Yaupon

Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) grows wild on Ocracoke Island. Many of our readers know that islanders have traditionally used the dried leaves to make tea.

From September through December female yaupon bushes (yes, there are male and female individuals) produce berries that turn red in time for the Christmas season.

Because of their combination of bright green leaves and scarlet berries many islanders use yaupon branches to decorate tables, mantels, and yule logs during the holidays.

---------------------------------------------

Looking for holiday gifts? Village Craftsmen's on-line catalog is filled with quality American made hand crafts. Click on the photo below to visit our page of cast metal table art.

We suggest you place your orders as early as possible. Unfortunately, because of the closing of the Herbert C. Bonner bridge we are unable to offer expedited shipping this season.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

The Community Square

This photo of the Community Store was taken in December, 2010. Islanders and visitors were disappointed when the store closed shortly thereafter.

This season we have reason to celebrate.

On November 10 "the Ocracoke Foundation announced the acquisition of the Community Square, a 0.5-acre waterfront property in the heart of the Ocracoke Island historic district. The Foundation was able to purchase the property with generous financial support from Foundation partners and The Conservation Fund’s Land Conservation Loan Program. 
 

"Located along the shores of Silver Lake, the Community Square has served as a hub for commerce and social activity for decades. Many early island photographs depict daily life centered around the Square’s iconic Community Store, the Will Willis Fish House, the Ice Plant and the island’s first generator plant...."(read more)

You can help make the Foundation's goals a reality. This recent email from Executive Director, Robin Payne, includes information about how you can support their projects:

Thank you to everyone who worked alongside us during the past four years.  All of the hard work has preserved an island treasure and we look forward to announcing exciting new plans in 2014.   

Help us continue to carry out other meaningful projects by becoming a Foundation supporter.  Our community projects and goals cannot be met without your support.   

Please consider making an end of year donation. 

Donations can be made at www.ocracokefoundation.org    

by phone(252)921-0365 or by mail. 
     

Donate Online

    

Print Donation Form 

 

Best wishes for the New Year,

Robin P. Payne
Executive Director, Ocracoke Foundation

(252)921-0365 

--------------------------------------------------

Looking for holiday gifts? Village Craftsmen's on-line catalog is filled with quality American made hand crafts. Click on the photo below to visit our page of beautiful utilitarian pieces by Blanket Creek Pottery.

We suggest you place your orders as early as possible. Unfortunately, because of the closing of the Herbert C. Bonner bridge we are unable to offer expedited shipping this season.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

Happy Birthday Blanche

Today is Cousin Blanche's birthday. She is 94 years old, and doing great. Yesterday afternoon she helped me host for the Ocracoke Historic Homes Christmas Tour. She was a striking figure in her red Christmas finery!

I'm sorry, I didn't get a photo, but here is a picture of Blanche & Amy from two years ago:

Leave a birthday wish, and I will print them out and carry them to her later this afternoon.

The Winter Beach

If you live on Ocracoke...or visit here in the off-season, you know that spending time on the beach in autumn, winter, or early spring is a much different experience from being on the beach in the summer.(Just take a look at yesterday's post for a first-hand report.)

This photo, taken near the "Lifeguard Beach" midday in late October, is revealing. As you can see, there are no beach umbrellas, no blankets or chairs, no Frisbees being thrown, and no people for miles.

Of course, it can be cold and blustery, and few venture into the water after October, but the tranquility and quiet are soothing and therapeutic.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Looking for holiday gifts? Village Craftsmen's on-line catalog is filled with quality American made hand crafts. Click on the photo below to visit our page of unique and distinctive wooden kitchen items.

We suggest you place your orders as early as possible. Unfortunately, because of the closing of the Herbert C. Bonner bridge we are unable to offer expedited shipping this season.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

A Delightful Dinner

David Tweedie is such a wonderful son-in-law! He called me yesterday afternoon. "I want you to come to dinner tonight," he said. "Lachlan and I have a surprise for you. It's a surprise for Amy also. Both of you just be near your cell phone at 5:15, and be sure to wear something warm. We'll give you instructions."

