FALL 2023
A HISTORY THE LONG TALE AND NEW LIFE OF MANTEO’S BRINKLEY HOUSE
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REAL ESTATE
FALL 2023 8
FROM THE DESK
11 BUT FIRST... 12 FALL EVENTS CALENDAR
18
14 TOWN REPORT 16 BUSINESS BRIEFS 18 FLYING HIGH
Old-school forecasting with Manteo's Coastal Warning Display tower
20 HOME SPOTLIGHT
The rich history of the Brinkley house
24 SPIN THE WHEEL
Taking decor inspiration from the 60-30-10 rule
26 DESIGN SNAPSHOT The spa life
28 PAYING IT FORWARD
A new home for local nonprofits
20
34
ABOUT THE COVER: The nearly 160-year-old Brinkley house in downtown Manteo (photo by Elizabeth Neal). THIS PAGE: Photos by Cory Godwin (top and lower right) and Elizabeth Neal (lower left).
30 SUN SALUTATIONS 34 FIVE FACTS
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Downtown Market
Runs until September 16th, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at George Washington Creef Park
Wooden Boat Show Saturday, October 28th 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
SAVE THE DATE! Christmas Tree Lighting Friday, December 1st
Christmas Parade Saturday, December 2nd
National Night Out Tuesday, October 3rd 4:00 to 7:00 PM
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND OTHER EVENTS, VISIT MANTEONC.GOV
Anyone who is fortunate enough to work with Heather McLay and her team, whether as a seller or a buyer (and we were both), will be very grateful. We practically feel like she became part of our family! She was ALWAYS ready to answer our many questions respectfully, and to guide us through the seemingly endless steps of this process. She is positive, knowledgeable, and goes way beyond the job description of a real estate agent. Not only would we highly recommend Heather, we would honestly say, “Look no further!” —M. WALSH
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F R O M T H E DE S K
staff istock.com/artisticco
PUBLISHERS Adam & Cathy Baldwin EDITOR Amelia Boldaji
*You are here. about the pictorial maps you often see in brochures or children’s classrooms, the kind of visuals that are usually more whimsical than technical, foregrounding particular features in ways that are eye-catchingly informative – if also a little simplified. On a modern pictorial world map, you might see oversized polar bears lounging near the North Pole, or a likeness of the Eiffel Tower pinpointing the French capital. In some smaller-scale cases, a city center rendering could include everything from full-color attractions to icons of interest like parks and museums. Illustrated maps of the United States are likely some of the most well-recognized examples of this sort of cartography. In this subgenre, California is anchored by the Golden Gate Bridge and L.A.’s Hollywood sign, South Dakota is distilled down to Mt. Rushmore, and a mini White House all but eclipses Washington, D.C. No matter how many versions of these state maps you wade through, North Carolina is also overwhelmingly depicted with some type of airplane – more specifically, a version of the Wright brothers’ historic glider – alongside a possible nod to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse’s famous black and white spiral stripes. Both of which are lovely, meaningful images, to be sure. What they are not, however, are terribly balanced visual representations of the Outer Banks, much less the nation’s ninth most populated state. But as obvious as it might sound, that iconography also isn’t very far off from the top highlights people tend to hear about most when they’re planning a trip to the North Carolina coast. So what do we do with that information? It’s probably safe to say that no one really expects pictorial maps to be comprehensive, making it a bit unfair to complain about them reducing whole regions down to a few talking points. On the other hand, life is about much more than just landmarks – and as interesting as early aeronautics may be, it can be easy to overlook the number of other things that make this area so remarkable if you can’t see the barrier island forest for all its monuments. It might be worth mentioning, too, that the first pictorial map of the Outer Banks was produced in 1590 by Theodor De Bry, a German mapmaker who created a document covered with illustrations of indigenous local tribes, ships in full sail and, of course, mythical sea monsters – which were largely considered cartographic shorthand for things yet unknown at the time. This is perhaps what makes pictorial maps so wonderous – the idea that they seldom aim to tell a complete story, preferring instead to illuminate starting points for journeys into uncharted territories. It’s a goal that isn’t dissimilar to what we do here at the Sun when we select certain narratives for display, attempting to open windows into all the places and people who are continuously shaping and reshaping the landscape of our community in so many brilliant, multi-dimensional ways. Right now, you are here – where will you travel next? As always, we hope you enjoy this issue! THERE’S
SOMETHING
TRULY
WONDERFUL
ART DIRECTOR Dave Rollins CONTRIBUTORS Cathy Baldwin Emmy Benton Amelia Boldaji Cory Godwin Catherine Kozak Maggie McNinch Elizabeth Neal Corinne Saunders GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dylan Bush SALES MANAGER Helen Furr ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Faith Turek The North Beach Sun is published quarterly by Access Media Group. All works contained herein are the property of the North Beach Sun. The views expressed in the articles contained herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or Access Media Group. The published material, advertisements, editorials and all other content is published in good faith. Access Media Group and North Beach Sun cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by errors, omissions or the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.
NORTH BEACH SUN 115 West Meadowlark St. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 252.449.4444 editor@northbeachsun.com
Publisher
8 | FA L L 2023
Editor
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but first... Boom or Bust? MYSTERIOUS THINGS DON’T ALWAYS WAIT TO GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT
– and that’s particularly true of a phenomenon known as “Seneca guns.” Often described as sounding like a sudden clap of thunder or cannon fire, these deafening booms are regular occurrences along the NC coast, but they’ve also been reported around the globe for hundreds of years now, stumping scientists by the dozens. With many theories about the sounds’ origins raised (and sometimes discredited) over the years – from natural sources such as small, shallow earthquakes, tsunamis or meteorites to controversial man-made events like secret military missions and even possible alien excursions – the only thing everyone can agree on is that the truth is still out there.
180
In the late ‘70s, a study attempted to link nearly 600 reports of unusual sounds along the Eastern Seaboard with sonic booms caused by the recently released Concorde airliner. Although most of the reports could be chalked up to supersonic travel, at least 180 cases remained firmly inconclusive.
50-300 Hz
Though rare, sand dunes could also be a culprit – in very certain conditions, stretches of sand are capable of producing noises that range from short squeaks to deep, low-frequency sounds of 50-300 hertz that scientists call “booming sands,” which can last as long as 15 minutes and be heard up to six miles away. While the Eastern U.S.-centric Seneca guns moniker likely originated from numerous reports of these rumblings around upstate New York’s Lake Seneca since the 1800s, even that’s tied to Northeastern Native American oral histories that attributed the booms to angry spirits for about 300-400 years. Internationally speaking, this unexplained phenomenon goes by many other names: “Barisal guns” in Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal; “uminari” (sea cries) in Japan; “retumbos” (rumbles) in the Philippines; “brontidi” (thunder-like) in parts of Italy; “mistpouffers” (fog belches) in coastal Belgium; and the more ubiquitous “skyquakes” in various other locations.
