ocracoke and the philadelphia connection

Ocracoke Lighthouse from Silver Lake.
Ocracoke Lighthouse from Silver Lake.

Generations of Ocracoke men found work in Philadelphia and the Delaware River.

With little or no work on Ocracoke and their skills in demand, for over 50 years Ocracoke watermen were an important part of the workforce in Philadelphia. David Cecelski’s blog provides a remarkable window into the early 20th century connection between a small island and a thriving metropolis.

Ocracoke Lighthouse from Silver Lake.
Ocracoke Lighthouse from Silver Lake.

“This used to be an island where the men went to sea.” That’s what 95-year-old Blanche Howard Jolliff told me a few years ago, when I visited her on Ocracoke Island, one of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. I was the guest of her cousin Philip and his family next door, and Philip took me by to see her.

Philip Howard is the owner of one of the island’s oldest and most beloved businesses, The Village Craftsmen. He’s also a first-rate local historian. You can find his very interesting blog, called Ocracoke Island Journal, here.”

To read David Cecelski’s blog and more from the author, click here.