Outer Banks Free Diving

On January 20, I mentioned the book Deep by James Nestor...and the sport of freediving (underwater diving without the aid of any artificial breathing apparatus). 

I knew virtually nothing about freediving before reading the book, but became convinced that there must be some video documentation of the sport on the Outer Banks. I soon discovered Hidden Outer Banks, an online magazine published by Dawn Church, who lived on Ocracoke for a while, and helped create the Ocracoke Observer.

Butterfly Ray Photo by H. Weerman

Dawn has shared Russel Blackwood's 2 1/2 minute video of his freediving the shoreline of Cape Hatteras. It shows spectacular footage of a butterfly ray: http://www.hiddenouterbanks.com/flight-of-the-butterfly-rays-russell-blackwood/. Take a few minutes to enjoy this up-close underwater encounter with a beautiful swimmer!

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is about the almost forgotten 1890 "Oyster Wars" that pitted islanders against outside business interests. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012115.htm.

Fence

Fences have long been an important part of Ocracoke village. In years past, islanders often had two fences surrounding their houses...one to separate the garden from the yard, and another to protect the garden from roaming wild horses. In addition, each small family cemetery was typically enclosed by a picket fence.

The fence in the photo below is new, but it looks old...to match the small cemetery it surrounds on Howard Street.

The original fence around the Wheeler and Tressie Howard graveyard on Howard Street had deteriorated, so the family hired island carpenter, Len Skinner, to build a new fence just a few months ago. He did a terrific job of matching the existing wooden fence with sturdy, weathered boards. You would think the fence had been there, protecting the graves, for decades.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is about the almost forgotten 1890 "Oyster Wars" that pitted islanders against outside business interests. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012115.htm.

Farnifold Green

Farnifold Green (born May 30, 1674 in Virginia) arrived in North Carolina in July of 1697. On December 20, 1707, the Lords Proprietors issued Farnifold Green a land grant for 780 acres—part of the land that would eventually become early Beaufort.

Green, a planter, colonial militia officer, commissary, and Indian fighter had a plantation on the north side of the Neuse River (see http://beaufortartist.blogspot.com/2007/11/farnifold-green-owner-of-first-land.html for more information).

In 1706 Farnefould Green sent the following petition to the Governor & Executive Council of North Carolina:

"...Farnefould Green humbly sheweth That whereas your honors humble orator haveing a great desire to settle a stock upon the Banks at or near Occacok Inlett and haveing understood that the honorable Governor hath given orders that the said Places should not be settled by any straingers but what are of good fame, least any harme should befale any of her Majestys subjectes that should through Chance be Cast away there, Therefor your humble Orator prays Lycence from your honors for the settlement of the same, and Your humble Orator shall as in duety bound for ever pray etc. Farnefould Green."

In 1711 the Minutes of the Executive Council record this sentence:

"Upon Petition of Farnifold Green praying he may have Liberty to Settle upon the Sand banks neare Okacock Inlett. Ordered that the Said Farnifold Greene have Liberty to Setle on the Said place accordingly."

We don't know exactly what stock Farnifold Green brought to Ocracoke, but it likely included cattle, sheep, and/or goats. Perhaps horses as well. All of these domestic animals were still grazing freely on Ocracoke Island in the 1950s, when I was a boy.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is about the almost forgotten 1890 "Oyster Wars" that pitted islanders against outside business interests. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012115.htm.

Life Guards

Many of our readers will remember that the National Park Service had intended to eliminate all funding for Ocracoke lifeguards last summer. After protests from islanders and visitors, the NPS relented and appropriated funds to provide lifeguards five days a week. The Ocracoke Civic & Business Association agreed to fund the other two days in spite of concerns that that was sending the wrong message to the NPS. Fears were raised that it would be an incentive for the Park to continue cutting funds for lifeguards.

Earlier this month the Ocracoke Current reported that the new Superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Dave Hallac, "said that the current plan is for NPS to hire contracted lifeguards again this year, to staff the three beaches in the Seashore that traditionally have lifeguards (Ocracoke, Buxton, and Coquina Beach), and to pay for lifeguard services for seven days a week. NPS has initiated the contract process." Read more here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/104577.

Hallac is scheduled to attend the monthly meeting of the Ocracoke Civic and Business Association on February 11. 

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is about the almost forgotten 1890 "Oyster Wars" that pitted islanders against outside business interests. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012115.htm.

Flying

Eliza Ella ("Miss Lizerella") Styron O'Neal (1890-1953) was the daughter of Elijah Styron, Sr. and Elizabeth Gaskins Styron. The Styrons are an old island family (I mentioned them last year because they were one of the last Ocracoke families to continue celebrating Old Christmas). Two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren live on the island to this day.

Photo Courtesy of Johnny O'Neal

Miss Eliza Ella's great-grand-nephew told me she had never driven in an automobile. In fact, she never left the island in her entire life (except to venture a mile or so out into Pamlico Sound in a small boat). Carl Goerch relates his visit and conversation with Miss Eliza Ella ("Never Been Off the Island") in his 1956 book, Ocracoke. Goerch describes Miss Eliza Ella as "friendly and vivacious."