The Man in Gray IN THE CALM BEFORE A STORM, some people swear by the supernatural for evacuation advice. According to legend, a shadowy figure known as the Gray Man roams the North and South Carolina beaches whenever a hurricane’s approaching to deliver a message of both comfort and warning – though his presence is meant to foretell dangerous conditions ahead, the homes of those who catch a glimpse of him are granted his full protection.
Famous sightings of the Gray Man are said to have started during the Great Storm of 1822, with another surge of reports prior to Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Even more recently, a livestream of Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills appeared to capture his silhouette as Hurricane Florence was bearing down on the Carolinas in 2018. While the viral video was being viewed by thousands, Florence was also downgraded from a mighty category four storm to a category one just before landfall – thanks in part, perhaps, to the Outer Banks’ most benevolent resident ghost.
A Fearsome Flyer AT LEAST ONE VISITOR’S FEATHERS were ruffled while visiting Bodie Island Lighthouse in the summer of 2020. Early that July, a four-foot-tall sandhill crane was spotted roaming around the light – a far cry away from its normal summer stomping grounds in regions closer to Canada. Though the rare appearance was newsworthy on its own, sandhill cranes tend to draw crowds due to their massive five- to six-foot wingspans and the prehistoric-looking patches of scaly red skin between their eyes. While the species isn’t considered highly aggressive, many believe that a similarly odd-looking (and out-of-place) sandhill crane gave rise to the enduringly popular Mothman monster legend after it was sighted in West Virginia during the 1960s.
N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 11
fall events 2023
The Outer Banks is always full of fun things to do! Some of the following events were still being modified or added as of press time, so please don’t forget to check individual websites for the most current information.
OUTER BANKS TRIATHLON September 8 – 9 This endurance multi-sport race challenges participants to swim, bike and run through Roanoke Island. obxse.com
CURRITUCK CORNHOLE TOURNAMENTS Wednesdays through the summer, ending September 13 Compete in weekly games at Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park for a chance to win a beach vacation donated by Brindley Beach. visitcurrituck.com
COROLLA CORK & CRAFT Wednesdays through the summer, ending September 13 Enjoy local beer and wine tastings, live music and curated crafts in the scenic setting of Historic Corolla Park. visitcurrituck.com
DOWNTOWN MARKET ON THE MANTEO WATERFRONT Saturday mornings through the summer, ending September 16 Buy fresh local fruits, veggies and crafts at this farmers’ market every Saturday in downtown Manteo at George Washington Creef Park from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
THE EASTERNS SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS September 17 – 23 Top surfers compete in the ESA’s “grand finale” at Jennette’s Pier. surfesa.org
12TH ANNUAL SURFALORUS FILM FESTIVAL September 18 – 20 This three-day celebration of coastal marine culture showcases the year’s hottest surf films and ocean documentaries at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. darearts.org/surfalorus
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT October 3
wingsoverwater.org
BLUEGRASS ISLAND FESTIVAL October 19 – 21 Bluegrass lovers from all over the world flock to the Outer Banks annually to hear acclaimed bands play at Roanoke Island Festival Park. bluegrassisland.com
OUTER BANKS SEAFOOD FESTIVAL October 21
PARADE OF HOMES October 5 – 8
Enjoy fresh, local seafood, cooking demos, mullet tossing, live music and more at this family-friendly event at The Soundside event site in Nags Head.
manteonc.gov
Tour a select group of new, remodeled and green homes all along the Outer Banks. obhomebuilders.org
CRABDADDY SEAFOOD & WINE FESTIVAL October 7
manteonc.gov
THROWDOWN SURF CLASSIC September 16
DUCK JAZZ FESTIVAL October 7 – 8
This annual “family-style” surf contest in Southern Shores raises money to give back and support the community.
This free, all-day event features national, regional and local acts at the Duck Town Park.
12 | FA L L 2023
This several day event features a multitude of programs on subjects ranging from wildlife photography to natural history, kayaking and more.
This community-wide awareness event is family-friendly and will feature children’s activities, games, food and more.
Enjoy steamed blue crabs, BBQ and fried fish while sipping local wine at this annual festival, complete with live music, hayrides and the Crabdaddy Olympics.
facebook.com/throwdownsurfclassic
WINGS OVER WATER WILDLIFE FESTIVAL October 17 – 22
sanctuaryvineyards.com
townofduck.com
outerbanksseafoodfestival.org
WOODEN BOAT SHOW October 28 Wooden boats—both new and restored— are on display during this annual event in downtown Manteo at the George Washington Creef Park. manteonc.gov
OUTER BANKS BREWTAG October 28 Watch teams launch handcrafted kegdriven flying machines from a flight deck while enjoying live music and sampling local and regional beers at The Soundside event site in Nags Head. obxbrewtag.com
NIGHT OF 1587 PUMPKINS October 28 Enjoy a festive, fall night of trick-ortreating and contests at The Elizabethan Gardens as they attempt to light 1,587 jack-o-lanterns. elizabethangardens.org
CURRITUCK BULLS & BBQ November 4 Enjoy a BBQ competition, mechanical bull-riding, live music, craft market, a live rodeo and more at the Currituck County Rural Center. visitcurrituck.com
TOWNEBANK OUTER BANKS MARATHON & HALF MARATHON November 10 – 12 This three-day event includes a marathon, half-marathon and the Surf Pediatrics Surf & Soar 5K, 8K and Fun Run. obxse.com
HOLIDAY CHEFS’ CHALLENGE November 11 Chefs from some of the best restaurants on the Outer Banks compete “Iron Chef” style at this event to benefit the Beach Food Pantry at the Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove Marina. beachfoodpantry.org
THE WALL THAT HEALS November 16 – 19 This free exhibit honors the millions of Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War. The 375-foot-long traveling wall bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam, and will be on display 24 hours a day at The Soundside event site in Nags Head. vvmf.org/The-Wall-That-Heals/
FIRST FLIGHT HOLIDAY MARKET November 18, December 12 and 16 Pick up locally made gifts at the First Flight Holiday Market at Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills. kdhnc.com
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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 13
town report COM PIL ED BY C ATH ERI N E KOZ A K
Southern Shores
Currituck County In response to concerns voiced by residents during a meeting this past spring, Currituck County commissioners have agreed to pursue steps to control area overdevelopment. At a subsequent session in June, the board decided to focus on density as part of the process to address growth in the county. After more discussion, the board also directed staff to revise residential zoning districts on the mainland that omitted the traditional subdivision option, remove wetlands allowance from density calculations, and impose a 50-foot housing setback along with a 50-foot right-of-way. Commissioners also agreed to look at modifications for mixed residential zoning once the initial new directives have moved through the planning process.
