The New Generation of Goose Creek Islanders

     Goose Creek Island is an isolated oasis of soundside marshland.  For centuries it has been an island of watermen, farmers and hunters.  Here, everyone knows everyone.  The island is nothing more than one big neighborhood and most folks all seem to share the same half dozen last names.  It's a working community. Some young islanders leave for college, military service, or jobs. Most don't return.  Yet some have followed their fathers into the fishing business while others have gone away for long stretches working on tugboats.
    However, there is a generation of islanders who continue to make Goose Creek Island their home and desire their children to grow up in our close knit community.  With a population of less than 500 within the two island communities, the folks here are devoted to family, religion, hard work and the water.

     Earl Sadler Jr., a native of Lowland, grew up helping his father and mother in their seafood business.  He left for college right after graduation from high school. After completing his studies and graduating from UNC-W with a teaching degree and brief stint in Wilmington, Earl and his wife Merry were able to come home and teach in Pamlico County.  Following in the community dedicated spirit of his late mother, Earl is a central figure in the community.  Not only is he an educator, he is also a minister, the "go-to" guy, and an unofficial disaster relief coordinator (as quoted by his fellow neighbors).
     "I love you honey, but I will NEVER live in Lowland!", proclaimed his wife Merry, when they were dating and going to school in Wilmington.  All Earl could do was pray that her heart would change.   Earl said he never could understand the feelings of young people declaring to move off the island at their first chance.  "Where else would anyone want to live?  We have everything that makes life special. Good friends and neighbors, wonderful church families, the water, abundant wildlife, and most importantly freedom."
     Earl explained that when he was growing up, he didn't admire movie stars or athletes.  It was the men in the community that he most looked up to.  Men like Merritt Watson, Vernell Ballance, Kit Lupton, Reginald Caroon and many others were his role models.  It was these hardworking people who helped develop a hardy class of residents.  They knew how to work in difficult circumstances, how to look out for themselves and their neighbors......people who knew how to serve.
     "We still produce men like this", said Earl,  "they know how to work hard, how to serve God, and help their communities. It is my honor to try to fill the shoes of those that have gone before me and serve beside the residents who continue to make Goose Creek Island special."
    Earl said that it is his prayer that his children are learning some of the same lessons he learned growing up on the island.  When his son helps dig a grave for a community member, volunteers with the fire department or when his daughter helps her mother bake for a community bake sale or participates in the homecoming play, it is these experiences that will help them come to the place that they embody the best of what it means to be a Goose Creek Islander.
    After graduation from college and living in Wilmington for a year, Earl and Merry got positions with the Pamlico County School System.  They lived in the big city of Alliance until the day......the day Earl said he'd never forget.  After his grandmother Rosa Howerin had passed away, Earl and Merry stopped to get gas at the Handy Mart in Alliance.  As he was getting out of the car to pump gas, Merry asked, "Have you ever thought of living in Grandma's house?"  As he stood outside the car, he looked up to heaven and thanked God, then stooped down to look at his wife and said, "You know that's a great idea, we ought to think about it".  Twenty years later, Earl, Merry and his children Trey and Madison are still calling Goose Creek Island home.

Earl Sadler, Jr. with son Trey, wife Merry and daughter Madison

    Joy Williams Guidry and her husband Percy say Hobucken is home.  Joy grew up on Hobucken and after high school, decided to travel to Everglades City, Florida to visit with family. While there she gained employment with Billy Potter, son of Hubert Potter, in his restaurant.  Joy met Percy Guidry and after a brief courtship, they were married in Lowland and made their home in Hobucken to begin their family. After 13 years, they have 4 beautiful children that keep them busy with everything from dance lessons to church activities.
     Living in Hobucken was an easy choice for Joy.  No matter the inconviences of living an isolated distance from grocery stores and doctors, Joy and Percy say they live in a peaceful community that loves each other and is willing to watch out for each other.  "I just want to give my kids what I had growing up", said Joy. 

      "It definately has changed alot, but what has stayed the same is why I'm here," said Joy.  "I enjoy knowing my neighbors and not just the ones that are close.  I like the history of this island and the fact that my roots run deep here."
     Joy said that even though there has been some changes on the island, some things remain the same like the slower pace of life.  She enjoys the fact that she can sit on her front porch and feel the breeze coming from Jones Bay. Even the smell of the fish house or the marsh at low tide keeps her grounded to her roots on the island.  "I enjoy taking my children to church, helping plan community events, attending Homecoming in October, planting a garden, even chit chatting at the post office or waving at a passing car. It's those simple things is makes this island special. Sure we have mosquito's and hurricanes, but I feel that's what makes us tough. It's the price you pay to live in God's country."
     Joy explained that she has a feeling of loyalty here.  "I may visit other places, but this will always be home.  And I think I will be here awhile."

Percy and Joy Williams Guidry with their children Josey, Lil Percy, Loni, and Kayley.

