausible it is not likely because there was no Dutch influence in the area.
"A more acceptable explanation of the name origin is that the area was once the home of many Killdee or Killdeer, a common shore bird, and the name evolved from Killdeer Hill to Kill Devil Hill."
I still think the name comes from "kill-devil rum!"
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Kill-Devil
In his book "The Big Oyster," a history of New York City told through the story of the oyster, Mark Kurlansky recalls New York's proliferation of taverns selling inexpensive rum during the colonial period. I read on page 86, "New York rum had to compete with New England rum called "Kill-devil" that was only twenty-five cents a gallon...."
Immediately I was reminded of our Outer Banks village, Kill Devil Hills. For some reason I had never thought much about the name or its origin. Since kill-devil was the name the English and the colonists used for all cheap booze I surmised that that must be the origin of the town's name. Sure enough, several sources suggest that colonial Outer Banks scavengers and salvagers hid kill-devil rum in the dunes after taking it from ships that wrecked on returning from the West Indies or New England. Thus the colorful name.
Maybe many of our readers already knew this tidbit of North Carolina coastal history. But I did not. As they say, you're never too old to learn something new.
Look for more legends about the origin of the name Kill Devil Hills in a future blog post.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm. the colonial period
Immediately I was reminded of our Outer Banks village, Kill Devil Hills. For some reason I had never thought much about the name or its origin. Since kill-devil was the name the English and the colonists used for all cheap booze I surmised that that must be the origin of the town's name. Sure enough, several sources suggest that colonial Outer Banks scavengers and salvagers hid kill-devil rum in the dunes after taking it from ships that wrecked on returning from the West Indies or New England. Thus the colorful name.
Maybe many of our readers already knew this tidbit of North Carolina coastal history. But I did not. As they say, you're never too old to learn something new.
Look for more legends about the origin of the name Kill Devil Hills in a future blog post.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm. the colonial period
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Porch Talks
The Ocracoke Preservation Society has begun their summer "Porch Talks" (actually, these informative talks are given in the back yard). They are a great opportunity to hear many fascinating stories about Ocracoke and the Outer Banks.
Today at 11 am National Park Ranger Dave Frum will be telling about his experiences working on Portsmouth Island, and will share insights about daily life in this village before the last residents left in 1971.
On Thursday, also at 11 am, I will be talking about the US Life Saving Service, including a brief history of the service, their contributions to life on Ocracoke Island, and stories of shipwrecks and the remarkable bravery and courage of the life savers.
These programs are free, and everyone is invited. Hope to see you there!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Today at 11 am National Park Ranger Dave Frum will be telling about his experiences working on Portsmouth Island, and will share insights about daily life in this village before the last residents left in 1971.
On Thursday, also at 11 am, I will be talking about the US Life Saving Service, including a brief history of the service, their contributions to life on Ocracoke Island, and stories of shipwrecks and the remarkable bravery and courage of the life savers.
These programs are free, and everyone is invited. Hope to see you there!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Horseshoe Crab
I took my skiff out in Pamlico Sound yesterday to do a little clamming. David & Lachlan went also, along with Lachlan's friend Mariah Daisy and her extended family. We harvested a mess of clams in a relatively short time, then swam around and enjoyed the day. It was gorgeous out in the water, by the way. We were gone from the dock about three hours.
Near the end of our time clamming David pulled a horseshoe crab up with his rake. As he pulled it to the surface the crab (it's not really a crab, by the way) swam away and settled down on the bottom. I reached down and picked it up by its tail to show to the children. They were all impressed.
I didn't have a camera with me, so I have downloaded a photo from Wikipedia.
Horseshoe crabs are arthropods, and are more closely related to spiders and scorpions than other crabs. Because they have remained relatively unchanged for 450 million years they are often described as living fossils.
When we released the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) it went right to the sandy bottom and reburied itself.
You never know what adventures you'll have poking around in the sound!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Near the end of our time clamming David pulled a horseshoe crab up with his rake. As he pulled it to the surface the crab (it's not really a crab, by the way) swam away and settled down on the bottom. I reached down and picked it up by its tail to show to the children. They were all impressed.