Duck A presentation on phase three of the North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program was presented at a Duck Town Council meeting in June, providing details of a comprehensive strategy to address stormwater, flooding, sea level rise and shoreline erosion throughout Duck’s 2.42-square-mile community. According to the phase three report, much of the plan’s information was integrated from state stormwater data and geotechnical reports, along with previous community input during phases one and two. The report named five flood-prone study locations that are situated in low-lying areas between oceanfront dunes and the Currituck Sound, including North Duck, Schooner Ridge, the Teresa Court/Duck Hunt Club, Georgetown Sands and Ocean Crest. The NC Division of Coastal Management initiative provides communities with technical and financial assistance to advance coastal resilience efforts. 14 | FA L L 2023
In an ongoing struggle to mitigate heavy summer traffic, the Southern Shores Town Council recently voted against implementing speed bumps to deter visitors from using residential roads as shortcuts – at least for the time being. Instead, the Waze navigation app has agreed to stop directing travelers through certain neighborhood streets, and the hope is that “no thru traffic” signs will further discourage backroad traffic. Back in May, Mayor Elizabeth Morey and several council members expressed concern about previously used traffic barricades, and asked Police Chief David Kole for more information about the potential use of speed bumps. A month later, Kole presented data showing that about 85% of vehicles follow speed limits, and that speed bumps could be responsible for an increase in bicycle injuries as well as noise pollution.
Kitty Hawk Michael Palkovics has been chosen as Kitty Hawk’s new chief of police, succeeding former Police Chief Joel Johnson, who retired in February. Palkovics previously served in numerous positions with Virginia’s Henrico County Police Division since 1993, according to a statement from the town. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Old Dominion University and is a graduate of the 59th Administrative Offices Management Program at NC State University, among other programs.
Kill Devil Hills This past June, the Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proposed project to build 21 cluster homes on a nearly two-acre site on west Martin Street. The site plan submitted by developer Eddie Goodrich calls for the construction of 10 three-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom houses. All the houses will be under 1,400 square feet and intended for long-term occupancy. In his support for the board’s approval of the site plan, Mayor Ben Sproul cited the town’s need for more year-round residential housing.
What’s happening in your town? Here’s a report from all over the Outer Banks. Dare County Nags Head A previously tabled vote to amend the town’s zoning map was passed unanimously in May by Nags Head commissioners, effectively diffusing public anger about an earlier proposed development on a nearly five-acre lot off Hollowell Street near Jockey’s Ridge. The approved zoning amendment redesignated certain areas between Danube and Hollowell streets from C-2 (a general commercial district) to a newly created C-5 historic character commercial district. The board said the zoning amendment will preserve the town’s Historic Character Area as described in the town’s 2022 comprehensive plan.
Manteo A grand opening celebration was held on July 11 for the new Manteo Community Health Center at 402 Budleigh Street. The clinic offers primary care, pediatric care and behavioral health services, as well as care for migrant and seasonal workers. The facility – which also offers telehealth options and an onsite pharmacy – addresses concerns raised by the town’s healthcare taskforce over limited access to medical resources in the community. The new clinic is open Monday through Friday from eight a.m. to five p.m. The town also announced in July that it is working with the consultant team Destination by Design to develop a “master branding plan,” according to the town’s website. The plan, which includes a marketing campaign, is intended to help create a brand that’s representative of the town’s history as well as its contemporary assets.
After much controversy, the Dare County Board of Commissioners has approved a special-use permit for a proposed 60-house cluster development on 10.53 acres in Wanchese by developer Brad Alexander. One of the conditions for the project is that the homes must be rented for at least a year. At a subsequent meeting, the board approved a zoning text amendment that removed 22 zoning districts from the county’s cluster home development ordinance. That change did not affect any projects, including the one in Wanchese, that were previously approved. In June, the board also approved a conditional special-use permit for a proposed cluster home development in Manns Harbor on Shipyard Road. The proposal includes 12 two-story homes, a playground, a boat ramp and vessel/ vehicle storage. Dare County Schools also released a June press release announcing that three schools – Cape Hatteras Secondary in Buxton, First Flight Elementary in Kill Devil Hills, and Manteo Middle on Roanoke Island – will receive a solar educational package that includes a 20-kilowatt solar array, STEM curricula and teacher training. As part of the NC GreenPower’s Solar + Schools program, the schools have been awarded a grant to pay for all construction costs, which is expected to range from $55,000 to $75,000. The project will include a weather station and data monitoring that can feed live information from the arrays into classrooms. The Solar + Schools program, which was first introduced in 2015, is open to all public and private K-12 schools in North Carolina. NC GreenPower expects that the arrays can generate about 28,000 kilowatt-hours annually, saving schools as much as $3,000 a year in energy costs.
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OUTER BANKS V A C AT I O N R E N TA L S
OUTER BANKS R E A L E S TAT E S A L E S
N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 15
business briefs COM PIL ED BY C ATH ERI N E KOZ A K
Former Real Estate Commission Chair to Serve Again
Pictured left: A mockup of the proposed specialty license plate that would benefit Jockey's Ridge State Park. Designed by BN Design & Advertising in Kill Devil Hills, it features an image taken by acclaimed Outer Banks photographer Ray Matthews.
Jeff Malarney, a local attorney and realtor, was elected chair of the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, according to a June press release. Malarney, a resident of the Outer Banks for nearly 30 years, was also elected chair of the panel in 2019. The commission’s roles include setting rules and regulations, and enforcing industry standards. Malarney began his three-year term as chair in August.
Historical Movie Theater Reopens Pioneer Theater, the iconic locale where locals have enjoyed movies and popcorn for more than a century, reopened on May 26 in downtown Manteo. New owners Michael Basnight and Jamie and David Hatchell, who purchased the business from the Creef family after the theater closed last year, have revitalized the building’s art deco touches, restored the structure’s exterior brick facade and carefully maintained the character of the beloved cinema. In addition to a selection of films, the venue now offers live music and comedy, as well as a small bar area.
Restoration of Manns Harbor Bridge Underway A major restoration project for the old Manns Harbor bridge, which connects the north end of Roanoke Island to Manns Harbor, began in July, according to a NC Department of Transportation press release. Officially known as the William B. Umstead Bridge, the two-lane span is 68 years old and is a favorite nesting area for purple martins. The $33 million project includes the repair of deteriorated concrete footings and pile caps, as well as expansion joint replacements and deck surface treatments. Brief lane closures can be expected through the rest of year. By early 2024, the bridge will be closed for several months, with all traffic between Roanoke Island and Manns Harbor diverted to the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge. Purple martin nesting is not expected to be impacted by the project.
