Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Holiday Greetings

As we have done the last several years, we will again be suspending our Ocracoke Journal for several weeks in order to more fully enjoy the holidays with our family and friends. This will be our last post until January 6, 2014. However, we will still post occasionally on Facebook.


















Here are a few upcoming community events:
  • Tonight, Dec. 24, 7 pm: Christmas Eve Service at the Ocracoke Methodist Church
  • Dec. 28, 2 pm - 5 pm: Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association 8th Annual Oyster Roast & Shrimp Steam Fundraiser at the Fish House. Featuring Van O'Neal's Fish Stew. Dessert & hot cider at the Watermen's Exhibit, 3 pm - 5 pm.

In the meanwhile, we at Village Craftsmen wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas...and a Joyous New Year filled with love, justice, and peace.

And just for fun, here is a holiday greeting we'd like to share with all of our readers:  http://richardwiseman.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/the-amazing-machine/.

We will be back here January 6. Be sure to join us in 2014.

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.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Santa

About twenty-five years ago I spent part of the winter in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. I lived with a family, and the older daughter asked me to play Santa Claus in a home for disabled children. I was happy to oblige. However, I was dismayed when she brought me the costume. Although I am of average height in the US, I was at least a head taller than most people in Guatemala.

The sleeves of the coat were about 5 inches too short, and the pants were half a foot too short. But the worst part was the boots. I pulled with all my might. I pushed the boot down onto the floor. My heel was jammed. Brenda and her boyfriend helped. Together we wrestled my feet into these several-sizes-too-small boots. My toes were scrunched up; my feet were hurting already.

When I looked down I realized the boots were on the wrong feet! But there was no way I was going to struggle with them any more. I decided to walk pigeon-toed!

Last week Carla, from La Isla Mexican Store in Spencer's Market, asked me to play Santa Claus for a gathering of Ocracoke's Hispanic community. My first question was, "Will your Santa Claus costume fit me?"

It did, and I had a great time greeting the children, and handing out small gifts!



















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.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Burning a Bird's Nest

Last night about twenty people gathered at my house to celebrate the Winter Solstice. The evening began at 6 pm with a pot luck dinner. At Lou Ann's suggestion one of the guests read this ancient Solstice chant:

"Root to root
seed to seed
may all that we have
be all that we need."

Comestibles included oyster casserole, venison pate, quiche, meat loaf, ham, green beans with pomegranate, a green salad, deviled eggs, grits & cheese casserole, and homemade bread.


















At the conclusion of the meal we repaired to the front yard for the burning of the bird's nest. First, however, we read Thomas Hardy's poem, The Darkling Thrush:

I leant upon a coppice gate
When Frost was spectre-gray,
And Winter's dregs made desolate
The weakening eye of day.
The tangled bine-stems scored the sky
Like strings of broken lyres,
And all mankind that haunted nigh;
Had sought their household fires.

 The land's sharp features seemed to be
The Century's corpse outleant,
His crypt the cloudy canopy,
The wind his death-lament.
The ancient pulse of germ and birth
Was shrunken hard and dry,
And every spirit upon earth
Seemed fervourless as I.

At once a voice arose among
The bleak twigs overhead
In a full-hearted evensong
Of joy illimited;
An aged thrush, frail, gaunt and small,
In blast-beruffled plume,
Had chosen thus to fling his soul
Upon the growing gloom.

So little cause for carolings
Of such ecstatic sound
Was written on terrestrial things
Afar or nigh around,
That I could think there trembled through
His happy good-night air
Some blessed Hope, whereof he knew
And I was unaware.


















Next up was the burning of the bird's nest. This is a ritual that Tom Pahl brought to the island. Four generations of Tom's family have made it a tradition to burn a bird's nest on the Winter Solstice. Tom avers that no one knows how the magic works, but inevitably the sun begins its slow but steady ascent the day following the burning of the bird's nest.


















Since Lachlan, Amy, and I were all present at the burning of the bird's nest this has now become an Ocracoke tradition spanning three generations of islanders!


















Everyone present had a jolly good time. We thrive on quirky behavior. Molly Lovejoy kept repeating, "I love this community!"

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.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Winter Solstice

Today at 12:11 EST, for people in the northern hemisphere, the sun will appear to stop in its celestial journey south, pause, then over the next several days, slowly begin to rise again. This makes today the shortest day of the year for those of us living north of the Equator. Because of the tilt of the Earth's axis (the North Pole always points toward the star Polaris) as it obits the sun, we experience four seasons. The Winter & Summer Solstices mark the shortest and longest days of the year; the Spring and Fall Equinoxes mark the times when day and night are of equal length.

