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The Ocracoke Community Cemetery

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Community Cemetery 089

 

By Gael Hawkins

June 2010

Much has been writ­ten about the mul­titude of private family cemeteries on Oc­racoke. In fact, visitors would be hard-pressed not to notice the graves scattered through­out the village. Prior to the establishment of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in January, 1953, most of the island was owned by local residents. However, once the federal government carved out the land desired for the Park, the remaining village consisted of approximately 1,000 acres. With this in mind, the village residents pre­pared for the future needs of the community. On the 14th of September, 1953, a deed for approximately 5 acres of land was executed by members of the Garrish family for the sum of $1.00 for the purpose of forming a Cemetery As­sociation for the Community of Ocracoke. According to the deed, it was for purposes consistent “ to the end that the convenience, and general security of the survivors of the dead may be best served and their relatives relieved of anxiety and suspense”. The property deeded by the Gas­kill family is located off of Old Ammunition Dump Road (now Sunset Road) and con­tained the old Navy Ammuni­tion Mound and the old Navy road leading to it. A large portion of the land that con­tained the Gaskill graveyard was carved out rendering the configuration of a somewhat stout U-shape. The northeast border of the cemetery prop­erty was, at that time, marsh­land that ran to the Sound.. It was approximately 500 feet from the existing road with no deeded right-of-way to en­ter. An informal right-of-way was established across the old Balance property. At that time, the cost per burial site was $5.00. On November 21, 1953, the newly designated Ocracoke Community Cem­etery received its first per­manent residents. According to Hyde County records, and confirmed by island natives, Benjamin D. Gaskill, age 82, and Robert B. O’Neal, age 66, died on the same day and were buried on the same day.

In 1966, the Cemetery As­sociation agreed that in order to provide means for the upkeep of the cem­etery, it would be necessary to raise the price of a burial lot to $10.00. The following year, the Association was able to ac­quire enough land on each side of the new cemetery road deeded by Mr. R. L. Harcum to conform to the N.C State Highway Commission re­quirements for paving. Ac­tual paving did not occur until sometime later due to further confusion regarding who owned some of the land previously deeded by Mr. Harcum. In 1969, the Asso­ciation agreed to deed a 15ft. strip of land on the north side of the cemetery for a public road, now Cutting Sage Road. This was done at the request of Mr. Doward Brugh, who needed access to his lands – later to become modern day Oyster Creek. It is interesting to note that at the same meet­ing, the possibility of a new road through park and other lands to the Cedar Island ferry dock was discussed in order to avoid heavy traffic in the village. Could they fore­see the future? By 1971, the price for a burial plot had ris­en to $15.00. In recent years, the Cemetery Association has added a lovely Memorial Wall since cremation has become more common. The cemetery is a quiet, serene spot to visit. The grounds are meticulously maintained by Chester Lynn, the current Vice President of the Cemetery Association. When we met to discuss the formation of the cemetery, he re­minded me of an endearing island tradi­tion associated with but not of­ficially a part of the Cemetery Association. It is the Ocracoke Burial Dues As­sociation. When an Ocracoke resident dies, members of this association do­nate $.50 to the family of the de­ceased. When my mom died, the dues were $.25 and Law­rence Ballance delivered an envelope to me full of quar­ters, nickels and dimes that his wife had collected. It still brings a smile to my face and reminds me of the generosity of the people of Ocracoke.

Place Names on Ocracoke Island

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 place names map

May 2010

by Philip Howard

In the 1970s Ronnie Midg­ett and his wife Diane moved to Ocracoke. Ron­nie had been called as pastor of the Assembly of God church. Although Ronnie was from coastal North Carolina, neither he nor Diane had spent much time on Ocracoke Island. They had a lot to learn — people, customs, traditions, distinctive vocabulary, and island place names. All of this could be con­fusing to any newcomer.

Names of places and areas on Ocracoke continue to be­fuddle visitors and new resi­dents.

In the village there are two major areas, Around Creek (on the north side of Cockle Creek [since about 1940 frequently referred to as Silver Lake Har­bor], including where the Com­munity Store, Howard Street, and the school are located), and Down Point (on the south side of Cockle Creek, including Albert Styron’s Store, the As­sembly of God church, and the lighthouse). There is also Up Trent (a vaguely defined area beyond the end of British Cem­etery Road, toward the Oyster Creek development, and north of the Community Cemetery).