16 | FA L L 2023
New Happenings at Jockey’s Ridge State Park A ribbon cutting was held on May 24 to celebrate the newly enlarged visitor center at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head. The nearly two-year renovation project added a total of 1,000 square feet to community, meeting and exhibit space, while also making it more accessible to those with disabilities. Retail and office space was also enlarged, and the facility now offers an electric vehicle charging station in the parking lot. The $2.5 million project, funded by Connect NC Bonds with supplemental funding from the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, includes state-of-the art educational exhibits on dunes, estuaries, maritime forests, barrier islands and local wildlife. On July 7, a new NC highway historical marker was also placed on U.S. 158 near the park entrance in honor of Carolista Baum, who famously sat in the path of a
bulldozer that was removing sand from the ridge to make way for developers in 1973. Baum didn't relent until the East Coast’s tallest living sand dune system was declared a National Natural Landmark a year later. In 1975, Jockey’s Ridge State Park was established, and it has regularly been one of the top five most-visited parks in the state ever since. As the 50th anniversary of the park approaches in 2025, the Friends of Jockey’s Ridge – a nonprofit established in 1990 to support, enhance and promote the park – have launched a campaign to introduce a new specialty license plate showcasing Jockey’s Ridge State Park. For the specialty plate project to move forward, at least 500 paid applicants must register through the Friends of Jockey's Ridge website by December 31, 2023, with proceeds from the tag being used to support and protect the park.
Real Estate
market snapshot
During the full bloom of summer, the Outer Banks Association of Realtors was looking on the bright side in its June 2023 MLS Statistical Report. “Available inventory continues to remain stable, although residential inventory has been creeping up ever so slightly,” the report explained as part of its focus on the good news.
Even though sales dropped 17% over the last 12 months, the report added, the number of June 2023 sales were the highest of the year. To add to that, although June year-to-date residential sales numbers dropped 33% compared to 2022 – 969 from 1,454 – residential median sale prices over that same period climbed 8% higher, from $545,000 to $590,900. Lot/land yearly sales were similarly down 35% year-to-date in 2023 – with 261 sales compared to 404 in 2022 – but lot/land median sale prices over the same period also edged up 4%, from $120,000 to $125,000.
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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 17
OU T D O O R S
Flying High Photo by Cory Godwin Story by Amelia Boldaji
FROM ANCIENT BABYLON TO ARISTOTLE, As technology advanced throughout the 20th astrology to animal behavior, searching for ways to century, however, the need to maintain such an predict the weather is nothing new historically. But even extensive network of individually maintained CWDs as scientific forecasts became increasingly more reliable waned. Many of these progressively obsolete structures during the late 1800s, that type of information was only slowly deteriorated or were dismantled, and even the really valuable – particularly in coastal areas – if it could Manteo tower was removed from its central location to be shared quickly with a wide audience. make way for a temporary naval shipyard during World Significant change in that direction arrived in 1898 War II. Eventually, the U.S. Weather Bureau – now known when then-President William McKinley tasked the as the National Weather Service – formally deactivated newly formed U.S. Weather Bureau with developing the CWD system in 1989. a comprehensive hurricane warning But that wasn’t exactly the end of system – which led to establishing a the story. In 2005, the town of Manteo national network of skeletal metalarranged to have their weather tower HOW TO READ A framed structures officially known as COASTAL WARNING refurbished and put back in active local Coastal Warning Display (CWD) towers. service on the downtown waterfront. DISPLAY With dozens of CWDs stationed Once one of many, the nearly 120-yearalong the North Carolina coast alone, old Manteo tower is now one of the Manteo became part of the movement country’s only four original CWDs still after a forecast tower was erected beside in daily use – alongside structures in FAIR CHANCE the old Dare County Courthouse in 1904. New Hampshire, Rhode Island and WEATHER OF RAIN Operated by renowned telegraph and Connecticut – and it’s believed to be communications officer Alpheus “Al” the only remaining CWD tower that Drinkwater – who’s also credited with still has its signal lights fully intact. RAIN TEMPERATURE being the first person to notify national Even memories of these once-vital CHANGE news outlets about the Wright brothers’ constructions aren’t entirely a thing early test flights – the new tower of the past – in June 2023 a newly benefited everyone from professional fabricated forecast tower was installed COLD SMALL CRAFT fishermen to families waiting for nice on the grounds of the old weather FRONT WARNING weather to line-dry their laundry. bureau station in Hatteras Village, Based on a fairly simple system of replacing the island’s original 1901 hoisting signal flags in various shapes and system that collapsed around the colors, CWD towers became prominent 1990s. Close to 100 residents and local landmarks capable of advising visitors gathered to celebrate the NE STORM SE STORM communities on everything from tower’s official unveiling, many of WARNING WARNING upcoming fair weather (a completely whom shared childhood stories of white flag) to approaching hurricanes regularly using the village’s old CWD to (two red flags with black rectangles at plan for impending weather events. their centers). After nightfall, a set of And perhaps fittingly, when the first three electric signal lights continued signal flag in more than two decades SW STORM NW STORM to broadcast the latest threat levels was raised on Hatteras Island this past WARNING WARNING when more serious warnings – ranging summer, that solid white rectangle from small craft advisories to full-blown carried a very clear message – for the hurricane conditions – were issued. immediate future at least, everything was smooth sailing.
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(252) 202-7007 N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 19
HOME SPOTLIGHT
Fish, Farm,
Home After more than a century in Manteo, the Brinkley house has taken on a life of its own BY CO RI N N E SAUN D ERS
ON A QUIET, TREE-LINED STREET in the Marshes Light area of Manteo sits a residence that will always be known to some as “the Brinkley house.” With its wide front porch and understated white exterior, it fits in so well you might never guess that it’s largely responsible for the surrounding neighborhood's style – or that the home predates both the town of Manteo (which wasn’t incorporated until 1899) as well as the 1870 founding of Dare County. Only five houses were located within modern Manteo’s town limits at the end of the American Civil War in 1865 – and the Brinkley home was one of them. Built by William T. Brinkley and his wife Lavinia Baum, certain parts of the threestory house are believed to be even older, including the front parlor’s hearth and mantel, which were likely crafted as early as the 1820s before being repurposed by the Brinkleys. As is the case with many historical buildings, a number of human lives have intertwined with the house over the decades – which is exactly what piqued the interest of former Durham residents Sprague and Stacey Cheshire, who purchased and moved into the home in 2022. “I feel like there’s something alive here,” Stacey says appreciatively. “Not a ghost, but I feel like the house is alive – and it has stories.” Sprague agrees. “You’re inhabiting history in a way, just by living where others have for such a long time.”
Modern-day images of the nearly 160-year-old Brinkley house on Roanoke Island, including its restored exterior and its original front parlor fireplace. Photos by Elizabeth Neal.
