Eastern Shore First, July 2020

INSIDE: A ROAD-LESS-TRAVELED EASTERN SHORE ROAD TRIP Free of charge | Take one!

The monthly journal of Eastern Shore life Vol. 4, No. 3 | July 2020 LIFE AROUND HERE

And crown thy good with brotherhood Barrier Islands Center makes ‘Stars and Stripes’ the star again

See our listings on pages 28-29 SEE OUR LISTINGS ON PAGE 7

Visit www.Mason-Davis.com

Call 757-787-1010

Page 2 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

5 North St., Onancock Open 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday Open Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday

757-787-8805

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Local, Domestic and Imported Wine Free Tastings Daily European & Domestic Fresh-Cut Cheese More than 50 Cheeses in Stock Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Cheese and Charcuterie Boards Jams and Jellies European Products Gifts and Wearable Art Knowledgeable, Friendly Staff

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July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 3

From the publisher

Eastern Shore First is a locally owned monthly newsmagazine serving the Eastern Shore of Virginia A publication of

EASTERN SHORE FIRST LLC MAILING: P.O. Box 47 Exmore, VA 23350 PHYSICAL: 3257 Main St., Exmore, Virginia Easternshorefirst.com Follow Eastern Shore First on Facebook Large flags at the Eastern Shore of Virginia Barrier Islands Center in Machipongo.

A nice display of our flag, at just the right moment T

he Eastern Shore of Virginia Barrier Islands Center in Machipongo has found the perfect place to present the U.S. flag. And seemingly at just the right moment.

The large former almshouse-turned-museum, easily visible from the highway, features Old Glory on each end.

The massive, 25-foot flags — hung correctly in the vertical position, with the Union star field on the viewer’s left — can easily be seen by northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. Route 13.

A third flag adorns the side of the Barrier Island Center education building. The museum also hung a flag from a side wall years ago during an art show.

Laura Vaughan, executive director of the center, thanked Matthew Freeze and Harbor Towne Enterprises Inc. for mounting the flags.

Freeze attended a retirement party for his stepfa-

ther, Norman Thibodeaux, at the Barrier Island Center earlier this year and volunteered to hang the flags if Vaughan ever decided to have another display.

The colorful flags against the white background create a timeless, postcard scene. And during an unsettled and divided time in our country, the flags are a reminder of our national dependence on each other — and the independence that formed our country.

Vaughan said her favorite part of the flags is how people respond. Many call to say the huge vertical flags made their day or stirred in them emotions of togetherness and patriotism.

The Barriers Islands Center will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in July. Stop by for an up-close look at a fantastic flag display that will stir emotions in you, too.

— Ted Shockley

Page 4 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2010

Ted Shockley Publisher 757-999-9919 ted@easternshorefirst.com

FOUNDING PRINCIPLES Serve businesses, agencies, nonprofits and the public by offering cost-effective, high-value advertising in a publication committed to promoting the attributes of the Eastern Shore to residents and visitors.

Serve the community by highlighting the people, businesses, places, events and amenities that make the Eastern Shore a great place to live and visit.

Be a relentless, active and giving community partner in all ways possible.

INFORMATION This material is protected by copyright unless otherwise specified. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication without permission is strictly prohibited. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of content; however, Eastern Shore First LLC is not responsible for errors or omissions.

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 5

Insider

ESCC’s close-to-home plan for fall classes WRITTEN BY DR. JAMES SHAEFFER

O

ne of the great rewards I inherited when I started my new job as president of Your Eastern Shore Community College was the unrelenting support the greater community gives to the college. I see this play out every day when I’m stopped at the YMCA or the grocery store or most anywhere here on the Shore and people ask about how the college is doing.

When people ask me about the college it’s not exactly like when we may ask someone, “How are you doing?” While we want to know how the person is, we hope they don’t go into detail. That is simply not the case when people ask me about the college. They truly want to know: What is Eastern Shore Community College going to do in the Fall?

That question is a bit difficult to answer because the COVID-19 crisis has moved our goal posts nearly every day. I am proud to report that because of great planning and foresight, Your Eastern Shore Community College has prepared for a number of scenarios for Fall. We call our plan “Close to Home.”

Most of our courses are now offered in eight-week sessions, which creates more options for students and allows them to earn credits more quickly while focusing on only a couple of classes at a time.

We are planning each class to maximize the educational experience and minimize risks. We have designed five types of delivery methods, depending on the class, the student, and the instructor. n All on-campus. This is the plan for classes like welding which must be taught in the welding shop. n Switch-days on-campus. Half of the students will come on-campus for the first meeting day of the week and participate in the class through Zoom the other day, and half will participate through Zoom on the first day and come on-campus the second day. We will do this for classes like math where in-person instruction is not required but is extremely beneficial.

The Zoom sessions also will allow a student to avoid campus completely if their health condition requires that. n Sometimes on-campus. These classes might

come to campus a few times, such as for an introductory meeting, biology labs, or proctored testing. n Live online. We recognize that sometimes students feel disconnected in online classes, so we will offer some that will include live instruction each week through Zoom. n Anytime online. We also know that some students need maximum flexibility to complete classwork when it is convenient for them. These will be traditional online classes that do not require students to be online on certain days and times.

We will publish on our website and in our schedule the plan for each class.

To prepare Your Eastern Shore Community College faculty to implement these options, this summer every ESCC instructor will complete 14 hours of training and will redesign their courses to enhance quality.

I want to thank the faculty, staff, and students for

Page 6 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

what they achieved in the Spring 2020 semester. The faculty moved quickly to modify courses for remote delivery, the staff kept the college’s virtual doors open through email, phone, and our website, and our students prevailed through the semester. We graduated over 100 students in May. Your Eastern Shore Community College recognizes that with COVID 19 many students and parents are faced with difficult decisions such as, do I send my child away to a four-year institution or can they stay close to home for this first or second year of college?

The great news is Your Eastern Shore Community College offers excellent programs with guaranteed transfer to any public university in the state of Virginia. We also offer short-term certificates and degrees that lead directly to great careers in healthcare, manufacturing, trades, information technology, and childcare.

Not only does ESCC allow you stay close to home, your community college is less than one third the cost of the other colleges and universities in Virginia. And here is the kicker, we have over $250,000 in scholarships to keep your costs even lower.

Nearly every ESCC student will receive some form of financial aid or scholarship this year. It’s not that we are expensive and need to offer aid to make us look inexpensive. Instead, we are a great value and offer as much aid as possible to make college affordable and accessible for everyone on the Shore.

I speak for all the faculty and staff at ESCC when I say we so appreciate the support we receive from our friends and colleagues on the Eastern Shore. We feel that the best way to continue to earn that support is to respond to the needs of the Eastern Shore community.

We hope by providing multiple delivery modes of high quality programs at affordable prices and giving a scholarship to nearly every one of our students, we are taking strides to be your YES! Your Eastern Shore Community College, YES! ESCC Strong.

Dr. James Shaeffer is president of Eastern Shore Community College.

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 7

Insider

Palace Theatre lights are dim, but Lemontree Gallery is open

T

wo evening performances and the anticipation of a Sunday matinee, cast party and celebration after the spring musical at the Historic Palace Theatre, Shrek, were all cut short by the impending virus.

A few cast members retreated, the final performance was cancelled, the lights turned down and everyone went home — for a long time! The Board of Directors of Gear Fine and Performing Arts decided to cancel the rest of the performance season, which meant patrons could not enjoy the Virginia National Ballet from Richmond, Paul the Beatle in a tribute performance one man show or singer Christine Havrilla with her "neofunkadelicfolkpopwangrock.”

The Dance School was forced to cancel their year end Dansical and all classes have been furloughed until the fall. The theatre performance schedule will resume when the Board feels comfortable filling the theatre with patrons.

Gear Fine & Performing Arts' popular Musical Theatre summer camp has been cancelled as has the Art Splash camp held in the Lemon Tree Gallery that allows campers to work with a different artist each morning and practice performance art in the afternoon. An art show and performance have culminated the week in previous years.

The Lemon Tree Team has kept the arts alive in spite of all the obstacles.

The Gallery, now open, serves as

Two evening performances and the anticipation of a Sunday matinee, cast party and celebration after the spring musical at the Historic Palace Theatre, Shrek, were all cut short by coronavirus concerns.

a headquarters for the non-profits and manages the program and classes for the non-profit.

Through a gift from a friend of the arts, a Wishing Well Wall was built that encourages tourists and locals to share heartfelt messages during this world crisis. It is in front of the Lemon Tree Gallery.

The Fridays at Lemon Tree, a popular weekly event featuring free live entertainment with a cash bar, has been put on hold. However, for three separate Fridays, the Lemon Tree Team hosted virtual Fridays

Page 8 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

through Zoom and coordinated with several local performers who sang and played blues, jazz and rock and roll from their living rooms.

Cape Charles is beginning to attract its' summer tourists. The town is sponsoring a Farmer's Market on the Strawberry Street Plaza across the street from the theatre and gallery.

To dovetail, the Gallery has asked artists from our artist collective to enjoy Wednesdays on the Patio where they can paint or carve or create while interacting with customers.

A new show called Metamorphosis, a reflection of the transforming world, has recently been hung in the Gallery. Hours have been adjusted and currently the Gallery is closed on Monday and Tuesday, open on Wednesday from 4-7 during the Farmer's Market, Thursday - Saturday from 11-5 and Sunday from 1-4.

For more information about the Historic Palace Theatre, Gear Fine and Performing Arts programming or the Lemon Tree Gallery, call 757 3314327.

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 9

Insider

Conservation photo contest, agriculture learning challenge begin Not everything is canceled! Check out these opportunities that are still happening.

Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) is committed to conservation of natural resources through stewardship and education programs and wants to see it through the eyes of the public.

In celebration of Earth’s Day 50th Anniversary, its 2020 Photo Contest theme is “Earth Day Everyday.” Capture those vibrant moments and express what Earth Day everyday looks like.

The contest is open until July 31, 2020. You can submit up to 10 photos.

All photographs must be taken within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Photographs taken outside the state of Virginia will be disqualified. The full list of rules and the entry application can be found at the following website: vaswcd.org/photocontest.

Last year’s state winning picture was taken here on the Eastern Shore and was taken by Brad Carter, Soil Conservationist, at the NRCS service center in Accomack.

Also recently announced is the STEM Learning Challenge from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

This challenge is for parents and students in 5 th through 12 th grades. Cool prizes include a 3D printer and gift cards.

When rain falls or snow melts, it does not simply stay in one or place or seep into the ground to replenish groundwater; most of it begins to move.

Learn about the impact of runoff in rural and urban areas and its effects on the environment. Around the world, there are more than 400 dead zones in oceans and lakes, including the Chesapeake Bay. A dead zone is where the water contains so little oxygen that aquatic life can no longer survive. In large part, this is due to excess nutrient pollution found in our runoff as a result of home, agricultural, and industrial practices as well as population growth.

Learn about the impact of runoff and come up with solutions to the issue of dead zones, hypoxia, and overall water quality. More information and details about the competition can be found at https://www.purpleplow.org/challenges/go-with-theflow. All entries are due by July 24 .

Page 10 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

Last year’s state winning picture was taken here on the Eastern Shore and was photographed by Brad Carter, Soil Conservationist, at the NRCS service center in Accomack.

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 11

Insider ‘Elizabeth’s Field’ available at Book Bin

‘The Fear That Chases Me’ now at Sundial

The re-released book, “Elizabeth’s Field: Of Freedom and Bondage on Harriet Tubman’s Eastern Shore,” by Barbara Lockhart is now available at the Book Bin with many other of her offerings.

