More from Sam

Hey ya’ll!

Whew what an amazing time I’ve had since I returned to the Castle. Some things remind me of the old days like the rain and wind blowin’ as hard as it can and the tides high as could be. I know I said I would see you tomorrow but it has been so busy here that my friend couldn’t pay much attention to me. Just told me to kind of stay out of the way!

Well first of all, for a few days, due to the weather the ferries weren’t running like they normally do, and on one of those stormy days no one could leave the Island or even get on the Island. I do have to say that there are worse places to be stranded. Like in the old days, visitors seem to go with the flow and make the best of a bad situation.

Electricity was off for a while and even though folks couldn’t get their early morning coffee no one seemed to let it bother them. When the power came back on at 9AM there sure was a rush for the coffee pots. Guests that couldn’t leave gathered in the kitchen sharing food, telling tales and having a grand time. Friendships were made and plans to meet again in the future were discussed. It makes my heart and body, (if I still had one), warm and fuzzy to think about it.

Another amazing thing that happened is that there was a guest here by the name of David whose dad worked for me at the Berkeley Machine Works and Foundry, in Norfolk VA.

Well he decided to take a trip to Ocracoke and surprise his dad with pictures of the old place I built and of all the changes. He didn’t think I would remember his dad but anyone that worked for me for 62 years… I sure do. His name was Harvey Jr. to be exact. His dad; Harvey Sr. also worked for me, but not as long. Harvey Jr. specialized in brass and was quite the master at the craft. In fact the plaque in the hallway of the Castle was mounted by him. A very talented man, I may say! In fact this man David worked at the Foundry during High School and College summers. It was great listening to the old stories.

I have so much more to tell you but my friend can’t pay attention to me any more today. I am so lucky to be roaming around here again. I just wish I could take a swim in that pool in back of what they call the Courtyard Villas. Just lovely!

SOSJ