In Harriet Beecher Stowe's classic novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, there is an animated exchange between several slaves. Finally, Dinah the cook puts and end to it with this statement, "I'd like to have Missis say which is worth the most, -- a couple such as you, or one like me. Get out wid ye, ye trumpery, -- I won't have ye round!"
Trumpery is a word not often used nowadays, although it can be heard occasionally on Ocracoke. Webster's defines the word as "trivial or useless articles." Blanche defines it as "things of little or no value, but held onto anyway."
Just one more traditional island word to add to your vocabulary!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on
Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's
Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Island Humor
The following story is told by island native, Cecil Bragg, in his book Ocracoke Island, Pearl of the Outer Banks.
In the by-gone days of sailing ships an islander was hired on and told to hurry home and get some clothes as the vessel was ready to sail with the tide. The man returned quickly with his gear. One pants leg was rolled up above his knee and the other was down around his ankle. The captain asked him why he went around looking so sloppy. "It don't make no difference Cap'n." the man said, "cause everybody 'round here knows me."
When the ship docked in New York the sailor stepped on the gangplank to go ashore looking just as he had when he had shipped on, wearing the same clothes. "Good heavens man," asked the captain, "you ain't going ashore here looking like that are you?"
"Why sure Cap'n," replied the man, "it's alright, 'cause there ain't a soul 'round here knows me."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
In the by-gone days of sailing ships an islander was hired on and told to hurry home and get some clothes as the vessel was ready to sail with the tide. The man returned quickly with his gear. One pants leg was rolled up above his knee and the other was down around his ankle. The captain asked him why he went around looking so sloppy. "It don't make no difference Cap'n." the man said, "cause everybody 'round here knows me."
When the ship docked in New York the sailor stepped on the gangplank to go ashore looking just as he had when he had shipped on, wearing the same clothes. "Good heavens man," asked the captain, "you ain't going ashore here looking like that are you?"
"Why sure Cap'n," replied the man, "it's alright, 'cause there ain't a soul 'round here knows me."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
Falcons & Butterflies
I recently wrote several posts about falcons and caterpillars. Today I have updates.
As you might recall, Ocracoke resident, Peter Vankevich, told me he had seen a number (actually 42) migrating peregrine falcons on a recent morning. A friend of his wrote an article about these magnificent birds. Hal Broadfoot writes on FayObserver.com that "In four hours, [Peter] saw more peregrine falcons than once were believed to exist in the eastern U.S..... He also told me that the next day, his friends had seen 50 additional peregrines making a beeline south."
You can read Broadfoot's article here: http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2012/10/06/1209025?sac=fo.life.
Several readers wrote to inform me that the caterpillar that has been feeding on my passion flower vine, and that gave me a minor rash, is the larva stage of the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly. As it turns out, I have not only the caterpillars, but the butterflies in my yard. The butterflies are beautiful creatures, but it is maddeningly difficult to get a good photo of them because they flit around so erratically. But I did manage to catch these two (one with wings outspread, the other barely visible).
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
As you might recall, Ocracoke resident, Peter Vankevich, told me he had seen a number (actually 42) migrating peregrine falcons on a recent morning. A friend of his wrote an article about these magnificent birds. Hal Broadfoot writes on FayObserver.com that "In four hours, [Peter] saw more peregrine falcons than once were believed to exist in the eastern U.S..... He also told me that the next day, his friends had seen 50 additional peregrines making a beeline south."
You can read Broadfoot's article here: http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2012/10/06/1209025?sac=fo.life.
Several readers wrote to inform me that the caterpillar that has been feeding on my passion flower vine, and that gave me a minor rash, is the larva stage of the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly. As it turns out, I have not only the caterpillars, but the butterflies in my yard. The butterflies are beautiful creatures, but it is maddeningly difficult to get a good photo of them because they flit around so erratically. But I did manage to catch these two (one with wings outspread, the other barely visible).
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| Gulf Fritillary Butterfly |
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Monday, October 08, 2012
Pony Island Restaurant Place-mat
I recently enjoyed a pleasant and delicious dinner at the Pony Island Restaurant. For forty years the Pony Island Restaurant has been using place-mats designed by Kitty Martin Mitchell. It is a classic design, showing the village of Ocracoke and two Outer Banks steeds galloping down the beach, their manes blowing in the wind.
