Ocracoke Lighthouse was built in 1823. One year before that, French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel invented the compact lighthouse lens that bears his name. The Fresnel Lens is actually a remarkable series of prisms that capture and focus light, allowing a lighthouse beam to be visible many miles off shore.

Originally the Ocracoke Lighthouse was equipped with a simple reflecting illuminating apparatus. By 1854 the superiority of the Fresnel Lens was acknowledged, and such a new lens was installed.

Ocracoke's 4th Order Fresnel Lens

















Ocracoke's light is magnified by a fourth order Fresnel Lens with a focal length of 250 mm. Although the lighthouse was originally built to guide mariners through Ocracoke Inlet and into deeper waters of Pamlico Sound, its steady beam can be seen 14 miles to sea.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

Wow! Yesterday I wrote a few sentences about Tilmon Farrow. Then I did some research. It's all a little confusing, but now I'm on a mission to unravel the mystery. Here is what I've learned:

• In 1835 Wilson Tilmon Farrow, Sr. wrote a lengthy letter to an attorney in Boston, requesting his help regarding a "rascality" on Ocracoke that had something to do with the "robbing" of a vessel.
• Islanders somehow involved in this affair included William Howard (grandson of Ocracoke's first William Howard), his son-in-law Captain Elijah Chase, John Pike (island shopkeeper), and Jacob Gaskill (Ocracoke's Justice of the Peace). 
• Elijah Chase, descendant of prominent New England sea captains, and his wife Thurza Howard had left the state heading west, and "cannot be found."
• Allegations were made about "a warrant against one Capt. Weeks for an uncurrent [outdated or illegitimate] bank bill which Gaskins [Gaskill?] said the Capt. has passed to him."
• Tilmon Farrow wants to "add to the case Willis Williams...."

• In 1837 Jacob Gaskill gets into an argument with Willis Williams (Gaskill's cousin), and shoots him in the neck. Williams dies immediately. This is Ocracoke's first murder. 
• Tilmon Farrow is married to Anna Credle
• When Anna dies in 1845 Tilmon Farrow marries her sister Dorcas Credle, widow of Willis Williams.
• Anna and Dorcas have an older brother named Tilmon Farrow Credle (there must be a family connection). 
• Tilmon Farrow's son, Edward, marries Lucretia Credle Wahab, niece of Thurza Howard Chase.

I may never solve the mystery (what ship was robbed, what connections do all of these people have with each other and with the alleged crime, what was the argument that led to the murder, how does it all fit together, etc.) but it's fun trying...good mental exercise, like playing detective.

I'll keep you posted if I make any headway.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

Every once in a while I am still surprised by something I discover about Ocracoke. Just this morning, glancing through the 1870 census records I noticed that Tilmon Farrow, age 70 is listed as "Member of Legislature." A quick search of the Internet suggests that Farrow was a lawyer, and, as a younger man, was involved in several interesting cases involving Ocracoke natives.

More research is in order.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

I recently began reading James E. White's 2012 book, "Paradise Lost, An Oral History of Portsmouth Island." In 1880 the population of Portsmouth had declined to 226 people. White remarks that "Education that year is very interesting to say the least."

He explains: "Lilian Hancock was given as the school teacher, even though she was listed as being illiterate."

I guess they did the best they could, with the resources they had!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

The winter chill has finally retreated. The sun is shining, the sky is a welcoming azure hue, and folks are out and about all over the island...walking dogs, painting fences, digging in gardens, working on boats, and strolling along the seashore.

And tulips are popping up throughout the village. Spring has arrived.


















Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

Readers Jack and Toni commented on Friday's post. They had followed the link to view a number of Greg Pawelski's vintage Ocracoke Island photos. They were particularly interested in the Berkley Manor. The Manor was one of several structures built by Sam Jones in the 1950s (see my biography of Sam at http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news012111.htm for more information). Sam also built Berkley Castle which is now operated as a Bed & Breakfast.