Lockhart is a graduate of the MFA program in creative writing at Vermont College and has authored and co-authored four children’s books. She lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

The Book Bin is located at Four Corner Plaza, Onley.

July 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the store’s Independence Day sale, with some books off as much as 17.76 percent.

The book, “The Fear That Chases Me” by Linda J. White is now available at Sundial Books on Chincoteague Island.

White is the author of multiple FBI thrillers, including the HOLT Medallion-winning “Seeds of Evidence.” In this book, the adventure runs along the Eastern Shore.

She writes from her home near the FBI base in Quantico, Va., where her husband was a video producer for the bureau.

Sundial Books is located on Main Street, Chincoteague Island.

The recently printed version of “Elizabeth’s Field” by Barbara Lockhart is available at the Book Bin.

“The Fear That Chases Me” by Linda J. White can be purchased at Sundial Books.

The Freeman Stage releases first set of performances for 2020 The Freeman Stage in Selbyville, Del., recently announced the first two weeks of performances for its 13th season, which will feature local and regional artists and have a reduced capacity to comply with physical distancing guidelines.

This season will kick on Thursday, July 9, with Lower Cases Blues for a special sponsor event. The lineup will include other local favorites, such as Lauren Glick Band and Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis as well as regional acts like Technicolor Motor Home: A Steely Dan Tribute. Young Audience Series programming will start July 11 with Cascading Carlos, the Juggler and will run through Sept. 5 with free weekly children’s events at 10 a.m. on Saturdays.

Public on-sale will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 2. The nonprofit — located in Selbyville — hopes to roll out the rest of the season in two-week intervals as planning will be ongoing.

In addition to a reduced capacity, the nonprofit announced a few safety changes to its policies due to COVID-19. To accommodate as many patrons as possible while adhering to physical distancing guidelines, attendance is being sold in pods rather than individual tickets, which will have seating for up to four individuals. Additionally, all attendees of a pod will need to be present before they can enter the venue.

Patrons will also be required to wear a mask upon entry, exit and moving around the venue — though once seated, it may be removed. The Stage is also implementing a clear bag policy this season to limit physical contact associated with traditional bag searches.

“Presenting a season of the arts in accordance with government and public health guidelines is not without its challenges, but for our staff and Board of

Page 12 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

Directors, it was important to offer live arts experiences to the community this summer,” said Patti Grimes, executive director.

As an arts nonprofit, the support of Freeman Stage sponsors — including its Season Sponsors, Sodoka Inc. - Sara Chase Carlson and Schell Brothers — and donors are as important as ever in continuing to provide arts access to the region.

The Freeman Stage is a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, which partners to present memorable performances and provide inspired arts education for all.

This program is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.

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Memorials

Olga Ibarra of Exmore wipes her eyes while speaking of her late husband, Fidel, who died from COVID-19

‘A piece of my heart left with you’

R

obin Heath read aloud a letter she wrote to her late mother, Ida Ellen Culver Costin of Capeville, one of the Eastern Shore of Virginia’s COVID-19 fatalities.

“A piece of my heart left with you,” she said into a microphone as a crowd of dozens silently listened.

Given the opportunity to memorialize her grandmother, Ethel Marie Turner, Tamara Crippen considered herself lucky.

“It’s a blessing that I had her for 89 years,” he said of Turner, a Tasley resident who died from COVID-19.

Since April 8, there have been 42

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Local COVID-19 memorial service brings together families stricken by coronavirus

Eastern Shore residents who have died from COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus — including 28 from Northampton County alone.

On a sun-drenched afternoon June 27 in the Exmore Town Park, a collection of local ministers held a memorial service to honor those from the Eastern

Shore who have lost their lives in a wave of sickness that has killed 128,000 in the United States alone.

“These beloved folks are so much more than numbers,” said one of the organizers, the Rev. Rick Willis of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Onancock.

Held the Saturday before the Independence Day holiday, there was little outward evidence locally of a global pandemic.

The nearby highway teemed with out-of-state traffic. Public beaches around the Eastern Shore brimmed with sunseekers on a stifling day.

The husband and daughter of Celia Mayo Gutierrez of Mappsville, who died April 25 from COVID-19, were unable to get time off from their jobs at poultry plants to attend the memorial.

“They need people,” said Nelsonia resident Pedro Sanchez, a family friend, of the poultry companies.

But at the Exmore Town Park, where Sanchez and others gathered, the coronavirus impact was much more tangible. Distances were kept and masks were worn.

The memorial service also brought together a diverse group amid a national racial reckoning. Speakers memorializing COVID-19 loved ones were white, African-American and Hispanic.

White and African-American clergy jointly presided, and Marisa Sanchez of Nelsonia translated every word spoken from English to Spanish for the audience.

Olga Ibarra of Exmore briefly removed her mask as she cried and told the crowd about her late husband, Fidel, who died May 13.

“He has no more pain,” she said.

But those left behind have the pain of a postponed mourning, said Willis.

The pandemic has shelved funerals and

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

Keep making a difference in preventing the spread of coronavirus.

Wash your hands... often

The Rev. Rick Willis, right, speaks at the memorial service.

‘A piece of my heart left with you’ FROM PREVIOUS PAGE isolated bereaving family members.

Those who died from COVID-19 sometimes did so alone because of the concern of spreading the disease.

“In most cases, death came without the family members being by their side,” said Willis.

Willis’ church on May 17 planted a memorial tree — “a symbol of hope and life,” he said — dedicated to COVID19 fatalities.

At the memorial service, signs were adorned with the victims’ names and a design by Sarah Morgan with lilies and an Eastern Shore map. Elizabeth Wolfe of St. James Episcopal

Church in Accomac performed the song, “On Eagle’s Wings.”

Karen Downing, associate minister at Jerusalem Baptist Church, Temperanceville, read aloud a letter from Gov. Ralph Northam to the victims’ families. The Revs. David Sabatino and Willie Justis addressed the gathering.

But it was the voices of those who have lost relatives to COVID-19 that resonated most.

Heath, reading from the letter, spoke directly to her late mother.

“We made each other so happy while we were together,” she said.

WRITTEN BY TED SHOCKLEY

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects...often

If you are sick, call Riverside Nurse at 1-800-675-6368 to ask about your symptoms

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze and throw it away after one use Practice social distancing of six feet or more

We’re here for you. riversideonline.com/covid-19 As we all work together, Riverside Health System would like to say thank you to our community members for all your donations and support.

And thank you to our team members on the front line.

We honor and appreciate you.

Manage your health online.

Sign up for Riverside MyChart at riversideonline.com/mychart July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 15

Who We Are

A young man with a unifying plan Minister Quintavion Washington lends his voice to a moment

H

aven’t yet met Quintavion Washington?

Let’s get the introduction out of the way. He’s packed a lot into his 25 years, so don’t hold his youth against him. He’s been preaching at his grandmother’s Melfa church since he was 8.

He’s managed local restaurants for years. He’s a husband and father. And he has an idea that people can get along just fine with a little effort and understanding.

And then listen to him speak to a crowd. He advocates for unity and justice, but it’s not just his words. He has this voice that makes people stop, look and listen. It’s charismatic, and it’s authentic.

Washington is well-practiced at coaching people into understanding each other. With national events heavy on his heart, he decided to step out in faith and form a group of local clergy of different races, denominations and backgrounds, and use it to make a difference locally.

The Eastern Shore Diverse Coalition of Preachers held marches in Eastville and Accomac in late June. Washington said they are the beginning of efforts to promote equity and social change on the Eastern Shore.

“We are a voice for the voiceless,” said Washington, saying it didn’t matter what background the voice comes from.

“I didn’t just want it to be a Black pastor or preacher organization — 66 percent of the Eastern Shore is caucasian.”

And he’s complimentary of local police officers, even as some officers nationally have come under scrutiny for fatally heavyhanded tactics.

“We have good police officers who are involved in the community more than people know,” he said. “Our police officers are good to us.”

Washington was one of the speakers in June at an Exmore rally, and organized late last year a Stop the Violence rally in Onancock after the slaying of a young black man.

“You have all of these different races that are banding together and saying, ‘This is a problem,’” he said.

Washington smiles when he talks about the influence of his grandmother, Sallie Owens, the pastor of House of Refuge Deliverance Center in Melfa. His mother, Mashonda Beckett, and aunt, Umeka Williams, also are ministers there.

Quintavion Washington is the founder of an interracial group of clergy members dedicated to helping the Eastern Shore.

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

Page 16 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

A young man with a unifying plan FROM PREVIOUS PAGE His grandmother “does not care about your race or your background. She would always go and spread that message of hope.”

Washington is also known as a hard worker. He began at the Onley McDonald’s restaurant and soon was the information technology specialist for all the McDonald’s restaurants from Cape Charles to Crisfield, Md. He later worked as an assistant manager for Wendy’s in Onley.

Today he’s manager of the Subway restaurant in Exmore. His wife, Lanequa, works with the Accomack County Department of Social Services. They have two children.

At home, at church and in the community, Quintavion Washington has been busy. That’s because there is important work to be done.

“Some days I realize that this is what I was called to do,” he said.

WRITTEN BY TED SHOCKLEY

Quintavion Washington, second from left at bottom, at an Exmore march held in June.

Dr. Rupprecht Has Joined Chincoteague Center!

Dr. Macy Rupprecht has moved to Chincoteague Island Community Health Center full time.

Dr. Rupprecht has been a dynamic member of our Onley center team.

New Expanded Hours Available!

Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day Summer Saturday hours not available until further notice due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Saturday telemedicine appointments available by calling 757-787-7374.

Chincoteague Center Provider Team We are committed to taking care of you! Other members of our provider team are:

Mary Clark, NP

Bob Coniglio, PA

Tom Hollandsworth, MD

John Moore, MD

Lindsey Plato-Johnson, NP

4049 Main Street • Chincoteague Island, VA 23336 phone: 757-336-3682 | fax: 757-336-3703 esrh.org

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 17

History

Cindy Faith is proprietor of Chincoteague Step Through Time Tours. She gives walking tours detailing the island’s history.

‘I want people to hear a true story’

C

hincoteague is a pony town and a beach town. It is a seafood town and a church town. It is a restaurant town and an icecream town.

And in the midst of it all, it is a history town, a place where the past still matters. Stories and legends still matter. People and places still matter. Old days

Cindy Faith, operator of Step Through Time Tours, enjoys revealing her home

and old buildings still matter.

Introducing people to those stories, places and sites is Cindy Faith, proprietor of Chincoteague’s Step Through Time Tours, which uses social media and in-person encounters to ensure the island’s grand stories last.

In a half-year, she’s accumulated roughly 4,000

Page 18 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

followers on a Facebook page that specializes in Chincoteague history.

And this summer she has organized a walking tour of the island’s downtown area that showcases a captivating past.

“I’m excited to show off Chincoteague. It’s a

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

‘I want people to hear a true story’ FROM PREVIOUS PAGE great little town,” said Faith, a Chincoteague High School graduate who married into the military and traveled near and far.

“I’ve lived in other places, but mostly I’ve lived on Chincoteague. It’s always home.”

Further, she’s well-steeped in local history, which always for her has been a source of fascination.

It’s that history she relays on the walking tour.

Step Through Time Tours begin at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily, and could also begin at 2 p.m. as the summer continues.

The 90-minute tours are fun and relaxed, and priced for inclusion rather than exclusion. Tours are $15 per person for those 10 years old or older.