Whenever I dine at the "Pony" with off-island friends I explain that Kitty produced the drawing for the place-mat immediately after a breakup with her boyfriend at the time (I won't mention his name...but he is kin to me, and started Ocracoke's best known pub). I then proceed to identify the location of the boyfriend's home on the map. You can find it yourself. Click on the image below, then lay a straightedge on your computer screen.
Place the straightedge so that it connects the middle of the last "T" in "Restaurant" at the top of the drawing with the apex of the "A" in "Island" at the bottom of the drawing.
Next, lay the straightedge so it connects the top right hand corner of the place-mat and the "D" in "Island" in the box that reads "Pony Island Restaurant & Motel."
The intersection of those two imaginary lines is where the ex-boyfriend lived!
Just a bit of island trivia. I hope you enjoyed a little insight into Ocracoke humor.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Whenever I dine at the "Pony" with off-island friends I explain that Kitty produced the drawing for the place-mat immediately after a breakup with her boyfriend at the time (I won't mention his name...but he is kin to me, and started Ocracoke's best known pub). I then proceed to identify the location of the boyfriend's home on the map. You can find it yourself. Click on the image below, then lay a straightedge on your computer screen.
Place the straightedge so that it connects the middle of the last "T" in "Restaurant" at the top of the drawing with the apex of the "A" in "Island" at the bottom of the drawing.
Next, lay the straightedge so it connects the top right hand corner of the place-mat and the "D" in "Island" in the box that reads "Pony Island Restaurant & Motel."
The intersection of those two imaginary lines is where the ex-boyfriend lived!
Just a bit of island trivia. I hope you enjoyed a little insight into Ocracoke humor.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Certification
The skipjack Wilma Lee, a restored oyster dredging sailboat that was donated to Ocracoke Alive in February, has recently been awarded US Coast Guard certification to carry up to 44 passengers for hire.
You can read more about the Wilma Lee here: http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2012/03/restored-skipjack-donated-to-ocracoke.html.
You can read more about the certification here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/45738.
The Wilma Lee has already started taking groups out on Pamlico Sound to enjoy Ocracoke under sail. To book a sail call Capt. Rob at 252-928-SAIL.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
You can read more about the Wilma Lee here: http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2012/03/restored-skipjack-donated-to-ocracoke.html.
You can read more about the certification here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/45738.
The Wilma Lee has already started taking groups out on Pamlico Sound to enjoy Ocracoke under sail. To book a sail call Capt. Rob at 252-928-SAIL.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Saturday, October 06, 2012
Grandmama Aliph
I was just six years old when my grandmama Aliph died, so I don't remember her well. But I do recall that she was a kindly old lady not prone to excitement or high emotion. She enjoyed relaxing in her rocking chair on the pizer. My aunt Thelma describes her as "reserved," which makes the following story that much more noteworthy.
One afternoon she was hostess for a gathering of the Methodist Women's Society of Christian Service.
As sometime happens, even to folks who try their best to see the good in everyone, one particular woman's personality had been ruffling my grandmother's feathers for some time. Her obsequiousness and passive aggressive demeanor was becoming unbearable.
For refreshments grandmama Aliph served a favorite island dessert, blackberry dumplings with egg sauce (see egg sauce recipe below). The woman turned to my grandmother, and in an unctuous tone, announced "I could eat these until I died."
My grandmother's droll reply: "I wish I'd made more of them, then."
Ocracoke Island Egg Sauce:
3 eggs at room temperature
1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon extract (or sometimes 1 tablespoon of vanilla, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and a little nutmeg)
Separate eggs. Beat the whites until stiff. Add sugar, a little at a time and beat well. Add egg yolks and lemon extract. Pour sauce over dumplings.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
One afternoon she was hostess for a gathering of the Methodist Women's Society of Christian Service.
As sometime happens, even to folks who try their best to see the good in everyone, one particular woman's personality had been ruffling my grandmother's feathers for some time. Her obsequiousness and passive aggressive demeanor was becoming unbearable.
For refreshments grandmama Aliph served a favorite island dessert, blackberry dumplings with egg sauce (see egg sauce recipe below). The woman turned to my grandmother, and in an unctuous tone, announced "I could eat these until I died."
My grandmother's droll reply: "I wish I'd made more of them, then."