A good portion of that history is inextricably linked to the Brinkleys, of course. When the house was first built, the family’s property ran from the highway (today’s U.S. Route 64) to Shallowbag Bay, which was where William Brinkley operated a fishery with his business partner. Known as the EtheridgeBrinkley Croatan Fishery, records from that period indicate that the company employed women to clean fish for the going rate of 50 cents a day – plus a dram of whiskey. In her 1999 book Manteo: A Roanoke Island Town, local author Angel Khoury recounts stories about the fishery told by William’s granddaughter Camille Turner Lawrence. “Lawrence speculated that the whiskey was not to intoxicate, but to warm up the women who worked in ramshackle fish houses built over the water, in the cold winter months when commercial fishing was at its height,” Khoury writes. The fishery reportedly provided a decent livelihood to many, with two schooners regularly transporting barrels of packed fish from Manteo to New York. And even beyond his role as a respected businessman, William Brinkley contributed to the local community by serving as Dare County’s first official sheriff. William and Lavinia also had two sons who were born a decade apart in 1872 and 1882. Their eldest, W.C. Cephus Brinkley, witnessed the Wright brothers’ first flight in 1903, while their younger son, Zebulon Vance Brinkley, resided in England for a while before returning stateside to explore a business model that was decidedly more land based than his father’s. Trading fresh catches for cattle, Vance established Dare County’s only Grade-A dairy in the 1930s with a registered herd of Ayrshire and Jersey cows. Named the Hulcam Dairy after Vance’s daughters, Huldah and Camille, the business’ milking barns and operational dairy equipment were located just south of the Brinkley house, with pastures stretching west as far as today’s College of The Albemarle-Dare campus. An additional livestock grazing area was situated on the northern end of Roanoke Island on land that’s now occupied by the Dare County Regional Airport. CO NTI NU ED O N PAG E 22
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The Brinkley house’s dining room area (top left) is now furnished and cared for by the home’s new owners, Sprague and Stacey Cheshire (bottom left, both photos by Elizabeth Neal). Prior to being moved slightly in the early 2000s, the Brinkley house was once part of a much sparser community in downtown Manteo (top right, courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center). During the 1930s, Vance Brinkley operated the Hulcam Dairy farm, with milking barns and other equipment located on the family’s property (bottom right, courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center).
The couple agreed not to repair a small bullet hole of unknown origins that pierced the door’s thick glass insert. That circular blemish remains both a conversation piece and a testament to everything about the house that’s still obscured by the past.
Not long after the Cheshires moved into their new home, they discovered a thick glass milk bottle with raised lettering that reads, Hulcam Dairy Farm, Manteo, NC. “I’m so happy that was left here,” Stacey says of the find. Though she’s unsure just how lucrative the farm was, she’s pored over some of the dairy’s financial records at the Outer Banks History Center in Manteo. “It looks like they only made two dollars in certain months,” she adds, “but I think they maybe figured it out a little better as time went on.” There were other financial opportunities, too, after Pulitzer Prize-winning playwriter Paul Green’s The Lost Colony premiered on Roanoke Island in 1937. As the seat of Dare County government, the town of Manteo was already bustling, but the play’s instant success drew an unprecedented wave of visitors in need of temporary accommodations. Those circumstances allowed the Brinkleys – like virtually every other property owner in the area – to begin supplementing their income by taking in overnight guests. Despite that long and colorful history, the decades took their toll on the Brinkley house, and by the early 2000s, it was so dilapidated it risked demolition. Fortunately, former Manteo mayor and preservation architect 2 2 | FA L L 2023
John Wilson joined forces with local builder Calvin Gibbs to renovate and restore the old home after it was purchased by Libba Evans (who was then state secretary of the NC Department of Cultural Resources) and her husband Jim Lambie in 2008. With plans for the new Marshes Light community also in the works at the time, the town of Manteo placed a special condition on the development permit stipulating that the Brinkley house had to remain somewhere within that community. As a result, the house was carefully moved a few hundred feet to its current location on Fernando Street, log foundations and all. Evans and her husband eventually sold the house to the Cheshires, and the couple subsequently made some practical adjustments to the home’s kitchen – such as moving the sink to a black-walnut island – in addition to repairing the house’s two previously unusable chimneys, and having the floors stripped and clear coated to resemble their appearance more than a century ago. The Cheshires have also fully embraced their status as Roanoke Island residents over the past year. They’ve opened a small food market in downtown Manteo, and plan to keep layering their lives over everything that took place before them – much like the multi-layered paint that coats their new home’s original front door. Stacey loved that detail so much that when it came time to repaint the house, she decided not to scrape the nearly 160-year-old door clean – but rather to simply add more color and texture to its surface. The couple also agreed not to repair a small bullet hole of unknown origins that pierced the door’s thick glass insert. That circular blemish remains both a conversation piece and a testament to everything about the house that’s still obscured by the past. “Stories we’ll never know are just so special,” says Stacey as the Cheshires continue settling in, eagerly ready to keep the home’s narrative going.
SEVEN REASONS TO WORK WITH A REALTOR® Buying and selling a home can be stressful. You need an agent who is a REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, by your side. Here’s why:
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GET THE INSIDE SCOOP.
Real estate professionals have access to exclusive neighborhood and property information to make you a smarter buyer or seller.
NAVIGATE A COMPLEX PROCESS.
A real estate professional can guide you on forms, disclosures, and the lending process to help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.
BE UP-TO-DATE.
You may have bought or sold a home before, but markets and transaction processes are always changing.
DO THE RIGHT THING.
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SIMPLIFY YOUR SEARCH.
An agent can educate you on current market conditions and help you find homes that match your criteria using local broker marketplaces— known in the business as multiple listing services.
NEGOTIATE LIKE A PRO.
An agent has the expertise to negotiate terms, from price to repairs, on your behalf.
HAVE A TRUSTED ALLY.
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Make sure your agent is a REALTOR®. REALTORS® are bound by a strict Code of Ethics based on professionalism, consumer protection, and the golden rule.
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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 23
DE C O R
WHEEL Spin the
BY MAG G IE MCN IN CH
Scheme away WHETHER YOU’RE GIVING your beach house a whole new look or simply sprucing up a guest room, decorating can feel intimidating. From layouts to lighting, the various choices can seem never-ending…and your goal of creating something cohesive completely out of reach. Luckily, there’s a golden rule of sorts that can put you on the fast track to your dream décor – all you have to do is follow the rainbow.
Rule the room Before you get lost looking through hundreds of color swatches – and wondering who on earth came up with those names – you might consider starting with a simple set of numbers: 60-30-10. According to the style savvy, a balanced sense of space can be achieved by assigning percentages to your interior’s three main colors – 60 percent of the room should go to a single bold or basic color, 30 to your follow-up favorite and the last 10 percent to some amazing accents.
