I went to an OPS porch talk last week (Wednesday 6/11), during which Philip Howard informed the audience about the history of the US Lifesaving Service on the Outer Banks. The USLSS was the forerunner of the modern day Coast Guard.
Philip read excerpts from his great grandfather's shipwreck log. Philip's ancestor, James W. Howard, was the Keeper at the Cedar Hammock Life Saving Station, which stood at the north end of Ocracoke. No, it's not there anymore. If you've ever noticed the pilings sticking out of the water there (you can see them easily from the ferry while crossing Hatteras inlet), now you know what they are.
Philip went on to describe the incredible rescue methods used by the Life Saving Service crews, which gave all gathered a new appreciation for the strength and courage of those crew members.
The talk was fascinating, and I certainly can't do the topic justice here. So, instead, here are a couple of links where you can learn more:
Village Craftsmen May 2008 Newsletter
Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station website (click "USLSS History" in the left menu). If you are planning to be on Hatteras island this year, it's worth checking on whether they will be doing lifesaving reenactments at Chicamacomico - I have heard that they are fascinating.
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