Amy and I were intrigued. What was David up to, we wondered.  We got the call at 5:20. "Come on out to the Lifeguard beach."

There they were, on the edge of the outgoing tide, a waxing moon shining through the clouds, a coal oil lantern on their festive table, beckoning us to take our seats.

After we toasted our family with red wine and sparkling grape juice, David ladled his steaming homemade soup into our bowls. A green salad from his garden, slices of apple, cheese, and crackers rounded out the meal. David and Lachlan even brought homemade fig cake for dessert.

Can you imagine? It was December 5, the temperature was in the upper 60s, and it was a spectacularly beautiful evening. Not a single other soul ventured out on the beach. Our personal dining room extended up and down the beach as far as you could see, and for several miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

It was an evening to remember and cherish. Thank you, David.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking for holiday gifts? Village Craftsmen's on-line catalog is filled with quality American made hand crafts. Click on the photo below to visit our page of Jarret Werley's Ocracoke photos on stretched canvas.

We suggest you place your orders as early as possible. Unfortunately, because of the closing of the Herbert C. Bonner bridge we are unable to offer expedited shipping this season.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

Ghost Ship

In August, 1921 the five-masted schooner, Carroll A Deering, wrecked under mysterious circumstances on Diamond Shoals off the coast of Cape Hatteras. The sails were set and food was in the galley stove, but only a cat prowled below decks. No other living soul was aboard. The Deering soon became known as the "Ghost Ship of the Outer Banks."

The schooner broke apart, and much of the wreckage washed ashore on Ocracoke, where it remained visible for more than 30 years. The Deering's windlass provided an iconic image for many a professional and amateur photographer. In 1955 a storm carried the remains of this once grand ship to Hatteras. For years it rested in front of Wheeler Ballance's Texaco station in Hatteras village, where it was when my mother made this snapshot.

Today, the remains of the Deering are on display in the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras. Stop by the museum for more information about this vessel and the mystery that still lingers concerning the captain and crew.

--------------------------------------------------

Looking for holiday gifts? Village Craftsmen's on-line catalog is filled with quality American hand crafts. Click on the photo below to visit our page of Amanda Wolf's durable and functional pottery inspired by nature.

We suggest you place your orders as early as possible. Unfortunately, because of the closing of the Herbert C. Bonner bridge we are unable to offer expedited shipping this season.


Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

Travelers' Information

MANNS HARBOR - The North Carolina Department of Transportation's Ferry Division's emergency route between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe went into full operation Wednesday, with steady traffic and short-to-moderate wait times reported at both terminals.

In order to ease congestion on the emergency route and allow extra access between Ocracoke and the mainland, the Ferry Division has added an additional round-trip run on Pamlico Sound between Ocracoke and Swan Quarter. The new schedule, effective immediately, is as follows:

• Departing Ocracoke: 7 a.m, 10 a.m, 12:30 p.m. 
• Departing Swan Quarter: 10a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. 

In addition, Dare County Emergency Management has issued its emergency route priority loading list to the Ferry Division. The following vehicles will be given priority loading in Stumpy Point and Rodanthe:

• Dare Transport vehicles with labels on the door 
• People with documented medical appointments 
• FedEx, UPS, and US Postal Service Vehicles 
• Maintenace vehicles for onsite restroom facilities 
• Medical transport for pharmaceuticals 
• School buses for school events 

Also, fuel trucks will have designated runs on Tuesdays and Fridays from Stumpy Point at 5 a.m. and from Rodanthe at 4:30 p.m. This will allow more deck space for regular vehicles on the other runs.

The emergency route was activated Tuesday after NCDOT closed the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge for safety reasons. The Ferry Division will continue to monitor traffic on the route to determine if any additional runs are needed.

***NCDOT***

http://www.ncdot.gov/ferry/

Updated Bridge/Ferry Information

Here is the latest information from Rep. Paul Tine:
http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=69e35321bc6e12491594c2d41&id=68a8055821&e=e8d6ad60ac

Molasses Creek

Molasses Creek's Fiddler Dave told me how to make a small fortune as a folk musician. "Start with a large fortune," he explained, with a smile.