Younger children are free — “I want the kids to come,” she said.

Describing Chincoteague’s finer points and rich history isn’t new for Faith.

She had long worked for the Museum of Chincoteague Island, running its Road Scholar program. One of her jobs was giving groups a tour of the island.

“I had been telling other people, ‘You should do a walking tour,’” she said. “I was suggesting it, but nobody was really taking me up on it, so I decided, ‘I’ll do it.’”

While a walking tour of Chincoteague requires a trip to the island, the Chincoteague Step Through Time Facebook page is full of photos, videos, facts and more that can be enjoyed everywhere there is Internet access.

The Facebook page is decidedly positive and draws an enthusiastic response — essentially forming the premise of her company.

The tours are a bit different — the daytime tours touch on important parts of town history, in-

cluding the Pony Penning, Misty of Chincoteague, and the Ash Wednesday storm. She also talks about the Civil War and its impact on Chincoteague.

The evening tour includes some information on pirates, shipwrecks and alleged haunted houses around the island — including some ghost stories.

The tours are socially distanced — a walking tour means not everyone must walk in a tight group.

“We have several places to stop and get in the shade,” she said. “And I purposely try to walk places where they will have room to spread out.”

For Faith, conveying her love for the town by speaking of its history is an honor.

“I grew up on Chincoteague. I know these stories from people who have lived them. It just comes naturally to tell these stories.

“I want people to hear a true story.”

For more information, visit the Chincoteague Step Through Time Tours Facebook page or call 757-894-1953 WRITTEN BY TED SHOCKLEY

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Giving back

Amid a pandemic, Guatemalan mission trip is extended Cody Lewis: ‘You feel like you make a difference’

C

ody Lewis of Accomack County arrived in Guatemala for a long-term mission trip just as concerns began about the novel coronavirus shutting down entire continents.

It’s his fifth trip to the largest country in Central America, and the most unusual because of quarantine and the difficulty in planning a trip to get back home.

His original plans to return were moved, due to the coronavirus.

“It started getting worse in the United States the week we got here,” he said.

And there also are the scorpions, adding to the challenge of life.

“I just killed one two days ago,” said Lewis on a Facebook video chat from Guatemala. “There are plenty of scorpions.”

Lewis, 19, is the older son of Chip and Jennifer Lewis of Mears, and the grandson of Steve and Margaret Young of Mears, and Bonnie and Bo Lewis of Cheriton.

The difficulties he’s experienced are a world away from inconvenient U.S. coronavirus measures like closed restaurant dining rooms and having to wear a mask to the grocery store.

In Guatemala, he’s part of a group that serves three meals a week at a feed-

ing center near a massive landfill.

The landfill is the easiest place to feed the hungry because they are all there scrounging for food and items to sell.

“It doesn’t seem like much to us, but we’re really making an impact on these peoples’ lives,” he said.

“If you come down here even once, you leave a changed person.”

His grandfather, Steve Young, the owner of Young’s Old Shop in Mears, has made 10 trips to Guatemala on mission trips, and Lewis tagged along.

“One of his favorite things is to bring people who haven’t been down before,” Lewis said.

His trip is organized through Hope of Life International, which provides humanitarian aid to Guatemala.

This trip he has stayed with Dale and Lori Trotter and their children.

The Trotters, formerly of Pocomoke City, Md., moved to Guatemala to be full-time missionaries at Hope of Life.

Lewis has been helping in many ways on the Hope of Life campus, which includes facilities to help children and the elderly battle “some of the harshest poverty on earth,” according to its website.

For a while, he helped sort medical supplies. He also helped in a senior cen-

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

Page 20 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

Cody Lewis of Mears while in Guatemala on a mission trip.

Local teen’s mission trip is extended FROM PREVIOUS PAGE ter. “Anywhere the people needed me,” he said.

Because the normal weekly mission trips have been postponed due to coronavirus concerns, the people in Guatemala who depend on missionary help face a crisis, Lewis said.

Lewis attended Kiptopeke Elementary School and Cape Charles Christian School before he was homeschooled. He hopes to enroll in college and study environmental science.

But that seems a ways off. And the first priority is getting to see his family and friends again — and enjoying food like cheesesteaks and cheeseburgers.

Until then, he will continue to help those who need it — until he can come home.

“You feel like you make a difference,” he said. It’s been real fun being down here and I think I’ll miss it,” he said.

“But I think I’m ready.”

WRITTEN BY TED SHOCKLEY The feeding center in Guatemala where Cody Lewis helps with meals.

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 21

Characters

This garage in Deep Creek, near Onancock, is where Dal Johnson and his wife ran “Dal’s Oyster Bar.”

Recalling Dal Johnson of Dal’s Oyster Bar

D

allas D. Johnson had a hardscrabble life, and he didn’t tolerate a lot of gruff. He ran his restaurant near Onancock the same way.

The eatery, Dal’s Oyster Bar, housed in a garage built for the purpose, is long since gone. But every now and then, Dal’s comes up in conversation, even today.

As Eastern Shore restaurants gradually reopen their dining rooms as coronavirus rates fall statewide, some of the areas more memorable restaurants, like Dal’s, have been recalled with a bit of longing and nostalgia.

Dal’s Oyster Bar, the unique restaurant in the tiny fishing village of Deep Creek, had a unique owner.

The seafood served there was as

Page 22 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

Legendary Deep Creek restaurateur had memorable food — and an irascible manner

fresh as possible — hauled in from nearby Deep Creek, the body of water from which the village takes its name.

But Johnson — apparently known as “Dal” by practically everyone — was humorously lacking as a host. Want ketchup? He was liable to throw the bottle. Drop some silverware? He was apt to cringe and complain. Want a beer? He’d slide it down the counter to

you.

“You just don’t find people and characters like that anymore,” said his nephew, Donald Bosman.

But food, lovingly prepared by his wife, Velma, kept the customers coming back.

Still, it just wasn’t the type of place that drew coverage in newspapers or magazines. A search in old press clippings for references to Dal’s Oyster Bar comes up practically empty. And when Johnson died in 1986, the restaurant died, too.

According to Bosman, Dal Johnson never had it easy.

“He had a tough life,” Bosman said.

“He cussed the world every day. That’s the way he was.”

As the story goes, Johnson was so tiny when he was born in 1923 he slept in a shoebox — and was put next to the woodstove to keep him warm.

Then there was the time Johnson was run over by a car. One night Johnson was part of a group leaving Deep Creek in a car with no headlights. So Johnson and another child sat on the fenders, holding flashlights aloft so the driver could see.

This particular trip went awry. The vehicle struck a mailbox and ended up driving over Johnson, who had fallen off during the impact. An injury to Johnson’s chest bothered him for the rest of his life.

Then were was the time a carload of servicemen plowed into Johnson while he drove a truck for a living. Johnson wasn’t at fault in the fatal crash, but he gave up the vocation.

“It picked the truck up off the road,” said Bosman of the impact. The deaths from the crash “weighed so heavy on him.”

“He told Velma that was it.”

Johnson, who also had worked as a

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

Recalling Dal Johnson of Dal’s Oyster Bar FROM PREVIOUS PAGE fishing boat captain, pondered ways to make a living that could keep him closer to home.

They decided to build a restaurant. A garage, 24 feet by 24 feet, was built on their property to accommodate it. It featured steamed seafood, sandwiches and platters. From 1966 to 1986, it was an Eastern Shore mainstay.

The specialty: “Whatever was fresh,” said Bosman.

“That’s why it was so good. Crabs came right out of the water about 100 yards away. You can’t get fresher than that.”

Johnson joked that he would probably die in the restaurant. According to Bosman, it almost happened.

While in the restaurant, “He was picking up a case of drinks and he sneezed and broke a rib.” A trip to the doctor revealed him to be quite ill and he died soon afterward. His wife died in 2010. They never had children.

Dal Johnson’s death saddened his nephew.

“Uncle Dal pretty much raised me,” said Bosman. “I was their kid.”

WRITTEN BY TED SHOCKLEY

An old business card from Dal’s Oyster Bar. Courtesy Wayde Fowler.

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Journeys

A road-less-traveled Eastern Shore road trip I

t’s a different kind of summer, for sure. Some of the highly publicized examples of Eastern Shore of Virginia authenticity, like firemen’s carnivals, the Pony Penning and Independence Day celebrations, won’t happen this summer because of coronavirus concerns. Maybe a different summer means it is the right time to visit some different places.

Fortunately, July is a great time for exploring Accomack and Northampton counties. There is much to see. The highway traffic makes the backroads even more alluring. The area’s turtleback roads and winding necks seem perfect for social distancing. Just fill up the car and make sure its air conditioner is in good order. Still, those driving close to

the water would do well to roll windows down and enjoy the salt air.

Exploring the Eastern Shore is a good activity for visitors and locals alike.

Are you one of those locals who never gets north of Four Corner Plaza? This summer, enjoy a trip to Saxis. Are you one of those locals who never gets off the highway when heading to Hampton Roads? This summer, take the long way.

To explore means to stop the car and get out. There are some unique stores and restaurants along the way.

Some have been there for decades. Some are relatively new. Many are under-the-

radar, off-the-beaten-path businesses and historical nuggets you’ll find nowhere else. There’s an unfeigned and unalloyed authenticity among them. In many cases, the owner is there helping with the work and talking to the customers.

In the famous Robert Frost poem “The Road Not Taken,” it is unclear whether the narrator was pleased or regretful that he took the road “less traveled by.”

On the Eastern Shore, it’s a safe bet the well-trod thoroughfares and quaint country roads both will give the visitor an enjoyable day to recall ages and ages hence, as Frost might say.

See some suggestions in the coming pages.

— Ted Shockley

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 25

A road-less-traveled local road trip

Martha’s Kitchen, Saxis M

artha’s Kitchen on Saxis Island is about a dozen miles west of U.S. Route 13. The food, prices and scenery are well worth the trip. Martha Linton has been operating the restaurant for 15 years this summer. Her massive clam fritter sandwiches dwarf the bun on which they are served.

These days, Saxis has several rental getaways, a charming museum, a new picnic pavillion near the port and a popular fishing pier. It’s a waterman’s town with a long, rich history.

Martha’s Kitchen is housed in one of the last buildings on the island before the island ends. The entry door is right on the water. Inside there’s room for 16 at booths and tables. The colorful and neatly drawn menu board, created by Kayla Kinard, shows some of the prices from another era — $1 egg sandwiches, $1 hot dogs and much more.

The seafood is fresh and cooked to order with regional specialities including fritters, crab cakes and soft crabs.

Drinks are in a nearby refrigerator.

Chips are on a nearby rack and snacks are kept on the front table. Hours cater to the working watermen — it is open 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 5-8 p.m. for dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

On a recent day, Linton’s granddaughter, Gorga Simpson, joined Kinard and Linton during the lunch hour.

They talked a bit about how the tiny restaurant has become well-known among seafood lovers.

“People will come here from Pennsylvania just to get our soft crabs,” Kinard said.

— Ted Shockley

Page 26 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

Above, the menu board at Martha’s Kitchen on Saxis Island includes some prices from a simpler time.

At left, a clam fritter sandwich.

IF YOU GO Martha’s Kitchen Saxis, Va. WHERE: 19423 Saxis Road, Saxis MORE: Check its Facebook page CALL: 757-710-1658

H

A road-less-traveled local road trip

Backyard Firepit, Chincoteague I

t’s family reunion-quality cole slaw, full of crunch and vinegar. The fries would be popular on any selfrespecting boardwalk. And the pulled pork is borne of hickory wood and house rubs, and the smoke ring proves it was prepared perfectly.

