A Willful Waste...

...makes a woeful want.

A couple of days ago I stopped by to visit Blanche. It was a beautiful and warm October morning, and Blanche was outside cutting up old coats with a pair of scissors. Blanche told me she was cutting the zippers out of the coats.

"What are you going to do with the zippers?" I asked. Blanche laughed and said she didn't know what she was going to do with them. "I don't even sew," she said, "but papa always instilled in us not to waste things."

Then Blanche recited one of her papa's favorite sayings: "A willful waste makes a woeful want." Not bad advice...especially if you sew!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm. 

Dancing Man

One of the classes for this year's OcraFolk School was wood carving, taught by Frank Boyd. Singer/songwriter and friend from Wilmington, NC, John Golden, attended the class and decided to make a wooden dancing man (sometimes called a limberjack). He proceeded to carve a dancing man that looks suspiciously like one of the regular performers at the OcraFolk Opry. Maybe you can guess who the inspiration was for his creation:

You can imagine how happy I was when John presented the dancing man to me as a gift during the last morning of the OcraFolk School. Here I am demonstrating how well this fellow dances:

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.

Mr. Leonard Meeker

For an hour last night island resident Leonard Meeker captivated more than 75 people crowded into the Ocracoke library as he shared his first hand account of the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion and the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. As senior legal counsel to the State Department during John F. Kennedy's presidency Leonard had a unique opportunity to participate in and help shape US policy that very likely prevented a nuclear exchange and WWIII.

Leonard's excellent presentation was taped. I understand that our local radio station WOVV will broadcast his talk this afternoon about 4:30 or 5 o'clock. You can listen on the Internet. Click here to go to WOVV's web site: http://www.wovv.org/.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm. 

The Lehigh

While approaching Ocracoke Island from Swan Quarter or Cedar Island the ferry will enter Big Foot Slough Channel and pass two metal piles a few miles northwest of the village. The piles are of unequal length, and many visitors wonder what they are.

These piles are called spuds. They are part of a sunken dredge (the Lehigh) which sank in 1942. Spuds are used to pinion a dredge to the bottom while working. Native islander Benjamin Early Spencer was captain of the Lehigh, and a couple of other Ocracokers were working on the dredge along with about nine other men.

The Lehigh was approaching Ocracoke to dredge the harbor in preparation for bringing vessels to the docks at the WWII naval base. The Navy's mission was to thwart German U-boat activity off shore.

Strong winds produced huge waves that swamped the dredge, and she quickly sank. Navy personnel at the newly established base rescued the captain and crew.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.

Cuban Missile Crisis

The Ocracoke Community Library will begin an evening programs series tomorrow, Tuesday, October 23, at 7 p.m. Ocracoke resident, and former Ambassador to Romania, Leonard C. Meeker will talk about President John F. Kennedy and the Cuban missile crisis. 

During the early 1960s, Ambassador Meeker was a senior legal counsel to the State Department and is well qualified to shed light on this period in American history. These talks are sponsored by the Ocracoke Friends of the Library. 

If you are on the island be sure to come out to the library tomorrow night. Other programs will be announced in the near future. For more information, please contact the library weekdays between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. at 252 928-4436.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm. 

1812

Our Latest Ocracoke Newsletter, the little-known story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812, has just been published. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.

Try Yard Creek

Although Outer Bankers engaged in commercial whaling in the nineteenth century, it was never more than a minor industry. For the most part Bankers primarily processed "drift whales," whales that washed up on the beach. Ocracoke's connection to whaling lives on in the name of the northernmost creek that crosses NC Highway 12 -- Try Yard Creek. Near there whale blubber was "tried" or "rendered" for the oil.

According to Rodney Barfield in his book, Seasoned by Salt, the first documented license for whaling in North Carolina was issued to Samuel Chadwick of New England. The 1725 license reads "To Samual Chadwick you are hereby permitted with three boats to fish for Whale or Other Royall fish on ye Seay Coast of this Government and whatsoever you shall catch to convert to your own use paying to ye Hon. ye Governor one tenth parte of ye Oyls and bone Made by Vertue of this License."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Turk's Head Bracelet

The OcraFolk School Sampler Class spent Wednesday sailing aboard the schooner Windfall II. Every year Captain Rob instructs the students about Ocracoke's seafaring traditions, including information about navigation, sea chanteys, maritime terminology, and knot tying. 

This was my annual opportunity to make another Turk's Head Bracelet. The bracelet on the left is an older version (I cut it off immediately after taking the photo). The bracelet on the right will last for many months, maybe even until next year.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Water Fire

If you walk, bike, or drive down Lighthouse Road you may notice one street sign with a peculiar name..."Water Fired  Rd." And you may have wondered where that name came from.

In warm weather microscopic phosphorescent plankton will often light up the water at night with thousands of sparkly pin points of light. This is especially noticeable when an oar, a hand, or a school of fish passes through the water. On Ocracoke this phenomenon is called "water fire."