Cousin Blanche agreed, and recently shared a story that illustrates Miss Styron's wonderful sense of humor. In the 1920s, when airplanes were still a novelty, and barnstorming pilots occasionally flew out to Ocracoke, local talk turned to speculation about this new and exotic mode of transportation.

Some folks were ready to hop into the cockpit of a plane to see the island from the air. Others were dead set against such foolhardy behavior, and vowed to never, ever, get into an airplane.

Miss Eliza Ella had her own unique perspective, and addressed the assembled neighbors. "I don't care high up I go," she said, "as long as I can keep one foot on the ground!"

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is about the almost forgotten 1890 "Oyster Wars" that pitted islanders against outside business interests. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012115.htm.

Photo Gallery

Julie Williams Dixon, writer, photographer, storyteller, and observer of life, has published a gallery of Ocracoke and Portsmouth photos. The composite below is of my outbuilding (Mad Mag's Studio) and a window in Plymoth, NC. 

 To view Julie's gallery, and see an older photo of my building, click on this link:             http://juliewilliamsdixon.com/?page_id=402. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is about the almost forgotten 1890 "Oyster Wars" that pitted islanders against outside business interests. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012115.htm.

Ocracoke Oyster Wars

We have published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter.

This month's story is about the almost forgotten 1890 "Oyster Wars" that pitted islanders against outside business interests. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012115.htm.

Coral Spawning

My son and his family gave me a fascinating book as a Christmas present: Deep by James Nestor.  Deep is about "Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us about Ourselves."

I wasn't so sure I would find the book to my liking. I have absolutely no interest in freediving (underwater diving without any breathing apparatus such as scuba equipment), especially (and I repeat, especially) extreme freediving.  In June 2012, Herbert Nitsch, World Record Holder Freediver, dove to a depth of 253.2 meters (831 feet) on one breath of air! 831 feet is the height of a 100 story building!

However, because I live on an island in the Atlantic, I was intrigued by various facts about the ocean that I learned from the book. 

For example, Nestor writes that "Every year on the same day, at the same hour, usually within the same minute, corals of the same species, although separated by thousands of miles, will suddenly spawn in perfect synchronicity. The dates and times vary from year to year for reasons that only the coral knows."

Coral Found on Ocracoke Beach

With a little research on the Internet I discovered this beautiful 2 1/2 minute video of coral spawning in the Gulf of Mexico: http://www.oceanfutures.org/learning/kids-cove/creature-feature/coral-spawning. Another wonder of Nature!

Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm. 

Bunny & Iggy

Two native islanders died early this month. Bernice (Bunny) Gaskins, 90, died at her home on Loop Road on New Years Day. Bunny was the daughter of the late Irving and Alma Bragg Forbes and the widow of John Gaskins. You can read her obituary on the Ocracoke Current: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/10382.

On January 2, Rhodes Ignatius (Iggy) Styron died. He was quite a colorful character. You can read his obituary here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/104729.

Born in 1944, Iggy used to spend hours on the Community Store porch, drinking Coca Colas, eating snacks, and greeting friends and visitors. As you might imagine, he often offered a unique perspective on life.

Photo by Lou Ann Homan

Ignatius had a penchant for unusual attire -- sleeveless t-shirts; sunglasses; silver bracelets, earrings and rings; a soul patch; and spiked hair. His hair was often colored (he chose red, white, and blue for July 4th). Lou Ann and I frequently biked down to the store just to spend time with Iggy. He didn't say much, but even in his most taciturn moments, he was a pleasure to chat with.

In recent years Iggy gave up on his more outlandish appearance, and we only saw him occasionally when he drove his golf cart to the NPS docks to watch boats coming and going in the harbor.

Our most memorable visit with Iggy occurred at the Community Store. A gentleman whom I did not recognize stepped up to the porch, gazed right and left, and just stood there for a time without saying anything. Finally he addressed Iggy with a few words, then turned and walked away.

I asked Iggy if he knew the man.

"Yes," Iggy replied, "he comes to the island several times a year. He's really weird."

Farewell Bunny & Iggy! Island life is always impoverished when those of our own depart.

Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Marty Harris

About 25 years ago a young man from Statesville, NC wandered onto Ocracoke Island, and like so many others, remained here for a while. He secured housing, found work, and stayed long enough to befriend a number of locals.

Unlike most, he arrived on foot. Marty Harris had walked across North Carolina carrying about 75 pounds of equipment (including clothes, a sleeping bag, a small tent, and his camera). Along the way Marty documented his trek with photographs. It was always his goal to publish a book of his pictures.

Finally, after a quarter of a century, that book is a reality.
What The Road Passes By: A Photographic Collection of People and Places in North Carolina was published August 15, 2014. The photographs are stunning, and capture the essence of people and places from the mountains to the coast of the Tarheel state.

An article was recently published about Marty and his book in his hometown paper. You can read it here:
http://www.statesville.com/community/column-catching-up-with-photographer-marty-harris-questions/article_b0eb3be4-9757-11e4-9ed7-3b5fb62044fa.html.

What the Road Passes By is available at local bookstores and on Amazon. If you love North Carolina, you might want to get one for yourself or for friends.

Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm. 

