Deck the Halls

Deck the Halls

'Tis the season for the annual Historic Homes Tour.

Please join Ocracoke Preservation Society on Saturday, December 6th for this fun holiday tradition. OPS is highlighting some of Ocracoke's wonderfully preserved buildings in the National Historic District. Purchase or reserve your tickets for this event at the OPS Museum in person, or by calling 252-928-7375. Ticket prices are $15 for non-members and $12 for OPS members. 

This year's tour features eight historic structures, decked out in their holiday best, and open to view from 3 – 5 pm. You know you want to see inside!

Island Inn (1901,1940’s,1950’s) (original motel name, Silver Lake Inn): Built in stages, the original gable front two-story section was the Ocracoke School (on the first floor) and the Oddfellows Lodge (on the second floor). This original section was built on the opposite side of the road and moved to its present location in the 1920’s. In the 1940’s, the first floor was converted to a coffee shop and the second floor was used by the U.S. Navy. In 1948, the owner moved some of the abandoned naval barracks and attached them to the right side of the building to create a dance hall. In the 1950’s the two-story addition on the left was added to include a dining room downstairs and guest rooms upstairs.

Thadeus Gaskins House (Early 1900’s): A traditional story and a jump house, the owners added a front-gabled addition creating an “L” shape. The front wraparound porch and back screened porch add to the charm of this home. The story goes that the house was originally built by Thadeus Gaskins ‘Round Creek but eventually moved Down Point to across the street from the Lighthouse. In the 1970’s, it was moved to its current location by owner, David Senseney.

Mattie Midgette House
Mattie Midgette House

James Henry Garrish House (ca.1905): This one-story, high ceilinged cottage with a wraparound porch has been raised and renovated by the Schramels in recent years. The kitchen, formerly located in the rear ell was connected by a breezeway which is now an enclosed hallway. Note the exterior siding along the wall as you walk down the hall. The story is that a ghost wanders this hallway at night.

Nathan Spencer House (ca.1922):  This is a typical foursquare house with an atypical pyramidal roof. Note the family cemetery located toward the back right of the property.

John N. Midgette House (1933) (known today as the Mattie Midgette House: Hosted by Joyce Spencer (this was her childhood home), this front-gabled bungalow is full of history and memories.

Clarence Scarborough House (1920’s): Located right next to the store he ran, this house was built for Clarence Scarborough. It has been recently renovated by current owners, Sharon Sjoblom and Norman Miller.

Capt. Wesley Austin House I. (ca. 1915) (known today as the Mary Francis House): This house was built for Lighthouse Keeper Leon Wesley Austin. He served as keeper of the Ocracoke Lighthouse from 1912-1929.

Mary Francis House
Mary Francis House

Berkley Castle (1950’s): Originally the Castle was the private residence for Sam Jones. It was renovated in the 1990’s and turned into a bed and breakfast. The building is symmetrical from the front but dissolves into a rambling complex of one, one and a half and two and a half story wings with the same styling characterized by dormers and large chimneys.

The homeowners are graciously opening their doors for Homes Tour participants. There’ll be refreshments, too! Ticket sales will benefit Ocracoke Preservation Society. OPS needs volunteers to help with decorating, hosting, and clean-up. If you can lend a hand, please call Amy at the Museum.

 
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