We are happy to report two successful work days at Portsmouth and a well-attended spring meeting as well. It has been a busy time for the FPI board of directors, members, and volunteers.
On Thursday and Friday, May 14 and 15, a hardy group of volunteers descended on Portsmouth Village to begin some fun work! Our projects were a deep cleaning of the interior of the church, painting of the Visitor’s Center porch and trim, and the repair and painting of the Babb Cemetery fence. We were also able to accomplish cleaning windows at the lifesaving station and some painting of the McWilliams/Dixon house fence and porch railings. Special thanks go to Ernie Penley, Kathy McNeilly, Gregory Gilgo, Ann Shipstedt, Suzanne McWilliams, Jim Mink, Evelyn Mink, Phelps Forrest, Sharon Forrest, Keith Webber, Jean Webber, and Nancy White for all their time and efforts. We appreciate Captain Rudy Austin getting us over and back two days in a row, and VIP’s Ed and Rene Burgess who helped us organize, served us lunch on Friday and made sure we didn’t run amuck…
On April 28 and 29, work projects, repairs and “spring cleaning” were accomplished at the Henry Pigott house by Richard Meissner, Marjorie Spruill, Dallas Spruill, Pat Austin, and Rudy Austin. We can’t help but think that Henry and Lizzie Pigott would be very pleased. Thanks to these folks and to Ed and Rene Burgess as well. Henry’s House continues to be an ongoing project dear to the hearts of all of us.
Our spring meeting at Ocracoke on May 16 was attended by 50 people and a good time was had by all, despite a delay due to a malfunctioning oven. A highlight of the meeting was a special presentation to Kenneth E. Burke, Jr., who has done important historical research on Portsmouth, including his 1958 “THE HISTORY OF PORTSMOUTH, NORTH CAROLINA, FROM ITS FOUNDING IN 1753 TO ITS EVACUATION IN THE FACE OF FEDERAL FORCES IN 1861.” We were honored to have the Burke family in attendance as we presented a special plaque to Mr. Burke and we enjoyed his remarks very much. In addition, Glenn and Brenda White, Portsmouth volunteers, shared their Portsmouth photos and experiences at Portsmouth. We thank them for their time and efforts! Steve Neshkoff, VIP Coordinator for Cape Lookout National Seashore, represented the Park in his remarks and update on Portsmouth. We had a lot of first-time attendees and added some new members. Special thanks to so many people who helped us in many ways – Nancy White, Sharon Forrest, Phelps Forrest, Evelyn Mink, Marjorie Spruill, Leonard and Johanna Huber, Ann Shipstedt, Suzanne McWilliams, and those who helped prepare food for the brunch. Everyone’s love for Portsmouth has been very evident the past few days, and we feel good about things to come as we continue partnering with the NPS to preserve this special place.