Local fishermen have traditionally associated the appearance of water fire with poor fishing, hence the expression, "Last night the water fired. No fish today."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Portsmouth

Our OcraFolk School Sampler class visited Portsmouth Island village yesterday. Just a few quick comments:

-- The weather was nearly perfect...a bit windy with rough water going over (we got a little wet), but no rain, mild temperature, and sunny.

-- There were hardly any mosquitoes! Really...enough at the schoolhouse to drive us inside, and a few at the old marine hospital cistern, but virtually none anywhere else, including at Henry Piggot's house and the Life Saving Station. The wind kept them down, making for an extremely pleasant visit.

-- Rudy Austin charmed everyone with his commentary, his evident love for Portsmouth and its people, and his willingness to stay flexible in order to share his knowledge of Shell Castle, Beacon Island, and commercial fishing (he also stopped on the way back so we could enjoy the dolphins).

Everyone had a wonderful experience. (Oh yes, we also saw several old screen houses.)

 Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

1952 Summer

It is getting cooler on Ocracoke as October ushers us into fall weather. I have been enjoying these brisker, less humid days, and I was recalling the hot, sometimes oppressive summer days. I was reminded of something Elizabeth Parsons told me about the summer of 1952.  It was so hot and humid, she remembered...and no one had air conditioning. Even with the windows open, and fans humming, it was almost impossible to sleep.

Finally, Elizabeth's entire family carried their sheets and pillows out to the beach where they lay down under the stars next to the surf, lulled to sleep by the sound of the breakers and a gentle breeze.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Screen House

Nearly every house on Ocracoke had one at one time. The small screen house, normally raised up several feet on posts, served to keep meats and baked goods cool(er) and protected from flies and other bugs.

With the advent of electricity in 1938, and the rapid introduction of refrigerators, islanders abandoned their screen houses. Today, I know of only one extant screen house on the island. It sits on the ground behind Blanche's house, not used for many a year. Blanche tells me her papa built it when she was six years old.

Blanche's Screen House

There are still several original screen houses in Portsmouth village. Look for them if you are over there. I am thinking I will build one for my back yard one of these days.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Folk School

This evening the 2012 OcraFolk School begins with registration and check-in between 4 & 5 pm. At 6:30 the entire school will gather at the Pony Island Restaurant for dinner (I wonder how many of the students will have read Monday's post [http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2012/10/pony-island-restaurant-place-mat.html]).

Tomorrow morning, the whole school will participate in an orientation aboard Ocracoke Alive's historic skipjack Wilma Lee. Classes begin in the afternoon. This year's classes are Island Cooking, Wood Carving, Music Appreciation, Wellness, and Ocracoke Sampler.

Additional group activities -- music jams, bonfires, a shrimp boil, bird walk, nature walk, and stargazing -- will round out the week. As usual, we are anticipating a great week for everyone.

You can read more about the OcraFolk School here: http://www.ocracokealive.org/ocrafolkschool.cfm.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.    

Pretty Some

If you spend time with O'cockers you will very soon hear the words "pretty some" or "hot some" or similar expressions. "Some" used after an adjective (usually of one or two syllables) is equivalent to using "very" before the adjective. So, "pretty some" means "very pretty"; "hot some" means "very hot," etc.

I have never heard these expressions anywhere but on Ocracoke Island. I was surprised a few nights ago, as Lachlan, David, and I were watching a vintage episode of the Andy Griffith Show, when I heard Andy say to Aunt Bea, "...you'll have to hurry some" (from "The Pickle Story").

I did a little Internet research and discovered a number of incidents of this expression from many years ago. Here are three:

["...Y]ou'll have to hurry some, Jerry, for your boss just crossed the line...." Border Incident by James W. English, a story published in Boy's Life, Nov. 1946

"You'll have to hurry some to be anywhere by morning." Pelican Pool, a Novel by Sydney De Loghe, 1917

"You'll have to hurry some," she panted, as she held a struggling leg imprisoned under each arm." The Desert and Mrs. Ajax by Edward Moffat, 1914

Of course, Ocracoke natives use "some" almost exclusively with adjectives, and "hurry" is a verb...but it wouldn't totally surprise me to hear an O'cocker telling another person he would have to "hurry some." 

Keep your ears open when you are in the village. Eventually you will hear someone remark about something that's maybe "sweet some," or "soft some," or "pretty some."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.    

Old Schoolhouse

Below is a photo of the 1917 Ocracoke Schoolhouse. You can click on the photo to see a larger image. When you do, look carefully at the corner braces in the front entrance way. I had been told that those braces were recycled for use on another island building. The other day I rode my bike down to the building to take a photo and was surprised to discover that the corner braces are different. Maybe one of our local readers knows if the schoolhouse braces can be located.

1917 Ocracoke Schoolhouse

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm. 

Trumpery

In Harriet Beecher Stowe's classic novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, there is an animated exchange between several slaves. Finally, Dinah the cook puts and end to it with this statement, "I'd like to have Missis say which is worth the most, -- a couple such as you, or one like me. Get out wid ye, ye trumpery, -- I won't have ye round!"

