My Camp's Front Porch Toilet - by the late Eugene "Gene" Price

Eugene "Gene" Price, honored journalist, editor of the Goldsboro News-Argus,  former press secretary to US Rep. Herbert C. Bonner, member of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, sadly passed away in January 2019. Gene found Goose Creek Island many years ago and had a "camp" at The Pondersosa, Lowland. He spent many weekends here and fell in love with our little Island, the river, the creeks, the skies, and the people that make our Island beautiful. Sadly, I was unable to interview him before his passing but we had corresponded before he became ill. His daughter Sue has passed on a few stories of his time on Goose Creek Island and she remarked how much he loved to go to "the camp." I recently purchased his book Folks Around Here. It is dotted with his stories and several are of his time at Goose Creek Island. Here is one that I am sure you will enjoy. 

Gene on the porch of his camp on Goose Creek Island

Photo courtesy of Sue Price Johnson

My Camp's Front Porch Toilet

GOOSE CREEK ISLAND - Despite all it's shortcomings, perhaps my camp here on the island should be in the Guinness Book of Records. Its toilet is on the front porch.

There's a reason for that of course. When I first bought the camp some 30 years ago it had a commode located in the cement block utility room which now houses a couple of outboard motors, two barrels of nets, an array of tools, assorted waterfowl decoys, leaky waders and equally leaky boots, cans of useless paint and an assortment of gummed up and dried paint brushes (also useless), and an antique Underwood typewriter, along with several mostly empty bottles of "spirits."

It was a perfectly good commode.

But it had a problem. It would flush - but it wouldn't swallow. 

I tried numerous approaches to the problem, such as pouring all sorts of guaranteed solutions into the bowl, letting them "set" for the appointed time before flushing. All with the same lack of results. The woods around the camp had become pockmarked with little squares of white (well, slightly streaked) paper as testimonials to my plumbing failures. 

In exasperation, I appealed to my good Goose Creek Island friend John Collins to find someone who could solve the problem. 

"Oh," assured John, "it won't be a problem, Vernell (Ballance) and I can fix it right up. We just got to raise the commode."

"Whatever it takes..." I insisted.

On my next trip to the Island, I made my mandatory stop at John's house in "downtown" Lowland. (Not to stop and have a drink with John was to be subjected to a subsequent lecture on my having treated him "mighty shabby."

"Cap'n Gene!" John greeted me, "did you bring your Kodak!" (To John, all cameras were Kodaks.)

I assured John I always brought my Kodak. And he admonished that we just had to get "a picture of the toilet."

Encouraging news indeed! Until we arrived at the camp.

Pursuing their diagnosis of the problem, John and Vernell had removed the commode, poured an eight-inch high square concrete base and reinstalled the stool. Then dutifully flushed it. Disappointingly, and characteristically, the commode flushed - but failed to "swallow."

Undeterred, John and Vernell raised it another eight inches - with the same results. And a third time...

When I entered the utility room, the commode was just the right height for me to walk up to it, rest my chin on its front and "throw up." I could sit on it, but would have to lean way forward to keep my back from hitting the rafters. And it still wouldn't "swallow."

John and I spent the next morning probing for the septic tank. And found it - partially under the front porch. And considerably uphill from the utility room where the commode reigned on its new throne.

That afternoon, in keeping with Plumbing 101, John and I removed the commode from its impressive roost and installed it on the front porch. Straight downward shot to the septic tank! And its been flushing and swallowing there ever since. 

We enclosed that corner of the porch, of course. And in deference of modesty of some visitors, we even hung a previously discarded shower curtain over the toilet door. 

Need Directions on Goose Creek Island?

The Canal

Picture this in your mind. 

Someone who has never been to Goose Creek Island is riding around the Island. Maybe they're looking for someone's house or out sight-seeing. 

They're lost because they have no cell phone signal to look at their GPS. 

Scene One: You're feeding the ducks at Pate Boatyard (pretend you are Lucille Sadler) and they stop by and ask, "I'm trying to get to the Community Center." 

As a true Goose Creek Islander, how would you steer them in the right direction?

Answer: "Well, the Community Center is over there where the old school used to be, across from the Funny Farm. Just go down this road a ways and turn left at Alcock's corner. Once you turn at Alcock's Corner, the community center is over on the left, right there where the old baseball field used to be. If you go too far, watch out for Nelvin, he's the Island police officer. He might wave you down and stop you. If you're lucky you may get by with a warning ticket."