    Aimee Leary Rowe of Lowland didn't stray far from her island roots either. She and her husband William Rowe, with their two children, Charles and Aaron live in the house Aimee grew up in.  It is the home that she continues to share with her mother Sharon Leary.  Aimee has also followed in her mother's footsteps working with the U.S. Postal Service.  Aimee is the mail carrier for the island and other mainland communities.  William works as a lineman for Tideland EMC that provides electric service for the island. William's expertise with his job has also enabled him to be the Fire Chief of the Goose Creek Island Volunteer Fire Department. Even their oldest child Charles who is 10 years old is following in the footsteps of his late grandfather, Benny Charles Leary.  Charles is helping his Uncle Scooter this summer crabbing.
     Aimee said, "I can remember the day I graduated high school, my exact words were, if I ever get out of here, I'll never come back."  Boy, did she eat them words.  Her father Benny Charles Leary was dying, and as an only child, she promised him that she'd take care of her mother.  With the support of her husband William, they came home.

Aimee and William Rowe

      "Once you've lived on Goose Creek Island, where everyone knows everyone and cares about each other, it's hard to live in an area where no one knows you", said Aimee. "I had a wonderful childhood on this island. When I talk about it to my new friends and co-workers, they always say, that must be a wonderful place."
     Her childhood memories are becoming reality again. Her two boys are able to experience the freedom she had growing up.  "There's no worries about where the boys are.  If their late, I go to the door and holler, just as my mom did, and they come running."  Aimee said the boys are absorbing the freedoms' that this island gives.  They can jump on their 4-wheelers and ride off for some fishing down the road.  Her 10 year old is already learning to drive a car, just as she did at that age.

Aaron and Charles Rowe

     Aimee said, "My daddy would be proud to know that his grandchildren are learning the life of their ancestors. Those 4-wheeler rides, learning to drive a stick shift and crabbing with their uncle...this is part of their roots...it's part of growing up on this island."  When we all get to experience those freedoms, we can all say that 'our roots run deep'. 

    Like Aimee, at the end of Hobucken Rd., before the pavement ends, you will find Charlie Ireland, Jr. who continues to reside on the property where he grew up. Charlie grew up on Hobucken doing those things that all island boys do, like playing in the woods, swimming at the old draw bridge, or fishing at Doll's Creek at Bert Robinson's net house. After high school, he wasn't planning on leaving the island.  This was home and he already had roots firmly planted here. 
     Luckily for Charlie, he doesn't have to drive far to get to work.  He is caretaker for the James Johnson property that overlooks the Pamlico Sound.  Each day, Charlie gets to ride down the gravel road towards Middle Bay and take in the views of Jones Bay.  It's a quiet ride. A ride that passes through one of the most tranquil places on the island. Passing over the marsh into the secluded pine hammocks, full of wildlife, heading towards the shore of the vast Pamlico Sound.  
     Charlie acknowledged that his wife Carla, who grew up in nearby Aurora, early in their marriage tried vigorously to drag him off elsewhere to live.  It didn't work. "I like the idea of raising my children here.  I want to instill in them the same experiences I had growing up here", said Charlie.  Charlie said there's no where near the number of children that used to be on the island.  "Every time a hurricane hits us, more and more original residents leave.  Many do not return."
         Although Charlie's wife Carla had reservations about living on the island, she did say she has learned that the longer she lives here, the more she finds the endearing qualities that the island possess. "This community is not just friendly, they consider themselves to be family. Whenever tragedy strikes a home, the outpouring of support is guaranteed from all the island folks", said Carla.

Charlie Ireland, Jr., with his wife Carla and children Hunter and Shelby

       Charlie said it's always nice to see the "off-island" folks come home every now and then.  He still enjoys hearing them talk about old times.  So, just like his grandfather Nat Ireland and his great grandfather Tom Goodwin Ireland, Charlie is going to stick with the Island through the good times and the bad. "In the words of my father, Charlie Ireland Sr., this is the best place I've ever been.!" said Charlie. Carla added that, "I guess I could sum up my opinion, of Goose Creek Island to this, while most people would say, "It's such a long drive!" I would say, "It's worth the long drive!"



Earl Sadler Jr., is the son of the late Patsy Howerin Sadler and Earl Sadler, Sr.  Grandson of Rosa and Richard Howerin and  Joe and Ruby Sadler.


Joy Williams Guidry is the daughter of Karen Sadler O'Neal and the late Oswald Williams Sr.  She is granddaughter of Sherwood and Irene Williamson Sadler and Helen B. Williams


Aimee Leary Rowe is the daughter of Sharon Lupton Leary and the late Benny Charles Leary.  She is granddaughter of Cassie and Millard Lupton and Mattie and Roland Leary, Sr.

Charlie Ireland Jr., is the son of the late Charlie Ireland, Sr. and Rhonda Heavner.  He is the grandson of Nat Ireland and great grandson of Tom Goodwin Ireland.