I didn't have a camera with me, so I have downloaded a photo from Wikipedia.
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| Horseshoe Crabs by Chosovi, from Wikipedia |
Horseshoe crabs are arthropods, and are more closely related to spiders and scorpions than other crabs. Because they have remained relatively unchanged for 450 million years they are often described as living fossils.
When we released the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) it went right to the sandy bottom and reburied itself.
You never know what adventures you'll have poking around in the sound!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Betimes
Very often I post on this blog betimes. In fact I did today. Do any of our readers know what I mean? (No fair doing an Internet search!) If you are from an old Ocracoke family you might know this uncommon word. Leave a comment if you think you know.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Queen Victoria
I just recently learned that I have a 3rd cousin, once removed, named Queen Victoria. She was the great-great-great-great-granddaughter of William Howard, Sr., one time owner of Ocracoke Island. I also have an Ocracoke relative named Napoleon Howard...and another one named Lafayette Howard. I also have a few kinfolk with relatively uncommon biblical names, including Abner, Amon, Enoch, Dorcas, and Solomon. Yesterday a visitor to the island told me about her relative, King Solomon Howard. I couldn't fit him in the family line, but I think there is a good chance he's kin somehow!
One day I plan to write a monthly Ocracoke Newsletter about unusual Ocracoke Island names. In the meanwhile, take a look at our latest Ocracoke Newsletter, Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Ebay Auction
Ocracoke Alive, sponsor of the annual OcraFolk Festival, recently sent us notice about one of their new endeavors. In order to help keep the festival spirit alive even after the music and craft sales are over, a few festival items have been posted online at Ebay. All the items have been donated by artists or businesses who want to help support the OcraFolk Music and Storytelling Festival. So, check out this link to bid on some fine handcrafted items.
More items will be posted as the summer progresses...Keep checking back!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Valedictory Address
Visitors to Ocracoke often ask about the quality of education on the island. Ocracoke School is the smallest K-12 public school in North Carolina. Nevertheless, island students frequently garner significant academic awards and recognition.
Among this year's graduating class of seven, valedictorian Molly Lovejoy will be attending Emerson College in the fall. She has given me permission to publish her valedictory address as our June Ocracoke Newsletter. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
As you will read, Molly's speech celebrates many of the qualities that make Ocracoke special, and that keep our school and our community vibrant and creative.
Among this year's graduating class of seven, valedictorian Molly Lovejoy will be attending Emerson College in the fall. She has given me permission to publish her valedictory address as our June Ocracoke Newsletter. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
As you will read, Molly's speech celebrates many of the qualities that make Ocracoke special, and that keep our school and our community vibrant and creative.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
JoKo
A reader of yesterday's blog asked about the artist Jo Ko. This is what she wrote: "I have been looking around this delightful page because it came up in the search I am doing. I recently purchased a pencil sketch of a goat herder which is signed "JoKo". So far I haven't found anything on this artist except a rather disjointed connection to Ocarcoke Island. Could you shed some light on this artist? Was he/she from your area? Thank you for your time."
Joseph and Esther Koch lived in Ohio (Akron if I am not mistaken). They discovered Ocracoke many years ago, sometime after World War II. Joe was an artist, and he made many pencil sketches of Ocracoke village, the beach, and colorful island characters. He signed his drawings "Jo Ko."
Here is one of his drawings of Blackbeard the pirate (available as a postcard from Teach's Hole Pirate Shop):
In the 1960s Joe and Esther purchased property on School Road (where Deepwater Theater and Books to be Red is located today) and on the corner of School Road and Highway 12 (where Spencer's Market is today). Health concerns kept the Kochs away from Ocracoke for the last 25 years or so. Over the years they sold all of their island property. Esther died a number of years ago. Joe died in March of this year, just short of his 105th birthday.
You can read a little more about Jo Ko here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/27093.