Picking percentages The beauty of the 60-30-10 rule is that anything goes when it comes to choosing your colors (love lavender, beige and chartreuse? Go for it!) – the only thing necessary to bring your vision together is how you proportion your picks. Your 60-percent choice will be your front-and-center color, so you can go wild with this on large items or spaces like walls, rugs, sofas or any other oversized furniture. Your selection for the 30-percent slot should be used approximately half as much on things like window curtains or bed linens, so think about employing this color to either support or create contrast with the other 60 percent. Last – but certainly not least – the 10-percent portion can be reserved for adding a pop of extra character via throw pillows, artwork, vases or even lampshades. 2 4 | FA L L 2023
Unlike a palette (which refers to the specific colors you choose), a color scheme describes how the hues you decide on combine structurally – and having a color wheel nearby might prove helpful as you familiarize yourself with the four main types of color schemes: monochromatic, complementary, analogous and triadic. If this feels too much like homework, you can always opt out of this step, but if it scratches your inner design itch, dig in! A monochromatic scheme merely pairs together several different shades of the same color (easy in a pinch), while a complementary scheme selects two opposing warm vs. cool colors (this is where a color wheel can come in handy!). On the other side of things, an analogous scheme utilizes three colors that are adjacent to one another on the color wheel (often reserving the middle color for the dominant tone), and a triadic scheme combines three colors that are evenly spaced out around the color wheel – so, if you’re still undecided about which direction to go in, all you have to do is take a deep breath, spin the wheel and see where it takes you!
Beginner rule-breaking Color theory aside, what if you have a penchant for more than three colors or something about this rule just doesn’t add up for you? Well, it’s a good thing some rules were made to be broken. If you at least like the idea of using percentages for guidance, you can still maintain a stylish equilibrium by breaking things up a little differently – think 60-20-10-10 if adding more accents is your jam, or 30-30-20-20 if you’re digging a bit more symmetry. Whatever you decide, don’t be afraid to take risks – when it’s all said and done, interior design should always come down to how a space can make you feel 100 percent complete.
It’s all in the details! Open the door to what’s next.
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DE S I G N S NA P S H O T
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INTERIOR DESIGNERS AMANDA AND DANE WISNOSKY
OF SWEETBOY HOMES have an affinity for oddball spaces – nontraditional layouts and quirky nooks that would exasperate many Outer Banks homeowners are golden opportunities for the intensely inventive duo. But even the plainest basics can be infused with some unexpected design elements, as the Wisnoskys proved with this full-bath renovation project. Once just a standard square room with all its fixtures lined up against four walls, the creative couple was given free rein to shift things front and center – completely transforming an otherwise utilitarian necessity into the ultimate bathroom retreat.
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1 Walk-In Shower Having a large, open shower was their clients’ main priority from the start, and for the Wisnoskys, that meant ditching the doors. With the shower area fully stretched out across the back of the room, there was plenty of space to match two sets of showerheads with the double entry points on either side of the central vanity wall – resulting in a spacious (yet surprisingly private) design that owes at least a bit of inspiration to its beachy outdoor brethren.
2 Floating Vanity One of the initial questions the Wisnoskys try to ask themselves is how they can solve challenges in the least complicated way. Building a partial wall in the middle of the room not only gave the shower area its form, however, it also put the bath’s previously under-utilized spaces back in play – making it the ideal spot for storage once Dane constructed a seven-foot-wide wooden vanity that he custom tailored to fit its pedestal-worthy position.
3 Textural Details With so much open space, Amanda knew they needed to counterbalance things a little in order to make the room feel as cozy as possible. Opting to steer clear of more reflective surfaces – which can sometimes seem overly sterile – the couple chose to complement the vanity with other understated textures, including installing more than 2,000 handcrafted cement tiles on the vanity and showerhead walls, and adding similarly mattefinished porcelain tile flooring.
4 Layered Lighting While the Wisnoskys love taking playful risks with their designs, they’re also always mindful of functionality. For this space in particular, they wanted adaptable lighting that could serve different needs throughout the day, which they achieved by introducing several dimmable overhead lights, a pair of shower wall sconces and an oversized LED-backlit mirror. “It’s a really dimensional room,” Amanda says happily of the finished result, “and a lot of thought went into making it appear so seamless.” 2 6 | FA L L 2023
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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 27
C O M M U N IT Y Outer Banks Community Foundation staff members gather in front of their new headquarters in Manteo. From left to right: MaryAnn Toboz, Maggie McNinch, Laney Waughtel, Nandy Stuart, Scout Schillings and Chris Sawin. Photo by Cory Godwin.
Following a move into new headquarters, the Outer Banks Community Foundation looks to create a home for fellow nonprofits. BY MAGGIE MCNINCH
Paying it
Manteo home even wider – and transforming the former bank building into the area’s first Outer Banks Center for Nonprofits. “We want to provide education, office space, resources, networking opportunities and everything else we can to help other nonprofits do their work,” Nandy explains. “I think it’s an opportunity that will really benefit our community in the long run.” A lot went into the decision to pursue this venture, including an awareness that many local nonprofits have to lease increasingly high-cost operational spaces – which can divert valuable funds from their ultimate goals – while some fledgling organizations can find themselves in even tighter spots without regular access to vital resources like computers and printers. The OBCF simply realized that if they were in a position to alleviate some of those common struggles by sharing their new location, everyone could win. But first they had to figure out a few logistics. Though they hadn’t been running an internship program for a while, they brought on Milton A. Jewell interns Laney Waughtel and Maggie McNinch this past summer to help navigate the process – which Nandy has hailed as an opportunity to bring in younger voices with fresh visions for creating a space where people can interact organically. So far, much of the work in that direction has included analyzing the two-story, 3,300-square-foot building’s layout to develop a facilities use plan that outlines what the OBCF could offer nonprofits interested in sharing a communal base. They’ve also – and perhaps most importantly – been surveying and conducting interviews with a variety of nonprofits to get firsthand accounts of the most pressing community needs going forward. “I’d love to see [this building become] a vibrant place full of action,” Nandy says of her personal take on the possibilities of the OBCF’s new initiative, “with different kinds of activity that’s very welcoming to everyone.” While this groundwork is being put in motion, however, the OBCF’s regular efforts to manage local funds, grants and scholarships remain the same as always – particularly because everyone who has been involved with the organization since it was founded as a public charity in 1982 understands just how far a small boost in the right direction can go. “I think there’s a notion that to be involved in a foundation, you have to be incredibly wealthy, and that’s just not the case,” Chris explains. “It’s all about giving forward, rather than giving for now, and creating a legacy that lasts for generations.” Like Nandy, Chris has also spent a good amount of time envisioning his dreams for the OBCF’s next chapter – and he can barely contain his enthusiasm for everything that still lies ahead. “I hope that we’re meeting with donors who are setting up important, new charitable funds, and I hope that other nonprofits are sharing exciting projects with us. I hope that every room in this building is being used in some way, and I hope that we have some drop-in visitors we didn’t plan for,” Chris says with a broad grin. “I hope that within five years, every nonprofit on the Outer Banks knows that this is their home, too.”