Community Square Revitalization

The Ocracoke Foundation continues to support our community by initiating and implementing projects that focus on environmental stewardship, responsible economic development, and education.

One of the Foundation's major current projects is the Revitalization of the Community Square.

Willis' Store, ca. 1930 (Now Working Watermen's Exhibit)
Earl O'Neal Collection

Immediate interest is directed at the following areas:

• Dock Repair and Expansion, 
• Shoreline Restoration, 
• Wastewater Improvements, 
• Environmental Enhancements, 
• Conservation Easements, and 
• Establishment of a Community Fund

More information about Community Store Project Planning is available here:

The Ocracoke Foundation continues to work hard to protect and preserve vital aspects of the island's traditional culture. Donations to further their work are always appreciated. Follow this link to make a charitable contribution: http://www.ocracokefoundation.org/donate/.

Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Katharine

Katharine is an immature, female White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) that was first tagged in August, 2013 at Cape Cod. She has visited Pamlico Sound once before, and has been back recently...on January 9 & 10. Two days ago she was back in the Atlantic Ocean north of Cape Lookout. 

You can track Katharine here: http://www.ocearch.org/profile/katharine/.

You might also want to track any or all of the 100 sharks that have been tagged by OCEARCH, a non-profit organization with a global reach for unprecedented research on great white sharks and other large apex predators.

Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Flooding on Portsmouth Island

On Wednesday, January 7, I published several photos that my grandson took on our trip to Portsmouth Island. A reader left this comment: "All the buildings are low on the ground. Does Portsmouth ever get tidal floods?"

I promised to publish a photo that Eakin took of tide lines beside the Post Office that document various storm tides between 1985 and 2013.  That's my son, Stefen, standing beside the markers. Click on the photo to enlarge the image. As you can see, tide from Hurricane Isabel reached as high as his chest. I believe every building on Portsmouth has been flooded several times.

Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Ocracoke School

The first mention of a school on Ocracoke was in 1785 when school master Henry Garrish was hired to teach young Thomas Wahab.

By the early 1800s a community schoolhouse was built in the vicinity of the Ocracoke Coffee Company. A new schoolhouse was built in the same area in 1825. Sometime before the Civil War there were two community schools on the island. In addition, Sarah Owens Gaskill operated a private school near the lighthouse.

In the late 1800s "Captain Wilson" taught school at the Life Saving Station at Cedar Hammock (near Hatteras Inlet), and a Mr. Manson gave private lessons in the village.

In 1901 the Independent Order of Odd Fellows built a new lodge (it is today the center section of the Island Inn). They met on the second floor, and a "consolidated" public school was held on the ground floor. In 1917 a new schoolhouse was built at the location of the present-day building. 

1917 Schoolhouse

The current school house was built in 1971. It is the smallest pre-K - 12 public school in North Carolina.The photo below shows school secretary Lisa O'Neal Caswell outside during lunch break. Ocracoke School has no cafeteria, so children and staff either bring bag lunches, or go home for lunch.

Ocracoke School, 1971-Present

Ocracoke School has been an essential part of our community for many years. Cooperation between the school staff, parents, and other community members assures that island children consistently achieve lofty goals in academics and sports.

Click here for a recent article about the Ocracoke School. 

Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

World War I U-Boats

German U-Boat activity off the coast of North Carolina during WWII is well documented. Fewer people are aware of U-Boat presence in Carolina waters in 1918.  Now is your chance to learn about this fascinating story.

The National Park Service Outer Banks Group has scheduled a presentation for January 12 as part of its citizen science program series. Know Your Park:World War I: U-Boats off the North Carolina Coast will feature Mr. Michael Lowrey, World War I historian and main contributor to the web site uboat.net, at the Ocracoke Community Center on Mon. Jan . 12 at 7 pm. (The program will be repeated at the Fessenden Center in Buxton on Tues. Jan. 13 at 7 pm.)

Both programs are free and will last approximately 1 hour. World War I touched the shores of Cape Hatteras, nearly 100 years ago, in 1918. Mr. Lowrey’s presentation will focus on archaeological and historical data of German U-Boat activity which threatened the North Carolina coast during World War I and will bring to life this little known, but all important, story of America’s maritime history.

The Know Your Park citizen science program series is designed to further connect the Outer Banks communities and residents with the rich natural world and cultural heritage of their neighboring national park sites; Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Wright Brothers National Memorial, and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm. 

Garrett Fisher Photos

I recently discovered a wonderful blog with stunning aerial photographs of Ocracoke and the Outer Banks.

Garrett Fisher (“author, adventurer & economic innovator”) and his wife are spending the winter in Corolla (horse section), working on two books - one from the air about the entire Outer Banks, and another about the wild horses.

Fisher has already published a book with aerial photography of all 58 Colorado mountain peaks over 14,000 feet, and a separate one of the entire Upper Colorado River basin. He has also made aerial photos of the 40 peaks over 6,000' in the South, and the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. These will be published in two separate books.

Click on the photo above, or here, http://garrettfisher.me/flight-nc-outer-banks-ocracoke-to-hatteras/,  to see more outstanding photos of Ocracoke, Hatteras, Portsmouth and the entire Outer Banks from the air.