Trumpery is a word not often used nowadays, although it can be heard occasionally on Ocracoke. Webster's defines the word as "trivial or useless articles." Blanche defines it as "things of little or no value, but held onto anyway."

Just one more traditional island word to add to your vocabulary!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Island Humor

The following story is told by island native, Cecil Bragg, in his book Ocracoke Island, Pearl of the Outer Banks.

In the by-gone days of sailing ships an islander was hired on and told to hurry home and get some clothes as the vessel was ready to sail with the tide. The man returned quickly with his gear. One pants leg was rolled up above his knee and the other was down around his ankle. The captain asked him why he went around looking so sloppy. "It don't make no difference Cap'n." the man said, "cause everybody 'round here knows me."

When the ship docked in New York the sailor stepped on the gangplank to go ashore looking just as he had when he had shipped on, wearing the same clothes. "Good heavens man," asked the captain, "you ain't going ashore here looking like that are you?"

"Why sure Cap'n," replied the man, "it's alright, 'cause there ain't a soul 'round here knows me."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm. 

Falcons & Butterflies

I recently wrote several posts about falcons and caterpillars. Today I have updates.

As you might recall, Ocracoke resident, Peter Vankevich, told me he had seen a number (actually 42) migrating peregrine falcons on a recent morning. A friend of his wrote an article about these magnificent birds. Hal Broadfoot writes on FayObserver.com that "In four hours, [Peter] saw more peregrine falcons than once were believed to exist in the eastern U.S..... He also told me that the next day, his friends had seen 50 additional peregrines making a beeline south."

 You can read Broadfoot's article here: http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2012/10/06/1209025?sac=fo.life.

Several readers wrote to inform me that the caterpillar that has been feeding on my passion flower vine, and that gave me a minor rash, is the larva stage of the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly. As it turns out, I have not only the caterpillars, but the butterflies in my yard. The butterflies are beautiful creatures, but it is maddeningly difficult to get a good photo of them because they flit around so erratically. But I did manage to catch these two (one with wings outspread, the other barely visible).

Gulf Fritillary Butterfly

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm. 

Pony Island Restaurant Place-mat

I recently enjoyed a pleasant and delicious dinner at the Pony Island Restaurant. For forty years the Pony Island Restaurant has been using place-mats designed by Kitty Martin Mitchell. It is a classic design, showing the village of Ocracoke and two Outer Banks steeds galloping down the beach, their manes blowing in the wind.

Whenever I dine at the "Pony" with off-island friends I explain that Kitty produced the drawing for the place-mat immediately after a breakup with her boyfriend at the time (I won't mention his name...but he is kin to me, and started Ocracoke's best known pub). I then proceed to identify the location of the boyfriend's home on the map. You can find it yourself. Click on the image below, then lay a straightedge on your computer screen.

Place the straightedge so that it connects the middle of the last "T" in "Restaurant" at the top of the drawing with the apex of the "A" in "Island" at the bottom of the drawing.

Next, lay the straightedge so it connects the top right hand corner of the place-mat and the "D" in "Island" in the box that reads "Pony Island Restaurant & Motel."

The intersection of those two imaginary lines is where the ex-boyfriend lived!

Just a bit of island trivia. I hope you enjoyed a little insight into Ocracoke humor.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Certification

The skipjack Wilma Lee, a restored oyster dredging sailboat that was donated to Ocracoke Alive in February, has recently been awarded US Coast Guard certification to carry up to 44 passengers for hire.

You can read more about the Wilma Lee here: http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2012/03/restored-skipjack-donated-to-ocracoke.html.

You can read more about the certification here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/45738.

The Wilma Lee has already started taking groups out on Pamlico Sound to enjoy Ocracoke under sail. To book a sail call Capt. Rob at 252-928-SAIL.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm. 

Grandmama Aliph

I was just six years old when my grandmama Aliph died, so I don't remember her well. But I do recall that she was a kindly old lady not prone to excitement or high emotion. She enjoyed relaxing in her rocking chair on the pizer. My aunt Thelma describes her as "reserved," which makes the following story that much more noteworthy.

One afternoon she was hostess for a gathering of the Methodist Women's Society of Christian Service.

As sometime happens, even to folks who try their best to see the good in everyone, one particular woman's personality had been ruffling my grandmother's feathers for some time. Her obsequiousness and passive aggressive demeanor was becoming unbearable.

For refreshments grandmama Aliph served a favorite island dessert, blackberry dumplings with egg sauce (see egg sauce recipe below). The woman turned to my grandmother, and in an unctuous tone, announced "I could eat these until I died."

My grandmother's droll reply: "I wish I'd made more of them, then."

Ocracoke Island Egg Sauce:

3 eggs at room temperature
1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon extract (or sometimes 1 tablespoon of vanilla, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and a little nutmeg)

Separate eggs. Beat the whites until stiff. Add sugar, a little at a time and beat well. Add egg yolks and lemon extract. Pour sauce over dumplings.

 Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm. 

Raptors

Peter Vankevich, one of our resident bird watchers, explained to me recently that raptors migrate through the Outer Banks this time of year. Just a few days ago folks reported seeing dozens of peregrine falcons as well as other falcons and ospreys. It is even possible to spot a bald eagle now and then on Ocracoke. 

Another place to view migratory birds is the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge. If you are driving through Hatteras Island be sure to stop, pick up your binoculars, and take a look for raptors and other migratory waterfowl. There is always something of note to be seen there.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm. 

Fiddler Crabs

On July 18 of this year I wrote a blog post about mud fiddlers (http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2012/07/mud-fiddlers.html). In the most recent issue of our local newspaper, The Ocracoke Observer, Peter Vankevich writes about the fiddler crab in his column (Spotted on Ocracoke). You can find fiddler crabs (or mud fiddlers) in the salt marsh this time of year. As Peter points out, they are close cousins to the common ghost crabs that live on the beach.

Peter writes that he "found it fascinating that the enlarged claw may be on the left or the right side. Also if the large claw is lost, the small claw will grow into the large size and only a small claw will replace the lost one."

I didn't know that either. Fascinating, indeed!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm. 

Caterpillars

The caterpillar in this photo is just one of several who have been hanging around on my passion flower vine the last several days. They look rather menacing, with their rows of double spikes, and I thought maybe this was the type of critter that had caused the rash on my arm a few weeks ago (http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2012/09/sprangles.html). So I lightly pressed my forearm against him.

Sure enough, he's the culprit!

I've looked on the Internet to try to identify this caterpillar, but have not been successful. Maybe one of our readers can help me out. You can click on the photo to view a larger image.

My advice: if you encounter one of these, let it be!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm. 

Tuesday Morning

There is a certain appeal that a day like today has -- it is grey and overcast, with a bit of rain and enough breeze to make the trees sway. Since it's October, and the pace of daily life on Ocracoke has slowed down, this is the perfect day to stay home, catch up on correspondence, read a book, experiment in the kitchen...or take a nap.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm. 

Honored

Just a few days ago I learned that Ocracoke School was honored recently in Durham for being one of only 35 public schools in North Carolina with a 100% on-time graduation rate for the class of 2012. In other words, every one of last year's seniors graduated in four years.

Congratulations to Echo, Virginia, Leslie, Cassandra, Molly, William, & Ashley...to the faculty & staff of Ocracoke School...and to the seniors' parents, friends, and neighbors for their support and encouragement!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm. 

Glass Snake

There is always something to entertain an eight year old at Ocracoke. Yesterday David & Lachlan discovered a glass snake slithering along in their yard. Here are a few photos. You can click on any one to see a larger image.

Glass Snake...closeup

 

Glass Snake with Friends

Away She Goes

"Glass snakes" are actually legless lizards. They are in the genus ophisaurus ("snake lizard").

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Pirate Jamboree

Avast, me hearties! Mark your calendars. Pyrates be returning to Occacock soon.  

The first annual Blackbeard Pirate Jamboree will be launched on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands next month. The Hatteras-Ocracoke Council of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce will present this free, two-day pirate fest Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27, on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.

You can read more information here or here.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm. 

A Lighthouse, An Actor, and a Proposal...

An alert reader recently commented on a story that was published on line by the Hatteras Genealogical Society. It is an interesting tale.

"In 1822, a renown[ed] actor, while making passage between Norfolk and Charleston, had a chance encounter with a fellow passenger. Perhaps while viewing the Cape Hatteras Light, the young thespian tell[s] of his desire “to retire from public life and keep a lighthouse”.... By chance, the stranger happens to be one Thomas H. Blount, the Collector of Customs for the port of Washington, N.C. As Collector of Customs, he is responsible for the administration of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Mr. Blount must have been impressed with the young actor because Blount eventually offers him the position of light keeper. The actor is Junius Brutus Booth, the Father of the yet to be born, John Wilkes Booth...."

To read the rest of the story click here:
http://hatgensoc.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/a-lighthouse-an-actor-and-a-proposal/

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Beauty

Just in case you missed my comment on my post for Saturday, September 22 (A Window Into the Past), Wayne is wearing the striped shirt, Stanley is wearing the white shirt, and I am sitting astride Wayne's pony "Beauty." 

A commenter on that post asked, "Oh, to set your way-back machine to 1956, eh? Bet you'd go back in a heart beat--just for a little visit." No doubt about it...the mid-1950s on Ocracoke was a wonderful, magical time for a young boy. Just looking at the photo you can see that it was "Tom Sayer-ish." Life was simple and uncomplicated -- sandy lanes, no shoes, dungarees rolled up to our ankles, t-shirts (without corporate logos), and a pony without a saddle.

