Try Yard Creek

Driving down NC Highway 12 from the Hatteras ferry, the first bridge you will come to (just past the pony pen) is the span over Try Yard Creek, one of six narrow tidal creeks that connect with Pamlico Sound. All of the creeks are almost certainly remnants of long-ago inlets. Ocracoke Inlet is the only inlet on the Outer Banks that has remained open since Europeans began keeping records.

At one time there was a modest whaling industry on the Outer Banks. From 1726 until 1875 New England whalers ventured to North Carolina in February, March and April, hunting the giant cetaceans off shore. Local fishermen were more likely to concentrate on the occasional beached whale, although for a while longboats were launched through the surf to pursue whales. Once brought to shore, the blubber was boiled in large "try pots" to render the fat into oil.

Try Yard Creek was named after the nearby area that was once used for trying whale blubber.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Rondthalers of Ocracoke Island. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032112.htm.

A Letter from an Ocracoke Seaman, 1882

Following is a transcript of a letter written by John Williams O'Neal (1862-1935) to Brittie Ann Williams (1861-1884) August 23, 1882. They were married on December 1, 1883. The stationery is decorated at the top with an artistic banner. In the middle of the banner is the head of an eagle. To the sides and below the eagle are the words "Yours, Truly, may Heaven prosper you."

"Camden, N.J. August the 23 1882

"My Dear girl I take the plaser [pleasure?] this evning To drop yo a few lines to let yo no that I am in good helth and I am a hoping when theas few lines reaches yo thay may find yo the same good helth. I reckon yo think I have stop riting to yo it has Bin So long since I rote you you must not think eny thing of that for I did not have Time to rite you I come to Philadelphia one nite and left the next morning.

"I wood like to Be thare with yo this evning I think we wood have a nice time dont yo think So Brity Brity I ofton think of the Times that we have been to gether dont yo.

"I wont Be long Be fore Il Be home then we will talk things over I ges he set up with yo and Ban [?] and margary one nite tell twelve a clock so I herd I dont no how true it is and if I node it was so I dont think me and yo wood make [?] the rode to gether eny more.

"Me and [?] Tolder [Toler] ar to gether and we ar Bound to Boston from here.

"I dond no hardly when I shall come home I may Be home in Octtobar or not Be fore So no more at presset I close my letter By Saying good By untill we meet a gane.

"from your frind John W. ONeal to miss Britannah Williams.

"rite me all of the strange nuse if yo pleas.

"rite to port richmon Station E philadelphia pa."

Many thanks to Earl O'Neal for preserving and publishing the letter in his book "O'Neals of Ocracoke Island, Their Ancestors and Descendants"

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Rondthalers of Ocracoke Island. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032112.htm.

Ocracoke Students, 1875

Two days ago I published information about Ocracoke's first post-Civil War "free" school. I thought our readers would be interested in knowing the family names of the 46 students:

-- 3 Daileys
-- 2 Farrows
-- 3 Fulchers
-- 5 Gaskins
-- 2 Gaskills
-- 1 Garrish
-- 3 Howards
-- 2 Jacksons
-- 3 McWilliamses
-- 6 O'Neals
-- 5 Scarboroughs
-- 1 Simpson
-- 3 Spencers
-- 1 Toler
-- 4 Williamses
-- 2 Wahabs

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Rondthalers of Ocracoke Island. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032112.htm.

The Wilma Lee

The Wilma Lee glided up to the Community Store dock yesterday afternoon at about 3 o'clock. Several dozen people were waiting to see this beautifully restored sailing vessel make her way to her new home in Silver Lake harbor.

The Wilma Lee

You can read more about the Wilma Lee here.

And this summer be sure to come on down to the dock and take advantage of the programs and cruises that will be offered. She is a grand vessel.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Rondthalers of Ocracoke Island. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032112.htm.

Ocracoke School, 1875

Ocracoke had two schoolhouses prior to the Civil War. They were both destroyed when Union forces invaded the island. At least one private school was opened in 1868. Twelve students were enrolled. The school fee was "One Dollar per Lunar Month."

In 1875 a "free school" was started. Forty-six students were listed on the register. All of the students were born between 1860 and 1869, making them between 6 and 15 years old. John S. McWilliams was listed as teacher.

Today, Ocracoke School provides instruction for about 150 students in grades Pre-K - 12. Teachers and staff number 32.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Rondthalers of Ocracoke Island. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032112.htm.

Dixie Arrow

Seventy years ago, on this date, the merchant vessel Dixie Arrow, steaming off the coast of North Carolina and carrying 96,000 barrels of crude oil, was struck by three torpedoes fired from the Nazi submarine U-71. The ship was quickly engulfed in flames, and sank to the bottom of the Atlantic.

The Sinking of the Dixie Arrow

Eleven of the thirty-three crew members, including 52 year old Captain Anders M. Johanson, died. Their bodies are entombed with their ship off the coast of Ocracoke.

Capt. Anders' daughter, Jeanne Revels, who was twelve years old in 1942, has been campaigning for years to protect the Dixie Arrow and the more than 600 other merchant vessels that were sunk in the Atlantic during the first six months of 1942. According to a recent letter from Jeanne Revels, National Geographic will televise an interview with her, her son, and her brother sometime in October. We don't know the exact date of the broadcast, but look for more information in the media as the time approaches.