Humans have long noted the Winter Solstice as a time to celebrate the end of the sun's steady plunge toward the horizon, and the anticipation of the return of more light and longer days.

Winter on Ocracoke is a time to step back from the busy-ness of summer, reflect on our lives, and appreciate the beauty of our environment, and the joy of community. We decorate our homes and our village for Christmas, gather together at the Preservation Museum, the Community Center, the School, the Library, and the Churches to celebrate with candles, music, song, family, friends, and good food & drink.

You can read an informative article about the Winter Solstice here: http://www.nbcnews.com/science/winter-solstice-sun-stands-still-saturday-2D11770628.

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.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Edgar Howard & Roy Rogers

In 1988 National Park Service Ranger, Amy Glass, interviewed Ocracoke natives Edgar Howard and Maurice Ballance. Edgar was a vaudeville performer in New York City in the 1920s & 1930s.

Following is an interesting comment by Maurice Ballance, from the interview:

“You know, Edgar says he’s the one that got Roy Rogers his job. Yep. They had the same agent. Gene Autry and Edgar’s band had the same agent. So when Gene Autry went in the Army in World War II, his agent was traveling around drinkin’ a few beers one night and asked him if he knew anyone who had a good voice. So Edgar said, ‘Well I know a guy from Cincinnati.’ Said, ‘He’s got a pretty good voice, you know.’ So he said, ‘Well send him down.’ And a couple of days later when he auditioned, he did, and he hired him. That’s what he says. He couldn’t play guitar, couldn’t ride a horse, but he made a big star out of him. [laughter].”

Edgar Howard: Photo courtesy Art & Elizabeth Mines

















The interview was part of an endeavor called "Lifeways of the Outer Banks" sponsored by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, National Park Service and The Southern Oral History Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The original transcript is on deposit at the southern Historical Collection, Louis Round Wilson Library.

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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.

http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/tableart.htm














 
 
 
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.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

The Boathouse

In the last few days I have mentioned the old USLSS boathouse which is on Lighthouse Road. Although it has been moved southwest a hundred feet or so from its original location, raised, and remodeled inside, the boathouse looks much like it did many decades ago. This building was where the surfmen from the 1903 station (the station stood near where the current NCCAT Center/Old Coast Guard Station is today) stored their surfboat.

In the early twentieth century, the property on which the boathouse stood was on the edge of the "bald beach." From the large wooden doors all the way to the ocean there was nothing but tidal flats. No cedars, live oaks, yaupons, or other vegetation stood in the way of the life savers.

With the call, "Ship Ashore!," the surfmen rushed to the boathouse, threw open the doors, hitched their team of horses to the cart holding their surfboat, and proceeded directly across the flats to the beach.

Today a veritable forest of trees and vegetation lies between the boathouse and the ocean.




















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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 pewter measuring cups.

http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/kitchen.htm


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.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

USLSS Marker

Two days ago I published a photo of a United States Life Saving Service line marker. The marker in that photo has been moved. It was originally placed on one of the boundaries of the USLSS boathouse property on Lighthouse Road. Actually the boathouse was moved a hundred feet or so to the northeast several decades ago. The boathouse has been raised and remodeled inside, and is now the home of a native islander. A sign by the road identifies the house as "The Boathouse." 

The line marker below was on one of the other boundary lines. It is in its original location, not far from the road, just southwest of the boathouse.

Closeup of the USLSS Line Marker

The Line Marker with Outbuilding Behind



































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 Ocracoke Fig Preserves.

http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/figpreserves.htm


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.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Seahorse

As I've mentioned previously on this blog, we occasionally find seahorses at Ocraocke, sometimes swimming in Pamlico Sound, sometimes washed up on the ocean beach. According the the BBC, "The seahorse is one the slowest swimming fish we know of, but it's able to capture prey that swim at incredible speeds."

Click on the photo below to read more...and to watch a 30 second video of the seahorse stalking its prey.

Photo by Jonathan Zander


















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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 plant rooters.


http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/rooters.htm




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.

Monday, December 16, 2013

USLSS

Today we have another historic Ocracoke line marker. This one has the letters USLSS on it.


















Two questions for our readers:
  • Can you tell us what USLSS stands for?
  • Do you know what parcel of land this object marked?
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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 pewter measuring spoons.

http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/kitchen.htm


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.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Bonner Bridge Open

Bonner Bridge now OPEN; winter ferry schedule to resume & Christmas holiday ferry info

 Bonner Bridge to Open to Traffic at 4 p.m. this Afternoon (12/15/2013)
  
RALEIGH - Governor Pat McCrory and Transportation Secretary Tony Tata announce the reopening of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge on N.C. 12 at 4 p.m. this afternoon.  North Carolina Department of Transportation engineers deemed the bridge safe for traffic after several sonar scans, driving two test pilings, and multiple inspections over the past week.  The emergency repair work to add more support to the bridge continues.



