Damage Forces 1874 Life-Saving Station Closure

Sep 15th, 2007 15:51

In the early hours of August 10 of this year, a violent thunderstorm passed over North Carolina’s fabled Outer Banks. The Chicamacomico 1874 Life-Saving Station located in the village of Rodanthe on Hatteras Island took a direct lightning strike. A damage-assessment team comprised of the National Park Service, the State of North Carolina Preservation Office, and the Chicamacomico Historical Association was immediately called in to make a thorough examination.

In a follow up meeting on 21 August with this same assessment team, all parties agreed that the structual integrity of the building has been seriously compromised and therefore should be closed to everyone until repairs are affected. The lightning hit the east-facing gargoyles atop the roof, traved down the king post between the two cathedral windows above the ramp, and continued in multiple directions throughout the building. The force blew out the east windows (glass, frame and all), shattered the king post, and split a floor joist on its way to the ground.

All four walls of the 20 foot by 44 foot building were moved out a quarter to a half inch. “It’s as a bomb went off inside the building,” said Ken Wenberg, Site Restoration Specialist and CHA Board of Directors member. “Almost every seam or joint in the structure shows some degree of separation.”

The loss of the king post means the east corner posts are taking the entire load of the roof. That fact coupled with the walls having been moved out means it would take very little to cause “catastrophic structural collapse,” the team’s way of saying “total loss.”

As a result, the team formulated a straight-forward three part plan: (1) close the building for the safety of the public and to prevent abusive behavioir which might trigger a collapse; (2) commense emergency bracing measures immediately which will stabilize the building long enough to (3) do complete rennovations.

The team was amazed that the building was still standing and attributed that to two things: the cleverness of the original design and construction and to the competent restorations that had subsequently been done to the Station.

The cost of the emergency repairs has been estimated at ,000. The total structural repair job was estimated at 0,000. The Chicamacomico Historical Association, owners of the site, is a small non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation rasing all of its own operating costs. The Association is now diligently seeking sources of funding for this major project. A specifiic strategy for raising these funds is forhcoming from the CHA board of directors. Interested benefactors should contact the Site directly, using the information below. This is an opportunity for you to become a Life-Saver by becoming a part of the history of rescuing this historically significant structure.

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site contains two of the 285 United States Life-Saving Service (hereafter USLSS) stations built all along America’s coastline from 1848 to 1914. They are two of the original 29 that dotted North Carolina’s barrier islands, and two of the ten stations on Hatteras Island alone.

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site contains seven of the 114 USLSS structures remaining in America today. As such, it is the largest, most complete USLSS complex in the nation. Chicamacomico’s 1874 Station was the first operational station in North Carolina, sits at the farthest point east in the state, and – until August 21, 2007 - was only one of two original 1874 USLSS stations open to the public in the nation. These are all very special claims.

Chicamacomico was the scene of the most highly awarded maritime rescue in American history (“SS Mirlo”, August 16, 1918), and has on display in the 1874 Life-Saving Station Surfboat No. 1046, the actual boat used in that stunning and dramatic rescue. Chicamacomico was also the scene of the last actual Breeches Buoy rescue in the nation (“Omar Babun”, 1954). These are even more special claims.

Today Chicamacomico is one of only two places in the US that performs the full Beach Apparatus Drill historic reenactment, and it is the ONLY one in the world performed by active-duty US Coast Guard personnel. This is extremely fitting, for in 1915, the United States Life-Saving Service merged with the United States Revenue Cutter Service to form today’s modern Coast Guard.

Collectively, these claims and superlatives make the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site a very special and unique place, truly one of America’s Treasures. A treasure worth saving.

Robert (Bob) Edgar Huggett 1928 - 2006

Jan 2nd, 2007 19:10

It is with great sadness that we report a tremendous loss. Bob Huggett, Site Historian, passed away on December 19, 2006. Bob was a incredibly generous, selfless, humble gentleman who greatly enhanced the lives of all who knew him. His constant dedication to Chicamacomico was evident to all who had the opportunity to spend any length of time with him. The tremendous amount of knowledge he gathered was shared with anyone who expressed an interest in learning more. To say he will be greatly missed is a gross understatement. Bob has left a wonderful legacy behind through the amazing amount of research, donations, and body of work he contributed to Chicamacomico. Bob is survived by his wife, Joyce, three sons, one stepdaughter, one stepson, 14 grandchildren, and 10 greatgrandchildren. No services are planned at this time; however Chicamacomico is in the process of planning a ceremony in his honor possibly in the Spring of 2007. Memorial donations may be made to Dare Home, Health, and Hospice, PO Box 1000, Manteo, NC, 27954 or to Chicamacomico Historical Association, PO Box 5, Rodanthe, NC, 27968.