Be sure to view all of Fisher’s Outer Banks posts. They not only document the spectacular beauty of these fragile barrier islands, but they illustrate the dynamic forces at work in the inlets. Take a look at his map to see the exact location where all of the photos were made.

Many thanks to Garrett Fisher for permission to use his photo of Ocracoke Village. Look for his Outer Banks book at a future date.

Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the murder of Willis Williams. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Portsmouth

I try to make at least one trip to Portsmouth Village every winter. This year I took my son and family (Stefen, Snee, Zoe, Eakin, & Eliza Howard). It was cool (in the 50s) with a few clouds earlier in the day...just perfect for enjoying a bug-free visit. Eakin took these photos.

Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Back

If you saw yesterday's post explaining why the public is not permitted to climb the Ocracoke Lighthouse, you know that my brief time off from posting on this blog is over.

In addition to spending quality time with my family over the holidays, I had ample time to enjoy our beach; visit with friends; jump into the ocean on New Years Day; savor steamed, fresh oysters; and spend a day on Portsmouth Island. Below are a few photos.

Here we are, ready to take the "Polar" Plunge on January 1 (photo by Chrystal Canterbury from the Ocracoke Current; that's half of me on the extreme right!):

And here I am, refreshed and ready to meet the New Year:

Photo from the Ocracoke Current

from the Ocracoke Observer

This is the time of the year for delicious, salty Pamlico Sound oysters.

And, it's the best time of year to visit Portsmouth Island Village. No mosquitoes! I will publish more photos of Portsmouth tomorrow.

Photo by Eakin Howard

It is good to be back posting on our Ocracoke Journal in the New Year!

Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the murder of Willis Williams. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Lighthouse Question

Just the other day I received this comment on our last post for 2014:

"...in the 1950's the original steps in the Ocracoke Lighthouse were removed because of rotting. The present steps are also bad from what I gather because you can not climb the light. It seems that the Hatteras, Bodie, Oak island lights are always having something done to them. Why hasn't the Ocracoke light been given the same attention?...."

The condition of the spiral staircase is not the reason the general public is not allowed to climb the Ocracoke lighthouse.  However, there are several good reasons for very limited access to the lighthouse.

• The metal spiral staircase, although sturdy and sound, is supported, not only by a central pillar, but also by horizontal steel rods anchored into the almost-two-century-old brick walls. Vibrations from hundreds of people climbing the stairs would surely weaken the connections and hasten damage to the historic structure.

Photo by E. Howard

• Even if a new free-standing staircase were to be installed, because of the interior design of the lighthouse the final 8 feet of the climb can only be accomplished by means of a narrow, steep ladder that will accommodate only one person at a time. 

Photo by E. Howard

• Access to the lantern room is simply a hole in the floor, just wide enough for one person to crawl through. The metal hatch, when closed, prevents anyone from falling through and plummeting to their death, but also prevents anyone else from entering the lantern room.

Photo by E. Howard

• The fourth order Fresnel lens takes up most of the space in the lantern room, leaving only enough room for maybe six people to squeeze between the lens and the outside glass window panes. In such close quarters, damage could easily be done to the historic 1890 prisms surrounding the light.
• The door opening onto the balcony is only about three feet high. To get outside it is necessary to get down on hands and knees and crawl through the narrow opening.

Photo by P. Howard

• The railing around the balcony was not designed to hinder an adult crawling on all fours, or to keep toddlers or small children from slipping off the edge, and tumbling 75 feet to the ground. 

In a few words, the 1823 Ocracoke lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina, was designed for access by only one person, the lighthouse keeper, not a steady stream of the curious.

To address the second concern...why hasn't the Ocracoke lighthouse been given the same attention as other NC beacons?...it has. Extensive rehabilitation work was done in late 2009 and early 2010. Below are links to our posts about that.

 http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2009/12/lighthouse-renovation-fog.html

 http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2010/03/lighthouse-tour.html

I hope this clarifies questions any of our readers have about access to the Ocracoke Lighthouse. And I hope you enjoyed the photos of the interior of this historic structure. Be sure to check at the National Park Service Visitors Center when you are on the island. Even though climbing is not permitted, Lou Ann and other volunteers periodically open the ground floor of the lighthouse for visitors.

Happy Holidays!

We wish you and yours a Very Merry Christmas

(December 25 - January 5) 

a Happy Hanukkah

(December 16 - December 24)

a Radiant Winter Solstice

(5:03 pm, December 21)

and a New Year filled with all Good Things!

 

As has been our custom for several years, we will be taking a hiatus during the holiday season to spend quality time with our family and friends. This is our last post for 2014. We will return January 5, 2015, with more stories, news, photos, and glimpses of Ocracoke Island life.

Be sure to join us in the New Year.

Old Christmas

The  "Julian Calendar" was introduced in 46 BC by Julius Caesar. The year was reckoned to be 365.25 days long (so a leap day was added every four years). However, the tropical, or solar year, is a few minutes shorter than the Julian year. As a result, the calendar year gained approximately three days every four centuries. By the 16th century the calendar was out of sync with the tropical year by ten days.