 NC Ferry Division to Resume Regular Winter Schedule December 17
 

MANNS HARBOR - With the reopening of the Bonner Bridge, the Ferry Division will be winding down its emergency operations at Stumpy Point and Rodanthe, with the last ferry out of Stumpy Point at 5 a.m. Monday Dec. 16th, and the last boat run of Rodanthe at 6 a.m., based on need.  The regular schedule, beginning Tuesday, is as follows:

HATTERAS-OCRACOKE:
  • Hourly departures from both sides between 5 a.m. and midnight 
CEDAR ISLAND-OCRACOKE:
  • Departing from Cedar Island: 7 a.m, 10, and 4p.m.
  • Departing from Ocracoke: 7:30 a.m, 1p.m., and 4.  
SWAN QUARTER-OCRACOKE:
  • Departing from Swan Quarter: 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Departing from Ocracoke: 7 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Lighthouse Line Post

The Ocracoke lighthouse was built in 1823 for $11,359.35. I wonder how many visitors to Ocracoke have seen this line post, near the wooden boardwalk...and I'm curious if anyone knows what the letters USLHE stand for (I will publish the answer in a day or so).






















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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 wooden kitchen items by Moonspoons.





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.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

James Horatio Williams, Sr.

James Horatio Williams, Sr. (1827-1908), at his death, bequeathed the following parcels of land to various family members and other relatives:
  • four acres of land to his wife Martha
  • four acres of land to Tilman L. Williams
  • four acres of land to  Ephraim Williams
  • fifty acres of land to Helen O'Neal
  • fifty acres of land to Ephraim Williams, Tilman Williams, & Horatio Williams
  • thirty acres of land to the heirs of James N. Williams
  • ten acres of land to the heirs of Ann Mariah Howard
That is 152 acres of land on Ocracoke Island that was owned by one individual!  One hundred and five years later, Horatio's heirs might consider themselves lucky to own a half acre of land.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Months With "Rs"

December is right in the middle of the prime oyster season. Every once in a while a group of friends gets a bushel of fresh oysters from Pamlico Sound. Then, it's just a matter of steaming the oysters in a large pot, spreading the kitchen table with newspapers, and setting out Saltine crackers, cocktail sauce, butter, and beer.


















 No need to even sit down. Just stand around, pry open the oysters, share stories & jokes...and enjoy this delicious bounty from Pamlico Sound!

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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 more Wolf's Den Pottery.

http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/wolfsden.htm










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.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

A Floundering Ship

Some time ago I heard someone speaking of a ship floundering off shore. A neighbor assured us that the ship might be foundering...but it certainly wasn't floundering. By "floundering" Ocracokers generally mean going out into the shallow waters of Pamlico Sound (either in a skiff, or wading) carrying a spear (with one or more prongs) and a light, looking to gig flounder fish in their beds on the sandy bottom.

To flounder also means to thrash about or to struggle. So a ship (especially if it were disabled in a storm) might actually be floundering off shore. If the situation deteriorated, the ship might also founder (sink).

I encounter these two words (flounder & founder) occasionally in my reading, and I always have to stop and remind myself of the difference. To flounder is to thrash or struggle; to founder is to sink. A ship can do either!

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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 Stewart's Stoneware.


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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.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Christmas Photos

Today, just a couple of seasonal photos.

View of my House from across the Lane


A closer View of my House

My Christmas Tree










































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.

http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/moonspoons.htm

















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.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

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.

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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.

http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/tableart.htm

















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.

Monday, December 09, 2013

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. 
     
Best wishes for the New Year,
Robin P. Payne
Executive Director, Ocracoke Foundation
(252)921-0365 

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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.

http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/blanketcreek.htm















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.

Sunday, December 08, 2013

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.

Saturday, December 07, 2013

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.

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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.

http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/jonathan.htm












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.


Friday, December 06, 2013

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.

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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.

http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/werley.htm

















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.

Thursday, December 05, 2013

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.

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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.

http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/wolfsden.htm














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.

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

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


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.  

Tuesday, December 03, 2013

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.  

Monday, December 02, 2013

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.

Sunday, December 01, 2013

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 12th 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.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

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.

Friday, November 29, 2013

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.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

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.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

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.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

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.

Monday, November 25, 2013

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.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

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:

http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/allisonellis.html
Stained Glass
http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/pottery.htm
Pottery

















http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/carvedbirds.htm
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.