Ocracoke Island Egg Sauce:
3 eggs at room temperature
1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon extract (or sometimes 1 tablespoon of vanilla, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and a little nutmeg)
Separate eggs. Beat the whites until stiff. Add sugar, a little at a time and beat well. Add egg yolks and lemon extract. Pour sauce over dumplings.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Friday, October 05, 2012
Raptors
Peter Vankevich, one of our resident bird watchers, explained to me recently that raptors migrate through the Outer Banks this time of year. Just a few days ago folks reported seeing dozens of peregrine falcons as well as other falcons and ospreys. It is even possible to spot a bald eagle now and then on Ocracoke.
Another place to view migratory birds is the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge. If you are driving through Hatteras Island be sure to stop, pick up your binoculars, and take a look for raptors and other migratory waterfowl. There is always something of note to be seen there.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Another place to view migratory birds is the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge. If you are driving through Hatteras Island be sure to stop, pick up your binoculars, and take a look for raptors and other migratory waterfowl. There is always something of note to be seen there.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Fiddler Crabs
On July 18 of this year I wrote a blog post about mud fiddlers (http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2012/07/mud-fiddlers.html). In the most recent issue of our local newspaper, The Ocracoke Observer, Peter Vankevich writes about the fiddler crab in his column (Spotted on Ocracoke). You can find fiddler crabs (or mud fiddlers) in the salt marsh this time of year. As Peter points out, they are close cousins to the common ghost crabs that live on the beach.
Peter writes that he "found it fascinating that the enlarged claw may be on the left or the right side. Also if the large claw is lost, the small claw will grow into the large size and only a small claw will replace the lost one."
I didn't know that either. Fascinating, indeed!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Peter writes that he "found it fascinating that the enlarged claw may be on the left or the right side. Also if the large claw is lost, the small claw will grow into the large size and only a small claw will replace the lost one."
I didn't know that either. Fascinating, indeed!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Caterpillars
The caterpillar in this photo is just one of several who have been hanging around on my passion flower vine the last several days. They look rather menacing, with their rows of double spikes, and I thought maybe this was the type of critter that had caused the rash on my arm a few weeks ago (http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2012/09/sprangles.html). So I lightly pressed my forearm against him.
Sure enough, he's the culprit!
I've looked on the Internet to try to identify this caterpillar, but have not been successful. Maybe one of our readers can help me out. You can click on the photo to view a larger image.
My advice: if you encounter one of these, let it be!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Sure enough, he's the culprit!
I've looked on the Internet to try to identify this caterpillar, but have not been successful. Maybe one of our readers can help me out. You can click on the photo to view a larger image.
My advice: if you encounter one of these, let it be!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
Tuesday Morning
There is a certain appeal that a day like today has -- it is grey and overcast, with a bit of rain and enough breeze to make the trees sway. Since it's October, and the pace of daily life on Ocracoke has slowed down, this is the perfect day to stay home, catch up on correspondence, read a book, experiment in the kitchen...or take a nap.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Monday, October 01, 2012
Honored
Just a few days ago I learned that Ocracoke School was honored recently in Durham for being one of only 35 public schools in North Carolina with a 100% on-time graduation rate for the class of 2012. In other words, every one of last year's seniors graduated in four years.
Congratulations to Echo, Virginia, Leslie, Cassandra, Molly, William, & Ashley...to the faculty & staff of Ocracoke School...and to the seniors' parents, friends, and neighbors for their support and encouragement!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Congratulations to Echo, Virginia, Leslie, Cassandra, Molly, William, & Ashley...to the faculty & staff of Ocracoke School...and to the seniors' parents, friends, and neighbors for their support and encouragement!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Glass Snake
There is always something to entertain an eight year old at Ocracoke. Yesterday David & Lachlan discovered a glass snake slithering along in their yard. Here are a few photos. You can click on any one to see a larger image.
"Glass snakes" are actually legless lizards. They are in the genus ophisaurus ("snake lizard").
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
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| Glass Snake...closeup |
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| Glass Snake with Friends |
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| Away She Goes |
"Glass snakes" are actually legless lizards. They are in the genus ophisaurus ("snake lizard").
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Pirate Jamboree
Avast, me hearties! Mark your calendars. Pyrates be returning to Occacock soon.
The first annual Blackbeard Pirate Jamboree will be launched on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands next month. The Hatteras-Ocracoke Council of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce will present this free, two-day pirate fest Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27, on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.