By the way, I don't remember ever seeing one of Joe's drawings with a goat in it, but maybe it is not an Ocracoke scene. Or perhaps it is. There were still semi-wild goats roaming on Ocracoke "down below" (on what is now National Park Service property) when Joe first discovered the island.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Joseph and Esther Koch lived in Ohio (Akron if I am not mistaken). They discovered Ocracoke many years ago, sometime after World War II. Joe was an artist, and he made many pencil sketches of Ocracoke village, the beach, and colorful island characters. He signed his drawings "Jo Ko."
Here is one of his drawings of Blackbeard the pirate (available as a postcard from Teach's Hole Pirate Shop):
In the 1960s Joe and Esther purchased property on School Road (where Deepwater Theater and Books to be Red is located today) and on the corner of School Road and Highway 12 (where Spencer's Market is today). Health concerns kept the Kochs away from Ocracoke for the last 25 years or so. Over the years they sold all of their island property. Esther died a number of years ago. Joe died in March of this year, just short of his 105th birthday.
You can read a little more about Jo Ko here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/27093.
By the way, I don't remember ever seeing one of Joe's drawings with a goat in it, but maybe it is not an Ocracoke scene. Or perhaps it is. There were still semi-wild goats roaming on Ocracoke "down below" (on what is now National Park Service property) when Joe first discovered the island.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Coquina Chowder
Yesterday a reader inquired about a recipe for coquina chowder. The following one comes from the "Yellow Cookbook" and was submitted by Ren Dunlap:
"Wash 2 quarts of coquinas, then add 2 c. water and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and save only the liquid. Dice and cook: 1 fair sized potato, 2 carrots, and 1 rib of celery. Fry: 2 strips of bacon (crisp) and 1 sliced onion (medium-sized). Combine everything with a dash of salt and pepper."
If you do an Internet search you will find a number of similar recipes. Most suggest that you discard the meat of the coquina. If I remember correctly, when we made coquina chowder many years ago we extracted the meat and used it in the chowder, but it was a long, arduous task. It was tasty though!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
"Wash 2 quarts of coquinas, then add 2 c. water and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and save only the liquid. Dice and cook: 1 fair sized potato, 2 carrots, and 1 rib of celery. Fry: 2 strips of bacon (crisp) and 1 sliced onion (medium-sized). Combine everything with a dash of salt and pepper."
If you do an Internet search you will find a number of similar recipes. Most suggest that you discard the meat of the coquina. If I remember correctly, when we made coquina chowder many years ago we extracted the meat and used it in the chowder, but it was a long, arduous task. It was tasty though!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Donax Variabilis
The tide washes up onto the beach, then recedes. As I walk along the tide line I see the shore come alive with hundreds of sparkles as tiny clams emerge from the wet sand. Another wave washes across the mollusks and they disappear, only to reappear moments later.
I can't remember when I've noticed so many coquinas, these small colorful bivalves that flourish at the edge of the beach. As I walk a mile along the ocean I must pass many thousands of them, most in clusters, others spread out in a wide pattern.
These clams, coquinas we call them, go by the scientific name Donax Variabilis. Some are yellow, some pink, others blue. Some have concentric designs, others show a sunburst pattern. They are tiny, but tasty. It's been years since I've had the patience to make coquina chowder, but it is just as delicious as traditional clam chowder.
In some parts of the country folks admonish us to stop and smell the roses. If you are on Ocracoke I suggest you stop and admire the coquinas. They are quite a marvel.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
I can't remember when I've noticed so many coquinas, these small colorful bivalves that flourish at the edge of the beach. As I walk a mile along the ocean I must pass many thousands of them, most in clusters, others spread out in a wide pattern.
These clams, coquinas we call them, go by the scientific name Donax Variabilis. Some are yellow, some pink, others blue. Some have concentric designs, others show a sunburst pattern. They are tiny, but tasty. It's been years since I've had the patience to make coquina chowder, but it is just as delicious as traditional clam chowder.
In some parts of the country folks admonish us to stop and smell the roses. If you are on Ocracoke I suggest you stop and admire the coquinas. They are quite a marvel.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Women's Arm Wrestling
On Friday night the Community Square was transformed into a wrestling rink with ample room in the parking lot for fans and spectators as the 4th annual Ocracoke Women's Arm Wrestling Tournament kicked off. If I heard correctly, this is the biggest Women's Arm Wrestling Event in the U.S., maybe in the world! The two referees were absolutely serious about the rules.