Life on Ocracoke is still good, if different.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Shorts to Jeans

It is that time of year again -- time to trade in shorts for blue jeans, at least for a while. For the last few days the early morning temperature has been in the high 60s, increasing to the mid 70s by midday. Shorts still feel good during the day, but once the sun sets, I don long pants and maybe a long sleeved shirt or a light jacket.

Cooler, sunny days mean more opportunities to work outside in comfort, or to bike around the village, or to walk along the beach.

The forecast is for slightly warmer temperatures today and tomorrow, but the humidity is low which makes for a beautiful fall.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

One More Paragraph About Lighthouses

Another paragraph from Charles Nordhoff's 1874 article, "The Light-Houses of the United States":

"The light-houses, light-ships, buoys, beacons, fog-signals, machine-shops, and other property controlled by the Light-house Board, are worth between forty and fifty millions of dollars. The whole of this is a free gift of the American people to the world. Other nations exact light-house dues which to a great extent defray the expense of maintaining their lights, but our government has made all lights free to the mariners of all nations. The whole establishment is sustained by annual appropriations of Congress."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

More About Lighthouse Keepers

Because individuals today generally have little idea of what the US government required of lighthouse keepers I am reproducing here two paragraphs from the 1874 article "The Light-Houses of the United States" by Charles Nordhoff:

"It would be tedious, and take more space than we have to spare, to give even a bald list of all the tools and materials required in a first-class light-house. A glance over the index of the volume of directions shows that it contains instructions for cleaning, placing, removing, and preserving the lamp chimneys; for cleaning the lamps; for keeping the lantern free from ice and snow; for preserving the whiting, rouge powder,etc.; for using two or three dozen tools; for preserving and economically using the oil, filling the lamp, using the damper; for precautions against fire; 'how to trim the wicks;' and for dozens of other details of the light-keeper's daily duties.

"The keeper is required to enter in a journal (daily) all events of importance occurring in and near his tower, and also to keep a table of the expenditure of oil and other stores. Besides the officer who is district light-house inspector, and who may make his examinations at any time, there are experts called 'lampists,' who pass from light to light, making needed repairs, and also taking care that the machinery of the light is in order, and that it is properly attended to by the keeper."

Nordhoff makes no mention of painting the lighthouse, a task normally done by the keeper and his assistants, and maintaining the keeper's quarters and the grounds.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Great Birnam Wood...

  ...comes to Dunsinane Hill (er, I mean Ocracoke)!

Late Friday afternoon Lachlan appeared in my yard covered in vines, and holding a tree branch. I honestly don't know what this was all about, but Macbeth came to mind. If you've read this Shakespeare play (Lachlan saw our local production several months ago, so maybe he was playacting) you will understand my comment.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

A Window into the Past

I was sorting through several cigar boxes of old photos a few days ago, and discovered this one, taken about 1956 on Lawton Lane, right in front of the house I now live in. I am in the photo with two close friends. Stanley Gaskins is one of the other boys in the picture. Stanley moved off the island about five years after this photo was taken. Unfortunately Stanley died several years ago. Wayne Teeter is also in the photo. Many readers of this blog know Wayne, a local fisherman and colorful island character. My uncle Marvin, scout master for the mounted Boy Scout troop, is in the background standing beside his Jeep pickup truck.

Does anyone want to guess which one of the boys is me, which one is Wayne, and which one is Stanley? Click on the photo to view a larger image, and leave your comment. I will give the answer in a few days.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Fences of Howard Street & Lawton Lane

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. I took the pictures earlier this month.

Howard Street Fence

To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.

Instructions and Directions to Lightkeepers

From "The Light-Houses of the United States in 1874" by Charles Nordhoff:

"There is a printed book of one hundred and fifty-two pages specially devoted to 'instructions and directions to light-keepers'.... The first article of these instructions announces the fundamental duty of the light-keeper: 'The light-house and light-vessel lamps shall be lighted, and the lights exhibited for the benefit of mariners, punctually at sunset daily. Light-house and light-vessel lights are to be kept burning brightly, free from smoke, and at their greatest attainable heights, during each entire night, form sunset to sunrise;' and it is added that 'the height of the flame must be frequently measured during each watch at night, by the scale graduated by inches and tenths of an inch, with which keepers are provided.' Finally, 'All light-house and light-vessel lights shall be extinguished punctually at sunrise, and every thing put in order for lighting in the evening by ten o'clock A.M. daily."

Ocracoke Light

Keeper Enoch Ellis Howard & his Wife Cordelia

 

Just the basics of more than 150 pages of instructions for lighthouse keepers.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Turtle

He was meandering across Lawton Lane about 11 am on Monday. I knew Lachlan would be hurrying home for lunch in just a few minutes, so I put this box turtle in a big flower pot.

Lachlan was excited to see the turtle. We got a good look at him, then put him back exactly where I found him...and he immediately crawled right into the wooded area between our houses. Lachlan wanted to pick him up, but we thought it best not to stress him (or her) out any more.