Scene Two: You're hanging net in your yard (let's pretend it's Mitchie Ray and Scooter at Scooter's house) and a car pulls up, lost. They're looking for the place to buy some of those I & M Oysters. 

Answer: "Well, you're close. Just go back 'out the road' and make a left to go 'Round the Horn'. Go 'round the road' till you see Oyster Creek Road. Turn right, you will go around a couple of sharp turns. The last sharp turn is there at Brown's, but go on to the end. I & M Oysters is there at the landing. Watch out for the water, we've got a moderate North East breeze."

Our sense of direction is a real Island developed language. Those that are unknowing to our ways of Island directions really can't understand if they're coming or going. Here is some Island navigational words and locations that true Islanders understand.

Out The Road - direction depends on if you are coming or going

Down the Road - again, direction depends on if you are coming or going

'Round the Road - you're going around the loop 

Around the Loop - you're going 'Round the Road

"Round the Horn - you're going around the loop road depending on location 

Up The Prong - one always goes Up the Prong, never Down the Prong

At The Landing - well, that depends, whose Landing you're trying to get to? 

Going to the Store - again, that depended on whose store you where going to (none exist now)

The Canal - that's an easy one, the small section of canal that was dug for the Intracoastal Waterway. The Coast Guard Station is located on 'The Canal'. 

Springs Creek - that little section of homes between Hobucken and Lowland

Potter Ditch - the main lead ditch you cross as you come into Lowland.

The Marshes - former settlement in the area in the marshes beyond where the pavement runs out in Hobucken

Drum Creek - just down past where the pavement runs out in Hobucken

Out to Middle Bay - the end of the dirt road once you pass the Marshes and Drum Creek

Jimmy's Hole - an old boat basin at the end of Doll's Creek Rd. 

Foot The Road - the end of the road in Lowland, overlooking Goose Creek. 

Alcock's Corner - at the intersection of Hobucken Rd. and Schoolhouse Rd. 

Clark's Corner - at the intersection of Lowland Rd. and Middle Prong Rd., where you turn to go Up the Prong. 

There's really no way you can get lost on Goose Creek Island. It's pretty much one way in and one way out. 

Maybe I need to compile a Goose Creek Island Map showing those place names and features for newcomers and visitors. Some once prominent places have since disappeared but the names are still very much used, such as the school house, Miss Lela's, or the Honky Tonk. Nevertheless, the local names for many geographical areas on the Island persist in our language, especially among us native born Islanders. 

I am so thankful that we still use these names and phrases today. Now, how many of you know where Sally's or Browns is at?

An Island Hug for this New Year

Photo By Greg Ballance. Sunset December 30, 2019 Goose Creek Island

The Island can be nosy. Everyone knows everything about you.

The Island can be opinionated. There is no shortage of people, all generations, who feel they know "best" and their opinion should be followed.

The Island can be judgmental. Makes one wonder if you laughed to loud at an inappropriate joke or provided that opinion, will you be snubbed?

The Island holds grudges from last month, last year, and the last decade like it happened yesterday.

Quite frankly, the Island can be stifling, like a strong hug that is at first comforting but too tight and lasts too long. Hugs are tricky like that.

Grudges, snubs and arguments are part of Island life. They do get tossed aside when something happens to an Islander. Potluck dinner is put together overnight when someone on the Island is sick. Baby and bridal showers are attended by almost everyone. Grass mysteriously gets mowed for an older resident who has left the Island for the day. We are gifted at comforting and loving our people.

Don't get me wrong, the Island does have its cliques, but none no stronger than being an Islander. Being an Islander means there is always someone around to vent to, to talk to, to offer a kind word, a prayer, to share a cup of coffee, or a beer. Someone to laugh with, to cry with or to lean on.

Yes, that stifling hug that is too tight and too long is our Island's greatest strength. But to move forward, sometimes that all-encompassing, giant hug needs to relax so we don't get stuck in our tracks. That is what is so special about being here.

As we move into a new year and new decade, I hope the Island continues to be forever our strong and harmonious home. We have so much to appreciate from our past. And our present continues to provide the care of keeping our Island strong. But I look forward to our Island future and the continuance of our community strengths through innovations and progress. So in 2020, lets honor our past by living in the present to plan for our Island future.

Happy New Year
Tina

The Old Cemetery at Peyton's Point

Last August, just before Hurricane Florence, I had the pleasure of spending the day with my cousin Richard Lewis of Elizabeth City.  Richard had come "home" for a week to spend time at his home, the former Jonah and Ollie Lewis homeplace, to do some fishing and visit with friends and family.