Twenty-seven ladies participated, many decked out in elaborate costumes that sent fans whooping and hollering as the evening progressed. Ethlyn Bird made the following photos of several of the contestants:
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This year's winner was Eliza, one of our outstanding summer lifeguards. She's petite...but she put the competition away in a jiffy. I am sorry that I don't have her photo to share. However, you can see her this season on the lifeguard stand.We hope none of our readers will need Eliza's services at the beach, but if you do, you can be assured that she is definitely in shape!
What a fun evening...one more unique event that sets Ocracoke Island apart from the rest of the world!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Twenty-seven ladies participated, many decked out in elaborate costumes that sent fans whooping and hollering as the evening progressed. Ethlyn Bird made the following photos of several of the contestants:
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| Heather as Miss Scarlet O'Terror |
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| Brooke, Winner of Best Costume |
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| Sister with a Bad Habit Chats with another Contestant |
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| Kim wa on "Cloud Nine" |
This year's winner was Eliza, one of our outstanding summer lifeguards. She's petite...but she put the competition away in a jiffy. I am sorry that I don't have her photo to share. However, you can see her this season on the lifeguard stand.We hope none of our readers will need Eliza's services at the beach, but if you do, you can be assured that she is definitely in shape!
What a fun evening...one more unique event that sets Ocracoke Island apart from the rest of the world!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
A Flaw of Wind
It has been windy...yesterday and today. It has been blowing 20 - 30 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Of course, strong wind is not uncommon on Ocracoke. In fact, I've written about wind dozens of times on this blog. My post for August 3, 2006 was even titled "A Flaw of Wind."
In case you haven't read that post (or may have forgotten it), a flaw of wind is a sudden gust. The expression, though archaic, is still used on Ocracoke.
Note the following:
"But anon after there arose (against their purpose) a flaw of wind out of the northeast." Acts 27: 14 from the first New Testament published in English, 1525-1526, translated by William Tyndale.
Both the King James Bible and the Revised Standard Version of the Bible replace "flaw of wind" with "a tempestuous wind."
I discovered several other references to this expression, including this quotation from an 1837 publication, Naval History Of Great Britain, from the Declaration of War by France in 1793 to the Accession of George IV - Vol I, by William James, page 195:
"Before the Juno's people were all off the yards, a sudden flaw of wind drove the ship astern."
Don't be surprised if you hear an O'cocker talking about a flaw of wind! They're common out here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
In case you haven't read that post (or may have forgotten it), a flaw of wind is a sudden gust. The expression, though archaic, is still used on Ocracoke.
Note the following:
"But anon after there arose (against their purpose) a flaw of wind out of the northeast." Acts 27: 14 from the first New Testament published in English, 1525-1526, translated by William Tyndale.
Both the King James Bible and the Revised Standard Version of the Bible replace "flaw of wind" with "a tempestuous wind."
I discovered several other references to this expression, including this quotation from an 1837 publication, Naval History Of Great Britain, from the Declaration of War by France in 1793 to the Accession of George IV - Vol I, by William James, page 195:
"Before the Juno's people were all off the yards, a sudden flaw of wind drove the ship astern."
Don't be surprised if you hear an O'cocker talking about a flaw of wind! They're common out here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Lighthouse Property
This past Sunday I posted a few paragraphs about our lighthouse and the hours it will be open this summer for viewing the interior. Below are a few more interesting facts about the lighthouse.
