The Return of Old Buck

Locally, the traditional celebration of Old Christmas continues. A throwback from the Julian Calendar it’s ongoing today. When the Gregorian Calendar was put into effect sometime in the 18th century, folks here were late to change. In the isolated village of Chicamacomico, they kept Christmas celebration at the old Julian date. This community must be one of very few in the country celebrating Christmas twice.

Ongoing for a couple hundred years, Old Christmas has morphed into what it is today. The latest celebration happened January 10th. My favorite part is chowing down on roasted oysters and waiting for the arrival of Old Buck, the legendary steer that comes out of Trent Woods to join celebrants.

There are always plenty of oysters. These were roasted in the same homemade cooker as mentioned in my previous post.

The community skatepark is as popular as ever!

With great weather, the event was well attended. Lots of people were outside for oysters and the rest indoors for a chicken and pastry supper.

Oyster shucking is an art unto itself, requiring care and concentration.

Old Buck‘s caretaker is Owen O’Neal. For generations, the title has been passed down through family members and relatives.

Old Buck is led into the community building amongst excited revelers. At times it seems chaotic.

I had to watch myself as Old Buck got a bit rambunctious.

It must be good luck to touch Old Buck. Before you know it, he’s out the door and gone another year!

Old Buck’s special appearance was brought to us by his handlers. Thanks to Owen O’Neal, Willy Smith and Andrew Midgett.

The Art of Roasting

As autumn transcends to winter, folks here think about oysters. Community oyster roasts are as popular as ever. It seems there’s always one happening somewhere nearby. They are usually fundraisers for nonprofits.

This year in Rodanthe the 4th annual Shuck Hatteras was celebrated December 20th to benefit Chicamacomico Banks Fire and Rescue. Lots of people pitched in to help prepare and serve wild caught oysters from Swan Quarter.

They started with 75 bushels.

Owen O’Neal began cleaning them with a power washer.

Ronnie and Tyler Jarvis worked fire pits, made from stacked cinder blocks and sheet metal shelves to spread out the oysters. Wet towels hold in the heat, to steam them nicely.

With a couple hundred indulging people waiting, roasting is closely monitored and quickly moved to the tables.

A homemade barbecue oven does a great job. Here Eric Anglin and Ronnie unload a heavy sheet pan for delivery to some hungry connoisseurs.

Like all community roasts, it’s a feeding frenzy that brings people together for a great time.

Until next time… Bon Appétit!

One Lunger

Back in the 70’s, Woodrow Edwards was our postmaster in the village of Waves. The post office located in his home had maybe a dozen PO boxes and general delivery. Woodrow was always engaging. Current events, the weather or politics, you never knew what the morning’s topic might be. It wasn’t uncommon for him to ask for some help around the house. One day he asked me to help clear some vacant lots across the highway. I’d get the going rate of $3 an hour. I hardly ever turned Woodrow down.

Upon clearing the land, we discovered the remains of an old boat. Still on board was a curious looking motor. Woodrow called it a One Lunger, dating back to the 1920’s or 30’s. It was made of cast iron, and extremely heavy.

After removing some vegetation the shape of the boat became more apparent.

The narrow stern indicated this must have been a sail skiff converted to engine power. It was about 20 feet in length.

With no transmission attached, it must have been direct drive. As soon as it starts, you’re underway.

Remnants of the engine may still be there, although the wooden carcass long gone.

These engines were also known as “Make and Break Engines”. Click this link to see one running.

The Old Make and Break

Happy Halloween

This time of year, skeletons are everywhere. In 2019 during a regional 4-city concert tour, I followed Lord Huron. In each show, frontman Ben Schneider performed his song Wait by the River behind a larger-than-life puppet. I made this shot from the pit, at their performance in Richmond, Virginia’s National Theater.

Frog Blog

Nearly 40 years ago when I built my house, I installed a 1300 gallon cistern next to it. All along, it has fulfilled many yard or garden needs. Several weeks ago I opened the hatch and noticed a tree frog swimming inside. No harm done there. It was likely eating mosquitoes anyway.