Ocracoke Box Turtle

In case anyone is worrying about salmonella poisoning...I washed my hands thoroughly after handling the turtle.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

More Photos from Cape Lookout

As promised, a few more photos from my recent trip to Cape Lookout. My last visit to the Cape was about 30 years ago. You can click on any picture to view a larger image.

Wild Horses on Shackleford Banks

A Black Snake

Looking West

Looking South

Keeper's Quarters

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

View from the Boat (image by Jim Fineman)

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Cape Lookout

This weekend I went across the sound to Harker's Island for the Fall Membership Meeting of the Friends of Portsmouth Island. After the meeting we caught a ride to Cape Lookout to climb the lighthouse. It was only the second time I had been to Cape Lookout. Here are three photos I took (click on any one to see a larger image):

Approaching the Cape

Looking North

A View from the Balcony

Look for a few more pictures tomorrow.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Such Foolishness

Islanders have always enjoyed playing tricks on each other...and they enjoy just as much telling the stories over and over. Back in 2004 Maurice Ballance told me a story he had heard from Edgar Howard (1904-1990). 

The main character is Arcade Williams (b. 1842). In the mid-1950s Edgar's brother, Walter, wrote this about Arcade: "Kade lived in an old house framed entirely from the beams of old shipwrecks. [She] could 'cuss like a sailor' and woe be unto anyone who 'ruffled' her feathers the wrong way, or should by any chance, be the recipient of her caustic, venomous tongue lashing. She is still remembered today for her biting wit and vitriolic sarcasm. Aside from those human weaknesses she was a good soul and didn't have an enemy in the world."

In the late 1800s several young men decided to play a prank on Arcade Williams. They enlisted the help of Perry Coleman Howard, the village magistrate. Somehow they convinced Kade that her neighbor, Caswell Williams, had filed charges against her for trespassing on his property. They brought her before the magistrate. 

Kade called Mary Louise Williams ("Miss Med") as her witness, but Miss Med didn't show up for the hearing. A runner was sent to fetch her, and he came back with the news that Miss Med would be there "as soon as her collards were finished cooking."

Perry Coleman declared that he had actually heard enough evidence and ruled in favor of Caswell.  He "fined" Arcade $5.00.  

With that Arcade turned her back to the magistrate and hobbled away.  When she reached the door she leaned on her cane, turned her head back to the court, and announced "If you want that five dollars, Coleman, you'll have to get it out of this." And with that she slapped her rear end and marched outside. 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

 

For What It's Worth

Ted Dedowitz was a quirky retired college professor who moved to Ocracoke about 50 years ago. He published a number of booklets of philosophical musings. He didn't have a computer, of course...and he didn't even use a typewriter. Each small booklet was a copy of his free-hand writing, a calligraphy of sorts.

Here is an example of Ted's thoughts:

"A University Vice President of Finance retired recently. A tribute to him, which I heard, mentioned:
1. He arrived at work at 6:30 am,
2. He lasted 37 years,
3. He left an hour after others,
4. He never took a vacation,
5 He will be replaced by four young V.P.s

"My [Ted's] conclusions regarding him =
a. He worked very slowly,
b. He had no friends,
c. He could not, would not, delegate,
d. He disliked his wife,
e. He had no hobbies,
f. He was under paid,
g. He concentrated on one activity,
h. He was sick -- a workaholic."

I suppose Ted moved to Ocracoke because it suited his philosophy, a tribute to "thinking sitting down": "When you place your brain, your lower brain ["the human butt"], onto a chair seat and start the rocker in motion you are 'revving' your own motor." 

Just a few thoughts from the late Ted Dedowitz, onetime resident of Ocracoke.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

From the publication, Ford Times, Vol 42, No. 10, October 1950:

"There are twenty-eight national parks in the U.S. with some eleven million acres but the nation does not own a single foot of ocean-front beach. In order that people will always be able to walk on a sandy ocean beach, climb windblown dunes and bathe in the surf without trespassing on private property, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Park may be established. The Government is now buying what land along the Banks south from Manteo it can get. Bankers (those who live on the Banks) are not sure they want a National Park on their islands but they are coming to realize that the alternative is to have it turned into a Coney Island sort of thing by private investors. Government men are doing an educational job among the Bankers and report that the Park is a growing possibility."

An historical note: The Cape Hatteras National Seashore was authorized by Congress on August 11, 1937. Because World War II delayed purchase of much of the land the park was not officially dedicated until April 24, 1958.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Sand Sledding

My good friend, Monroe Gaskill, brought a load of sand to spread on the parking area at the Village Craftsmen. He left the sand there for several days. Lachlan and his playmates had a field day on that gigantic pile of sand. Children on the island seldom have an opportunity to enjoy snow sledding, so they make the best of what they have!

 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Community Spirit

By the look on his face Capt. Rob had bad news when he came to my door yesterday at 8 am. "Philip," he said, "your boat has sunk." I could hardly believe what he was saying. I keep my 18' skiff tied up at the Community Square dock. I check it regularly, and it hadn't been long since I was out in it. I got on my bike and rode down to assess the situation.