One day while Richard was home, me and Joe launched the pontoon boat at Oyster Creek and Richard hopped aboard for a cruise around the Island.  The day was absolutely beautiful.  We headed out Oyster Creek and then turned into the River.  We stayed close to shore as we traveled towards Goose Creek.  We marveled at how much River Shore had changed. The ever present Indian Island in the distance was no longer that grand island of yesteryear, but still held the same presence of mystery in its decline.

A couple of sailboats were making their way across Pamlico River and soon fell in behind us as we entered Goose Creek.  We passed Fulford's Point, talking about the days of swimming there and how many souls were baptized in those shallow waters.  We soon made our way to Dixon Creek and "foot the road".

As we got closer to Peyton's Point and entering Dixon's Creek, we began searching for the old cemetery located on Peyton's Point.  Eventually, I was able to spot a headstone along the shore. We eased the boat up to the shore and tied up to a tree.  Me and Richard climbed out and within a few steps we found the cemetery I had always heard about, but had not ever visited.

Laying at rest among the pines and scrub oaks are Edward and Sarah Clark, along with Martha Buck, Henry and Thomas Clark. Although the cemetery is starting to decline from the elements of erosion, nearby flowers still bloomed that had been planted many years ago.

I am glad we took the time to visit Peyton’s Point and to witness the final resting place of these folks on this little secluded peninsula over looking Goose

 

Why We Come Home

An old Island home place springs back to life when it's decedents come home.

An old Island church bell rings it's invitation on a beautiful Sunday morning.

A evening ride around the Island is a journey of remembrance.

 

There is comfort here in the ritual of remembering.  This is why we come home.

 

 

Goose Creek. Photo by Nathan Lewis.

 
Tomorrow we will all come together. Homemade pies, secret recipe casseroles, a traditional pot of collards, maybe some fried shrimp will be shared.  But most importantly it will be the hugs and smiles of those who come together.

What began in 1974 as a centennial celebration earmarking the 100 years Goose Creek Island became part of Pamlico County, homecoming quickly grew into an annual event.  For 44 years, we've still continued to uphold our history of this special place.  Family ties, abundant recollections and stories of our Island beauty fills and nurtures our Island spirits. It is these intersections of memory and of the present that is embodied within our Island soul.

There will be people we have not seen in a while.  And there will be people we cannot see.  By our gathering, their spirits will fill those voids.  There's no doubt much has changed on the Island.  A once bustling and prime location of North Carolina's seafood industry, every person had some salt instilled in their blood from toiling in the sea. And the many farmers who plowed the rich, black earth of the Island soil, gave significance to the place where the land and sky meets the water.

As hurricanes and opportunities abroad have dwindled our numbers, many still remain.  The great news is many are coming back.  This summer alone has brought back three Island natives and descendants in securing their place on the Island.  I hope to see many more "come home".  It's here were they can find peace among their people.

As the web of descendants grow more complex each year, the stark beauty of the Island heritage continues to pull us home.  There's a deep connection we have for the Island.  When one drives over the bridge, isn't it "the prettiest sight ever been?"

So tomorrow, let's continue our lifelong connection to Goose Creek Island.  Let's prove to the "naysayers" that this far off, out of the way village will continue to keep the Island's past - the stories, people, and traditions - alive.  This is why we come home.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the ferry Governor Scott is sitting on the bottom at the tip of Brandt Island Shoals? 

LCT 590 (Landing Craft Tank 590) was built in 1943 by Pidgeon-Thomas Iron Co. in Memphis, Tennessee for the Department of Defense.  The vessel was built to carry Sherman tanks as landing craft.  On June 6th 1944, LCT 590 participated in beach operations at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France.  As one can imagine on that heroic date, the LCT 590 sustained heavy damage and casualties as it delivered its tanks and troops. The vessel's Ensign was able to save the LCT 590 by securing repairs offshore of Normandy with the USS Arikara.   At some point after the invasion, the Ensign of LCT 590 was awarded the Silver Star and the Navy Cross for his actions in saving the vessel that fateful day.

In 1950, the State of North Carolina purchased LCT 590 from a government surplus sale. Registered in Elizabeth City, LCT 590 was renamed as Ferry Governor Scott, named after William Kerr Scott, Governor of North Carolina (1949-1953) at the time.  It was put into service as a car and equipment ferry that ran from Manteo to Manns Harbor until 1962.

By the end of 1962, the Governor Scott had been removed from ferry service and was towed to the tip of Brandt Island Shoals and released.  It is there that the Governor Scott sank and met its final fate. Claimed by the rough waters of Pamlico Sound and the aerial target practice from local military, a piece of D-Day and NC Ferry Service history is just laying off of Goose Creek Island.