Forward
NANDY STUART HEARS THE FRONT OFFICE DOOR OPEN while she’s answering emails at her desk – and when she hurries out to say hello, she’s met with the confused expression of a visitor who was expecting to deposit a check. “We’re not Southern Bank anymore, we’re the Community Foundation – but we’ll take your money!” Nandy jokes whenever this situation occurs – which is fairly frequently these days. As chief operating officer of the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF), Nandy has overseen a lot since joining the nonprofit organization in 2019 – including the group’s recent relocation from Southern Shores to their new headquarters in a building that formerly belonged to Southern Bank on Roanoke Island. This major move was made possible by a capital campaign the OBCF launched last year to purchase a new facility after they outgrew the 1,500-square-foot flat-top they called home for nearly 15 years. With more than double the space in their Manteo location, the OBCF has since been able to increase their board of directors from 12 to 18 members as they look toward their future philanthropic goals – while also intercepting any wayward bank-goers, of course. “The anchor of that campaign was two incredibly generous grants [from] the Percy W. & Elizabeth G. Meekins Charitable Trust and the Holding Family Foundation,” says OBCF President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Sawin. “The campaign also attracted a number of individual donors, but those two grants were really the hanger for it.” The organizations that supplied that essential backing were won over, at least in part, by the OBCF’s larger plan to further magnify their impact by opening the doors of their
2 8 | FA L L 2023
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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 2 9
sun salutations Beach Realty & Construction Beach Realty Recognizes Top Listing Agents Beach Realty is pleased to announce the top-producing listing agents year-to-date for 2023. Congratulations go to Ilona Matteson, Duck (252) 619-5225; Joanne Kepler, Corolla (252) 207-8420; and Nancy Bailey, Kitty Hawk (252) 207-1091. All three agents have in-depth knowledge of the local market, years of experience and first-rate customer service.
Coldwell Banker Seaside Names the Sandman Team the Top-Producing Kitty Hawk Team
Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales
John Leatherwood, along with Sandman Team members Lisa Walters and Debbie Knieper, has earned the Mid-Year Top-Producing Team Award for the Kitty Hawk office based on closed sales volume for the first half of 2023. “John and his team have represented us in both purchase and sale transactions over the past few years, and he is far and away the most professional and dedicated agent we have ever met,” said a five-star review. Contact team leader John Leatherwood at (252) 202-3834 or john@sandmanteamobx.com.
Brindley Beach Names Catherine Strachan and Edith Rowe the Top Two Year-to-Date Sales Agents
Coldwell Banker Seaside Welcomes New Agents Yuliya Hristov and Amber Coppersmith
An Outer Banks resident since 1988, Catherine Strachan has been a fulltime broker and realtor for 17 years. She’s passionate about her job, working diligently to see that all her clients are satisfied whether they’re buying or selling. Contact Catherine at (252) 489-9540 or obxproperty@gmail.com.
Yuliya Hristov has joined Coldwell Banker Seaside in the Kitty Hawk location. A successful and experienced agent, Yuliya is known for her market knowledge and customer service. “Yuliya is hands-down the best real estate agent on the Outer Banks! The entire process went smoothly thanks to her dedication and follow-up,” said a recent five-star review. Contact Yuliya at (252) 305-9619 or yuliyahristov@gmail.com.
Beach Realty is a full-service real estate company offering real estate sales, vacation rentals and new construction and remodeling. For more information, contact salesteam@beachrealtync.com.
Edith Rowe has won the Top Sales Agent Award based on closed sales volume for the past six years. She holds a broker’s license and has been in sales on the Outer Banks since 2000. She brings to the table a degree of sales acumen and a familiarity with the area found in few agents. Contact Edith at (252) 202-6165 or at edithroweobx@gmail.com.
Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Coldwell Banker Seaside Names Sunny Berle the Mid-Year Top-Producing Agent Sunny Berle has earned the Mid-Year Top-Producing Agent Award, leading in both sales volume and units based on closed production from January 1 through June 30, 2023. Sunny is also a recipient of the 2022 Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle Award, which is presented to the top 5% of all Coldwell Banker agents worldwide. Contact Sunny at (813) 480-0445 or sunny.berle@gmail.com.
Coldwell Banker Seaside Names the VanderMyde Group the Top-Producing Team The VanderMyde Group is the firm’s top-producing team based on closed sales volume from January 1 through June 30, 2023. Heather VanderMyde, along with team members Kiirsten Farr, Will Gregg, Kasey Rabar and Trish Berruet, 3 0 | FA L L 2023
have once again ranked at the top for listings, sales volume and units. “Without a doubt, this team of professionals sets the bar for excellence in client service and industry expertise,” said a recent five-star review. Contact team leader Heather VanderMyde at (252) 202-2375 or hvandermyde@gmail.com.
Amber Coppersmith has joined Coldwell Banker Seaside in the Kitty Hawk and Elizabeth City locations. “I’m committed to providing outstanding service, personalized attention and a seamless transaction from start to finish,” she says. Contact Amber at (252) 216-6325 or ambercoppersmith@cbseaside.com.
Joe Lamb, Jr. and Associates Joe Lamb, Jr. Acknowledges Agents Shelley O’Grady and Bobby Williams Outer Banks native Shelley O’Grady has more than a decade of real estate experience. With a focus on exceptional service and communication, she’s dedicated to helping clients achieve their buying or selling goals. Contact Shelley at shelley@joelambjr.com or (252) 261-7721. With more than 40 years of Outer Banks experience, Bobby is your go-to expert for buying or selling property. His deep knowledge, transparency and strong negotiation skills ensure a seamless real estate experience. Contact Bobby at bwilliams@joelambjr.com or (252) 261-7721.
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©2023 Landmark Real Estate Group LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Landmark Real Estate Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.
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sun salutations Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty Sotheby’s Acknowledges the Kelly Dean Team: Kelly Dean, Tamera Forshaw and Michelle Donahue Kelly Dean has developed and designed some of the Outer Banks’ largest revenue-producing oceanfront properties. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, seasoned investor or current owner, she can provide valuable insight tailored to your needs. Contact Kelly at (252) 207-3655 or kelly.dean@landmarksir.com. Tamera Forshaw is experienced in all facets of home buying and selling, including financing, investment properties, condominiums and new construction. She also prides herself in building lasting relationships with her clients both during their home search and beyond closing. Contact Tamera at (252) 489-0041 or tamera.forshaw@landmarksothebysrealty.com. Michelle Donahue is the ideal realtor for buyers and sellers on the Outer Banks. With her local roots, superb insights and community involvement, she offers a unique perspective and unwavering dedication to help you find your coastal home. Contact Michelle at (252) 619-0931 or michelle.donahue@landmarksir.com.