On April 2, 1930 the lighthouse property on Ocracoke Island consisted of:
This information was quoted by Ellen Fulcher Cloud in her book, Ocracoke Lighthouse, from records in the custody of the Commissioner of the Revenue, in the Department of the Treasury.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
On April 2, 1930 the lighthouse property on Ocracoke Island consisted of:
- 1 Lighthouse.............................$16,050
- 1 Oilhouse.......................................500
- 1 Dwelling....................................5,670
- 1 Dwelling....................................7,000
- 1 Coal Shed.....................................400
- Total...................................$29,620
This information was quoted by Ellen Fulcher Cloud in her book, Ocracoke Lighthouse, from records in the custody of the Commissioner of the Revenue, in the Department of the Treasury.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Fences
One day I may write a Monthly Ocracoke Newsletter article about village fences. But today I will simply quote Barbara Gainey Spencer's paragraph from her 1995 book How Do You Get to the Lighthouse:
"Fences were important when the ponies dashed wild and free up the sandy lanes. They helped themselves to any food they could find. From a garden or through the kitchen window, the aroma of dinner drew a hungry horse's nose to attention. The people fenced themselves in."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
"Fences were important when the ponies dashed wild and free up the sandy lanes. They helped themselves to any food they could find. From a garden or through the kitchen window, the aroma of dinner drew a hungry horse's nose to attention. The people fenced themselves in."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Porch Talks
For all of our readers who live on the island, or who are visiting this week:
Ocracoke Preservation Society's summer Porch Talks continue to inform and delight.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 12 at 11:00 am Gene Ballance will share information and stories about OYSTERS ON OCRACOKE.
On Thursday, June 14 Elizabeth Hanrahan will give a presentation on WHITE BIRDS OF OCRACOKE. This is also at 11 am.
Porch Talks are in the back yard of the OPS Museum.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Ocracoke Preservation Society's summer Porch Talks continue to inform and delight.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 12 at 11:00 am Gene Ballance will share information and stories about OYSTERS ON OCRACOKE.
On Thursday, June 14 Elizabeth Hanrahan will give a presentation on WHITE BIRDS OF OCRACOKE. This is also at 11 am.
Porch Talks are in the back yard of the OPS Museum.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Graduation
Congratulations to Ocracoke High School's senior class of 2012! The commencement ceremony was, as you might expect, exceptionally personal since there were only seven graduates. I turned to my neighbor as they were handing out diplomas (each graduate received personal congratulations and/or hugs from the local ministers, the chairman of the school board, the county school superintendent, and the principal) and said, "I'm glad there aren't 400 graduates!"
"They'd be doing this differently if there were 400 graduates," he responded.
All the best to Echo Bennink, Virginia Downes, Leslie Espinoza, Cassandra Hagins, Molly Frum Lovejoy, William O'Neal, and Ashley Salinas-Lopez!
Look for Molly's Valedictory Address in our upcoming Ocracoke Newsletter. It captured all that is wonderful and special about this island community.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
"They'd be doing this differently if there were 400 graduates," he responded.
All the best to Echo Bennink, Virginia Downes, Leslie Espinoza, Cassandra Hagins, Molly Frum Lovejoy, William O'Neal, and Ashley Salinas-Lopez!
Look for Molly's Valedictory Address in our upcoming Ocracoke Newsletter. It captured all that is wonderful and special about this island community.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Lighthouse
Just yesterday I spoke with Ed Johnson, one of the volunteers in the Park this year. We were talking about the Ocracoke Lighthouse, and he told me that the base of the lighthouse is open Thursday - Monday, 1 pm to 4 pm. If you have never had a chance to see the inside of this historic structure, please keep this schedule in mind. Their plan is to maintain an "open house" all summer.
Please keep in mind that the age of the stairs, the configuration of the lantern room, and other architectural features of the lighthouse do not permit allowing visitors to climb the spiral stairs. It is still fun, interesting, and historically educational to step inside and chat with a volunteer.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Please keep in mind that the age of the stairs, the configuration of the lantern room, and other architectural features of the lighthouse do not permit allowing visitors to climb the spiral stairs. It is still fun, interesting, and historically educational to step inside and chat with a volunteer.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Market
Just a quick note this morning. The Community Square is hosting a second Homegrown, Handmade, Fresh-Caught Market this morning from 8 to 11. If you are on the island be sure to stop by to see what islanders are offering for sale. Last month there were bird houses, paintings, drawings, plants, weavings, and handmade T-shirts among other items. No yard sale goods will be included.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Friday, June 08, 2012
Door
Visitors to Ocracoke have many choices when it comes to lodging -- motels, cottages, B & Bs, and campsites.
We don't have any chain motels, but we do have accommodations to suit almost any taste.