Sure enough, the entire stern was underwater; the outboard was half submerged. Rob was already in his dingy seeing what could be done to raise the gunwales above the surface. Before long David and Amy were there to help. Kelton was there, too. Then Hank and Joe, island visitors and boat owners, showed up. Before long James and Van were there with a gasoline powered pump.

With some effort, pulleys...and ingenuity we raised the stern above the surface. David positioned the hose in the bilges, and Van and James fired up the pump. Rob steadied the stern. It wasn't long before the skiff was nearly fully bailed out. Joe used his boat to tow my skiff to the boat ramp. Juan lent a hand at the ramp. By then Tom had arrived to help David and Rob get the boat on my trailer.

Just one more example of people helping people on Ocracoke Island. Many thanks to everyone who pitched in to help me out! 

By 11 am my skiff was in my yard. By 5 pm I had my outboard drained of salt water, and running smoothly. I haven't checked the boat yet, but I think Van might be right. I am wondering if the wake from the dredge sent a wave over the transom and swamped my old wooden skiff. If it put enough water inside to bring her down where the planks weren't swelled tight the bilge pump may not have been capable of keeping up with the influx of water. 

Below are a few photos: 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Dredge

Several people have asked about the dredge (with all of its pipeline) that has been in the harbor lately. A few of our readers have seen it on a web-cam; others have seen it while visiting the island. Capt. Rob Temple has written a great article about the dredge for the Ocracoke Current. You can read his article, and see photos of the dredge, here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/42512.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

A Touch of Fall

Although there have been a few signs of fall lately, yesterday was the most noticeable. I stepped outside before breakfast and felt the cooler air. I opened my front and back doors, and turned off the air conditioning. A gentle, pleasant breeze wafted through the house. 

Susan Dodd stopped by at 3 o'clock and we went to Clyde and Virginia's for an afternoon visit. I even changed from shorts to blue jeans. We spent about an hour and a half, chatting, sharing stories, and laughing. 

Back home, I sat on my porch enjoying the changing weather, and the beginning of another Ocracoke Island off-season. 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Andy

Lachlan and I spent the evening together last night. After a hearty supper we settled down to watch a little classic TV. I had worked in the yard all day, and was too tired for much else. Lachlan doesn't watch much TV, and had never seen the Andy Griffith Show, so I introduced him to Andy, Barney, Opie, and Aunt Bea. It was a big hit. Lachlan loved it. 

I explained that Andy Griffith died recently, but that he had lived in Manteo. I told him about the one time I saw Andy in the Manteo Furniture Store. I had heard that he didn't like fans to badger him, so I never even let on that I recognized him. Andy was chatting amiably with the salesman, finished his business, stopped to acknowledge a neighbor, and left. Manteo is a lot like Mayberry.

RIP Andy!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Breast Enlargement

I subscribe to Google Alerts for "Ocracoke." Every morning I receive an email with links to recent web sites that mention Ocracoke. Imagine my surprise yesterday when I discovered an advertisement for "Ocracoke NC Breast Enlargement."

According to the site, women can opt for  "cosmetic surgery by board certified Ocracoke, North Carolina Breast Enlargement Specialists," although they do recommend checking "the credentials of the surgeon and the facility."

I haven't located the island facility yet, nor have I identified the surgeons, but I suppose women will now be flocking to Ocracoke for this procedure. Ocracoke would seem like the perfect location for the service. After surgery an "enlarged" woman can purchase a new bikini at one of our local boutiques, and then head straight for the beach. What convenience!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Survey

I was hanging laundry on the line Tuesday afternoon when Jenny Scarborough rode by on her bike. "I am doing a survey for the Ocracoke Current," she said. "It's just one question. Do you want to participate?" I said sure.

"When was the last time you went skinny-dipping?" Jenny asked. 

Dear readers, I guess you'll have to check the Current to see the results of the survey!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm. 

Juanita

While visiting Blanche several days ago I happened to ask her if she knew why my cousin was named Juanita. I had never understood why she was given a Spanish name. Blanche didn't know, but she proceeded to tell me about the song Juanita that great uncle George Gregory Howard (1841-1916) wanted "sung over him."

I had never heard of the song, so Blanche sang me the final chorus: "Nita! Juanita! Let me linger by thy side! Nita! Juanita! Be my own fair bride." Then, of course, she quoted the rest of the song (how does she remember so much?).

Juanita

Soft o'er the fountain
Ling'ring falls the Southern moon,
Far o'er the mountain,
Breaks the day too soon!
In thy dark eyes splendor,
Where the warm light loves to dwell,
Weary looks yet tender,
Speak their fond farewell.

Nita! Juanita!
Ask thy soul if we should part!
Nita! Juanita!
Lean thou on my heart.

When in thy dreaming,
Moons like these shall shine again,
And daylight beaming,
Prove thy dreams are vain,
Wilt thou not relenting,
For thine absent lover's sight,
In thy heart consenting,
To a prayer gone by?

