In Memory of Joe Phillips

Joseph Earl Phillips, 66, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 10, 2014. He was former postmaster at Hobucken Post Office and participated in many Island functions, notably the homecoming play.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 5142 N.C. 58, Wilson. The Rev. Steve Stevenson will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park. Visitation will be held tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Home.
Joseph was preceded in death by his father, James Luther Phillips Sr.
He is survived by his mother, Helen Williamson Phillips Sommerkamp Inman of Chocowinity; brother, James Luther Phillips Jr. of Hurdle Mills; sister, Marie Phillips Smith and husband, Danny R., of Aurora; nephews, Michael D. Deans of Aurora and Steven P. Deans and wife, Ashley, of Birmingham, Alabama; and niece, Helen Alicia Deans of Aurora.
Joseph Earl Phillips was a very active member in Hew Hope Missionary Baptist Church and will be missed by all of his church family. Joseph served his country as a medic in the U.S. Army. He also served in Vietnam, where he was wounded in action.
Online condolences can be made at www.thomasyelverton.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Home, 2704 Nash St. N., Wilson.

Quick, Get the Flit Can!

Photographed by User:Bullenwächter

How many of you know what a Flit Can is?  I can almost guarantee that every household on Goose Creek Island from the 1930's well into the 1960's had one.  This bug spraying gun was used quite regularly for mosquito's, flies or whatever may have come into it's line of fire. 

The Flit insecticide was invented in the late 1920's by chemist Franklin C. Nelson and was manufactured by the Standard Oil Co.  Unknowing to the chemist or the company, but it's lethal ingredient DDT would become known for it's negative environmental issues.

The only Flit Can I can remember was at Grandmama Elma Potter's house.  I don't think I ever saw it used, but I remember is sat on the floor behind the kitchen door.  When I mentioned my theme for today's story to an Islander, this is what I was told: "I remember you had to take the Flit Can to the outhouse so you could sit in peace!"