Cottages range from the elaborate (with Jacuzzis, theater rooms, and pools) to the simple (without air conditioning, Internet, or telephone). If you are looking to get away from it all, consider the Hurricane House. This is a traditional, no-frills island home with a screened porch (for enjoying some of the most spectacular sunsets anywhere) and a delightful outdoor shower. It sits at the end of a dead end road right on the edge of the Pamlico Sound shore.
You can get a sense of the house from this photo of the front door:
The Hurricane House is not for everyone, but for the right folks it can be the perfect house. For more information click here http://www.ocracokevillage.com/cottages.htm and scroll down to #9, "Old Island Home."
Also look for more information about how this house got its name in our upcoming June Newsletter.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Cottages range from the elaborate (with Jacuzzis, theater rooms, and pools) to the simple (without air conditioning, Internet, or telephone). If you are looking to get away from it all, consider the Hurricane House. This is a traditional, no-frills island home with a screened porch (for enjoying some of the most spectacular sunsets anywhere) and a delightful outdoor shower. It sits at the end of a dead end road right on the edge of the Pamlico Sound shore.
You can get a sense of the house from this photo of the front door:
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| Cottage Door |
The Hurricane House is not for everyone, but for the right folks it can be the perfect house. For more information click here http://www.ocracokevillage.com/cottages.htm and scroll down to #9, "Old Island Home."
Also look for more information about how this house got its name in our upcoming June Newsletter.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Whose Child is This?
I don't get many mass forwarded emails, and of those I do get there are very few that I don't immediately delete. But a week or so ago I received this forwarded message from a schooner captain whose name I will not share:
Lobster Puzzle:
This is much more fun than that old picture where you tried to find the man's face in coffee beans.
Every so often a clever picture comes along that camouflages something for us to find. This is one such picture.
Hidden within this picture, I am told, are two lobsters. Go ahead and try to find them.
If you find the lobsters in 5 minutes, the left side of your brain is normal.
I looked for 15 minutes and couldn't find them. I guess my brain is "abnormal."
I am told women find the lobsters much quicker.
It probably has something to do with the wiring in the brain.
Good luck ----Check below:
[Here was inserted a full color photo of a gorgeous young woman in a bikini holding two huge lobsters.]
The other day Lachlan asked me if he could play a computer game. I forgot that the above-mentioned email was open on my laptop. I walked into the room just as he was finishing reading and looking at the email.
"I don't see any lobsters," he said without a hint of irony!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Lobster Puzzle:
This is much more fun than that old picture where you tried to find the man's face in coffee beans.
Every so often a clever picture comes along that camouflages something for us to find. This is one such picture.
Hidden within this picture, I am told, are two lobsters. Go ahead and try to find them.
If you find the lobsters in 5 minutes, the left side of your brain is normal.
I looked for 15 minutes and couldn't find them. I guess my brain is "abnormal."
I am told women find the lobsters much quicker.
It probably has something to do with the wiring in the brain.
Good luck ----Check below:
[Here was inserted a full color photo of a gorgeous young woman in a bikini holding two huge lobsters.]
The other day Lachlan asked me if he could play a computer game. I forgot that the above-mentioned email was open on my laptop. I walked into the room just as he was finishing reading and looking at the email.
"I don't see any lobsters," he said without a hint of irony!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Storytelling
Donald Davis' Storytelling Workshop group is back on the island...and you are in for a treat. This week (today, June 6, and tomorrow, June 7 at 10:30 a.m.) participants in the workshop will be sharing stories at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum (across the parking lot from the NPS Visitors Center).
These programs are free, and everyone is invited. Hope to see you there!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
These programs are free, and everyone is invited. Hope to see you there!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Nookd Again
On Thursday, May 22 I posted something I discovered with my new e-reader and "War and Peace." You can read it here: http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2012/05/nookd.html. Since then the story has been picked up by a number of "tech blogs" and other Internet sites.
Prior to my "Nookd" story the most page views I have ever had for one post was 567 (January 2011 snow storm photos). As I write, I have now had more than 57,000 page views of the "Nookd" post! I think my story is going viral!