Nita! Juanita!
Let me linger by thy side!
Nita! Juanita!
Be my own fair bride.

Juanita was written by Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (1808-1877), and was included in Confederate "songsters," inexpensive collections of secular song lyrics, that were popular with southern soldiers during the Civil War.

Although not a religious song, Juanita was in at least 5 hymnals from 1907-1951, including adult Bible Class hymnals, and hymnals designed to be used in "chapel, assemblies, convocations, or general exercises of schools."

Blanche confirms that Juanita was sung at great uncle George Gregory's funeral...and, I wonder, was my uncle Enoch (1903-1972) inspired by the song to name his daughter Juanita? Maybe she will read this post, and let us know!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

1806 Redux

Re. my post for Sunday, Sept. 2 -- More from the Wilmington Gazette, October 14, 1806, as recounted in Sony Williamson's book Shipwrecks of Ocracoke Island:

"Occacock, September 30 -- The cutter DILIGENCE arrived from sea on the 28th inst [a common abbreviation of the time for "instante mense," meaning a date in the current month], in the evening about sun down anchored close to Shell Castle, bearing NE. A gale came on at NE about 10 o'clock and at twelve blew a most violent gale: The Cutter upon perceiving the violence of the gale and the sea flying over in such quantities as to endanger her foundering, threw her guns overboard and while in the act of cutting away her masts, she broke adrift and run foul of a small schooner on a shoal about a mile from the Castle bearing WSW and there sunk.

"The officers and crew retreated aboard the little schooner who survived the gale and were taken off as soon as the weather would permit by the humanity of governor Wallace and Mr. Tuck the only inhabitants of the Castle without being able to save the least article of clothing whatever."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Strange Light

Last night, as I was sitting on the porch swing on my pizer, about 10 o'clock, leaving a message on Lou Ann's voice mail, my eye was drawn upward and I looked into the northern sky. There, above the tree tops, was a "star" that shone extra bright. I wondered if it might be an airplane or a satellite. It was not large, but extremely bright. I soon realized that it wasn't moving. Then, suddenly, as I watched, it faded and disappeared. It only lasted a few seconds, then was completely gone.

I am wondering if anyone else saw this unusual celestial display. I am almost certain it was not a flare. I have seen flares before. This object appeared suddenly, and was small and white. Also, it did not travel like a shooting star. There was no trail or tail. It  looked exactly like an extremely bright star. It simply brightened, then quickly faded away.  

It was very unusual.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Clear

Every now and then the water at the ocean is remarkably, invitingly clear. It was like that yesterday morning when Lachlan and I decided to spend some time together at the beach. We both remarked at how easily we could see the bottom, even when standing in chest deep water. Then a large wave stirred up the sand and it took a while for the water to clear. As we played, the big waves came a bit more frequently. The water wasn't quite so clear anymore, but it sure was fun. We stayed until we both got hungry, then headed back home for lunch and an ice cream cone at the Community Square.

 Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

1806

John Crowe recently gave me an article from the July 31, 2012 issue of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, reprinted from the Virginian-Pilot.  It was about the 1852 storm and the Currituck lighthouse. As a side note in the eleventh paragraph, the author, Jeff Hampton, notes that "during one 1806 hurricane, at least 31 ships apparently ran aground on Ocracoke Island to escape [foundering or capsizing]."

Sony Williamson, in his comprehensive book, Shipwrecks of Ocracoke Island, reproduces contemporary accounts of the September, 1806 storm from the Wilmington Gazette. A few select passages follow:

"About 12 o'clock last evening a gale...blew the most tremendous storm, ever I believe, witnessed by a human being...."

"The cutter belonging to this station [Shell Castle]...upset and sunk at her anchors."

"Nearly all the lighters of the navigation sunk, ashore, or dismasted."

Numerous schooners, lighters, and sloops are reported as "sunk, "dismasted," "upset," "ashore," and "adrift."

Supporting the account from the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the 1806 Gazette reports from an eyewitness that "such was the scene of distress when I arrived that we lay on our oars & counted thirty one wrecked in one single view around us." As I read the 1806 articles I am convinced that the majority of the vessels were driven ashore by the storm, not intentionally to prevent foundering or capsizing. Such is the power of Nature's fury.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.

Sprangles

Walking through some thick underbrush several weeks ago my bare arm brushed against a branch. Immediately my forearm started to sting and tingle. I glanced down and a rash had already formed. It looked and felt as though I had been stung by a jellyfish. I showed my arm to a couple of people. The consensus was that I had probably contacted a stinging caterpillar. Several days went by and a couple of people who had seen my rash wanted to know if I had the sprangles. They were glad to hear that I didn't.

To "sprangle" means to branch out in different directions. On Ocracoke, sprangles are red lines that spread out from a wound or rash. They generally indicate blood poisoning or some other serious problem.

I didn't have the sprangles, but I'm still not sure what critter stung me. 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.