As most of our readers know, music is a long established, and important tradition on Ocracoke Island. Every year the cost for producing CDs looms larger, as does the cost of promotion. Molasses Creek, Ocracoke's long established roots/folk band, is planning another international radio push and winter tour to coincide with the release of their 13th recording ("Something Worth Having"). They hope to beat their 2012 record of #4 on the national folk charts for "An Island Out of Time"!

To help reach their current goal, Molasses Creek has initiated a crowd fundraising campaign that includes a promotional website with a quirky (what else would you expect?) 3 minute video, information about the history of the band, their current projects, and associated costs. There is a wide range of pledge opportunities, with appropriate prizes associated with each one.

Click on the image below, or the following link for complete information.

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/molasses-creek-is-something-worth-having

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.  

Bonner Bridge Closed

We just heard that the Herbert C. Bonner bridge over Oregon Inlet has been closed because of safety concerns. The NCDOT expects to begin ferry service between Stumpy Point, NC and Hatteras Island Wednesday morning. Click here for official news & more information: http://www.ncdot.gov/ferry/

Cunning

My grandson, Lachlan, is sometimes described by islanders as "cunning." You may be thinking, does that mean he is wily, tricky, and sly? Well, he may be that...but not in a mean or nasty sense. At any rate, that is not what my neighbors mean by "cunning."

Cunning, on Ocracoke is often used in its early sense to mean clever, cute, appealing, and even "displaying keen insight."

So, if you hear an Ocracoker calling someone cunning, be assured it is a compliment.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.  

Pony Cart

Sometimes visitors to Ocracoke wonder how residents got from place to place before WWII, when the first paved roads came to the island. The lanes and footpaths were often deep, soft sand. Usually islanders simply walked, although a few automobiles were brought to the village in the 1920s. As you might imagine, the cars frequently got bogged down. This photo below is of my Uncle Evans in a two-wheeled pony cart. This is the only type of horse drawn vehicle I've ever known to be used on Ocracoke.    

Pony carts were employed when freight was unloaded from incoming vessels, and whenever other heavy loads needed to be carried from one area of the village to another. Sometimes, as it appears in this photo, pony carts were used for recreation. It looks like Evans might be on his way to meet a young lady.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

Christmas Choral Concert

This coming Friday, December 6, at 7:30 PM there will be a concert of Christmas choral music at the Ocracoke United Methodist Church featuring musical styles from the 12^th century to the present.  Public Radio East’s classical music host, Finley Woolston, will direct his Joyful Band of Singers in this free holiday event.  Everyone is welcome!

Finley Woolston's voice is very familiar across Eastern North Carolina to listeners of WTEB 89.3 FM, Public Radio East's Classical Music station. For over 20 years Finley has hosted a variety of classical programs and currently is the host  for PRE's Classical Morning Concert.  Finley is also the producer and host of The Choral Tradition, a program dedicated exclusively to choral music, heard each Sunday at 3:00 p.m. on PRE.  Finley has performed with many Eastern North Carolina choruses and is the Music Director of Richlands United Methodist Church, in Richlands, NC and is also the Music Director and Conductor of the Crystal Coast Choral Society.

Many thanks goes out to the Ocracoke United Methodist Church for hosting the concert, and to Ocracoke Alive for assisting with housing and food for the performers.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

1710

I discovered the following interesting account of colonial era Ocracoke & Hatteras islanders on several Internet sites. I have not located any reference to a primary source. However, Rev. John Urmstone's presence in Bath in 1710 is well documented.

So, I hope you enjoy this short assessment of the character of some of the first Europeans on the Outer Banks.