To correct the discrepancy, in 1582 Pope Gregory decreed that Catholic lands should adopt the "Gregorian Calendar." The new calendar dropped ten days. Thursday, October 4, 1582, was followed by Friday, October 15, 1582. According to Wikipedia, "The Gregorian calendar improves the approximation made by the Julian calendar by skipping three Julian leap days in every 400 years, giving an average year of 365.2425 mean solar days long."

A number of Protestant countries were reluctant to make the change, seeing the change as an attempt by the Pope to control them. However, by 1752 England and its colonies adopted the more accurate Gregorian calendar. By then the discrepancy amounted to 11 days. Christmas Day (December 25 in the "old style" calendar) then fell on January 5 (in the "new style" calendar).

Many residents of the Outer Banks resisted the change. One Ocracoke Island family refused to conform for many years, and continued to celebrate Old Christmas (January 5) into the twentieth century.

The small village of Rodanthe on Hatteras Island is one of a very few US communities that continue to celebrate Old Christmas, even today.

In 2015 the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars is 13 days. Thus, Old Christmas will technically fall on Jan 7, 2015. However, the residents of Rodanthe continue to celebrate Old Christmas on January 5, or the Saturday closest. In 2015 that would be January 3, although I have not seen any news about a 2015 event.
,
The Rodanthe Old Christmas celebration is traditionally a time for family and friends to gather for an oyster roast, live music, dancing, the arrival of "Old Buck," and occasionally a drunken brawl. It is not a tourist attraction. Yes, at least in the 1970s, a Rodanthe Old Christmas sometimes escalated to fist fights. I believe the celebration has been tamed in recent decades.  

For more information, do an Internet search for "Rodanthe Old Christmas." Or click here to view some vintage photos of the event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/obhc/sets/72157622933955821/.

You can read several pages about Old Christmas in Rodanthe in Jan DeBlieu's excellent book, Hatteras Journal,...or better yet, buy her book and read the entire chapter there!

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

The Importance of Art

As some our readers may know, recent cutbacks in state funding for public education led to the elimination of the arts education program at Ocracoke School.

In an effort to continue arts programming for Ocracoke School students, Ocracoke Alive has made a commitment to work with the Ocraocke school to provide weekly classes, beginning in January of 2015 for grades pre-K through 8th.

There are several ways for Ocracoke residents and off-island friends to help make this program a success.

If you are an artist interested in applying to teach in the Arts Partnership Program, or if you just want more information, click here: http://www.ocracokealive.org/community-programming.

To make a financial contribution, click here: http://www.ocracokealive.org/home.

Art is an important part of a fulfilled life. Ocracoke students deserve an art education.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Early 1700s to 1845

In November, the Ocracoke Preservation Society gave islander Earl O'Neal the Society's first annual Cultural Heritage Award. Earl was honored for his numerous books, articles and collections that preserve and share the history of this island that Earl loves so much.

Below is just one short paragraph from one of Earl's articles, "Ocracoke Island History":

"The Island was first annexed to a county precinct government in 1770; it having been observed by a member of the Colonial Assembly that "those lawless bankers on Occacock Island are not paying taxes anywhere." At that time it was annexed to Carteret Precinct which had been formed in 1722 from Craven. Carteret also included Core Banks. Occacock Island prior to 1770 had belonged neither to Currituck, Craven or Carteret; it was an isolated, independent island until all the area south of Old Hatteras Inlet was put into Carteret. It was not until 1845 that Ocracoke Island, that portion of the Outer Banks below Old Hatteras Inlet down as far as Ocracoke Inlet, between it and Core Banks, was moved from Carteret County into Hyde County, and it has been in Hyde geographically and politically since that time."

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the murder of Willis Williams. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Paws and Tales

Island resident, Pat Garber, has just published her latest book, Paws and Tales.

From the back cover:

"Set on Ocracoke Island, Paws and Tales is an endearing story told in the words of Kali, a sailboat cat, and Harvey, an island dog. When Kali sails into the Ocracoke harbor with her person Sam, she senses that something unusual is about to happen.

"When a goofy but loveable Doberman pinscher called Harvey chases her off the edge of a dock, she finds herself adrift in an underworld of homeless cats, while Harvey and his person Emily ruefully regret the whole incident. What follows changes the lives of them all."

This book is not yet in our catalog, but you can order it from Village Craftsmen by calling 252-928-5541, Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. 122 pages, $14.95 + $3.50 shipping (shipping fee offer valid through Dec. 31, 2014).

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Chocolate Cake

Monday, December 8, was cousin Blanche's 95th birthday! I was off the island (driving home from my visit with Lou Ann, and had to detour to Swan Quarter because of overwash on NC12), so I didn't get to celebrate with her.

Blanche & Amy, several years ago

But I did stop by to say hello and wish her a Happy Birthday as soon as possible. Blanche is in good spirits, quite independent, still living at home, and taking good care of herself. She has frequent visitors, is always gracious, and loves to chat with family, friends, and visitors.

She told me her nephew's wife, Laurie, baked her a chocolate cake...and she saved a piece for me.

Now, if you are not from Ocracoke you might object that this is yellow cake with chocolate icing. But if you are from the island you know this is definitely a chocolate cake! That's the way it's always been here, and that's the way native islanders insist it shall remain. This is chocolate cake!