Backyard Firepit is located at 6213 Church Street, tucked in the front yard of Patrick Tretts and Lisa Brooks.

There are tables at the front and side of their home. Out back is the parking lot and the fire pit where the pork, ribs, brisket and chicken are smoked and prepared.

Backyard Firepit is open all year, but there’s something about summertime barbecue.

Tretts is the pitmaster, and it’s not something he learned overnight. “We’ve been playing around with it for about seven years,” he said. He knew he cracked the code on the brisket when a Texan came to the island and deemed it better than that served in the Lone Star State.

All of the sides, including that crunchy cole slaw, are made on site.

Other sides include baked beans with meat, macaroni and cheese, baby redskin potatoes and the habit-forming fries.

Also available are homemade barbecue sauces including peach bourbon and raspberry chipotle. But for those who love the flavor of authentic smoked meats, the sauce isn’t necessary.

Tretts is from rural New York and Brooks is from rural Pennsylvania.

Chincoteague is perfect for them. “We wanted to be near water and we wanted a beach,” she said.

— Ted Shockley

Above, a combo tray with smokedon-site pulled pork, fries and vinegar cole slaw, complete with homemade corn bread. At left, Patrick Tretts and Lisa Brooks.

IF YOU GO H

Backyard Firepit Chincoteague, Va. WHERE: 6312 Church Street, Chincoteague MORE: Facebook or backyardfirepitbbq.com CALL: 757-336-7060

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 27

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Page 28 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

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July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 29

A road-less-traveled local road trip

Stanley Young’s, Hallwood T

here’s a good chance you’ve never seen anything quite like this place, but don’t let it be intimidating. You must stop. You will find something you need at a price you can afford. There is streetside parking.

Follow the path. Enter the red door under the sign with the word “tools” printed four times. Stanley Young will be seated inside. Ask if you can look around, or tell him what you’re looking for. He’s a helpful man who knows where everything is.

Young owns a business that sells second-hand tools of every imaginable kind. Outside, there are second-hand tires of every size. This year alone, he has sold 180 second-hand lawn mowers.

“I stand behind everything,” he said.

If something doesn’t work, just bring it back.

“People like that. It goes a long way.”

Outside are pet kennels, step ladders, tool boxes, yard tools, gas cans, fishing poles, storage boxes, and the ubiquitous tires.

Inside is another story altogether.

The showroom is seven storage barns, two building additions and a truck trailer, all connected together. It’s an architectural marvel.

A hallway winds through all of it — past the screwdrivers, wrenches, power tools, tool boxes, nuts and bolts, pipe fittings and electrical supplies, all meticulously organized. Young began his business fixing and selling fishing rods and reels, and has a room full of them.

Young’s store is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, but is closed at noon on Thursday and Sunday.

— Ted Shockley

Page 30 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

Above, Stanley Young stands in front of his tool shop in Hallwood.

At left, a pegboard supports used wrenches that are for sale.

IF YOU GO Stanley Young’s Hallwood, Va. WHERE: Main Street, Hallwood HOURS: Open at 8 a.m. daily.

CALL: 757-894-7033

H

A road-less-traveled local road trip

Antiques Ahead, Gargatha T

he building is massive. But what’s in back of it will keep you occupied as long as you’d like.

Antiques Ahead is the name of the store. It stands in Gargatha, a bit south of Nelsonia. Its address is 17301 Lankford Highway, Parksley. It’s not on a back road, but it is on an anonymous stretch of highway, and despite its size is a bit easy to ignore.

It’s billed as an “antiques and thrift shop,” It’s more like a campus. In front are plenty of antiques, decoys, oyster cans, bicycles, signs, you name it.

In back are separate buildings housing a Christmas shop, bookstore, old furniture and bedframes, and more.

There’s enough glassware to fill a goodsized home. Some of the items are outside — horse-drawn plows, stone crock chicken feeders, hand tools, doors.

Manager April Gray said people are surprised after looking around the first building “and I say there’s more out back.”

She also gets a lot of feedback from those who have driven past for years and never stopped.

“We get that all the time,” she said.

Another frequent response is from people who find a relic from their past, or are surprised at what they come across.

“It’s funny the emotions we get,” said Gray.

Antiques Ahead is owned by Allen Thornton. It buys estates and has its own eBay store. It is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday.

When you visit, just don’t forget to look out back.

— Ted Shockley

Above, behind Antiques Ahead is a full yard of buildings with tools, books and furniture. At left, the Antiques Ahead view from Route 13.

IF YOU GO Antiques Ahead Gargatha, Va.

H

WHERE: 17301 Lankford Highway, Parksley, Va. in the village of Gargatha MORE: Antiquesahead.com CALL: 757-665-5293

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 31

A road-less-traveled local road trip

Blacksmith Shop Museum, Onancock S amuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop Memorial Museum has been closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. But it is a testiment to a kind and giving man who served his community.

Outlaw was the definition of a community pillar — always wearing a necktie, making time for children, and being a leader in his church for a half-century.

The North Carolina native was educated at the former Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, now called Hampton University, before moving to Cape Charles to become a blacksmith.

He moved to Onancock in 1927, built the blacksmith’s shop on Boundary Avenue and worked more than six decades until he retired in 1991.

He did all types of metal work — everything from working on boats to welding on farm equipment.

Remarkably, he served as Sunday school superintendent for Bethel A.M.E. Church, Onancock, for 58 years — and was the church clerk for 46 years.

Outlaw died in 1994 and his family donated the shop and property to the town of Onancock.

There is a movement to develop an online blacksmithing educational program based on Outlaw’s tools.

George Boyd, chair of the museum, said in a 2018 interview that Outlaw’s integrity and skill ensured the business’ success. Considering the eras in which Outlaw lived, for a African-American business owner to have such a long-lasting and successful business is profound.

“That’s the most impressive thing about him to me,” he said. “He hung in there.”

— Ted Shockley

Page 32 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

Above, the Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop Memorial Museum in Onancock.

At left, Outlaw at work.

IF YOU GO

H

WHERE: Five Boundary Ave., Onancock MORE: Visit www.outlawblacksmithshop.org

Outlaw Museum Onancock, Va.

A road-less-traveled local road trip

Village General Store, Pungoteague T

here aren’t many rural markets on the Eastern Shore these days. They once were a staple of life on the backroads, providing groceries and sandwiches and a place to sit and share the news.

Fortunately, the tradition continues at Pungoteague’s Village General Store, which is something of an Eastern Shore treasure.

Billy and Evelyn Huffman, two of the Eastern Shore’s genuinely nice people, have operated the cinderblock store for almost 24 years. Deeply religious, they decided years ago after lots of prayer to stop selling alcohol and tobacco.

As it turns out, the store’s popular deli offerings are what keep people coming back, not the beer and cigarettes.

Lunchtime at Village General Store is a bustle, with vacationers, farmers, and area residents for miles around swinging by for cheesesteaks, cold-cut subs, grilled sandwiches and more.

There are also local vegetables and seafood offerings — “anything we can get our hands on that is local,” Huffman said.

Included in that is a popular deal — nearby waterman Bill Blake provides soft crabs, and a bag of legless soft shells goes for $10 a dozen at Village General Store.

There are benches in the front and easy chairs in the store. Huffman can usually be found at one of the two places when he’s not behind the counter.

Village General Store is open every day except for Sunday, for a good reason.

“We go to church on Sunday,” said Huffman.

— Ted Shockley

Above, Village General Store in Pungoteague.

At left, owners Evelyn and Billy Huffman

IF YOU GO

H

WHERE: 30285 Bobtown Road, Pungoteague HOURS: Closed Sunday CALL: 757-442-2124

VIllage Gen. Store Pungoteague, Va.

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 33

A road-less-traveled local road trip

Puppy Drum Market, Jamesville T he Puppy Drum Market is a showplace. There have been several stores through the years in the Jamesville building, but none quite like what Cal and Lisa Hagan have opened a quick drive west of Exmore.

In addition to grocery items, bagged ice, and beer and wine, it is an eat-in restaurant with gourmet sandwiches, beer and wine by the glass, and more. It’s a cozy, bright spot with the feel of a bistro.

The prices are more than reasonable — consider a yellowfin tuna sandwich for $6.50, a fully dressed roast beef sub for $7.25 and more. Chicken salad, made with cranberries and walnuts, is one of the Puppy Drum Market’s best sellers.

There’s also plenty of baking going on, with doughnuts, cookies and more sold individually.

On Fridays from 2-6 p.m., they create pizzas with their own sauce and homemade dough.

Another popular item are its “no additives” smoothies. For example, the strawberry and banana smoothie includes only frozen fruit, Greek yogurt, honey and milk.

Along the way, the quaint shop beside the Jamesville Post Office has become the local hangout.

“It’s become a bit of a community hub,” said Cal Hagan.

Puppy Drum Market features Virginia products, like wine from Chatham Vineyards in Northampton County.

Puppy Drum Market is located at 6026 Occohannock Neck Road, Exmore. More information can be found by calling 757-442-3675 or visiting puppydrum.net.

— Ted Shockley

Page 34 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

Above, Puppy Drum Market in Jamesville. At left, the bistro-style setting inside.

IF YOU GO

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WHERE: 6026 Occohannock Neck Road, Exmore HOURS: 10-6 Tu-F, 9-5 Sat. www.puppydrum.com

Puppy Drum Mkt. Jamesville, Va.

A road-less-traveled local road trip

Western Auto, Exmore E xmore’s Western Auto store is a destination in itself, with a stock of automotive accessories, hardware, yard tools, bicycle supplies and more. Shelves of antique toys, bicycles and signs line two walls. The old rotary phone affixed to the counter signifies a slower and more welcoming pace of life.

But the huge Statue of Liberty replica next to it adds to the allure. Day and night, Lady Liberty holds her torch high over Main Street, prompting double-takes and photos. It stands as tall as a two-story home.

It once stood in front of a nearby Liberty Tax Office, which closed several years back. Western Auto owner Jason Kirby said his young son took a shine to the State of Liberty. Kirby asked to buy the statue. It was given to him, with the stipulation that he move it. It was heavier than he expected.

“I thought I was going to move it with some of my friends,” he said. “But that wasn’t going to work.”

It took heavy equipment and a crane. But on Dec. 4, 2018, Kirby had it moved and mounted. It has been a popular addition.

“People stop by all the time and take pictures,” he said.

The inside of Western Auto, seemingly untouched by the passage of time, is also worth a photo. Seemingly everything is sold there — from firearms to exquisite wildfowl decoys by Duane Gladden. In the back, Gladden and Kirby fix everything from lawn mowers to bicycles. On a recent summer day, a steady stream of customers came and went as a cool breeze blew through its open doors.

At Western Auto, a symbol of America stands beside a business that is a symbol of Americana.

— Ted Shockley

Above, a massive replica of the Statue of Liberty stands next to Western Auto in Exmore. At right, owner Jason Kirby stands behind the counter.

IF YOU GO

H

WHERE: 3365 Main St., Exmore HOURS: 8-5 M-F, 8-noon Sat. CALL: 757-442-6157

Western Auto Exmore, Va.

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 35

A road-less-traveled local road trip

Do-Drop Inn, Weirwood G

iddens’ Do-Drop Inn is a Northampton County treasure. While events there have been postponed because of the novel coronavirus and threat of COVID-19, anyone discovering the back roads of the Eastern Shore should at least grab a photograph.