You can read more information here or here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
The first annual Blackbeard Pirate Jamboree will be launched on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands next month. The Hatteras-Ocracoke Council of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce will present this free, two-day pirate fest Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27, on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.
You can read more information here or here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Friday, September 28, 2012
A Lighthouse, An Actor, and a Proposal...
An alert reader recently commented on a story that was published on line by the Hatteras Genealogical Society. It is an interesting tale.
"In 1822, a renown[ed] actor, while making passage between Norfolk and Charleston, had a chance encounter with a fellow passenger. Perhaps while viewing the Cape Hatteras Light, the young thespian tell[s] of his desire “to retire from public life and keep a lighthouse”.... By chance, the stranger happens to be one Thomas H. Blount, the Collector of Customs for the port of Washington, N.C. As Collector of Customs, he is responsible for the administration of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Mr. Blount must have been impressed with the young actor because Blount eventually offers him the position of light keeper. The actor is Junius Brutus Booth, the Father of the yet to be born, John Wilkes Booth...."
To read the rest of the story click here:
http://hatgensoc.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/a-lighthouse-an-actor-and-a-proposal/
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
"In 1822, a renown[ed] actor, while making passage between Norfolk and Charleston, had a chance encounter with a fellow passenger. Perhaps while viewing the Cape Hatteras Light, the young thespian tell[s] of his desire “to retire from public life and keep a lighthouse”.... By chance, the stranger happens to be one Thomas H. Blount, the Collector of Customs for the port of Washington, N.C. As Collector of Customs, he is responsible for the administration of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Mr. Blount must have been impressed with the young actor because Blount eventually offers him the position of light keeper. The actor is Junius Brutus Booth, the Father of the yet to be born, John Wilkes Booth...."
To read the rest of the story click here:
http://hatgensoc.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/a-lighthouse-an-actor-and-a-proposal/
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Beauty
Just in case you missed my comment on my post for Saturday, September 22 (A Window Into the Past), Wayne is wearing the striped shirt, Stanley is wearing the white shirt, and I am sitting astride Wayne's pony "Beauty."
A commenter on that post asked, "Oh, to set your way-back machine to 1956, eh? Bet you'd go back in a heart beat--just for a little visit." No doubt about it...the mid-1950s on Ocracoke was a wonderful, magical time for a young boy. Just looking at the photo you can see that it was "Tom Sayer-ish." Life was simple and uncomplicated -- sandy lanes, no shoes, dungarees rolled up to our ankles, t-shirts (without corporate logos), and a pony without a saddle.
Life on Ocracoke is still good, if different.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
A commenter on that post asked, "Oh, to set your way-back machine to 1956, eh? Bet you'd go back in a heart beat--just for a little visit." No doubt about it...the mid-1950s on Ocracoke was a wonderful, magical time for a young boy. Just looking at the photo you can see that it was "Tom Sayer-ish." Life was simple and uncomplicated -- sandy lanes, no shoes, dungarees rolled up to our ankles, t-shirts (without corporate logos), and a pony without a saddle.
Life on Ocracoke is still good, if different.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Shorts to Jeans
It is that time of year again -- time to trade in shorts for blue jeans, at least for a while. For the last few days the early morning temperature has been in the high 60s, increasing to the mid 70s by midday. Shorts still feel good during the day, but once the sun sets, I don long pants and maybe a long sleeved shirt or a light jacket.
Cooler, sunny days mean more opportunities to work outside in comfort, or to bike around the village, or to walk along the beach.
The forecast is for slightly warmer temperatures today and tomorrow, but the humidity is low which makes for a beautiful fall.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Cooler, sunny days mean more opportunities to work outside in comfort, or to bike around the village, or to walk along the beach.
