News

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Fall Meeting Report

The Friends of Portsmouth Island held our fall membership meeting on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at the Sanitary Fish Market Restaurant in Morehead City.  We are happy to report a record attendance of 67 people, many of whom are descendents of Portsmouth families.  It was a great crowd!

Special guest Phyllis Gentry shared her memories of Portsmouth and provided photographs and scrapbooks containing lots of Portsmouth information.  Pat Kenney, Superintendent of Cape Lookout National Seashore, spoke to the group and introduced Steven Neshkoff, the new Volunteer Coordinator for CLNS.  Welcome Steven!

Officers for the next 2 years were elected as follows:  Rosanne Penley, President; Kathy McNeilly, Vice President; Jean Webber, Treasurer; Nancy White, Secretary; Board Members Frances Eubanks, Chester Lynn, Gregory Gilgo, Phelps Forrest, Rudy Austin, Jim White, and Richard Meissner, Immediate Past President.

Frances Eubanks presented a special plaque to Richard Meissner, outgoing president, for his service and dedication as president of FPI.

Drawings for door prizes were held, and many folks stayed to enjoy a Dutch treat lunch and to visit with each other.  Everyone had an opportunity to purchase t-shirts, books, notecards, homecoming pins, etc.  Thanks to all who attended, those who organized and worked at the meeting, our speakers, and to the Sanitary Fish Market.

Make plans to attend the spring membership meeting at Ocracoke on the third Saturday in May 2015!

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Doctor’s Creek Journal

The Homecoming edition of the Doctor’s Creek Journal has been published and mailed, so members need to check your mailboxes!  This issue contains homecoming photos and special interviews with FPI volunteers, visitors and descendants who were there on Homecoming day, as well as letters from the Superintendent of Cape Lookout National Seashore and the Bishop of the N.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church.  If you are not a member of FPI and wish to receive future issues, click on our membership tab above and you will find a printable membership form to download and mail.  Thanks to editor Jim White for this expanded issue of the Doctor’s Creek Journal!

 

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2104 Homecoming Photos Added

Click on the photo albums to the right of this page to check out the 2014 Homecoming and 2014 Homecoming Preparation photos.  Thanks to Frances Eubanks for her determination to get these pictures posted for YOU!  We hope you enjoy them.

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Hurricane Damage Update From NPS

We would like to thank Pat Kenney, Superintendent of Cape Lookout National Seashore, for the following report:

“Friends of Portsmouth Island,

I suspect you are wondering about the park and in particular Portsmouth Village.  Overall, the park was lucky since we took a direct hit.  Throughout the park we have lots of facilities that were impacted by the storm, most of them are relatively minor, but it all adds up.

Yesterday I visited Portsmouth Village with Michael Rikard and Dave Frum and we looked over the village.   There is minor damage to roofs and windows on many of the buildings.  The non-historic widow’s walk on the Carl Dixon house was blown off of the structure.  And it appears the church did experience some additional impacts.  None of the buildings were flooded by the tide.

We just received the draft Historic Structure Report that was developed to direct the rehab project of the church.  This Hurricane Sandy project is going to start later this summer.  The Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) is leading this effort.  These are the folks that did the work on the Wash Roberts House.

Due to our concerns from the additional impacts from Hurricane Arthur, HPTC is bringing in a crew next week to do temporary stabilization of the church to prevent additional damage.

We will be submitting the damage assessment reports and funding requests and hopefully monies will be provided to address this latest round of hurricane damage.

Also, I want you to know that we are working on a proposal for funding to look at the future of Portsmouth Village.  This is one of the highest planning needs for the park.  We need a plan that looks at the future of the village.  If we receive these funds, there will be a public process.

Patrick M. Kenney, Superintendent, CLNS”

Editor’s Note:  Check FPI’s Facebook page for a picture of the church taken on July 8.  Photo taken by Michael Rikard.

 

 

 

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Amazon Smile Special Until June 15!

If you have any items saved in your Amazon Smile cart, now is the time to shop!  Amazon Smile will donate an additional $5.00 to FPI on orders placed before June 15.  If you have not yet signed up for Amazon Smile and selected Friends of Portsmouth Island as your chosen organization, now is a good time to do so!

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Amazon Smile Program!

We are happy to announce that Friends of Portsmouth Island is now registered with the Amazon Smile Program!  Each time you make a purchase through Amazon, you can have 0.5% of your purchase price donated to FPI, at no cost to you.  It’s easy, but you’ll have to go into smile.amazon.com (https://smile.amazon.com/) to choose your charity, as well as each time you shop.  If you go in through the regular Amazon.com homepage, your purchase will NOT be credited to FPI (although Amazon may prompt you to go to the Smile page).  So once you’ve picked Friends of Portsmouth Island as your charity, be sure to bookmark the link.  Check out this link for further information on the  the program:  http://smile.amazon.com/about.  Happy shopping!

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Homecoming Photos on Facebook!