The establishment was opened in 1967 by Lloyd Henry Giddens. It is one of the oldest continuously owned and operated African-American businesses on the Eastern Shore.

Among the highlights in the history of the Do-Drop Inn is Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup’s association with it.

Crudup, who died in 1974, recorded 64 songs and five LPs, performing with B.B. King and Bonnie Raitt, among others. Elvis Presley credited Crudup with being an influence.

Presley’s first single, recorded in 1954, was a song written and recorded

by Crudup eight years earlier entitled, “That’s All Right.”

Crudup played weekends at the Do-Drop, which is located at 8204 Bayford Road.

More recently, Black Elvis — also known as Clarence Giddens — has been a frequent performer at the inn.

Giddens is well-known for his appearances in movies and commericals as Black Elvis.

“The Do-Drop is a hallowed place here on the Shore with a great history of community engagement,” said Peg Volk, a local musician, in a previous interview. A highlight of any visit to the inn is seeing Jane Cabarrus, whose family owns and operates it.

— Ted Shockley

Page 36 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

Above, Giddens’ Do-Drop Inn in Weirwood. At left, Matthew Brown and Jane Cabarrus at its 50th anniversary in 2017.

IF YOU GO

H

WHERE: 8204 Bayford Road HOURS: Closed for the pandemic. Follow its Facebook page CALL: 757-442-2139

Do-Drop Inn Weirwood, Va.

A road-less-traveled local road trip

Yuk-Yuk and Joe’s, Eastville T

his year marks the 20th anniversary of Yuk-Yuk and Joe’s in Eastville. There should probably be some type of celebration, and maybe even a governmental proclamation of appreciation given to owners Kathy and Joe Peirson for the role Yuk’s, as it is commonly known, has had in the community.

It’s a restaurant and bar, and a lunch and dinner spot nonpareil. There are two pool tables and a jukebox.

Everybody is welcomed. Farmers and lawyers sit side-by-side and enjoy lunch. As Kathy Peirson said, one customer thinks of it as a neutral, peaceful country. “He calls this his Sweden,” she said.

Old hands may mistakenly refer to it as “Someplace Else,” the Cape Charles-area eatery the Peirsons operated for 12 years before closing in 2000.

On Dec. 1 of that year, Yuk’s opened and has been going strong ever since.

“Thank God for the locals and the people who supported us,” she said.

It has received plenty of attention.

One year it was voted one of 25 hidden gems in coastal Virginia by Coastal Virginia magazine. But word-of-mouth about the good food also has been good advertising. Yuk’s is famous for its pizza, subs, specials and Wing Night, held every Thursday.

Located at 15617 Courthouse Road, Eastville, Yuk Yuk & Joe’s is open every day. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, seeing old friends, meeting new ones or just soaking up the local flavor of Northampton County.

“Everybody’s welcome,” said Peirson.

— Ted Shockley

Above, Yuk Yuk and Joe’s Restaurant and Bar in Eastville celebrates 20 years in 2020. At right, owner Kathy Peirson.

IF YOU GO

H

WHERE: 15617 Couthouse Road, Eastville HOURS: Open daily at 11 a.m.

CALL: 757-678-7870

Yuk Yuk & Joe’s Eastville, Va.

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 37

Services

The new Onley branch of Taylor Bank is planning a July 13 opening.

An investment in the Shore for Taylor Bank

I

t seems more bank branches have been abandoned than built on the Eastern Shore of Virginia in recent years.

And having a brand-new, brick-and-mortar bank branch built locally is something of a rarity these days.

So construction of the new Onley branch of Taylor Bank, scheduled for opening this month, has been a point of community conversation.

In what bank officials call “a natural fit” for the Eastern Shore, the Berlin, Md.,-based Taylor Bank plans a July 13 opening at the new Onley branch.

“We believe our local community bank business culture, and our team of outstanding banking professionals are perfectly matched,” said Raymond M. Thompson, president and chief executive of Taylor Bank.

“We look forward to becoming a committed and re-

Page 38 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

New Onley branch of Maryland firm slated to open up this month sponsive partner to the residents and businesses in Onley and the surrounding areas.”

The Onley bank’s leadership is well-known on the Eastern Shore.

The branch manager is Shannon L. Lewis, a Taylor Bank Assistant Vice President and Relationship Officer. She has worked in the industry in the Onley area

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An investment in the Shore for Taylor Bank FROM PREVIOUS PAGE since 1994 at both F&M Bank and Shore Bank.

Adam James, a Taylor Bank Vice President and Loan and Business Development Officer, already has been helping Eastern Shore of Virginia clients with financing needs from his Onley Town Center office. He has more than a decade of lending experience.

Taylor Bank traces its roots on the Delmarva Peninsula to 1890, when attorney Calvin B. Taylor of Worcester County, Md., opened his first bank in Berlin.

The venture was incorporated in 1907, and officials decided in 1960 to build its first branch in Ocean City, Md. It moved closer to the Virginia Shore in the 1980s with branches in Pocomoke City and Snow Hill.

It entered the Accomack County market in 2017 with its 11th branch, housed in a renovated historic structure on Chincoteague Island.

“Our expansion onto the Eastern Shore of Virginia in 2017, and specifically, Accomack County, was a natu-

ral fit for the bank,” said Thompson.

It also was a natural fit for Lewis, the Onley branch manager, who relished working again for a community bank.

In Onley, she saw her previous bank employers consolidate, getLewis ting bigger at the cost of customer service.

“I always felt like I was caught between doing what my company wanted to do, and doing what I needed to do for my customers,” she said.

Lewis was hired by Taylor Bank two years ago to be involved James in planning for the 3,694-squarefoot Onley branch, which features amenities including two drive-up teller lanes and a third for an ATM. The bank offers a wide variety of customer and business deposit and loan products, and a full suite of electronic banking services, such as Internet and mobile banking.

Outside, the bank’s architecture is where coastal

meets colonial, with earth tones, dormer windows, brick-accent exterior walls and entry columns.

Thompson said that, while there are no immediate plans to locate farther south on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, “we are always open to new opportunity if it is aligned with the bank’s strategic objectives.”

But Taylor Bank’s Onley location strikes a convenient geographical balance, near the middle of the Eastern Shore.

It is centrally located at the corner of West Main Street and Shore Parkway, just off U.S. Route 13, between the Four Corner Plaza and Chesapeake Square shopping centers.

“Onley, in particular, is centrally located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and the perfect location for us to continue to deliver our outstanding products and exceptional customer service in a responsive community bank setting,” said Thompson.

Lewis said the bank will be the perfect combination of modern, convenient and friendly.

“I have always enjoyed the small community bank atmosphere — that one-on-one bank experience,” she said.

To learn more, visit taylorbank.com/onleybranch.

July 2019 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 39

Services

Rural Health officials and staff wave at the camera during the construction phase of the Eastville Community Health Center.

New Eastville Health Center opens to raves

T

he new $11.7 million Eastville Community Health Center opened in May, bringing stateof-the-art equipment to Northampton County, including the only digital medical X-ray system in the county.

The center is housed in a builiding named for Calvin L. Brickhouse, a long-

time Northampton County educator and principal who also served as a board director for Eastern Shore Rural Health System Inc. for almost two decades.

The medical center, built by Rural Health, includes 24,450 square feet — almost double the centers it replaced in Bayview and Franktown.

Page 40 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

$11.7 million facility has the only digital medical X-ray in Northampton

By consolidating the Bayview and Franktown centers Eastern Shore Rural Health is able to offer a state-of-the-art facility with digital medical x-ray, expanded lab services, telemedicine and evening hours one day per week, officials said.

Established in 1976, Rural Health

has grown from one doctor’s office to four medical centers, from one physician and three support staff to 36 medical providers, 13 dentists and approximately 250 support staff. It has an annual budget this year of $27.1 million.

In the last fiscal year, Rural Health saw 31,414 patients, or roughly 70% of the population, including most of the pediatric population.

“Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Eastern Shore community, multiple foundations, grants and a USDA loan, this $11.7 million center has opened and is welcoming all patients,” said Rural Health Chief Executive Officer Nancy J. Stern.

She thanked longtime community businessman and benefactor George McMath, who led the Eastville Community Health Center Capital Campaign, “This center is a testimony to our community’s giving and kindness,” said Stern. “Mr. McMath’s leadership, tenacity and steadfast creativity inspired people of all walks of life to contribute. We are grateful for his commitment to ESRHS.” The new center offers medical and dental services and is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Medical services from Eastern Shore Rural Health’s Bayview and Franktown Community Health Centers have permanently moved to the new Eastville center. Dental services are still available at the Franktown center and the Eastville center.

Until the new Eastville center opened, digital medical x-ray was not available in Northampton County after the hospital moved to Accomack County.

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The lobby of the Eastville Community Health Center is named in honor of George McMath.

New Eastville Community Health Center opens FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Additionally, the Franktown center has dental services, but Bayview did not, so the new center allows residents in the southern part of Northampton County increased access to dental care – including a quiet room and a special needs chair for patients with limited mobility.

Rural Health is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center. As part of the nation’s health care safety net, it serves both insured and uninsured patients.

It works collaboratively with other area health care providers, community service organizations, and area schools.

The Eastville project was financed through a combination of federal and state grants, bank loans, and a capital campaign that raised more than $1.3 million.

The new center is welcoming Rayfield’s Pharmacy to provide access to patient prescriptions.

Currently the Eastville center has nine full- time medical providers, two full-time dentists, a dental hygienist and 49 support staff. The center will wel-

come a third full-time dentist and a clinical psychologist later this summer.

Other services such as health education, pharmacy assistance, outreach and transportation continues.

“Our mission is to serve the needs of our rural community by providing accessible, comprehensive and affordable medical, dental and health services in a caring, professional and safe environment. Our four medical centers and five dental locations are the primary health care provider of choice for nearly 80 percent of our population,” said Stern.

In addition to primary medical and dental care, all of ESRHS centers: Chincoteague, Atlantic, Onley, Franktown and Eastville offer including health education, behavioral health, assistance with obtaining prescriptions for those who can’t afford them on their own, digital x-ray, lab work, travel immunizations, and payment options.

Rural Health continues to partner with Accomack County Schools by offering dental services on the campuses of Pungoteague and Metompkin elementary schools.

July 2019 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 41

Kirk Mariner

The Hotel Wachapreague’s opening in 1902 was a gala day-long event with banquets and boat rides.

History of an icon of Wachapreague

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achapreague was founded in 1872, and in 1881 one of the first houses in town was enlarged into a boarding house or, as they were often called on the Eastern Shore, a “hotel.” In 1902 local merchant and seafood dealer A. H. Gordon Mears (1861-1944) moved that building aside, and in

its place erected a full-fledged hotel.

Locals watched with amazement as builder G. Wellington Coard (1852-1924) and his workers raised a building far larger than any other in town, an ornate four-story structure framed by porches and topped by dormers, with stained glass windows, an elegant din-

Hotel finished in 1902 attracted both anglers and royalty to Eastern Shore’s seaside ing room with a view of the waterfront, and materials salvaged from the famous Hygeia Hotel across the Chesapeake at Old Point. In a day when most Eastern Shore “hotels” had a dozen rooms or fewer, the new Hotel Wachapreague boasted 30 guest rooms, and

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Copyright 2008, 2016 by Kirk Mariner. This is reprinted from his book, “Glimpses of a Vanished Eastern Shore,” with permission of Miona Publications and Gail Harding. Mariner, a retired United Methodst minister and local historian and writer, died June 8, 2017. His work is featured monthly in Eastern Shore First.