Within these sections of the village lie Nubbin’s Ridge, Cat Ridge, Paddy’s Holler, Spring­er’s Point, Windmill Point, Gun Barrel Point, Base Docks, and other areas.

Beyond the village are creeks, hills, knolls, and woods, each with its own distinc­tive name. They include Loop Shack Hill, Scrag Cedars, The Plains, Green Island, The Wells, Quawk’s Point, Cedar Ham­mock, Old Hammock, and Billy Goat Hill, to name but a few.

Nearby, in Pamlico Sound, you can visit Hog Shoal and Howard’s Reef, as well as Stone Rock, Legged Lump, Wallace’s Channel, and closer by, the Ditch.

Ocracokers refer to the en­tire area of the island north of the village with one general term, “down below.” If you are traveling to the lifeguard beach, the NPS campground, the Pony Pen, or nearly anywhere else in the park you are going down below. But curiously, if you are traveling beyond Hatteras Inlet you are going “up the beach” (but definitely not “up beach” [a particularly egregious error] as any native islander will quickly point out to new residents!).

After moving to the island, Ronnie and Diane Midgett immediately immersed them­selves in the community. Before two weeks had passed Ronnie could often be seen about the village, visiting parishioners, talking with folks at the Com­munity Store, and frequenting the fish house. One day around noon Diane was expecting Ronnie home for lunch. When he didn’t appear she called Tradewinds Tackle Shop where Ronnie often stopped to chat. Louise O’Neal answered the phone. When Diane asked if she’d seen Ronnie, Louise said that Ronnie could probably be found down below. Not under­standing the local reference Di­ane immediately worried that the islanders had already, at least figuratively, assigned Pas­tor Ronnie to the underworld!

If you are interested in learning more about Ocracoke Island place names be sure to get Len Skinner & Debbie Well’s “Complete, Illustrated Map of Ocracoke Island.” They have researched the geogra­phy of the island thoroughly and have included many of the traditional place names, as well as contemporary landmarks, roads, and buildings.

I recently discovered two ar­ticles written by C. A. Weslager who visited Ocracoke in 1949. He was also fascinated with the many place names he en­countered. Weslager completes his survey of Ocracoke Island place names by commenting that “It would be highly inter­esting to compile a list of the Ocracoke place names twenty to fifty years hence for com­parison with those of today.” In fact, most of the names Weslager cites are still in use today. However, some of the features have eroded or com­pletely disappeared due to wind and tide. For example, some creeks have simply dried up, and once prominent sand hills have blown away. Other features have changed dramat­ically because of human activ­ity. Nevertheless, local names for many geographical areas persist, especially among na­tive born O’cockers.

Philip Howard enjoys re­searching island history. You can read more of his Ocracoke stories on line at http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news.htm

British Cemetery & its grave markers

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br cemetery 4 seamen sign

“There are no roses

on sailors’ graves,
Nor wreaths upon the
storm tossed waves,
No last post from the
Royals band,
No heartbroken words
carved on stone,
Just shipmates bodies
floating there alone.
The only tributes are the
seagull’s sweeps,
And the teardrop when
a loved one weeps.”
– Author unknown

By Earl W. O’Neal, Jr.

May 2010

The British Cemetery has been in place since the first burial ceremo­nies were held in May 1942 for four sailors that washed ashore from the HMT Bed­fordshire after she was torpe­doed and sunk with all hands lost by German U-boat U-558 on May 11, 1942. The land for the cemetery was provided by Mrs. Alice Wahab Williams next to their own family cem­etery.

Lt. R. B. Davis R.N.R. was the Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy’s HMT Bed­fordshire, a British Trawler converted to an Armed Trawl­er with a 4 inch gun, one ma­chine gun and depth charges. It was used to protect Allied shipping along the Carolina coast and around the Dia­mond Shoals.

Those first two washed ashore Ocracoke Island and buried here are Sub-Lt. Thomas Cunningham, R.N.V.R., Stanley Craig, 2nd Class Telegraphist. Two weeks later the bodies of two additional unknown sail­ors from the HMT Bedford­shire washed up on shore and were buried with a Funeral Service. The first four wood crosses were there for a very short period of weeks until per­manent crosses were made and remained on the graves until 1983.