One of Sun Realty’s newer agents, Jay Gabbert earned top honors for the month of May. After establishing a successful career in the Charlotte area, Jay relocated to the Outer Banks where he knows the northern beaches inside and out, and can also assist with transactions all along the Outer Banks. Contact Jay at the Duck office at (252) 619-6961. Joe Staten rounds out this quarter as the top agent for June. A Washington, D.C., native, Joe fell in love with the Outer Banks and was determined to call it home. Be it a year-round home, second home, vacation rental, business or commercial property, Joe can help make your Outer Banks dreams a reality. Contact Joe at the Duck office at (252) 261-4183.
Twiddy & Company Premier Sales John Myers Celebrates 26 Years with Twiddy After 26 years at Twiddy, and nearly four decades of sales experience overall, clients can count on John’s integrity and knowledge dealing with anything real estate related. Contact John at (252) 256-2066 or jmyers@twiddy.com.
Twiddy Acknowledges Matt Preston’s 2023 Sales
Southern Shores Realty Southern Shores Realty Names John Wojcik June 2023 Agent of the Month John Wojcik has worked at Southern Shores Realty for more than 20 years, and he’s happy to use his vast knowledge of the Outer Banks to help meet his clients’ real estate needs. John can be contacted at (252) 261-2000.
Southern Shores Realty Names Mike Ross July 2023 Agent of the Month Mike Ross has established wonderful working relationships with both buyers and sellers over the course of his 30-plus year career in real estate. Mike can be contacted at (252) 261-2000.
Sun Realty Sun Realty Announces Agents of the Month for April, May and June 2023 Jackie Ricks Sample was the top sales agent for the month of April. Jackie has been with Sun Realty since the beginning, and remains a strong leader in local real estate. Whether she’s representing a buyer or a seller, Jackie provides the highest level of service while working diligently for all parties. Contact Jackie at the Kill Devil Hills office at (252) 441-8011 or by cell at (252) 202-8011.
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Along with more than $22 million in 2022 total sales volume, Matt continues to demonstrate his real estate expertise with more than $12 million in 2023 sales yearto-date, making him one of Twiddy’s top agents. From high-end homes to boat slips, he sells it all. Contact Matt at (252) 207-6143 or mpreston@twiddy.com.
Twiddy Acknowledges the RMR Team OBX and Agent Steven Gross The RMR Team of Ray Meiggs and Briann Mehfoud continues to combine their passion, experience and regional knowledge with a “make it happen” work ethic. As Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists with more than $74 million in combined total volume sales since 2019, the RMR Team works diligently to exceed all expectations. Contact the RMR Team OBX at (252) 333-5310 or rmrteamobx@gmail.com. With a background in property management prior to starting in sales in 2017, Steven provides excellent service and outstanding results to both buyers and sellers alike, and his experience makes him an ideal choice for those purchasing an investment property or a second home. Contact Steven at (252) 864-9035 or sgross@twiddy.com.
Twiddy Welcomes Crystal Swain Back to Twiddy Premier Sales Twiddy welcomes Crystal Swain back to the Twiddy Premier Sales team. Contact Crystal in the Corolla office at (252) 573-1646 or at cswain@twiddy.com.
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F I V E FACT S
Currituck Beach Lighthouse Photo by Cory Godwin / Story by Emmy Benton
WHAT’S 220 STEPS TALL AND RED ALL OVER? The Outer Banks’ northernmost lighthouse, of course! With its signature 20-second flash cycle – three seconds on, 17 seconds off – even the farthest-flung mariners can identify the Currituck Beach Lighthouse by its beam alone – which is no mean feat for a nearly 150-year-old navigational aid. From its beginnings during the 19th-century heyday of lighthouse construction to its glowingly fresh 21st-century facelift, the stately Currituck tower may have been the last lighthouse built on the Outer Banks – but it’s still a longtime local favorite to many.
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Money, Money, Money
In 1852, a record eight vessels ran ashore in one night on Currituck Beach, prompting Congress to appropriate $25,000 in funds for a Currituck-area lighthouse just two years later. Construction on the Currituck Beach Lighthouse didn’t start until the 1870s, though, so the original allocation (worth more than a million dollars in today’s money!) was put back in the federal budget and ultimately used to build the second Bodie Island Lighthouse (which is now on its third iteration) in 1858. A total of about $125,000 was later spent building the 168-foot-tall Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and when construction was finally complete in 1875, the light illuminated the last stretch of dark space left on the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida.
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Doubling Down
If you’ve ever thought you were seeing double when it comes to lighthouses, you might not be wrong. Design plans for the Currituck Beach Lighthouse have been used a total of three times at other sites, starting with the construction of Florida’s St. Augustine Lighthouse in 1871, and followed by the third (and current) version of Bodie Island Lighthouse, which was built a year later in 1872. Currituck’s only totally identical site design-wise, however, was the 1876 Morris Island Light Station in Charleston, South Carolina, which also shared the same keepers’ house plans. Though the Morris Island
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Lighthouse is still standing, large-scale erosion subsequently destroyed its keepers’ quarters, leaving the decommissioned tower stranded on an island that’s now solely accessible by boat.
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Keeping the Lights On
First fueled by lard – and then kerosene – the Currituck Beach Lighthouse was forever changed after it was electrified in 1933 and automated in 1937. As technology has continued to advance, the tower’s old halogen bulb was even replaced with LED lights just before its 145th birthday in 2020. But for all those changes, one constant has been the lens through which the light shines. Currituck is one of only 13 U.S. lighthouses that retains its original firstorder Fresnel lens as an active navigational aid. The French-made Fresnel lenses were introduced in 1822 with the revolutionary concept of using prisms to concentrate rays of light into focused horizontal streams – which, in Currituck’s case, means the light can be seen from up to 18 nautical miles away.
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Changing Hands
After the U.S. Lighthouse Service merged with the U.S. Coast Guard in 1939, more property switches were afoot. By the 1950s, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse grounds were transferred to the state of NC – with the exception of a small plot of land that included the tower. The larger grounds were eventually handed over to the NC
Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, who then leased the property to the nonprofit Outer Banks Conservationists (OBC) in 1980. A decade later, the Coast Guard also leased the light’s smaller plot to the OBC until the deed was transferred to the group entirely in 2003. After extensive restoration efforts, the OBC continues to maintain and operate the site to this day – though the U.S. government continues to retain ownership of the tower’s Fresnel lens.
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Committed Keepers
While most U.S. lighthouses don’t have any onsite keepers these days, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse currently boasts two year-round keepers. Meghan Agresto and her partner Luis Garcia not only live on the lighthouse grounds, they’ve also raised their two sons there and have been caring for the property since 2005. Keepers with families were similarly common during the 1800s, which led to the creation of a small Corolla schoolhouse in 1895 – but that venture folded by the 1950s due to a shortage of students. Undaunted, Meghan began working with other community members to start a much-needed public school there in 2012. The Water’s Edge Village School now operates grades K-eighth as the smallest charter school in NC – serving about 40 children annually out of the area’s original two-room schoolhouse.
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