Page 42 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

History of an icon of Wachapreague FROM PREVIOUS PAGE cost $30,000. Its opening on September 18, 1902, was a gala day-long event with banquets and boat rides, speeches and music, and an exhibition of that latest marvel, the “picture and talking machine.”

Not without reason did many locals greet Mears’ hotel with skepticism. Wachapreague had fewer than 500 inhabitants and was well off the beaten path, accessible by no paved road and no regular boat.

Undaunted by predictions of failure, Mears advertised in northern newspapers and magazines and was soon attracting a “refined patronage” of leisured northerners. When his guests alighted from the train in Keller, a carriage awaited to escort them straight to the hotel, where they could enjoy “splendid” meals, rent a fishing boat and guide, play tennis or billiards or, in formal attire, simply lounge on the porch and enjoy the view.

Over the years Hotel Wachapreague’s “steady procession of repeat customers” put the small town on

the map. Some of its guests were from the ranks of the rich and famous, among them Walter Chrysler, silent screen star Evelyn Nesbit, British actor Ronald Coleman, Thomas Edison, Jr., several Virginia governors, former president Herbert Hoover, and the prince of Thailand.

Yet, lamented one guest, “one could not [even] get an occasional drink in it,” for Mears was a devout Methodist, vice president of the local chapter of the Anti-Saloon League, and adamant that his hotel be “dry.”

Mears died in 1944, and the hotel remained in his family’s hands until 1972, by which time an adjacent motel and a marina had been added to the business.

Rates in 1974 included $28 for a double room, $39 if it came with breakfast and dinner, and charter boat fishing from $75 a day.

In 1977 the building was purchased by Randy Lewis, who planned to refurbish it, but on July 1, 1978, a fire of electrical origin broke out on the top

floor. Seventy-five firemen from 10 local companies managed to contain the blaze, but the fourth floor was virtually a total loss and the rest of the building sustained heavy water damage. When the estimated $500,000 needed to restore it could not be raised, the building was demolished in January 1980.

The motel, erected in 1961, continues in operation today, as does the Island House Restaurant on the waterfront, both of them direct lineal heirs of the hotel. The late lamented hotel stood at the end of Main Street overlooking the water, a site, at the corner of Main and Atlantic Avenue, empty but wellmaintained today and the site of a park. Many predicted that the disappearance of the hotel would spell the end of Wachapreague itself, but the little town endures, and still enjoys a renown disproportionate to its small size (population 291) and off-thebeaten-path location.

WRITTEN BY KIRK MARINER

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Curtis Badger

George Washington used terrapins to feed the troops at Yorktown when supplies were running low.

When the diamondback terrapin was a jewel

T

he Eastern Shore is known nationwide for its clams, oysters, and blue crabs, but the diamondback terrapin has given drama and life to our culinary history.

It is strictly an American animal, one that fed indigenous people for centuries and was then shared with European colonists when they arrived.

It has thrived in our brackish waters, and it once was nearly exterminated. The diamondback terrapin has been both revered and reviled as it threaded its way through our food culture.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s the terrapin was the star of city restaurants, fetching prices only the wealthy could afford. But prior to the Civil war, terrapins were plentiful and commonplace. Plantation owners provided them as food for slaves as an alternative to pork, prompting the slaves to protest.

George Washington used terrapins to feed the troops at Yorktown when supplies were running low.

An article in Forest & Stream magazine in 1899 said that terrapins went from selling for one dollar for an oxcart load to as much as $160 a dozen.

Now protected by law, animals once drew high prices from city restaurants The reason, of course, is that terrapins were discovered by restaurants in eastern cities, and demand skyrocketed. This led first to overfishing of the natural population of terrapins, and it also led to a proliferation of terrapin farms, where thousands of terrapins would be raised in captivity to satisfy the demand of the restaurant market.

It would be fair to ask how a humble reptile that once was used as emergency rations for troops

Copyright Curtis Badger. Badger grew up on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, attended Emory & Henry College, spent four years in the Air Force, and immediately returned to the islands and salt marshes of his home. He is a writer and photographer whose work is widely published.

He and his wife live on Pungoteague Creek and have an adult son.

Page 44 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2019

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When the diamondback terrapin was a jewel FROM PREVIOUS PAGE achieved its celebrity status. The answer is that the terrapins Washington gave his enlisted troops were likely roasted in their shell over a bed of coals. If they were lucky, the recipients might have been provided a dollop of butter for seasoning.

City restaurants prepared terrapin dishes with profuse amounts of cream, butter, liquor, egg yolks, and spices. If I gave you my gardening shoes and you slow-cooked them for two hours, then cut them into bite size pieces and prepared them according to a terrapin recipe from a late 19th century cookbook, you would get a three-star rating from Michelin.

When the big city restaurants discovered terrapins, they fell into something that had been commonly known on the Delmarva Peninsula for generations.

When prepared properly, terrapins are delicious. You can find lots of terrapin recipes in old cookbooks, and most involve cream, butter, and some sort of spirits.

People who lived in the Chesapeake Bay area had been eating terrapins for years. They were cheap, readily available, and, until being discovered by the restaurant crowd, the population was strong and stable.

It is possible that the railroad was at least partially liable for spreading the good news about terrapins. As the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk (NYP&N) Railroad extended its line south in the 1870s and 1880s, travel from eastern cities to the rural Eastern Shore became relatively quick and easy. Folks from up north visited, enjoyed a fine dish of terrapin stew, and the word spread.

The demand for terrapins greatly exceeded the supply, and some enterprising individuals began raising them in captivity, in so-called terrapin farms. The largest farms were in Crisfield, and the Maryland Game and Fish Protective Association reported in 1897 that one farmer there had about 20,000 terrapins in an enclosure of one acre.

While the Crisfield operation depended upon stockpiling wild terrapins of various sizes and ages until they were marketable, others attempted to raise terrapins from eggs to produce a more uniform brood.

Benjamin West, president of the Fulton Fish Market

in New York City, built an enclosure on his farm in New Jersey, procured eggs, and raised 5,000 young terrapins, which, unfortunately, escaped from the enclosure. West said that he went out to check on the young terrapins one morning and found that they had escaped and were later found in his asparagus patch.

Terrapin farming worked for a few years, but in the end it nearly exterminated the population of diamondback terrapins. Terrapins are slow-growing animals, and they take years to reach marketable size. It simply was not feasible to raise thousands of them in a confined setting for an extended period of time.

States in the Chesapeake Bay area passed legislation to protect the terrapins, they slowly recovered, and now it’s common to paddle a canoe up a remote creek and see their heads popping up around you. The greatest threat to diamondback terrapins today is loss of habitat, especially the sandy beaches that are so important to them in the spring when they lay eggs.

In many developed areas around the bay, sandy beaches have given way to bulkheads, rock walls, and other hardened shorelines. Terrapins simply cannot nest there.

WRITTEN BY CURTIS BADGER

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Our past

Fisherman’s Island had role in Shore’s quarantine history T

The station at Fisherman’s Island inspected foreign vessels here is a long history of quarantine in the United States for signs of infectious disease as they entered the Chesapeake to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, but did you Bay. The isolated location was know Fisherman’s Isideal for quarantine, but it was land, off the point of Cape sometimes difficult for ships to Charles, played a significant find and the shifting sands of role in this history?

Fisherman’s Island was probIn the summer of 1878, the lematic. southeastern United States The Peninsula Enterprise was in the grip of a yellow fever in September 1889 indicated a epidemic. Protecting our nastorm washed away the north tion against imported diseases end of the Island leaving the fell under state and local jurisquarantine station hospital in dictions and was sporadic and the surf. largely ineffective.

In 1892, a series of cholera In the wake of this latest outbreaks on passenger ships epidemic, the National Quararriving from Europe prompted antine Act was passed to inThis contribution to Eastern Shore First was produced by the further legislation to increase crease federal involvement in Cape Charles Historical Society. federal quarantine authority. quarantine activities. One of That same year, the federal government purchased five acres the first of three National Quarantine Stations in the country was on Fisherman’s Island to update and expand the Cape Charles located in Norfolk.

Quarantine Station and Marine Hospital.

In 1884, the station moved to leased land on Fisherman’s IsIn July 1893, the Peninsula Enterprise reported that “The staland becoming the Cape Charles Quarantine Station and Marine Hospital.

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Written by Melinda McPeek, this piece originally was printed in the newsletter of the Cape Charles Historical Society and is used with permission.

Page 46 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2019

Fisherman’s Island had quarantine role FROM PREVIOUS PAGE tion at present consists of the steamer Dagmar, the receiving ship Jamestown, and the hospital ship Ewing. Bids have been invited for the construction of a pier at Fisherman's Isle, upon which will be placed a steam disinfecting apparatus…Bids have also been invited for the necessary buildings and tents for a disinfection camp…With these precautions it is thought Norfolk and Washington will be protected from contagious diseases brought in by steamers anchoring at Cape Charles.”

The Wilkes Barre News reported that “When completed, the Cape Charles Station will be one of one of the most effective in the country.”

In the Annual Report of the Supervising Surgeon Generals of the Marine Hospital from 18941895, the Cape Charles Station reported having inspected 104 vessels and disinfecting five that had

outbreaks of yellow fever, and had the capacity to quarantine over 1000 immigrants.

It was reported that the ship Jamestown had been outfitted with a complex sulfur disinfecting apparatus. In requests for the upcoming year, the station asked for a library, “on account of the enforced isolation of those unfortunate enough to be placed in quarantine and the employees of quarantine stations, it seems proper to recommend that each national quarantine station be provided with a small library of standard works.”

During World War I, the war department took over Fisherman’s Island, stationing troops and erecting guns and batteries to provide fortification. In 1917, Dr. Ward B. McCaffrey, who had been the medical officer at the Cape Charles Quarantine Station for several years, reportedly died of a nervous breakdown due to the heavy workload at the station since the start of the war.

With the increase of vessel traffic from the war effort and the outbreak of the Influenza pandemic in 1918, $377,326 was requested from Congress to remodel and rebuild the Cape Charles facilities for onshore quarantine. Six to seven vessels a week were being quarantined near Fisherman’s Island due to influenza and the station was in desperate need of repairs.

As the national network of quarantine stations expanded and more knowledge was gained on how to combat transmission of mosquito borne diseases such as yellow fever, the Cape Charles Quarantine Station was no longer as essential as it had once been. The station ceased operations in the mid-1930’s, yet for over 50 years it played a vital role in protecting the nation from the spread of infectious disease.

WRITTEN BY MELINDA MCPEEK

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Area headlines of yesterday 100, 75, 50, 25 years ago costs.

Equally frank are the replies, and they come, in many instances, from those whom he knew only by reputation. He sent them broadcast, asking for information regardless of political bias. Less than 5 per cent of the replies have been of a negative character, the rest being of such a nature as to lead him almost to the point of making him issue his announcement, but Senator Mapp is proceeding with care and with deliberation. He refuses to give way to an impulse, and he is receiving the replies in large numbers every day.

— The Staunton News Leader

100 years ago July 1920 Northampton to build modern highway May issue million or more of bonds to construct main artery Citizens of Northampton County are seriously considering a bond issue of $1,000,000 or $1,250,000 to be used in constructing a modern highway from Cape Charles north through the county.

The matter was discussed from every angle at Eastville Thursday, when members of the State Highway Commission, State Highway Commissioner George P. Coleman and citizens of the county held a conference.