Over the years several dif­ferent organizations, BMC Peter N. Stone, USCG Ret and others have cared for the graves. The U.S. Coast Guard, for many years furnished all the labor for maintenance and is a partner in the ceremonies along with the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum as of the year 2000, who handles the administrative duties and interface with the Common­wealth War Graves Commis­sion, Ottawa, Canada.

The Coast Guard also pro­vides the U.S. Coast Guard Military Honor Ceremonies each year along with speak­ers to coincide with the guest speakers set up by the Com­monwealth War Graves Com­mission and others.

brit cem marker

The four original crosses were placed back in the vicin­ity of the British Cemetery in an arrangement that will in­clude a plaque with the names and to honor all of the British sailors that lost their lives on the HMT Bedfordshire with only the sea as their grave.

First I want to thank all of the organizations, Peter N. Stone, USCG Ret and others who have helped to maintain the cemetery for over a half century. Also, to thank them for their continued help to honor these young men who lost their lives defending our shores and ships during World War II.

A special thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard who has always been there to assist and to assure these men are not forgotten and Peter Stone who carried on the care while he was stationed here in the Coast Guard and even after he retired.

I commend and thank Commander Christopher J. Olin, United States Coast Guard Group Cape Hatteras, BM1 Michael R. Perkins, U.S. Coast Guard Station Ocracoke and their men and women along with Mr. Joseph K. Schwarzer, Executive Direc­tor, Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and his staff, for a job well done to preserve the memory of these men forever. Also, thank you to the Com­monwealth War Graves Com­mission who permitted the crosses to be placed outside of the cemetery with a plaque to honor all of the men of the HMT Bedfordshire. The relo­cation of the original crosses and the cemetery care and upkeep is certainly outstand­ing and something all of your people can be proud of along with all of the people of Oc­racoke and our visitors from Canada and England.

Thank you to the Ocracoke Preservation Society that in 1983took on as one of its first projects under President, Da­vid Esham who along with his staff set out to preserve the original crosses.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission was in the process of replacing all of the grave markers for their people

who were buried on foreign soil so that the markers would all be alike. They had hired Clifton and Clifton Monument & Sandblasting, Elizabeth City, NC to set the new grave markers and to destroy the crosses. David Esham and his staff wrote letters, made trips to Raleigh and contacted the Commonwealth War Graves Commission who were reluc­tant, but finally allowed the Ocracoke Preservation Society to keep the original crosses.

Thank you David for the twelve or so years you kept the cross­es at your Pony Island Motel when the Preservation Society did not have a building. The crosses were stored under the Preservation Society Museum about the time the new section was added to keep them out of the weather in the 1990s until this year.

Also, thank you to the Oc­racoke Preservation Society and her staff who have per­mitted us to re-establish the crosses in a location where they can still pay honor to those British sailors who gave their lives protecting our free­dom.

 

brit cem

Artist of the Month Mary Bassell, Pastel Artist

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bassell portrait
Mary Bassell wearing the tshirt she designed for the 2006 Ocrafolk Festival and a painted canvas block.

May 2010
I always thought that pastels were just fancy chalk – just brighter in color. Soft pastels are actually soft chalky pigment and the most pure and endur­ing color one can find. They can­not be mixed but can be layered or placed next to one another for immediate results. Famous pastel artists include Edgar De­gas, Mary Cassatt and Auguste Renoir.

This month I chose Mary Bas­sell as artist of the month. Her work with pastels can be seen at Down Creek Gallery and smaller pieces on cards or canvas blocks can be purchased at Deepwater Pottery/Books to Be Red.

Mary’s art has been influenced by the work of some of the great impressionists, Vincent Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir and Mary Cassatt, all whom have created works in soft pastels. Also influencing her creativity are contemporary art­ists such as Albert Handell, Anne Templeton, Susan Ogilvie, Mar­garet Dyer and Wolf Kahn. These artists and many more have in­fluenced her desire to learn more about painting with pastels. She has taken workshops with some of them and there are many more with whom she’d like to study.

Mary knew from the time she was a young child that she want­ed to be an artist. With parents raised during the depression years, their advice was to pursue being a teacher, a nurse or a nun if you wanted to make a living. However, Mary’s creativity and hunger for art never diminished even though she pursued other trades and education.