All of Sam's buildings were of a similar architectural style, an idiosyncratic "Colonial Revival combined with distinctive shingled towers and numerous dormers." One Hatterasman visited Ocracoke soon after Sam had finished most of his buildings and remarked that "Sam Jones has shingled Ocracoke!"

Mary Ruth Dickson is Sam's granddaughter. Her father, Charlie Jones, died recently, and Mary Ruth has been sharing her father's photo collection. The photo below was taken while Berkley Castle was still under construction.













Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

We've never been able to verify the following story told by Charles T. Williams II in his 1975 book "The Kinnakeeter," but it is intriguing.

"[In 1590] his Majesty's Ship, John Evangelist, with her sails torn to shreds, was unable to maneuver and could no longer ride out the storm and had no recourse but to scud before the wind in a southerly direction. Upon her arrival at the Indian village of Kinnakeet [the modern village of Avon on Hatteras Island], the captain had to beach his ship. Her captain was a man named Caleb Williams, an Englishman; her mate was Elijah Meekins, and her cook was David O'Neal. These men and a few more of her crew survived, but most were drowned at sea. They were the first white men ever to set foot on Kinnakeet, N.C...

"...They intermarried and took unto themselves the young Indian lasses for their brides and raised children. Caleb Williams gave his wife an English name -- he named her Sarah; David O'Neal called his wife 'Morning Dew,' and Elijah Scarborough name his wife 'Olive.'"

Perhaps one day we will know the truth. In the meanwhile, it is fascinating to think that Native American blood still runs through the veins of most, if not all, historic Outer Banks families.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

Here's a fun photo taken at South Point more than 40 years ago by Greg Pawelski. He was kind enough to send it to me. You can see more of his pictures on our FaceBook page. Just click on the link to the right.

Morris Minor at South Point, 1968












Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

...a Western form of meditation."

So says my neighbor, Ann Ehringhaus. And I think she is correct.

I have been laid up with a major head cold for several days now. Don't want to do much more than sleep and read. I will be back at my blog soon.

I have read five books (actually I'm still reading two of them) in the last few days, though -- The Master Butcher's Singing Club, She, The Good News Club, Ocracoke Between the Storms, & An Anthropologist on Mars.

And I've learned three new words (all from An Anthropologist on Mars): hebetude, apocope, and chthonic (I had encountered this one before, but couldn't remember the definition). So, I am resting and learning. It could be worse.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

Every now and then I mention the old mailboat Aleta on this blog. (You can use the search box at the top left to read past posts.) The photo below is one I have published before. It will give new readers an image of the boat.

Mailboat Aleta














Several days ago Mary Ruth & Paul Dickson sent me copies of many of Mary Ruth's father's snapshots from the 1950s. This next photo is from Mary Ruth, and has only recently been published. The woman is sitting on one of the benches under the canvas cover. This was the most comfortable place on the vessel. You will notice that the captain decided to also bring aboard a load of barrels.The poor woman only has just enough room for her legs. Passenger amenities were in short supply on this voyage!

Under the Canvas Awning

















Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

Ocracoke has a long history of cordial relationships with the National Park Service. Of course, there are occasional frustrations with any bureaucracy, but the latest news is worrisome...and, we think, just plain silly.

According to official sources, an unusual strain of fungus has been reported on Outer Banks beaches. In the last few months several children walking barefoot on the beach have contracted this fungal infection.

In a case of monumental over-reaction, those in charge have mandated that until further notice, no one is permitted to walk on the beach without shoes.

Please take a moment to read the press release from the opposition (at least they have a sense of humor!) and sign the petition to stop this ridiculous rule: Fighting for the Soles of our Children.

Many thanks for your help!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

Another cycle has commenced. The Vernal Equinox, Passover, Spring Full Moon, Easter. Each one is a celebration of rebirth. Daffodils and tulips are poking their heads through the earth. Trees are budding. Days are lengthening. The air and water are gradually getting warmer. And Ocracoke village is awakening to another season of fishing, gardening, boating, and welcoming visitors.

Yesterday morning the Ocracoke Methodist Church hosted their annual Easter Egg Hunt. Here are a couple of photos:















Ocracoke's annual Easter sunrise service was held on the beach this morning.