"Northampton and Accomac," Mr. Coleman declared yesterday, upon returning to his office, "are among the livest, most progressive counties of the State. Prosperity is in evidence throughout this section. They have one of the finest potato crops imaginable and I forget just how many strawberries were handled at one small station the other day, but the amount is almost unbelievable."

Money raised in the way proposed in Northampton would be turned over to the State, under the new statute; would be applied to the purpose for which it was intended, and would be paid back to the county by the State in such a manner as prescribed by the Legislature.

— The Richmond Times Dispatch

Sues railroad for $25,000 Administrator of dead fireman claims employees unprotected Cape Charles, Va., July 18—Claiming that the death of Kemp P. Egerton, age 22 years, fireman on a locomotive of the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Railroad Company, was due to carelessness on the part of the railroad in protecting its employees, a suit for $25,000 damages was filed yesterday in the United States district court, Norfolk, by Roger E.

German floating mine seen off Cape Charles Menace to shipping belived to have drifted across Atlantic A 1949 advertisement from the Northampton Herald newspaper.

Malone, administrator.

Egerton was a fireman running between Cape Charles and points in Maryland, according to the plaintiffs, and on the night of August 5, 1918, while he was in his engine, he leaned out and was struck by a line of cabooses on the next track, dying twelve days later.

— The Washington Post

Mapp is about ready to toss hat into ring Accomac, Va., July 31—State Senator Walter Mapp, who sent out many letters ten days ago to friends and leaders in politics of the state, has been receiving replies in unusually large numbers and of more than an encouraging tone. It is no secret that he has received about 700 letters in reply to his inquiry regarding his making the race for governor, his prospects, the sentiment of the people touching his views on roads, schools, labor, prohibition, and the suffrage issue. His letter was a frank one, asking the people to reveal to him their views in case he should determine to make the race for governor, saying to the people that he knew what a task it was to make the campaign and the consequent

Page 48 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2019

A German floating menace believed to have been placed in the North Sea during the war and to have drifted across the Atlantic was sighted yesterday off Cape Charles. The sighting of the mine was reported to the Hydrographic Office of the Navy and warnings have been sent out.

It is believed the mine is the same one that has been seen for the last two months in different places, but always coming nearer this country. The mine was reported on July 12 as about 400 miles southeast of Newfoundland and on July 17 was seen about 150 miles out of New York. When seen yesterday it was 19 miles northeast of Cape Charles light.

Although there are few of these floating mines, one of them embodies considerable danger as it is practically impossible to locate them once they have disappeared from shipping lanes.

— The Philadelphia Enquirer

Good money in potatoes grown on Eastern Shore Onancock, Va., July 3—The Eastern Shore of Virginia Produce Exchange has been handling potatoes in great shape for the past ten days or two weeks. For that time it has been shipping right straight along,

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Area headlines of yesterday 100, 75, 50, 25 years ago FROM PREVIOUS PAGE some days as many as 200 cars, rarely, if at all, less than 170.

The prices that have been obtained were from $10 to $11.50 per barrel. Some days the sales footed up as much as $400,000, and this in spite of the fact that car shortage has handicapped the agents at some points. Up to last Saturday the exchange had handled 1,475 cars, against 1,325 at the same date last year, and then the prices were from $4.75 to $5.25 per barrel.

So far this season most of the potatoes shipped from the Eastern Shore have been of Northampton County growth, very few, comparatively speaking, having been marketed from Accomac County, although the shipments from this county have been increasing very much this week. Accomac's story is yet to be told.

One day last week Dr. Griffith C. Holland, of Eastville, Northampton County, sold the entire crop

of Irish potatoes from 125 acres for the round sum of $150,000.

— The Richmond Times Dispatch

Government to build wharf at Cape Charles Washington, July 27—The treasury department awarded a contract today for the construction of a new wharf, bulkhead and breakwater at the quarantine station, Cape Charles, Va., and for the dredging of a new channel at the same point.

For the construction work, which must be completed in five months, the government will pay a New York firm $77,665. The dredging, which will be done by a Washington firm, will cost $45,000.

— The Miami News

Accomac Mrs. John E. Wise is entertaining Miss Bessie Jed of Centralia.

Miss Susan Litchett, of Cape Charles, is visiting her sister, Mrs. George Lee Losque.

Mrs. Robert L. Hopkins and Miss Anne E. Hopkins left Thursday for Orkney Springs, where they will spend six weeks.

Mrs. Thomas Jacob and two children, Thomas and Henrietta, left for Northampton Friday, to spend a month with relatives.

Miss Marian Tuttle and Miss Lyda taylor, guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Taylor for several weeks, have returned to Baltimore.

Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Parkes are in Wilmington, Del., for a week.

Mrs. S.E. Geizer, who has been living at Old Point for 10 years, has moved back to Onancock. Her

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Area headlines of yesterday 100, 75, 50, 25 years ago FROM PREVIOUS PAGE daughter, Miss Octavia, will join her here within a few weeks.

Mrs. Mames Jacob and Miss Elizabeth Gunnell are with friends in Princess Anee County for a month.

Mrs. Annie Bailor has gone to Tazewell to visit friends for the rest of the summer.

Mrs. W.S. Hammond and son have returned to Greenbackville, after a short visit to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mears of Poplar Cave.

Miss Louise Bagwell, of Baltimore, is at “Mt. Prospect,” the guest of Mr. and Mrs. I.W. Bagwell.

Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Fletcher and two children, of Hampton, arrived Friday to visit Mr. and Mrs. T.E. Fletcher.

Mrs. William E. Hopkins, after a visit to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stinson, of Howard County, Md., returned home Wednesday.

Rev. Johon Kilso, of Delaware, is with his mother, Mrs. Susan Kelso.

Dr. Harold Stewart, of St. Luke’s Hospital, New York, is visiting his mother, Mrs. Preston Stewart — Richmond Times Dispatch

75 years ago July 1945 Cheriton fire sweeps plant Cheriton, July 27—Fire attributed to lightning swept a large warehouse and cold storage unit at the G. L. Webster Company food packing plant early today, causing damage estimated at $1,000,000 by G. L. Webster, the owner.

Fire companies from Cape Charles, Onancock, Eastville and Exmore brought the flames under control at 2 A.M., after a four-hour battle. The wrecked structure covered 96,000 square feet.

The Webster Company, which operates one of the largest fruit and vegetable packing and canning plants on the East Coast, resumed operations today in the undamaged sections of the plant.

Large quantities of canned goods were destroyed in the fire, which started when refrigeration equipment in the cold storage unit adjoining the warehouse was struck by lightning during a violent electrical storm. Expensive machinery was damaged.

A 1949 advertisement from the Northampton Herald newspaper.

Mrs. Rutherford Lumley, 45, of Eastville, wife of a volunteer fireman, was struck and killed by an automobile in a tragic aftermath of the fire. She and her husband were returning to their home after the fire when trouble developed in the steering gear of their automobile.

Lumley said he and his wife had just stepped from the car on Coastal Highway 13 when another automobile struck her and failed to stop after the accident.

Mrs. Lumley died in a doctor's office in Eastville shortly afterward.

— The Richmond Times Dispatch

Chincoteague Pony ridden 10 seconds Chincoteague, July 26—Calvin Accock, a coast guardsman stationed at the coast guard infirmary here, rode a wild marsh stallion 10 seconds this afternoon and won the annual pony penning award.

Although none of the riders stayed on the one minute required by custom, in this traditional east coast wild pony round-up, Accock, was named winner of the contest and awarded $20, two dollars for each

Page 50 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

second he stayed mounted on the 4-foot-tall albino stallion.

Delbert Daisey, a Chincoteague boy, was second in the contest, remaining on a black and white stallion five seconds.

A seven-year-old girl, another Chincoteague native, Marlene Beebe, won the tamed horse race this afternoon, mounted on a wild pony she broke and trained herself.

Other races with tamed mounts were held later in the evening, with entrants from the Eastern Shore area riding ponies bought at auction in previous pony penning celebrations.

Two-thirds of the colts sent over from Assateague and Wallops Islands yesterday were sold at auction by late afternoon, and residents of this island, for whom pony penning day is the biggest event of the year, predicted only 10 of the ponies would be returned to their marshy islands tomorrow.

Buyers came from all parts of the country, and streets surrounding the carnival grounds were lined with large trucks to take the ponies to other states.

Two members of the firemen's association, which sponsors the event, alternated as auctioneers during the day. Ponies sold at an average of $100 per head.

The ponies, ranging from sand to dark brown in color, roam the nearby marsh islands of Assateague and Wallops Islands and the southern end of Chincoteague Island during the year. Yesterday the day before the annual pony penning, a traditional event here dating back 100 years, villagers rounded up the ponies and sent a black-and-white stallion over to the Chincoteague Beach of Barge.

With the stallion snorting on the beach, the hundreds of other ponies were herded through the 35-foot deep channel at low tide, a distance of 200 yards.

— Daily Press

Owner gets verdict of $70,123 for land Norfolk, July 19—A jury in the Federal District Court today returned a verdict for $70,123 for 702 acres of land near Chincoteague taken by the government from Horace E. Kelley in 1942 for a naval auxiliary air station.

The government at the time of taking the land of-

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Area headlines of yesterday 100, 75, 50, 25 years ago County about the possibility of holding a festival there.

A court fight is in progress over the proposed festival in Berlin, Md., 20 miles north of Accomack County.

The county board of supervisors met in special session Monday and passed a 60-day emergency measure to severely limit rock festival type events.

A spokesman for the group promoting the festival, according to the supervisors, said they wanted land near the water "so we can cool off."

—The Salisbury Daily Times

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE fered Kelley $40,549.20, but the offer was refused.

— The Richmond Times Dispatch

50 years ago July 1970 ‘Lethal dose’ of DDT seen cause of mass crab deaths Some of the estimated 30,000 crabs that died in the last two weeks over a 3,000-acre section of Nassawadox Creek contained a "lethal dose" of DDT, says a marine scientist.

"The pesticide analysis of these crabs indicates that it is quite likely they were killed by DDT," Dr. Morris Brehmer of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at Gloucester Point said Wednesday.

"Lethal doses of DDT were found in the crabs."

The crabs were found in the same area of the creek in which dead crabs were found two years ago, said Michael Castagna, scientist in charge of the VIMS laboratory in Wachapreague.

Castagna said the crabs found two years ago "contained a tremendous dose of DDT." Planes spraying fields on the opposite side of the creek at that time, Castagna said. He said the crabs he picked up Monday exhibited symptoms typical of pesticide poisoning.

Spraying was done on the opposite side of the creek as late as last week, said C. F. West, who complained to the Wachapreague lab of the latest crab kill.

He said he was not saying pesticides caused the kill but "those planes come out over the water and I can see a spray still coming from them."

— Daily Press

Group Two catcher signs with Dodgers

A 1920 advertisement from the Peninsula Enterprise newspaper.

Northampton High's David Partin signed a contract Monday with the Los Angeles Dodgers to play with the Ogden Dodgers of Ogden, Utah, in the Pioneer League.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound standout was an honorable mention selection at catcher in District One Group Two this year and batted .301 for the Yellow Jackets.

— Daily Press

Rock festival being planned in Accomac

Wild ponies to go on block in Chincoteague

Accomack County executive secretary C. M. Williams, Jr., says he's heard that a group trying to put on a rock music festival called the "Berlin Airlift" in Maryland has located a piece of land for the same purpose in Accomack County.