UPDATE! Beach Apparatus Drill Reenactment IS BACK!

Jan 1st, 2007 20:26

The Beach Apparatus Drill Reenactment at Chicamacomico is back! USCG Station Oregon Inlet and USCG Station Hatteras Inlet have each created two drill teams comprised of station personnel who perfom the Drill Reenactment. Thanks to the many folks who helped this dramatic reenactment return to Chicamacomico, and thanks to all who have waited so patiently for this historical reenactment to begin once again. Special thanks to the USCG for their enthusiasm and support to help bring an important piece of their history to life. Semper Paratus! Chicamacomico is the ONLY place in the United States that the Beach Apparatus Drill is perfomed by the U.S. Coast Guard, America's first line of defense. The Reenactment takes place every Thursday at 2 p.m. June, July, and August. Admission to reenactment is included with regular admission charge. Historically, the Drill was regularly practiced at each station beginning in 1871. Weekly practice of this Drill ensured that the lifesavers were always ready to effect rescues of shipwrecked victims. Crews that did not perform the Drill in adequate time faced dismissal from the service. The Drill demonstrated the equipment used, the duties of each surfman, and the skill and stamina it demanded of them. Due to such regimented training the lifesavers had a 99.2% success rate in rescues.

2nd "American Heroes Day" Event Scheduled for September 8, 2007

Jan 1st, 2007 07:56

Who doesn't love a hero? Make plans to attend the second annual "American Heroes Day" on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007 from 10am to 3pm. A must-see event!! Military units, possible flyovers, USCG demonstrations, Beach Apparatus Drill Reenactments, ocean rescue demos, American Red Cross blood drive, NPS, museums, authors, artists, a visit, speakers, exhibits, displays, children's events, contests, and much much more will be at Chicamacomico celebrating American heroism and patriotism. Wear your red,white, and blue and show America's colors!! Additional special events are still being arranged - stay tuned for more details! Admission is per person.

1907 Midgett House Open for Touring

Jan 1st, 2007 07:00

This wonderful example of early 20th century architecture is open! This home was originally owned by Cornelius Midgett (brother of Keeper John Allen Midgett, Jr.) and his wife, Daisy. It was later passed on to his niece, Wilma Midgett and husband Palmer (Oregon Inlet Group Commander, 5th Coast Guard District) who was stationed in the area in the 1940s. This historic structure was donated by Bettie Gray & Trisha Midgett of Hatteras Island. The house is in excellent condition, full of furniture and artifacts; however, plans to restore it depend on funds raised. Donations of your time, labor, or expertise would be greatly appreciated and would expedite the restoration of this wonderful addition to the site. Call 252-987-1552 if you can help. (Picture shows home in original location with Chicamacomico Station in the background, circa 1920s.)

Restoration Project Completed on 1874 Station

Jul 26th, 2006 07:25

Grants have recently been awarded to Chicamacomico to add steps, doors, and handrails to the 1874 Station on the north and south sides. These additions have inceased visitor access and safety, and brings the 1874 Station closer to the original construction plans through restoration. Grant funding was awarded by the Dare County Tourism Bureau, the Outer Banks Community Foundation, and the Percy W. & Elizabeth G. Meekins Community Trust. This work was completed by the April 17, 2006 season opening. Picture shows Ken Wenberg, Project Manager, working on a door frame.

Recent Item Donations

May 14th, 2006 17:36

Many, MANY thanks to the following people for their incredibly generous donations of the following much-needed items. Their generosity has made a tremendous difference, and our visitors are constantly amazed by the enhancement these additions have created. These artifacts are also great learning tools for young ones, and a step back in time for others. LOU VENTRIGLIAS - Circa 1920s Kalamazoo Cook Stove; THE SACCUCCI FAMILY - Circa 1900s Cook Stove; RON & NANCY MONTGOMERY - 1926 National Cash Register; BETTIE GRAY - 1926 Singer Sewing Machine; EDWARD GREENE - 1926 Sherer Gillett Seed Counter; 1937 RCA "tombstone" radio, various kitchen items, vinegar jars, and bellows - MR. & MRS. ALEXANDER; air conditioner unit, chairs, kitchen items, cabbage slicer, rug beaters, and more - TOM FILKINS (Pictures soon to follow.)

