A House Tale

There was a large three day yard sale at a former resident’s home recently. The owners of the house died a few years ago and the family is clearing the house to put on the market to sell. Being a spirit, I don’t need anything from a yard sale – but that doesn’t keep me from enjoying them. This was a quite a happening. I think everyone on the island stopped by at least once.

The house was rather interesting. It rambled from room to room. I overheard one of the sons explaining that the house was built from parts of a former army building that was left empty after the war. Ocracokers have always been very ingenious and thrift worthy – reusing any and everything they can. He also mentioned that the house was built in its present location, next to the firehouse, moved out near the sound and then moved back again. Another popular Ocracoke activity – moving houses. Since it was difficult and expensive to build a house, if the location wasn’t right – you just moved what you could to make it work. One of the more unusual parts of the house was the garage. It had a small wall preventing a car from entering it. Someone asked about this and was told the lady of the house did not want the car parked in the garage – so it was only used for storage. Always have been a lot of strong women on this island. Another one of the attractions!

Spirit of Sam Jones