After reading our Homecoming Report below (just scroll down), be sure to check out our Facebook page for photos.  You can click the tab at the right or sign into Facebook to see the posts and photos.  Our photo editor hopes to have the 2014 Homecoming photos up soon, but you can see lots of pictures on the Facebook page in the meantime.  And feel free to post your own pictures on our page!  Tell us about your Homecoming experience!

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Homecoming Report

Homecoming 2014 was a huge success!  It was a most blessed day with good weather, good people, good food, and good memories.  We counted approximately 450 in attendance , and with 65 wonderful volunteers, we got it done!  We wish to thank everyone who made the effort to come and be with us during this special day.

The day’s events began with a ribbon-cutting at the Washington Roberts House, the first time the house has been open to visitors.  Jean Webber, a Roberts descendent, and Michael Rikard, NPS, welcomed the visitors and discussed the history of the house.  Other houses and buildings open were the Theodore and Annie Salter House (Visitor Center), the Post Office, the School, the newly renovated Henry Pigott House, the Gilgo House, the McWilliams/Dixon House, and the Lifesaving Station.  We were pleased to have descendents from the families at most of the houses and buildings to greet visitors and answer questions.

The Post Office was open for canceling mail, and we had a t-shirt booth, a notecards and postcard booth, and a membership table for those who wanted to join FPI or renew their memberships.

At  10:30 everyone gathered in front of the church for a group photo before the Homecoming Program began under the tent.  The invocation was held by the Reverend Gil Wise, Beacon District Superintendent.  Richard Meissner, President of FPI, gave the introduction and recognized the guests, descendants, and first time visitors.  Patrick Elijah Eugene, the great grandson of Theodore and Annie Salter, led the group in the Pledge of Allegience.  The hymn ” Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” was sung by all.

Pat Kenney, Superintendent of Cape Lookout National Seashore, greeted the crowd. Connie Mason sang an old favorite, “Marian’s Song” for us.  The Words of Reflection were given by Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Resident  Bishop, North Carolina Conference.

David Quinn, the grandson of Dot Salter Willis, told the story of the history of Portsmouth Island, just as she had done in the past.  The hymn “Sweet By and By” was sung by all.  Reverend Linda Taylor, Sound District Superintendent, gave the closing prayer.  The tolling of the church bell was in memory and honor of all descendents, those living and those who are no longer with us.  We closed with the hymn “God Be With You.”. Reverend Laura Stern, Pastor of the Ocracoke United Methodist Church, gave the dinner blessing , and the line formed at the food tent!  There was ham , chicken, salads, beans, breads, vegetables, and plenty of desserts!  At 1:00 the buildings and booths reopened until the passenger ferries began returning to Ocracoke.

Thanks to everyone who came out.  We hope you were able to relax and enjoy the village, as well as visit with friends and relatives.  Even though the church was not open due to hurricane damage, she still looked beautiful decorated with fresh flowers by Chester Lynn.  Happy 100th Birthday to the Portsmouth Methodist Church!

Let’s do it again in 2016!

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Homecoming 2014 Information

If coming for the day on the Cedar Island Ferry, you will need to make reservations with the North Carolina Ferry Service  at 1-800-BY -FERRY. The ferry prices and schedules are subject to change before April, so make your own plans and reservations.  At this time, walk-ons do not need reservations.  From Ocracoke to Portsmouth, you will need reservations with Rudy Austin.  If coming from Hatteras or if already on Ocracoke, you will still need reservations with Rudy.

Reservations to Portsmouth from Ocracoke should be made with Rudy at 252-928-4361 ($20 per person, round trip).  Do not call Rudy until the first of AprIl.

4WD owners might drive from the Long Point Camps.  Catch the vehicle ferry from Atlantic, then travel 17 miles up the beach to Portsmouth.  Contact Morris Marina at Atlantic for reservations (252-225-4261).

You may, of course, travel in your own boat!

1. Dress for the weather and the boat ride.  Bug spray, water, and good walking shoes are important.  Your picnic items, chairs, etc, will be loaded onto an ATV cart to be carried into the  village for you as you walk in.

2.Portsmouth t-shirts  and notecards will be available for a donation.  The Portsmouth post office will be open and a special cancellation will be available for that day only.

3.  The Portsmouth Methodist Church building is 100 years old in 2014 .  This will be the focus of Homecoming this year.  The Methodist Bishop of North Carolina will be our special guest.  Due to damage From Hurricane Sandy, the church may not be open, but we will still celebrate her birthday!

4.  After Homecoming services,  “dinner on the grounds” will be served.  Be sure to bring a dish that will be shared with others.  Paper products, tea and ice will be provided by FPI.

5.  Major buildings will be open.  FPI  members, many of whom are family members related to each building, will be on-site hosts at those buildings. The Washington Roberts house  will be open for the first time.

6.  At the Henry Pigott house, James and Celestine Carter, Elaine Clark , and Phillip Howard will be there to greet you.

7.  At the Washington Roberts house, Jean Webber (Roberts descendent) and Dr. Michael Rikard of CLNS will be at the ribbon cutting ceremony which will be held at 9:00 a.m.