To see what I mean, simply do an Internet search for "Nookd."
[Update at 12:45 pm, Tuesday: Sundae Horn just posted a story about this in the Ocracoke Current (http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/34726). My blog may not actually qualify as "going viral" but just since this morning I have picked up another 800 page views.]
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Prior to my "Nookd" story the most page views I have ever had for one post was 567 (January 2011 snow storm photos). As I write, I have now had more than 57,000 page views of the "Nookd" post! I think my story is going viral!
To see what I mean, simply do an Internet search for "Nookd."
[Update at 12:45 pm, Tuesday: Sundae Horn just posted a story about this in the Ocracoke Current (http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/34726). My blog may not actually qualify as "going viral" but just since this morning I have picked up another 800 page views.]
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Transit of Venus
Tomorrow evening we in North America have the opportunity to watch the last Transit of Venus that will occur in our lifetime. Transit of Venus is the name given to the rare celestial event when the planet Venus passes directly between the earth and the sun. I understand that Venus will appear as a small dark sphere in front of the orb of the sun about two hours before sunset and lasting until the sun disappears.
Anywhere on the sound shore of Ocracoke should be ideal for viewing this event.
Please remember not to look directly at the sun with your naked eye. You can learn more about the Transit of Venus, and how to view it safely here: http://www.transitofvenus.org/
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Anywhere on the sound shore of Ocracoke should be ideal for viewing this event.
Please remember not to look directly at the sun with your naked eye. You can learn more about the Transit of Venus, and how to view it safely here: http://www.transitofvenus.org/
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Shower Window
Frequent readers of this blog may remember that I have an outdoor shower that I use regularly. It is particulaly pleasant in the early morning and late at night. Bird songs add to the experience in the morning, and stars twinkling above the trees make evening showers all the more enjoyable.
Early on I installed a stained glass window in the shower to give it an elegant touch. For a while I clipped I light to the outside of the frame to highlight the colors at night, and to provide a bit of illumination inside the shower, but I never felt comfortable with a 110 volt socket so close to my shower, so I removed it.
[Added at 7:40 a.m.: I forgot to say that I replaced the 110 v. light with a solar powered spotlight. The photos below are with the new light.]
Below are a couple of photos of the stained glass window after dark, one taken with a flash, the other without.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Early on I installed a stained glass window in the shower to give it an elegant touch. For a while I clipped I light to the outside of the frame to highlight the colors at night, and to provide a bit of illumination inside the shower, but I never felt comfortable with a 110 volt socket so close to my shower, so I removed it.
[Added at 7:40 a.m.: I forgot to say that I replaced the 110 v. light with a solar powered spotlight. The photos below are with the new light.]
Below are a couple of photos of the stained glass window after dark, one taken with a flash, the other without.
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| Photo of Window with Flash |
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| Photo of Window without Flash |
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
Ferry Tolls? Ferry Tax?
As many of our readers know, NC lawmakers have passed legislation to increase fees for riding ferries in the state. The counties most effected have organized opposition to the new laws. More than 50 people recently attended the summer session of the NC General Assembly to lobby for no increase in ferry tolls. It looks now like the legislature will postpone any toll increases until at least 2014.
You can read more here, in an article by island resident Connie Leinbach:
http://www.islandfreepress.org/2012Archives/05.18.2012-LobbyingInRaleighAgainstIncreasedFerryTolls.html
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
You can read more here, in an article by island resident Connie Leinbach:
http://www.islandfreepress.org/2012Archives/05.18.2012-LobbyingInRaleighAgainstIncreasedFerryTolls.html
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
Friday, June 01, 2012
Pelicans
A week or so ago Lida & Bill Jones treated their visiting family to a boat trip with Captain Donald Austin to Portsmouth Island. On the way back they stopped at Beacon Island to see the nesting pelicans. Lida says the baby pelicans were so cute, toddling around with their parents, but she didn't catch that on film. But she did make this photo of a pelican on its nest that she shared with me:
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
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| Pelicans & Nest on Beacon Island |
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a list of a few traditional Ocracoke Island recipes. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052112.htm.
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