No doubt about it -- another season is upon us. Hope to see you soon on the beach, or strolling down Howard Street.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

In 1948 country music star, Tex Ritter, recorded a popular song titled "Deck of Cards." Many of our older readers will remember the song (younger readers will know a more recent version) about a soldier who pulls out a deck of playing cards during a religious service. The recitation begins like this:

"Friends, this is Tex Ritter with a strange story about a soldier boy and a deck of cards"
Ritter goes on to tell how the young soldier's sergeant took him prisoner for his offense, and delivered him to the provost marshal. The marshal, highly offended by the boy's behavior in church, asks for an explanation. The soldier tells how he uses his deck of cards as his bible, prayer book and almanac (see http://www.songlyrics.com/tex-ritter/deck-of-cards-1948-lyrics/ for the complete lyrics.):  
"Sir, I have been on a march for six days and I had neither bible or prayer book, but I hope to satisfy you, Sir, with the purity of my intentions....
"You see sir when I see the Ace, it reminds me that there is but one God. And the deuce reminds me the bible is divided into two parts, the Old and the New Testament. And when I see the three, I think of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost…. 
"And when I see the queen, I think of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is queen of heaven. And Jack or knave is the Devil.

"When I count the number of spots of a deck of cards I find three hundred and sixty-five, the number of days in a year…
"So you see, Sir, my deck of cards serves me as a Bible, almanac and prayer book…."
Six years ago an old-time native islander told me about an Ocracoke musician who sang that song often and "got it wrong every time...always in a different way."  According to my neighbor, the singer's most memorable faux pas was "You see sir when I see the Ace it reminds me of the four wise men, Tom, Dick and Harry."

Only on Ocracoke....!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

A walk down Hammock Hills Nature Trail is always a delightful way to spend part of an afternoon. Not long ago I was standing on the platform overlooking the Sound when I noticed three egrets wading along the edge of a tidal creek. The glare on the camera display made it difficult to frame a photo, but I did get a shot of two of the birds.














Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

It is spring...maybe a bit breezy now and then...and chilly some days still...but hanging laundry on the line is a sure sign that the days are getting longer, and warmer weather is on the way.














Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

That is how much it cost the US government to build the Ocracoke lighthouse (and the keeper's quarters, and the whale oil storage shed) in 1823.













Today the Ocracoke Light, which can be seen 14 miles offshore, still guides mariners.


















Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

For more than 40 years Village Craftsmen has featured only American made handcrafts...the work of local, regional, and national woodworkers, potters, jewelers, glass blowers, and much more.

Pottery by Hank Goodman













 Our springtime hours are 10-5, Tuesday - Saturday, 10-2, Sunday (closed on Monday). Take a leisurely stroll down Howard Street when you are on the island, and stop by to see what new items we've added for 2013.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

...bug's ear.

This is a common expression in the South. But why would anyone think a bug's ear is cute? Most "bugs" don't even have ears. However their ability to detect high-pitched sounds is "acute." In eighteenth century England "cute" was often used as a synonym for "acute"...and frequently acquired the expanded meaning of "quick witted" or "mentally sharp." By the mid to late nineteenth century in the United States cute came to mean pretty or charming, rather than acute.

So..."bug's ears" might be "acute" but they're hardly cute.

Maybe "cute as a baby's ear" would be a better phrase. Here is a photo of an Ocracoke Baby's Ear (Sinum perspectivum) that I found on the beach a few days ago.

Baby's Ear Seashell













 Whether you're talking about a baby's ear or a Baby's Ear, they're both cute!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

A number of week ago I promised that I would publish some information about the wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells, on Ocracoke's beach in 1913. Some of our readers have seen parts of a wreck just north of the Pony Pen. Many believe these timbers are the remains of the Wells.

The George W. Wells














To read the story of this majestic ship click on this link: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.

Every morning I sit at my desk for a few minutes, and look across my front yard. This is my view...a sandy lane bordered by cedars and pines, and a picket fence.


















It is a tranquil way to start my day.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.