Islander of the Week is June Hathaway Lane

June Hathaway Lane is our Islander of the Week.  June is the daughter of the late Ray Hathaway and Lillian Louise Lupton Hathaway and grew up in Hobucken. She is now retired and resides in Orange Springs, Florida with her husband Arthur Lane.

In recent correspondence with June, she has vividly recalled growing up on the island in the 1940's. Participating in the 4-H Club was something new and exciting at that time.  She worked on several projects with the 4-H Club and her workbooks from that era are on display in Raleigh.

June also worked at the Hobucken Fire Tower from 1972 to about 1977.  Before June left Hobucken, she was one of the many volunteers that helped keep Hobucken Post Office open when it was slated to be closed.  

GCIJ:  You were involved in the Goose Creek Island 4-H Club during your youth.  Do you remember how many were in the club?
JHL:    There were about 20 in the club.  I remember Mrs. Joella Sadler invited us to her home for dinner one time.  About 5 of us went. All I can remember is we had mashed potatoes in bell peppers.

GCIJ:  You were employed to man the Hobucken Fire Tower.  What was your job?
JHL:    I worked up in the Hobucken Fire Tower starting in 1972 and worked there for about 5 years.  It was interesting work. Predicting sea breezes was part of my job and I had to keep logs.  When sea breezes occurred, I had to call in and let the Forestry Service know so they could close a fire in or surround the fire with fighters. At night during high fire seasons, we had to go back up the tower at night.  One time I spotted a fire that burnt many acres between Aurora and Grantsboro.

GCIJ:  Did you ever spot any marsh fires on the island?
JHL:   When a marsh is on fire, it burns as a black fire.  Other woodsy areas burn other colors. I did spot a fire behind the home of Mrs. Rena Sadler.  It didn't take long for the Forestry Service to put it out.

GCIJ:  What is your favorite traditional Goose Creek Island meal?
JHL:    Going to Clarence Potter's house for a good ole island oyster roast.  We'd carry our own oyster knives and a plate of fried or baked cornbread.  These oyster roasts were spur of the moment things, but lots of people showed up.  Mr. Clarence and Ms. Margie were good hosts.

GCIJ:  Are you planning to come home for Homecoming in October?
JHL:   Unfortunately, I we won't be able to make Homecoming this year.  Me and Arthur took part in many of the island Homecoming plays when we lived there.  I have them on video tape and miss not being able to attend them now days.

GCIJ:  Your memories of growing up in the 1940's in Hobucken has to include when you first learned how to ride a bike.  Would you like to share that memory?
JHL:  In the 1940's, the Hobucken Rd. was getting ready to be paved for the very first time.  The construction crew had put lots of sand on the existing dirt road.  Odell Spain taught me to ride my bike when the construction had started.  The sand was so thick that the wheels of the bike sunk deep. I could sit on the bike and never fall.