The forecast is for slightly warmer temperatures today and tomorrow, but the humidity is low which makes for a beautiful fall.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
One More Paragraph About Lighthouses
Another paragraph from Charles Nordhoff's 1874 article, "The Light-Houses of the United States":
"The light-houses, light-ships, buoys, beacons, fog-signals, machine-shops, and other property controlled by the Light-house Board, are worth between forty and fifty millions of dollars. The whole of this is a free gift of the American people to the world. Other nations exact light-house dues which to a great extent defray the expense of maintaining their lights, but our government has made all lights free to the mariners of all nations. The whole establishment is sustained by annual appropriations of Congress."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
"The light-houses, light-ships, buoys, beacons, fog-signals, machine-shops, and other property controlled by the Light-house Board, are worth between forty and fifty millions of dollars. The whole of this is a free gift of the American people to the world. Other nations exact light-house dues which to a great extent defray the expense of maintaining their lights, but our government has made all lights free to the mariners of all nations. The whole establishment is sustained by annual appropriations of Congress."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Monday, September 24, 2012
More About Lighthouse Keepers
Because individuals today generally have little idea of what the US government required of lighthouse keepers I am reproducing here two paragraphs from the 1874 article "The Light-Houses of the United States" by Charles Nordhoff:
"It would be tedious, and take more space than we have to spare, to give even a bald list of all the tools and materials required in a first-class light-house. A glance over the index of the volume of directions shows that it contains instructions for cleaning, placing, removing, and preserving the lamp chimneys; for cleaning the lamps; for keeping the lantern free from ice and snow; for preserving the whiting, rouge powder,etc.; for using two or three dozen tools; for preserving and economically using the oil, filling the lamp, using the damper; for precautions against fire; 'how to trim the wicks;' and for dozens of other details of the light-keeper's daily duties.
"The keeper is required to enter in a journal (daily) all events of importance occurring in and near his tower, and also to keep a table of the expenditure of oil and other stores. Besides the officer who is district light-house inspector, and who may make his examinations at any time, there are experts called 'lampists,' who pass from light to light, making needed repairs, and also taking care that the machinery of the light is in order, and that it is properly attended to by the keeper."
Nordhoff makes no mention of painting the lighthouse, a task normally done by the keeper and his assistants, and maintaining the keeper's quarters and the grounds.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
"It would be tedious, and take more space than we have to spare, to give even a bald list of all the tools and materials required in a first-class light-house. A glance over the index of the volume of directions shows that it contains instructions for cleaning, placing, removing, and preserving the lamp chimneys; for cleaning the lamps; for keeping the lantern free from ice and snow; for preserving the whiting, rouge powder,etc.; for using two or three dozen tools; for preserving and economically using the oil, filling the lamp, using the damper; for precautions against fire; 'how to trim the wicks;' and for dozens of other details of the light-keeper's daily duties.
"The keeper is required to enter in a journal (daily) all events of importance occurring in and near his tower, and also to keep a table of the expenditure of oil and other stores. Besides the officer who is district light-house inspector, and who may make his examinations at any time, there are experts called 'lampists,' who pass from light to light, making needed repairs, and also taking care that the machinery of the light is in order, and that it is properly attended to by the keeper."
Nordhoff makes no mention of painting the lighthouse, a task normally done by the keeper and his assistants, and maintaining the keeper's quarters and the grounds.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Great Birnam Wood...
...comes to Dunsinane Hill (er, I mean Ocracoke)!
Late Friday afternoon Lachlan appeared in my yard covered in vines, and holding a tree branch. I honestly don't know what this was all about, but Macbeth came to mind. If you've read this Shakespeare play (Lachlan saw our local production several months ago, so maybe he was playacting) you will understand my comment.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Late Friday afternoon Lachlan appeared in my yard covered in vines, and holding a tree branch. I honestly don't know what this was all about, but Macbeth came to mind. If you've read this Shakespeare play (Lachlan saw our local production several months ago, so maybe he was playacting) you will understand my comment.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a gallery of photos of fences on Howard Street and Lawton Lane. To go directly to the this month's Newsletter click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news092112.htm.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
A Window into the Past
I was sorting through several cigar boxes of old photos a few days ago, and discovered this one, taken about 1956 on Lawton Lane, right in front of the house I now live in. I am in the photo with two close friends. Stanley Gaskins is one of the other boys in the picture. Stanley moved off the island about five years after this photo was taken. Unfortunately Stanley died several years ago. Wayne Teeter is also in the photo. Many readers of this blog know Wayne, a local fisherman and colorful island character. My uncle Marvin, scout master for the mounted Boy Scout troop, is in the background standing beside his Jeep pickup truck.
Does anyone want to guess which one of the boys is me, which one is Wayne, and which one is Stanley? Click on the photo to view a larger image, and leave your comment. I will give the answer in a few days.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.
Does anyone want to guess which one of the boys is me, which one is Wayne, and which one is Stanley? Click on the photo to view a larger image, and leave your comment. I will give the answer in a few days.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of midwifery on Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082112.htm.
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