8.  Lionel Gilgo (son) and Gregory Gilgo (grandson) will be at the Lionel and Emma Gilgo house.

9.  James Charlet and Linda Malloy of the Chicamacomico Lifesaving station will be at the Portsmouth Lifesaving station.

10.  At the Annie & Theodore Salter house, Barbara Gaskin-Eugene (granddaughter), Debbie Gaskins Penny ( Granddaughter), and Patrick Eugene  (great grandson)  and Phillip Gaskins (great grandson) will be there to meet you.

11. Available in the tent will be Carolyn Erwin  (daughter of Dorothy Bedwell) and Chester Lynn  (church information), David Quinn, (grandson of Dot Willis),  Robert McWilliams, Cornelious Styron, Susanna McWilliams, Anna McWilliams Shipstedt, and James Barrie Gaskill.

12.  The Portsmouth post office will be open for business.

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Friends of Portsmouth Island is on Facebook

WE ARE ON FACEBOOK!

Be sure to check us out on our new Facebook page!  Click on the Facebook link to go directly to our page.   Feel free to post your comments and photos about our favorite place!

WEBSITE UPDATES

We are currently encountering some problems with our Photo Gallery due to some website updates.  We appreciate your patience and hope to have this completed soon!

CONGRATULATIONS!

We are pleased to report that the Friends of Portsmouth Island has been recognized by the North Carolina Society of Historians with two awards:  (1) the Malcolm Fowler Society Award for FPI’s dedication and devotion to preserving and perpetuating North Carolina history (Henry House Project), and (2) the Claude Hunter Moore Journal Award (Doctor’s Creek Journal, edited by Jim White).  These awards were granted on October 19, 2013, and we would like to congratulate all members of FPI for helping us keep alive our mission to preserve both Portsmouth’s and North Carolina’s history.  The Malcolm Fowler Society Award will be hung in Henry’s House for visitors to see.

FALL MEETING – 2014

FPI’s fall membership meeting will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at the Sanitary Restaurant in Morehead City.  The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be followed by a dutch treat lunch, ordering from the menu.  This will be an important meeting as we will be electing officers for the next 2 years.  Please come out and support FPI and the Sanitary Restaurant.

Please note that  because 2014 is a homecoming year (April 26, 2014), there will be no regular spring membership meeting.  That meeting will resume in 2015, which is not a homecoming year, so we really hope you will plan to attend the fall meeting in Morehead City on September 20!

VILLAGE AND CHURCH UPDATE

Although the church is still closed for assessments and repairs, the village is OPEN to visitors.   Haulover Dock has been repaired, and the Austins can get you over to Portsmouth.   Give them a call at 252-928-4361 or 252-928-5431.  The dock at Henry’s house has been repaired as well, so things are moving along.

HOMECOMING 2014!

For those who like to plan early, put April 26, 2014 on your calendar for the next Portsmouth Homecoming!  It’s never too early to make plans, and we want to give all plenty of notice!  Be sure to check out our Photo Gallery link for pictures of Homecoming 2012.  The Homecoming Committee is hard at work planning for April and you won’t want to miss this one!  We are so pleased that the Washington Roberts house will be open for viewing for the first time during Homecoming, so don’t miss this opportunity to see it!  Continue to check this website and our Facebook page for specific Homecoming details as soon as they are finalized.

For additional information on Homecoming and Portsmouth, click on our “Cape Lookout National Seashore” link and the “Visiting Portsmouth” link and you will find additional general information regarding Homecoming, audio tours, brochures, etc.

DOCTOR’S CREEK JOURNAL

Contact editor Jim White (info@jamesedwardwhite.com) for questions relating to the newsletter or if you would like to submit photos, articles, etc.   Be sure to keep your membership current so you don’t miss any issues of the Doctor’s Creek Journal.   You won’t want to miss the next one!

HENRY’S HOUSE PROJECT

FPI’s current project is the renovation, furnishing and opening to the public of the Henry Pigott House in Portsmouth Village.   The house has been under lease for many years and considered a private residence.  In December 2010 the Friends of Portsmouth Island received a Special Use Permit from the NPS to renovate the house and associated buildings on the lot.  When the restoration is complete, the house will be open to visitors as a museum with emphasis on the last residents, Henry and Lizzie Pigott (1930-1971).  The cost of the project is being funded by contributions to the Friends of Portsmouth Island-Henry’s House Project Fund.  A lot of work has already been done to the house, and we dedicated the house at Homecoming with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the house.  The house is furnished with period furniture that belonged to Henry and Lizzie Pigott, as well as other pieces from Portsmouth.  The work is ongoing, and we have established a fund for the continuing maintenance of Henry’s House.  Work continues on the house as weather permits.  We are so proud that the N.C. Society of Historians have recognized the importance of this project with the Malcolm Fowler Society Award we recently received.  This award will be displayed in Henry’s House for all to see, and the house will be open for touring at Homecoming!

MEMBERSHIP

If you are not a member and wish to join, please click on the “Contact Us” link to request a membership form, and we will get one to you right away.   Dues for members are renewed each January, so we ask all members to send your dues as soon as possible so we don’t have to go to the extra expense of sending out reminders. We appreciate those who have kept their memberships updated!