LCT 590 before conversion to Ferry Governor Scott

Old Ferry Dock in Manns Harbor

Graham Potter - Just A Farmer

History books are filled with stories of great men and women.  But to learn about the average person, one has to dig around or listen to the stories that has been passed down from generation to generation. 

One story of an average person on Goose Creek Island is about my great-great grandfather Graham Potter who died 106 years ago on June 19, 1912. 

I thought it would be good to document his story, as the descendants of Graham Potter gathered together two weeks ago to celebrate family.  And also the weather we have been having was very much like the weather over 100 years ago.

On June 19, 1912, Graham Potter and his family were working on the family farm, located at the end of Middle Prong Rd.  The weather was much like the days we have been having recently.  The weather was hot, humid and with the normal late afternoon thunderstorms building up to the west of the Island, and roaring down the Pamlico River, before exiting into Pamlico Sound.

Graham, along with his wife Ella Dean and the children were in the fields working.  A thunderstorm was building up to the west of Lowland.  Sensing the need to protect his family from harms way, Graham told everyone to "go on to the house".  Everyone did as they were told and headed to the house.  Graham stayed behind, trying to squeeze in a few more minutes of work before the storm set in. 

The thunderstorm roared upon Lowland with heavy rain, thunder and lightening. Graham had not made it back to the house in time.  Within minutes, a hard clap of thunder roared across the Potter field and Graham, with hoe in hand, had been struck by lightening. 

When the weather cleared, Ella Dean and children went out into the field to find Graham, only to find him dead.  Graham Potter had been killed by lightening at the age of 60 years.  He was laid to rest within the Potter Family farm in the McGowen Cemetery.

But Graham's story does not end with his tragic death.  Through the stories and research, I found many things that were intriguing about my great-great grandfather. 

Born in Beaufort County, February 27, 1852 to Samuel Potter and Mary Sawyer, Graham was born an illegitimate child carrying the last name Sawyer.  At some point after Graham was born, Samuel learned his son was not being cared for properly.  Samuel went by boat, "over the river" and brought Graham home to the Potter Homestead on Middle Prong Rd. Lowland. 

Upon arrival at the Potter Homestead, Graham was cared for by his father and with help of a black slave woman.  During Graham's younger years, he went by the name Graham Sawyer.  He is recorded as Graham Sawyer in the 1860 census.  In January 1862, the siblings of Graham's father Samuel conveyed to them a tract of land at the end of Middle Prong Rd. 

This day and time, it sounds very unusual for a child of the age of 10 to be listed in a deed.  But one must understand, in 1862, illegitimate children were not afforded the same right to inherit property from a father unless there was a special provision.  It is my belief that Graham's uncle's and aunt's cared for their brother Samuel and his son, as in the deed it states " for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which we bear to our dearest brother Samuel Potter".   Regardless of the taboo's of secrecy and shame that shadow the illegitimacy of Graham's birth, family is family and with the stroke of signatures, the Potter family had embraced Graham as a Potter.

By 1870, Graham Sawyer's name was changed to Graham Potter.  With my research, I believe Samuel Potter swore an acknowledgement of paternity or an oral admission, which allowed Graham to legally change his name to Potter.  With this validity, Graham was now entitled to the same rights and protections of legitimacy. 

Photo of Graham Potter, circa 1878.

Through the years, Graham continued farming beside his father on Middle Prong Rd.  In 1878, Graham married Angeline Voliva. Angeline bore a son, Samuel Graham Potter in 1879 but she succumbed to complications of childbirth.  Graham then married Jane Potter, with whom they bore Nancy and Warden.  Jane passed away and Graham married Ella Dean Bridgeman.  With Ella Dean, their children were Thurman, Mary Jane, Tildon, Charlie Warren, Joshua, Alfred, Gentry and Preston Gold.

When Graham died that hot day in June, he left 5 children under the age of 18.  His son Thurman assisted his mother in settling the estate.  When going through the estate papers, I found it interesting that over he had over $6500.00 in "cash found upon his premises" and an $8000.00 insurance bond, that was paid to the heirs.   Today, those amounts are small but in 1912, that was a considerable sum of money. 

Looking into the past, Graham's father and family saw fit that his well-being be delivered a right and responsible upbringing, despite his circumstances and those taboos of secrecy. Those values set the tone for the family foundation and those of acceptance. Those same values we all should embrace today.