And, I might add, it was "good some." Thank you, Blanche...and thank you, Laurie.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

'Tis the Season

Island Holiday Events are already well underway.

Earlier this month local businesses and organizations hosted open houses, a gumbo & rice fundraiser, a women's Christmas potluck dinner, book signings, a cookie swap, OPS Wassail party and tree lighting, storytime for children, and other events.

Ocracoke Preservation Society organized another Holiday Historic Homes Tour (this year on Lighthouse Road & Creek Road) that was an unqualified success.  

And...there is more, of course. If you live on the island or are visiting be sure to take in the following events:

• Dec 11th: Santa at the Variety Store. 3 – 5pm. No donation or money needed. Come get your picture taken with Santa! Also Dec 11th is the Scholastic Book Fair Family Night at the Library at 6:30pm. The Scholastic Book Fair continues from Dec 11th – 16th, and is open weekdays 8am – 7pm and Saturday 9am – 1pm. 

• Dec 12-13th: Holiday Basketball Tournament at Ocracoke School. 

• Dec 13th: Community Christmas Concert, 7pm at Community Center. Performers of all ages! Let Sundae (921-0283) know if you'd like to be in the show. Free, though we are asking for donations of non-perishable food items for the food pantry. And Ocracoke School's 2nd grade will be having a bake sale. Sponsored by Ocracoke Civic & Business Association. 

• Dec 14th: Breakfast with Santa to benefit Ocracoke Child Care. 8 – 10am at Topless Oyster Restaurant. Also Dec. 14th is the Christmas program at Ocracoke Assembly of God Church, 7pm. Free. All are welcome. 

• Dec 17th: Christmas Caroling, meet at Methodist Church at 5pm. They are hosting the chili supper after the caroling. 

• Dec 18th: Ocracoke School Christmas program, 7pm in the gym. 

• Dec 19th: Choral Concert with the Joyful Band of Singers. 7:30 at the Methodist Church. Free. Donations to church accepted. Sponsored by Ocracoke Alive. 

• Dec 20th: Live Nativity at the Methodist Church, 6 – 7pm. Also Dec 20th is the Community Potluck and Dance with the Ocracoke Rockers at Topless Oyster Restaurant. 

• Dec 21st: Live Nativity at the Methodist Church, 5:30-6:30pm

• Dec 24th: Christmas Eve service at the Methodist Church, with the children's Christmas pageant. 7pm. 

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Dr. Morgan

In the past I have written about Dr. Morgan.

Sometime around the turn of the twentieth century a Dr. Morgan came to Ocracoke and stayed for some time at the old Pamlico Inn.

Dr. Morgan was clearly well educated and quite refined, but he seems to have been suffering from alcoholism. He came to the island to recover, not to set up a practice, but naturally, when islanders discovered his profession, they sought him out during times of illness.

Dr. Morgan's best remembered treatment was curing young Billy Scarborough of lockjaw. Folks around these parts considered it a miracle. It was the first known cure for lockjaw that anyone here had ever heard of.

Islanders could not help but notice Dr. Morgan's preference for gourmet foods (he enjoyed terrapin stewed in wine) and impeccable dress.  Scuttlebutt on the island suggested that he was part of the wealthy and respected J.P. Morgan clan, and had been "exiled" to Ocracoke as a black sheep of the family. He died only a few years after moving to Ocracoke, and is buried in an unmarked grave on Live Oak Road. Only one member of his birth family attended the funeral. Reports indicate that this relative created quite a stir because of his fine suit and expensive shoes.

I have done a little Internet research on the J.P. Morgan family. Many sites say that J.P. (1837-1913) was the only son of Junius Spencer Morgan (1813-1890). It turns out there was one other son, Junius Spencer Morgan. Jr. who was born in 1846, but he died when he was just four years old.

JPM had only one son, "Jack" (1867-1943) who was a well known banker and philanthropist.

JPM, Jr. had two sons, one of whom died in 1960, and the other in 1972. Of course, these two Morgans are not candidates for Dr. Morgan of Ocracoke. They died too late. Neither one is buried on the island.

I still am intrigued by our local oral history. It seems clear that Dr. Morgan was not a member of J. P. Morgan's immediate family. But we still might discover that he was part of the extended Morgan clan. I will post again if more information becomes available.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Capt. David Williams

Ocracoke Island native, Captain David Williams (1858-1938), served in the United States Life Saving Service, and continued his service after the USLSS joined with the US Revenue Cutter Service to become the United States Coast Guard.

Capt. David Williams

Captain Williams was chief of the 1903 station that was built in Ocracoke Village. Capt. Williams, his wife Alice Wahab Williams, and their children lived in the house that is now the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum.

OPS Museum

Captain Williams is buried in his family cemetery adjacent to the British Cemetery.

Andrew Stern Attacking Vines in the Williams Cemetery

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the murder of Willis Williams. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Leonard Meeker

On November 29 island resident, Leonard Meeker (1916-2014) died peacefully in his home on the shore of Silver Lake Harbor. Leonard, who was 98 years old, led a distinguished life of public service, most notably as legal adviser to the US State Department. In that role he played a crucial role in defusing the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

Leonard Meeker, 2005 by Oliver White

In recent months, Leonard, with his wife Beverly, continued to entertain family, friends, and other visitors at his bedside on Ocracoke. It was always a delight to chat with him, discuss current events, and listen to his stories as legal counsel with the State Department, and as ambassador to Romania.