"In 1710, the Reverend John Irmstone [John Urmstone, a missionary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, which was established in 1701 by the Church of England] of Bath wrote in a letter to his superior about people from Hatteras and Ocracoke who came to get baptized.  He gives no surnames, but says, 'these persons, half indian [sic] and half English, are an offense to my own and I gravely doubt the Kingdom of Heaven was designed to accomodate [sic] such.  They stunk and their condition was not improved by the amounts of sacramental wine they lapped up nor by sprinkling with baptismal waters.'"

So much for the "propagation of the gospel!" 

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

Today, Friday November 29

If you are on the island be sure to stop by Books to be Red between 3 and 5 pm. Ann Ehringhaus will be there to sign her new book, Ten Thousand Breakfasts, about 30 years in the Bed & Breakfast life at Oscar's. They will be serving warm tea on this cold November day.

Tonight at 8 pm Molasses Creek will perform at Deepwater Theater on School Road.

Come on out and experience a bit of Ocracoke in the off-season!

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

Happy Thanksgiving!

All of us at Village Craftsmen send warm wishes to our readers for a Very Happy Thanksgiving filled with all good things.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

This Coming Weekend

If you are on the island, come on out and join Ocracoke Alive for an evening of Ocracoke squaredancing, desserts, and celebration as this island non-profit wraps up the year and thanks all of the folks who helped make 2013 such a success.

When: Saturday, November 30, 7:30 PM
Where: Ocracoke Community Center

On Friday evening Molasses Creek will present a concert at Deepwater Theater on School Road at 8:00 PM.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

Ocracoke Island Holiday Schedule

Winter on Ocracoke is a time to celebrate community. Quite a lot is happening in December, as you can see from the list below. Mark your calendar now so you don't miss any of these events.

• December 6...Christmas Choral Concert, 7:30 at the Methodist Church
• December 7...Holiday Historic House Tour on Howard Street, 4 pm-6 pm
• December 10...OPS Wassail Party & Community Tree Lighting, 5 pm
• December 12...Community Christmas Concert, 7 pm
• December 14...Cookie Swap at the Library, 11 am
• December 15...Ocracoke Assembly of God Christmas Program, 7 pm
• December 18...Christmas Caroling & Chili Supper at Ocracoke Assembly of God, 5 pm
• December 19...Ocracoke School Christmas Program
• December 20 - 21...Holiday Basketball Tournament at the School
• December 21...Live Nativity at the Methodist Church, 5:30 pm
• December 24...Christmas Eve Service at the Methodist Church,7 pm
• December 28...Annual OWWA Oyster Roast at the Fish House, 2 pm -5 pm

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

Wilma Lee

Last week I accompanied Capt. Rob, Hunter, and Steve on the Wilma Lee. We were taking her to Wanchese, NC for a routine Coast Guard inspection.

We were motoring in fog for much of the trip; in heavy fog as we approached a particularly treacherous narrow & shallow area near Oregon Inlet, appropriately called Hell's Gate. "During a two-week period in late November [2003], no less than eight commercial and recreational vessels ran aground in an area of the inlet known as Hell's Gate." (http://www.ncwaterman.com/article.asp?id=1244).

We made it safely through. Here is a photo I took before the fog got too thick:

After we docked at the boat yard a crane arrived, ready to pull the mast for the inspection:

Then we hoisted Rob up the mast in the bosun's chair so he could attach a becket high enough to be above the pivot point.

After the mast was removed, the Wilma Lee was hauled out of the water for a hull inspection.

Other than a couple of minor issues, including painting the bottom, the Wilma Lee looks like she will soon be ready for another season on Ocracoke,

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter from a former slave to Ocracoke Native Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.

Savings at Village Craftsmen

Starting today Village Craftsmen is offering a flat rate shipping fee of only $5.00 for any order shipped by ground (UPS or USPS) through December 31, 2013.

Click here to go directly to our on-line catalog, and select unique, hand crafted American made gifts for the holiday season: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/catalog.htm.
 
Or click on any photo below to see a small sample of our quality handcrafts:

Stained Glass

Pottery

Carved Birds

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1921 letter written by a former slave, Harrison Williams, to Ocracoke native, Martha Ann Howard Wahab. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112113.htm.