By the time she reached her early 20’s Mary was driving into New York City from her home on Long Island to buy stained glass and supplies. A 6 story ware­house fill with sheets of colored glass was one of her favorite stops. At first she taught herself to work with stained glass. Soon she was taking classes from na­tionally known artists in con­struction and design with stained glass. She studied both copper foil and lead as elements to at­tach her glass pieces together.

bassell bike on fence
bassell bike on fence

Bassell creek pastel 8.11

Copper foil is a much more moldable, pliable substance that was used by artists like Tiffany to produce his beautiful stained glass lamps. Leaded stained glass would be more commonly used in church windows or con­struction that was less delicate.

Mary still has a few of her stained glass pieces at her studio but doesn’t work with that me­dium anymore. When she turned 50, it was time for her to follow her dream to draw and paint. She spent an entire winter driving her old blue truck up the island to the creeks where the marsh grasses dominate the blue wa­ters of the sound. She parked the truck and sketched, day after day, capturing the nuances of shadow and light, the movement of the creeks and marshes on paper.

In February of that year, she went to Sonoma, California and by chance walked into some classes using pastels. That was a turning point, Mary had found her passion and has never looked back. She trained with other es­tablished artists and developed her abilities, learning technique and to trust her judgement.

From drawings that were re­alistically portraying a scene she migrated to a less controlled ap­proach with softer more flowing strokes using the pastels to gain immediate results with the vi­brant colors exploring values of color and light.

Recently she completed 17 paintings ( 18×24 ) commissioned by the Craven County Medical Center in New Bern.

Mary’s mantra has been to always push to do better. Her advice to aspiring artist is “quit thinking about it, you just have to do it”.

Her fantasy is to be a full time painter and to support herself despite what her parents told her when she was a child.

Spotted on Ocracoke: The Sanderling

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April 2010
Text and photo by Peter Vankevich

A good part of the year, except perhaps for the heart of summer, it is hard to walk the beach of Ocracoke without seeing a small, chunky sandpiper, either alone or in small groups along the water’s edge.  This bird is called a Sanderling (Calidris alba).  Most of the year when in basic plumage, it is pale white underneath and a mottled grey back and a distinctive shoulder patch line, that is more prominent in juveniles. Its bill and legs are black. In flight, Sanderlings have a bold white wing-stripe that is bordered with black. As spring approaches they molt into breeding plumage and the head and breast turn to a variable brown to chestnut color.  When in flight, you may hear a soft twittering sound. In spite of their small size, they are truly amazing long-distant migrants. The vast majority of birds you see on the beach on Ocracoke will journey thousands of miles north in spring to breed on the high-arctic tundra leaving just a few remaining nonbreeders.

On the Outer Banks, it is possible to see about 30 species of birds that are classified as sandpipers.  Several of them, especially the smaller ones, can be difficult to identify due to similarities of plumage, shape and size. But with the Sanderling, you can rely on another characteristic that will help with accurate identification. When active, it moves constantly, frantically probing for food and keeping ahead of the waves as it feeds on small crustaceans and bivalve mollusks as well as worms and insects.  No other sandpiper on Ocracoke moves in such a regular fashion. When resting, you may observe one that appears as if it is has lost a leg, as they will sometimes stand and even hop on one leg and bend the other into the feathers.

Last spring I took a birding trip to the South Point with Ocracoke residents Carol and Tom Pahl. Tom especially enjoys observing these sandpipers and noted how they will defend their space and chase off other Sanderlings that enter their territory.  Indeed they do.  If you spend some time on the beach, you may see one hunch its shoulders and thrust its head forward and run rapidly, even flying at an intruder. Usually the other Sanderling will quickly back off, but sometimes they will square off facing each other in menacing displays. Even then in most instances, it is the interloper that finally retreats.

Many of us may be able to metaphorically identify at times in our lives with the Sanderling as it ekes out its living, staying just ahead of rushing waters and taking advantages of the lulls to gain its sustenance; keeping its wits about it, wary of competitors and -perhaps just for them- the whooshing sound of a hungry Peregrine Falcon.