Leonard Meeker was a statesman, a gentleman, an active member of our community, and a delightful friend.

We will miss him.

You can read a more comprehensive article about Leonard, and listen to a recording of his first-hand account of  the Cuban Missile Crisis ("one of the most important meetings in American history"),  here: http://ocracokeobserver.com/2014/12/05/leonard-meeker-1916-2014-2/

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Rosin-Stringing

A reader's comment on our post for November 19 about the difference between resin and rosin reminded me of an old Ocracoke Island prank.

Rosin is the solid, amber-colored substance formed from the gummy resin of pine trees. Although rosin has a variety of uses, including one ingredient in inks, soaps, chewing gum, soldering flux and some medicines, most people recognize it as the small, hard block used to rub along the bow hairs of fiddles and other stringed instruments. It is applied to help the bow grip the strings.
 
Island children of several generations ago used rosin to play a trick on their neighbors. This is how it is done:

Obtain a long thread. A sturdy sewing thread (perhaps one for repairing sails) works well. Tie a wooden matchstick to one end. After dark, sneak up to a neighbor's house (in the 21st century this is best done in a neighborhood not known for suspicious activities, Peeping Toms, or easily spooked or armed homeowners!). Quietly and carefully wedge the matchstick as high as practical between a window sash and its frame.

Sneak away some distance from the house, stretching the string as you retreat. In a well hidden place (in a thicket of shrubs, perhaps, or behind a fence) begin rubbing the rosin on the taut thread. A vibration will be transferred along the string, creating a haunting, moaning sound that reverberates throughout the house.

Some friends and I played this prank a number of years ago (we even dressed in black!). Through the window we could see our neighbor sitting in his living room watching television. When we started rubbing the rosin on the thread he turned off the TV, got up, and began looking around the room. We stopped immediately.

As soon as he sat back down and resumed watching TV we began again.

After several attempts to locate the source of the strange, on-again, off-again eerie sound, he stepped outside. We had fastened the string high enough so we could lift it above his head as he walked around the building.

Of course, we all had a good laugh when we revealed ourselves and explained our prank.

Oh, for the simpler times when children (and adults) entertained themselves playing harmless pranks on friends and neighbors! 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Dr. Morgan...Again

On Wednesday, December 10, 2014, I wrote about Dr. Morgan. Since then I've found two newspaper reports about him.

From the (Raleigh, NC) News and Observer, Fri., Oct. 16, 1903:

"Dr. Taylor is Safe -- After a Rough Passage He Reached Ocracoke All Right (Special to News and Observer)

Washington, N.C., Oct. 15 -- A message from Belhaven declares that Dr. Joshua Tayloe is safe. The schooner-yacht Grechtin [sic] on which he left here for Ocracoke reached her destination without serious mishap. Dr. Tayloe had been summoned to the bedside of Dr. A. T. Morgan, of New York, who was critically ill at Ocracoke. At the mouth of the Pungo river a storm was encountered, but the little vessel weathered it magnificently and Captain Toler, an experienced navigator, made good his word by landing Dr. Tayloe safe and sound on Ocracoke.

"Dr. Morgan, however, though the object of unremitting care, passed away, leaving among the people an enduring regret. He came to Ocracoke a year ago seeking health, and endeared himself to the community by giving freely of his professional services to rich and poor alike."

From the Washington (NC) Progress, Thu., Oct. 22, 1903:

"At a regular meeting of Ocracoke Lodge No. 194, I.O.O.F., held at their Hall on this the 12th day of October 1903, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted; to wit:

"Whereas, the sad intelligence has reached this Lodge of the death of Dr. A. T. Morgan, for sometime past a resident of Ocracoke, who by his numerous acts of kindness in ministering to our people in their hours of sickness, both day and night, giving freely of his professional services and counsel with a liberality born of a noble man with a kind and tender heart, therefore, be it resolved:

"That in the death of Dr. Morgan, Ocracoke Lodge No. 194, I.O.O.F. has lost a well wisher and the people of the entire island of Ocracoke a kind and sympathetic friend whose death has brought a pang of deepest sorrow to the hearts of all, and be it further resolved,

"That as a mark of our respect and esteem these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of our Lodge and a copy of the same transmitted to the father of our beloved friend and published in the Raleigh News and Observer and Washington Progress.

"G. P. Hassel, M. L. Piland, T. F. Smith, Com.

"Attest: W. E. Howard, Secretary"

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

International Space Station

One of the delights of spending time on Ocracoke, especially at the beach, is the opportunity to gaze into the night sky and marvel at the profusion of stars, star clusters, galaxies and planets.

Milky Way over Ocracoke Beach by Craig Roberts

Satellites and other man-made objects, including the International Space Station, are sometimes visible also.

In case you haven't heard, NASA is now providing live video from the International Space Station. 

