Telling Our Stories

  
   How many times has each of us heard the story about when the creek froze over? Or the night that Roland Styron ran off the draw bridge?  On Goose Creek Island, there are people who have a knowledge - a way of knowing details of events or even the knowledge of a skill, a skill that has come from experience or has been passed down from generations.  These people are much treasured resources who can share their story.
     I  have begun an oral history project to record these stories of our Island residents.  Their memories have evolved from firsthand knowledge and experience.  Their memories is what creates and shapes our Island life.  Memories of bygone days of fishing, activities that happened at church or at school, working in the fields or at the fish houses, or even stories of tragedy and triumph are valuable to our Island history and heritage. The voices, pictures and the written word are links to our culture and history.
     On Saturday, November 10th, the first storytelling event will take place on Goose Creek Island. Because it is Veteran's Day Holiday, it was only fitting that the first event reflect the memories of our Island veteran's.  Gene Lupton and Floyd Campen have graciously volunteered to let us record their stories.  We are hoping Freddie Lewis will join them as well.  These gentlemen were champions for our country and today are champions in our Island communities. The storytelling event is open to everyone who "wants to hear a story".
     Everyone has a story.  It doesn't have to be historical fact.  It can be a memory of growing up, what happened at work or at home.  Even a story about difficult times and times of rejoicing.  Telling our stories represents a lifetime of unique history.  It provides meaning and identity to "who we are".  I hope you will join us in what we hope will be a series of many more storytelling events on the Island.