Williams said Tuesday he had not been able to find out the names of the individuals promoting the festival or who had made contacts in Accomack

The annual wild pony auction here was scheduled for today with those animals not sold to be herded back Friday across the Assateague Channel to their Assateague Island home.

Treacherous currents in the channel Wednesday delayed the wild pony swim, but after a three hour

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Area headlines of yesterday 100, 75, 50, 25 years ago schools to which their children are assigned and obtain clarification.

— The Salisbury Daily Times

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE wait for calmer waters horsemen herded 150 ponies onto the mainland.

The wild ponies have inhabited Assateague Island for generations and legend has it their ancestors came ashore from a wrecked Spanish ship.

The swim across the channel takes about four minutes.

— The Salisbury Daily Times

Shore college enrollment is called static

Industry asked to shut down Cape Charles—The Mayor and town council of Cape Charles requested this week that one of the Eastern Shore town's main industries shut down.

Mayor George E. Ward, Jr. made the request of Haynie Products Co., a three-year-old processing plant which he says has been belching offensive odors since it opened.

The $1 million plant, which employs about 50 persons, was built to incorporate experimental equipment in turning menhaden into fish meal.

Ward says the town would be willing to discuss the future if the plant would eliminate its odors. But he said for now the closure request is definite.

— The Danville Bee

Teachers in good supply on Virginia’s Shore There appears to be an abundant supply of teachers for the Accomack and Northampton County school systems in the 1970-71 school year, according to the superintendents, P. B. Tankard and George W. Young.

Mr. Young said at Eastville, "We have filled all of the teachers positions but two . . . this is the year we don't have to worry about teachers; we have got plenty of applicants."

Mr. Tankard said from his Accomac office, "We're in pretty good shape . . . in fact we are in as good shape as we've ever been this year at this time."

Accomack County presently has four teacher vacancies and Northampton had two vacancies as of Monday. But superintendents in both counties said they expected these vacancies would be quickly filled from applications on hand.

A 1919 advertisement from the Peninsula Enterprise newspaper.

Mr. Tankard said there may be a slight reduction in the number of teachers in Accomack County this year. But he said there would be no lay-offs; reductions would be made by not filling some vacancies of retiring teachers or "not hiring as many new teachers."

"No one will lose a job in the deal at all," Mr. Tankard said.

Both Accomack and Northampton Counties will go under total desegregation plans for faculty and students in September 1970.

In Northampton County, Mr. Young said no teachers are going to be dropped from their jobs. He said instead there would be two or three extra positions, particularly in the county's special education program. Both men said they had bus routes worked out for the 1970-71 school year, but Mr. Young said those in Northampton are being "slightly refined."

Mr. Young said bus routes in Northampton would not be materially changed under the county's desegregation plan. Because of this, he said, the routes would probably not be published or generally made public before the school year opens.

But in Accomack County, where major changes in bus routing have been made, Mr. Tankard said a list of bus routes would be made public through the newspapers in the next week or two.

He said if there were any questions about the buses after the publication, parents could call the

Page 52 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

Enrollment at the Eastern Shore Branch of the University of Virginia is about the same now as it was for this date last year, director William Pogue said.

"But the enrollment figures have no real significance now," Pogue said. He said 75 persons had been accepted for the 1970-71 session so far, but added, "Normally at the last minute we get an influx of students who have been turned down elsewhere or made late decisions.

"We have plenty of room," Pogue continued. "We are not really sure of enrollment until about the time they begin to show up in the Fall. We never require an early decision."

Pogue said this is the normal course of events for student enrollment at the Branch.

The Eastern Shore Branch of the University at Wallops Station has been struggling to grow in size since it opened nearly five years ago. Enrollment has not yet reached the 300 mark in any one year and some administrators at the college said the fear of the Branch being taken from the University and put under the Community College System established by exGov. Mills Godwin hindered enrollment two years ago.

Pogue said the school will offer three new courses in the 1970-71 session. These are sociology, anthropology and psychology. Sociology and psychology have been offered partially before, but not full time.

"We may have organic chemistry and advanced or cost accounting if enough people request it," Pogue said.

"The library facilities here will be doubled this year," Pogue said. He said that physical space in the library would be twice the present, and books being held in reserve plus new books would probably double the volumes.

The NASA Wallops Station library is also operated in conjunction with the University.

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Area headlines FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Pogue pointed out that both libraries are now open for use by any member of the public.

— The Salisbury Daily Times

25 years ago July 1995 Compost replaces dumping Poultry grower and farmer Tom Shrieves used to dump his dead chickens in a pit on his farm. It was a smelly and time-consuming task, but was the only way he could afford to dispose of his dead birds.

Now Shrieves and others like him on Delmarva are composting the carcasses. The method is saving time and effort for producers, creating a rich fertilizer for crops and protecting local ground water, experts say.

"It's done wonders for my operation," Shrieves said. "Overall, it takes less time because before I had to bury them and then fill in the pit. And I've cut my fertilizer bill by almost half."

Instead of dumping his dead birds in a pit, Shrieves layers them in a specially designed building with manure and straw. After three or four weeks and the addition of some heat and water, the compost is ready to be dried and then applied in the fields.

"I think it gives you a better fertilizer for the land," said Shrieves, who grows corn, soybeans and wheat. "It's really becoming more popular with growers."

It's also popular with local soil and water conservationists like Susan Demas of the Eastern Shore Soil and Water Conservation District in Accomac.

— The Salisbury Daily Times

Harbor Festival Onancock—The annual Harbor Festival will be held today through Sunday here. It will begin with a band concert on the town pier today from 7 to 10 p.m., followed Saturday with a full day of events. A Sunday afternoon jazz concert on the Town Square will conclude the festivities.

Saturday's land- and water-oriented events include a fun run; volleyball tournament; a tug-of-war; canoe, kayak and war boat races; and a paper boat race. A variety of food and drink concessions will satisfy the appetite and cool the palette. Local wooden-boat builders, carrying on the tradition of wooden boat building on the Chesapeake Bay, will exhibit their craft. In addition to the water-front events, a Fine Arts Fair will be held on Saturday at Kerr Place.

— The Salisbury Daily Times

Snake causes Onancock outage Snake causes Onancock outage About 1,900 Delmarva Power & Light customers were without electricity for more than an hour Thursday night after a snake interrupted power at a local substation.

According to Matt Likovich, a Delmarva Power spokesman, the snake entered the Tasley substation and then got into some electrical equipment which caused power to be disrupted at 9:38 p.m.

Crews corrected the problem and were able to restore power by 11 p.m., Likovich said.

Only customers in the Onancock area were affected by the outage.

— The Salisbury Daily Times

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July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 53

Little Box of Thoughts...continued

Ripples Change is an inevitable constant in our lives. It is the one certainty we all live by, yet have difficulty understanding on many levels.

True change starts on the inside, an individual journey that can spread like ripples in a pond, for good and unfortunately for bad. You are the one that makes the choice on how those ripples will be perceived.

I have examined my life in the past few months and have started making some of my own changes, positive ones, to help me adapt to the tidal wave of change that is happening for all of us.

I have stopped watching the news and participating in social media, I am cleaning out and organizing the “stuff” of my life giving particular focus to meaning and purpose, and I am learning to be present in the moment.

Family, spirituality, and gratitude have become the anchors with which I choose to ground myself. I encourage all of you to examine your own ripples, understand how they are perceived, and make some changes for the better; we are all capable of positive change.

“Every human has four endowments - self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... The power to choose, to respond, to change” —Stephen Covey “Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world” —John Milton “A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change” —Earl Nightingale “We all have life storms, and when we get the rough times and we recover from them, we should celebrate that we got through it. No matter how bad it may seem, there's always something beautiful that you can find” —Mattie Stepanek “The miracle comes quietly into the mind that stops an instant and is

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings” —William Arthur Ward

still”

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek” —Barack Obama

“It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere” —Agnes Repplier

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservation, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality, nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit.”

—Christopher McCandless

“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today” — Dale Carnegie

—“Time for Joy” by R. Fishel

COMPILED BY MELANIE FREEZE MASON

The writer of this piece, Melanie Freeze Mason (left), is an Eastern Shore native whose paternal grandmother, Barbara Sturgis (far left), compiled a feature for the Eastern Shore News called “Little Box of Thoughts.” Sturgis died in 2017 and while looking through some of her keepsakes, Mason found her books and clippings and decided to continue her grandmother’s tradition of curating wise sayings and sage advice. Her monthly compilation, “Little Box of Thoughts...Continued,” will appear in Eastern Shore First.

Page 54 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | July 2020

The Last Word By Ted Shockley

Did I ever tell you?

D

id I ever tell you every time I smell cantaloupes, I think of my paternal grandfather and grandmother? Bill and Mable Shockley operated a roadside vegetable stand on Seaside Road in lower Northampton County during my childhood.

Every time I smell cantaloupes or onions or see a perfectly ripe tomato, I think of them.

Did I ever tell you about their sign? It still makes me smile. It stood outside of their vegetable stand for years and became faded during the sun-drenched summers and windswept winters. Today, it is preserved inside the roadside vegetable stand owned by my brother and his wife near Cheriton. That sign is a direct link to my childhood, like my toy tractors and old baseball mit.

Did I ever tell you about Thomas and Pattie Shockley’s farm market of today? That’s where my grandparents’ sign appropriately hangs. At this stage, my brother and his wife have probably been stocking a vegetable stand longer than my grandparents did. They are a good team. I was there the other day and smelled the cantaloupes and thought of my grandparents, another good team.

Did I ever tell you my brother gives his wife all the credit for the success and good reputation of the vegetable stand? Just ask him.

Did I ever tell you how all of this creates in my soul a sense of place? My brother and father and grandfather and one of my great-grandfathers — his name was Welford — all farm, or farmed, around here. And, of course, my brother’s wife is a farmer, too, just like my grandmother was. I am proud of this heritage but want nothing to do with the work and worry. I do enjoy the sweet corn, however.

Did I ever tell you about my brother and sis-

Bill and Mable Shockley’s vegetable stand sign today hangs at the vegetable stand owned by Thomas and Pattie Shockley.

ter-in-law’s sweet corn? It’s rather tasty — boiled and buttered, or grilled over charcoal inside damp husks, or generously sprinkled with Old Bay, or swished around in a steaming pot with sausage and shrimp and baby red potatoes. It defines my summer. It is back-porch eating, July sunset eating, dripping-down-your-chin eating, buttery hands eating. It is good eating.

Did I ever tell you my brother gets up early, just like my grandparents? My grandparents arose each morning before God himself. I sometimes spent summer nights at their house.

The air-conditioning bothered my grandfather’s arthritis, so their house was usually hotter than an Arizona bonfire. I heard them at 3:30 a.m. eating breakfast and reading the Bible.

Then it was out to harvest vegetables.

Did I ever tell you how I asked God to make sure I never worked that hard? My brother apparently asked God to put him squarely in the middle of it. God took him at his word.

Did I ever tell you where the sign is? It’s at 23184 Seaside Road near Cape Charles, inside their vegetable stand, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this time of year, every day of the week. There’s a lot of other good stuff there besides sweet corn. That sign links my past to my present. It links generations of my family who have figured out the mysteries of dirt and seed to produce good things to eat.

I probably never told you any of that. I should have a long time ago. I’m proud to tell you now.

The writer of this piece, Ted Shockley, is founder and publisher of the monthly newsmagazines Shore Drive Living and Eastern Shore First.

Reach him at ted@easternshorefirst.com.

July 2020 | EASTERN SHORE FIRST EASTERNSHOREFIRST.COM | Page 55

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