Ocracoke Navigator

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OObserver

Peter Vankevich and Connie Leinbach, co-owners of the Ocracoke Observer. Photo by Ruth Fordan
Peter Vankevich and Connie Leinbach, co-owners of the Ocracoke Observer. Photo by Ruth Fordon

The Ocracoke Observer, founded in 1999, is a free, monthly community print newspaper covering island news and culture March to December, and is available throughout the village and by subscription.  

Our website includes a wealth of information on Ocracoke’s current news, its history and nature. There are also editorials on  Ocracoke issues.

We also use Facebook for lighter stuff and as a heads-up for articles posted on the web page, or to announce that the next print issue is out.  Facebookers, feel free to “like” us. April Observer cover

Some of the locations you’ll find the paper on the island include the Ocracoke Coffee Company,  Howard’s Pub, the Variety Store, Spencer’s Market, the  Slushy Stand, Village Craftsmen, the road side of the Community Store, the NPS Visitors Center and the Ferry office.

 coffee porch 2014-05-30 07.20.50

From the archives Dear Santa: winter fishing on Ocracoke

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Reprinted from the December 2009 Ocracoke Observer

By Ken DeBarth

Dear Santa Claus:

This winter I will be surf fishing on Ocracoke. I need some equipment to help with this.  Please bring me the following items:

Fast-Action Spinning Rod.  As you know, Santa, colder water temperatures in the winter require smaller and lighter baits. To help me cast these lighter offerings please bring me a 7- to 8 ½-foot rod rated for ½ to ¾ ounce lures.

Spinning Reel. I want a good quality reel with a strong drag system. You know, Santa, fighting a big drum or striped bass on the light-weight rod you are bringing me will require some serious drag stress during the fight.

Light Line. Please load the reel with no more than 10 pound test mono filament or 15 pound test braid. To get any casting distance with the lighter lures (see below) I’ll need to work with a small diameter line.

Waders. Santa, since you live at the North Pole I know you have experience with cold wet feet. Please bring me a set of chest waders.

Lures. I’ll need some lures for the puppy drum, flounder, and speckled trout. Please bring me some ½ ounce jig heads and twister tails or Gulps. Red jig heads and green tails seem to be the best combination here. I also want some 1 ounce gold Hopkins lures. These work best when the water clarity is good. If you can stand in knee deep water and see your feet, Santa, try casting the Hopkins.

Bait. For the big stripers and drum, I’ll need bait. Please bring me some finger mullet and some big mullet for chunking. Santa, leave the mullets outside on the doorstep. They might get to smelling bad if you leave them under the tree.

Thermometer. Santa, if you have any room left in your bag, please bring me a thermometer. Water temperature is important in the winter. Drum are less active, if not dormant, at temperatures under 55 degrees. Stripers are active at temps as low as the mid 40s. If I can check the water temperatures, which can vary according to wind and sun, I will be able to find the areas where the fish will be.

You probably haven’t fished here much in the winter, Santa. I invite you to come down and try it when you recover from your trip around the world on Christmas Eve.

Thank you very much, Santa, and have a Merry Christmas and tight lines.

Ken DeBarth lives and fishes on Ocracoke. 

Spotted on Ocracoke: The Dashing Little Merlin Falcon

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November 2009
Text and Photo by Peter Vankevich

Merlin PS_IMG_5748
Merlin seen perched at the NPS campground on Ocracoke

What makes birdlife on Oc­racoke fascinating is that it is always changing. There are the year-round residents such as the Northern Mockingbird and Fish Crow and species like the Great-crested Flycatcher that fly up from the tropics to nest in the village. In spring and fall, “migrant” birds pass through on their way to their breed­ing or wintering territories. And then there are those that converge on the island from the north to spend the winter and may be seen flying along the dunes or perhaps perching on the water tower. Since it is December, we will feature one of these neat winter birds, the Merlin (Falco columbarius). The name Merlin derives from es­merillon, the old French name for this species. They were formerly known as pigeon hawks, not because of a fond­ness for eating pigeons but rather for their flight pattern which some thought has a similarity.

With a long wingspan of about 24 inches, the females of this species are noticeably larger than males weigh­ing eight ounces; males are closer to six ounces. When lighting conditions are good, males can be distinguished by their gray backs, females and im­mature birds are brown and all of them have streaky breasts.