You can read more about the Dixie Arrow and Jeanne Revels' efforts to honor her father and other merchant mariners who gave their lives during World War II by clicking here:

http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/11/11/americas-secret-wwii-naval-losses.html

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Rondthalers of Ocracoke Island. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032112.htm.

A Diplomatic Answer

About 40 years ago the National Park Service was having problems maintaining the fence around the pony pen. Every now and then one or more of the ponies would find a way out and wander away. It was not unusual for the renegade ponies to trot over near the surf, where it was breezier, to get away from the biting flies. Inevitably they would leave "souvenirs" on the beach.

A visitor to the island stumbled across one of the horse's droppings and picked it up. She carried it to the chief ranger and asked him to identify the unusual object she had found. Ranger David looked at what the woman held in her hand, gave her a quizzical look, thought for a moment, then, with as serious a demeanor as he could muster, replied, "Ma'am, that is quite unusual. Its identity may remain a mystery. All I can say is that in all of my years as a ranger I have never picked one of those up."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Rondthalers of Ocracoke Island. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032112.htm.

Birdsong

I have mentioned my outdoor shower several times on this blog. It is enjoyable to use all year long, but it is the best in spring, especially in the early morning. Several large cedars tower over the shower, creating a lattice-work of branches between the shower head and the open sky. Light filters down through the trees in the most calming manner. The songbirds are most active in the spring. Their chirping and singing echo through the early morning hours. Combined with the hiss of steamy water from the shower, the bird songs usher in a new day with the most pleasant of tunes.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Rondthalers of Ocracoke Island. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032112.htm.

Theodore & Alice Rondthaler

Theodore and Alice Rondthaler purchased a house on Ocracoke on their first visit to the island in the mid-1930s. It was love at first sight. In 1948 Theodore accepted the position of principal at the Ocracoke School. Alice was hired as one of the teachers. Their tenure at the school lasted 14 years; their love affair with the island lasted for the rest of their lives as they continued to be active participants in the life of this community.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Rondthalers of Ocracoke Island. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032112.htm.

One More Sign of Spring

As in so many other locales, the weather this winter and spring on Ocracoke has been surprisingly mild.

Just the other morning I was remembering the mid-March blizzard of 1980. The temperature dropped into the single digits during the night, and the power went off. We kept warm by huddling in front of the wood stove. The next day we awoke to several feet of snow.

This year is quite different. Below is one of the beautiful tulips that are blooming in my yard.

Island Tullip

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

Egg Cases

Walking along the beach you might stumble across a string of flat, rounded capsules. These are knobbed whelk egg cases. Capsules are about an inch in diameter, and are made of material that looks and feels like thin, but durable, parchment. Most strands have 50-150 capsules, and each capsule contains up to 100 tiny (2mm-4mm) whelks.

I picked up this 8-capsule segment a few days ago. I cut the capsules open but there were no miniature whelks inside.

Whelk Egg Cases

Sometimes these egg cases are called Mermaid's Necklaces.

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

Happy Spring!

Today marks the Spring Equinox, one of two days in the year when day and night are of equal length. From now until the Summer Solstice the days will be longer than the nights, bringing us more sunshine and warmer weather. As the days continue to lengthen we anticipate more visitors coming to Ocracoke.

Shopkeepers are sprucing up their buildings, gardeners are working in their yards, fishermen are repairing their boats, and children are playing outdoors. If you are on the island be sure to smile and wave as you pass by. This is a happy time of year.

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

Litter Pick-up

Ocracoke island's first organized litter pick-up happened 38 years ago today. In 1974 I taught at the Ocracoke School, and my class was discussing the environment. Here is an account of the litter pick-up from a personal letter written the day after the event:

"[The students] decided to organize a litter pick-up. They made signs to inform the community, constructed a coffin & tombstone, wrote 'hymns,' & appointed a 'preacher' to conduct the 'service.'

"The entire school spent 8:30 - 10:30 yesterday A.M. picking up trash; then met back at the school to have a funeral procession. the 'pallbearers' carried the coffin full of trash & beer cans from the school down to Capt. John's Junque Shop [now Down Point Decoys] where the service was held. At the head of the procession was a spur of the moment 'crucifer' carrying a highway sign that said 'Unlawful to Throw Trash on Highway -- $50 Fine.' That sign had been found discarded in the bushes along the road. The replacement sign says '$200 Fine,' and the kids figured the highway workers who erected the more recent sign probably just dumped the old one in the bushes!

"There was an electric organ set up at the Junque Shop.... The whole service was really humorous -- & the kids enjoyed it."

Ocracoke has had organized litter pick-ups every spring since 1974, but none as elaborate as that first one.

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

Shell Lamp

One of the most common seashells found on Ocracoke Beach is the calico scallop. They are often colorful with a variety of patterns, usually in pinks and reds. Although many beachcombers pick them up, they are rather common, and not as remarkable as the larger conchs, whelks, and helmets.

Below is a photo of a lamp shade made by a friend many years ago. Each one of the scallop shells was found on Ocracoke.

Scallop Shell Lamp

Look for these beautiful shells on your next walk on the beach.

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

Ocracoke Nurses

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

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

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

Early, 1950s Tourist Map

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Surprise

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

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

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

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

March 14 Photo by George Brown, added at 10 am

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

Let Ocracoke Alone!

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

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

LET OCRACOKE ALONE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Village Crafstmen Spring Hours

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

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

Stop by and say hello!

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

Fig Wasps ?

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

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

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

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

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