According to their web site, the video "includes internal views when the crew is on-duty and Earth views at other times. The video is accompanied by audio of conversations between the crew and Mission Control. This video is only available when the space station is in contact with the ground. During "loss of signal" periods, viewers will see a blue screen. Since the station orbits the Earth once every 90 minutes, it experiences a sunrise or a sunset about every 45 minutes. When the station is in darkness, external camera video may appear black, but can sometimes provide spectacular views of lightning or city lights below."

You can watch the video here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-iss-stream.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

T-Shirt

As most of our readers know, numerous t-shirts & sweatshirts have been designed with Ocracoke logos and themes. In fact, I created several designs myself. This is a wrap-around image that we sell at Village Craftsmen.

But, I mention these designs, and include the image above, not to promote our original t-shirts (though we like that idea also), but because I failed to take a photo of an Ocracoke sweatshirt I saw recently in Indiana.

I spent the Thanksgiving holiday with Lou Ann and her family in northeastern Indiana. It was cold, with a little snow, but the house was filled with warm embraces, laughter and good cheer. All three of Lou Ann's children and their families were there for a feast of wild turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, corn casserole, deviled eggs (and much more!). Of course, there was also pumpkin pie and fresh apple cider.

In addition to copious amounts of delicious food, there were many other delights. Lou Ann had an hour-long performance at a turn-of-the-20th-century mansion in Fort Wayne, we played "archery tag," visited with friends, and rode a horse-drawn wagon into the fields to cut a beautiful Christmas tree.

One afternoon, while strolling in downtown Angola, Indiana, I passed a woman wearing an Ocracoke Island sweatshirt (it had warmed up to above freezing, but was still too cold for t-shirts!). I had to stop and chat. She and her family have been vacationing on Ocracoke for about a decade. It turns out the island is their favorite vacation destination. And Village Craftsmen, their favorite place to shop. She and her husband also make it a point to attend Molasses Creek performances whenever they are on the island.

It is fun to be reminded of my island home (even if I failed to get a photo), when I am nearly 1,000 miles away!

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Rescue & Honor

This post is a bit late (the Thanksgiving holiday intervened), but I think it is worth sharing. In case you missed the news, on November 18, 2014, seven crew members of the North Carolina ferry, Cedar Island, were honored with the Governor's Award for Excellence in Safety and Heroism.

As it happened, on September 26, 2013, a pleasure sailboat capsized in the dark near Ocracoke in Big Foot Slough during rapidly deteriorating weather.

After departing Ocracoke at 8 pm, ferry Capt. Steven Goodwin spotted the unfortunate sailors, John and Renee Hoffman. Goodwin maneuvered his vessel close by, and his crew launched the ferry's 16-foot rescue boat. It was piloted by crew members Glenn Salter and Daniel Smith. According to reports, the wind was gusting to 30 knots, and seas were building at 4 to 5 feet. The Hoffmans were safely pulled from the water and brought to the Cedar Island where they were brought aboard by the other crew members.

In addition to Goodwin, Salter, and Smith, Gerry Gilliken, David Styron, Randy Willis and Paul Morris were presented with awards and honored for their bravery.

Our thanks and respect go out to the crew of the Motor Vessel Cedar Island.  We are so fortunate to have knowledgeable and dedicated captains and crew in the North Carolina Ferry Division.

You can read more of this story here: http://www.carolinacoastonline.com/news_times/article_2a334282-7000-11e4-8352-6b8e7da31994.html.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.

Books

In late October I listed some of the books I had recently read. That post generated 15 comments. So I thought...maybe our readers like to discuss books, and share what books they are reading. Below is a list of books I've read since October 20. You might notice that I've been reading a little bit more fiction. This time I added one sentence describing each book.

Leave a comment and tell us what you've been reading and/or what you recommend.

Tobacco Road by Erskine Caldwell (A 1932 classic American novel about Georgia sharecroppers)

A Historian's Coast by David Cecelski (Delightful essays written by a coastal North Carolinian)

21 Stories by Graham Greene (Thought-provoking short stories by a celebrated writer described as "the ultimate chronicler of twentieth-century man's consciousness and anxiety.")

My Notorious Life by Kate Manning (An historical novel loosely based on the life of a Victorian-era midwife and abortionist described as the "wickedest woman in New York")

Pilgrim's Wilderness by Tom Kizzia (The story of a highly dysfunctional Christian family living in the Alaskan wilderness)

The Watery Part of the World by Michael Parker (A novel set on "Yaupon Island" [Portsmouth Island])

What We Talk About When We Talk About God by Rob Bell (A somewhat controversial evangelical pastor shares his views about God)

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (A classic English-language novel written by a Polish author [1857-1924] with a brilliant command of his third language)

Inside Scientology by Janet Reitman (As the subtitle says, "The story of America's most Secretive Religion")

Ghosts Among Us by James Van Praagh (See http://www.skeptic.com/reading_room/talking-to-the-dead-james-van-praagh-tested/ for an exposé of this man)

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson (A short novel; Sophia, a six year old girl, and her grandmother spend the summer on an island in the Gulf of Finland)

God Bless America by Karen Stollznow (Best described by its subtitle: "Strange and Unusual Religious Beliefs and Practices in the United States")

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the seldom told story of the 1837 murder of Willis Williams by Jacob Gaskill. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112114.htm.