The Merlins spotted on Ocracoke breed in the Boreal or Taiga regions of the eastern northern United States and Canada. They prefer relative open habitat with low to medium-height vegetation and some trees that makes Ocracoke an ideal habitat for them. If you are out and about on the island, at a given moment during the day, you may see a Merlin dash past you displaying both speed and agil­ity pursuing its prey which consists primarily of small birds. I have seen them on the island flying fast and low to the ground in hot pursuit of an unfortunate Myrtle Warbler. Fearless and feisty, they will chase off a Bald Eagle who strays into its territory.

Merlins do not build their own nests but will use an abandoned one made by a crow or hawk. An interest­ing adaptation change is that within the last 30 years or so, Merlins have started to nest in suburban and even urban areas, particularly in the north­ern Great Plains.

You can start looking for Merlins in the fall. Carol Pahl sent me a nice pho­to of one she saw at Springer’s Point on October 9. On the Wings Over Water field trip this past November all of the participants got an excellent view of a Merlin perched in a dead live oak at the entrance of Springer’s Point, per­haps it was the same bird. The falcon seen in this photograph was perched on one of the telephone poles at the campground.

Merlin PS crop Porstmouth IMG_4031
Merlin seen on Portsmouth Island

On a given day in December on the island, one may see any of three falcon species, the Merlin, American Kestrel and the Peregrine Falcon and on most of the Ocracoke Christmas Bird Counts over the past 28 years or so, they have all been seen.

Speaking thereof, time for annual pitch. Since 1981, a Christmas Bird Count has taken place on Ocracoke. This event begun in 1900 is an op­portunity for people to get out and identify and count the birds during a 24 hour period. Last year, 101 spe­cies were reported on Ocracoke. This year, the count date will be Decem­ber 31 and, for the adventurous, the Portsmouth Island Count will be on December 30. You don’t have to be an expert to participate as beginners will be placed with more experienced birders and we welcome your partici­pation. If you are interested in joining us, contact Peter Vankevich by email petevankevich@gmail.com or 252 928-2539 for details.

Early Morning at the Community Store

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September 2009

By LouAnn Homan

There are places where we all go to tell tales, to gossip and to share stories with friends. We find them whether we are fisher­men, sailors, storytellers, girl­friends, storekeepers or just curiosity seekers. I fall into the last category and I don’t mind admitting it.

I have one such place here on Oc­racoke Island and I want you to know it as well. So dream away with me all you curiosity seek­ers.

It is early morn­ing and the sun is just creeping up over the live oaks with dappled shadows and heavy dew. I toss on my Ocracoke festival t-shirt and black workout pants. There is no need to comb my hair or put on make-up since the salty sea air will have the final say in my appearance anyway!

Today I walk, although I often bike. Even though it is early, the fishermen have long since started their day…telling their own stories and working the sea. There are walkers and joggers, mostly tourists. My morning journey is not long since nothing is far here. A few more steps and the Community Store is in my view, the heartbeat of the village.

It was established in 1918 as a small grocery store by Amasa Fulcher. The weath­ered white clapboard has been painted more times than anyone can remember. It is trimmed in dark green, a traditional Ocracoke color. I walk up onto the long porch, and the scent of fresh coffee wafts through the air. I walk on in and am delighted as always with the charm and beauty. The wooden floors are scuffed and worn smooth from the footsteps of those who have come before us. In the center is a pot belly stove which is fired up in the win­ter when the stories move in­side. On Friday nights in the winter after the tourists leave when the Nor’easters blow down the coast there is local music there.

Susan and James manage the store now. She and her sweet baby are just opening up for the day. We chat about the weather, children, and the tourists as I pour coffee, adding packets of sugar and fresh cream. I look around at the store. It is stocked for the day. I usually can find what I need. If not? I just change the recipe!

I finally move back to the porch to read the large chalk­board that is updated every morning with islander’s birth­days or new baby arrivals. It is our daily newspaper. I next check the bulletin board that informs us of fish fries, baby showers, or someone wanting to sell a boat, or hitch a ride to Raleigh. I settle back into one of the wooden rockers. Red geraniums hang from the porch posts and small sailing crafts bob in the har­bor. Folks begin to arrive to pick up milk for cereal, cokes and peanut butter crackers for high sea adventures, dia­pers, cigarettes or strawber­ries from a North Carolina farm. Captain Rob stops by for coffee before he checks on his schooner. I notice he is barefoot, as are many oth­ers. There are no shoe rules on Ocracoke. Everyone stops to read the news, chat or gos­sip about the previous day’s events. I take it all in.

