Ocracoke people enjoy a unique ‘quality of life’

Historians with the Ocracoke (N.C.) Preservation Society suggest that the name “Ocracoke” is linked to Native Americans who were known as the Woccon tribe. They frequented the island to harvest seafood.

 

English explorer John White, a talented artist and cartographer, sailed with Richard Grenville in the first attempt to colonize Roanoke Island in 1585. His maps depicted Ocracoke Island as “Wococon” or “Wokokon.”

 

(In 1587, White became governor of Sir Walter Raleigh’s failed attempt to establish a permanent settlement on Roanoke Island, known to history as the “Lost Colony.”)

The name of the island was modified over time, appearing as Ocacoe, Occacock, Ocreecock…and finally, as Ocracoke.

 

A more far-fetched suggestion is that Blackbeard the Pirate, waiting for the fateful dawn of Nov. 22, 1718, prayed in vain: “O Crow Cock! O Crow Cock!” as he prepared to do battle at sunrise with Lt. Robert Maynard of the British Royal Navy off the coast of Ocracoke.

 

“Ye Island of Ocreecock” was purchased by William Howard in 1759, and a community began to form. 

The place was known as Occacock Island in 1770, when a member of the North Carolina colonial assembly observed that “those lawless (Outer) Bankers are not paying taxes anywhere.”

To fix that oversight, “Occacock was annexed to Carteret precinct.” The arrangement lasted until 1845, when for some reason, the state General Assembly “transferred” Ocracoke from Carteret County to Hyde County.

Ocracoke Island sits 20 miles from the mainland as buffer between the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Today, most of the island is included within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Tourism is Ocracoke’s economic engine, as Ocracoke offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time and experience a unique island culture. “The island’s isolation, while posing challenges, also contributes to its distinct character and appeal,” travel writers say.

“The pace of life on Ocracoke is generally slower and more relaxed. The island has a strong sense of community, with residents sharing resources, helping neighbors and participating in local events.”

With a permanent population of 657, Ocracoke has emerged as a vibrant arts community, with a strong tradition of storytelling, music and visual arts deeply rooted in the island’s history and culture. Ocracoke boasts numerous art galleries, shops and studios showcasing a variety of handcrafted items from pottery and jewelry to decoys and paintings.

Locals have welcomed the arrival of artists of all descriptions who seek inspiration on this isolated island that contains 8.6 square miles of sandy soil and has an average elevation of 3 feet above sea level. 

Folks seem to have taken to heart an expression popularized by Desirée Christa Ricker, who moved to Ocracoke in 2012. She says: “The performing arts, and expression through them, are as necessary as breath. Without them there is no life.”

 

Ricker has co-written “The Dingbatters’ Guide to Ocracoke,” mainly a series of comedy skits, along with David Tweedie (shown below), who plays fiddle with the musical group “Molasses Creek,” which is home-based in Ocracoke.

 

(“Dingbatter” is a term of endearment applied generally to Ocracoke tourists. Some are naïve about the ways of life in Ocracoke.

As an example: One night, a tourist who could not find an available room on Ocracoke asked: “How’s the road to Cedar Island?”

 A native O’cocker replied: “Wet.”)

“All of the subjects presented (in the theatrical production) are laughable for both visitors and residents,” Tweedie said. “We try to make sure everyone is equally made fun of – visitors and residents.”

One skit reveals the “annual mosquito count.” Another deals with “evacu-tation,” what happens when a hurricane comes calling.