I drink my coffee slowly en­joying every moment. The day is full of so many events that I need to leave. I pop my head into the store to say goodbye to Susan and head on home.

I will be back later in the afternoon to buy groceries for supper and to find out what has happened that day. The old timers will tell stories then. Maybe I will get to hear the one about Ansley O’Neal who stuck his knife into his wooden leg when he was done whittlin’.

Iggie will show up as well on his electric wheelchair. He will sit at the end of the bench for hours smoking and eating berry pies. Iggie, with spiked hair and masses of jewelry, is an island treasure. The locals all stop and chat with him, some tourists as well. I al­ways take my seat right next to him…not wanting to miss a word that he speaks.

I finally hop onto my bike and head for home to share my news and gossip. It is good to know that there will be more stories tomorrow.

A Snapshot of July 4th

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4th of July photo copy

August 2009
By Lou Ann Houman

I remember a spectacular morning, fog rising, loons calling, an occasional splash in an otherwise peaceful morning. I took photos of ev­erything. We pulled close to a small island to photograph it when from behind the is­land came a silent gliding kayak with two folks aboard. In the mist all we could see were the dark shadows of the paddlers against the ris­ing sun. I took several pho­tos, but within minutes the sun burst out from behind the mist and the magic was gone.

My Uncle told me photog­raphy is a metaphor for life. You think you know what is in front of you or where you are going, and then some­thing new comes into your life, unexpectedly…good or bad.

I am thinking of my Uncle today as I rise early to photo­graph the flags on Ocracoke Island. It is July 4th and the day is brilliant, the sky is the color of sapphires tossed up into the air. I hop on my bike and head down How­ard Street stopping at Chris and Betty’s house. Their wind blown flag hangs from an old live oak tree. I stop to chat about the day ahead…the parade, the fireworks, a big day on a small island.

I stop next at the harbor where Rob’s schooner is decked with flags high up on the mast, and the lines are decorated as well. I lie on the dock to get some good shots. I like this photographer role that I am playing.

I continue around the har­bor and photograph small flags in gardens, around the fish house, on porch posts and on small watercrafts bobbing in the water.

I circle around when I hear the sound of fireworks across the water and see the patterns and sparkles in the sky. I think it is a preview of the evening’s activities. In what must have been a nanosecond, I realize I am wrong as a huge explosion  shakes the entire island. The sky fills with an enormous white cloud that contrasts with the tossed up sap­phires. I am in such a state of disbelief that I forget my camera is in my hand. Then I begin the photographs. I catch the cloud, the fire, the rescue helicopters. I catch the day.

Folks come out of cottages and small hotel rooms. No one can stop looking. The sirens begin. Helicopters come from Greenville and Chapel Hill to carry off the dead and injured. Hatteras sends in reinforcements al­though the fire trucks and ambulances must come a distance and be transported by the one waiting ferry. All the other ferries have dis­continued service.

Everything stops. We are in slow motion and a dark veil wraps itself around the island and ties itself into a knot. Word spreads from neighbor to neighbor. No is­landers were injured when the fireworks truck explod­ed, but all the folks from the pyrotechnics crew are involved. Four die. One will live but will need therapy the rest of his life. He is 31.

I do not need to be told that everything is canceled. I know from within my heart. This small village goes into mourning. Our volunteer rescue workers are the he­roes as they rise to the occa­sion, keeping the island safe and secure from fires in the brush and caring for the in­jured.

A group of us gather for a potluck on this evening feel­ing the need to be together. We grill out, we talk, we whisper, but on this night we do not laugh heartily. We are hollow inside.

Before the night is over, Sundae brings out her tra­ditional cake decorated like a flag with blueberries and strawberries for the stars and stripes. We gather in the kitchen and sing “The Star Spangled Banner” holding hands.

I think about my Uncle, he is right. We go in search of one thing and another event takes its place.

I take my bike and ride the dark lanes home. The village is quiet on this July 4th night. Empty. I know that sleep will not come eas­ily to this island out to sea.

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