CALLING ALL TREASURE HUNTERS

May 14th, 2006 17:21

Here's your chance to be a treasure hunter for Chicamacomico! Listed below is a WISH LIST of items that are needed for many areas of the site. Maybe you have them in your attic (or know someone who does), or your business can donate them, or you are able to purchase them for Chicamacomico. Don't forget, donations are tax-deductible. Feel free to send pictures or call if you need more information about a certain item. You will receive public recognition alongside your donated item and will be helping in a very positive way to keep history alive for others to enjoy and appreciate. 1907 Midgett House – items dated from early 1900s to 1940: Working period Victrola; Period ringer washing machine; Artificial food items (especially seafood); Period kitchen items: salt cellar, wall mounted cast iron match holder, pitchers, etc.; Vanity set: brush, comb, mirror; Picture frames; Original publications, magazines; Wash tub & wash board; Curtains: shears or lace; Period toilet tank – wall mounted above commode; Candlestick telephone; Wagon; 1920-1930 Pickup truck; Shutters; Glass locking display cases; Porch rockers; Wall mounted oil lamps; Coat tree (2); Hand pump; Large wheeled coffee grinder; Quilts; Early 1900s light bulbs. 1911 Cook House: Large Porcelain sink without faucet holes (approx. 4-5 feet in length); Period fruit jars; Period bulk item containers (flour, sugar, tea sacks; boxes; cans); Cook apron; Authentic vintage can/jar/crate labels; Load of coal (100 lbs or more). General Items: Picnic tables & umbrellas; Industrial weed eater/trimmer; Riding lawn mower; Lawn edger; Yard rakes; Lumber; Binoculars; Telescope; Light weight tables (4’, 5’, &6’ length); Plastic chairs; Walkie-talkies; New fax machine; Power Point presentation equipment; Christmas garland; 8’ – 10’ ladder; Golf cart.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR 2006 and beyond...

Apr 8th, 2006 14:37

2006 will be an ambitious year. Six of the eight buildings will be open to the public, three for the very first time, several of which need full-time docents to staff. A full slate of daily, weekly and annual programs is in place if Volunteers can help do them. A thoroughly redesigned Gift Shop needs additional behind the counter help. The Site is only open to the public Monday through Friday from noon to 5:00PM. Specific Volunteer opportunities are: Tour Guides/Docents for 1911 Life-Saving Station, 1911 cook house, 1907 Midgett house, 1874 Life-Saving Station, 1897 boat house/Visitor Center. Also needed Porch Greeters, Gift Shop Retailing, Programs, Special Events, School group tours, Adult group tours, “Donating your expertise when needed” (technical services such as electric, plumbing, painting, carpentry, restoration as well as professional services such as accounting, advertising, marketing, design & display, fund-raising, etc.) We also have “behind the scenes” projects that can be done at home such as distribution of posters, research, inventories, errands, phone calls etc. associated with Special Event preps. Contact Information: James Charlet, Site Steward (wk) 987-1552 (fax) 987-1559 (hm) 987-2146 (c) 996-0493. Emails: (Site) chicamacomico@earthlink.net or (personal) hatterasjames@charter.net NOTE: Although preferable, it is not necessary to commit to a full five hour day; any time donated is helpful. Those doing a program only need to donate as little as 30 minutes to one hour a week. Volunteer benefits are included.

Historic Buildings Relocation Project Completed

Jan 23rd, 2006 20:27

Four out-buildings and one water tank located on the grounds of Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station have been relocated onsite, which now results in two separate historic districts. The small boathouse, the tractor shed, and the horse stable have been moved closer to the 1911 Station; the 1874 cookhouse and water tank are now relocated adjacent to the 1874 Station. These changes have helped to recreate a more historically accurate site. In addition, a Hatteras Island home built in 1907 has been donated and relocated to the site. Bette Gray and Trisha Midgett of Midgett Realty and partners in a new subdivision being developed in Rodanthe have donated this residence to Chicamacomico. The house was originally owned by Cornelius Midgett (brother of John Allen Midgett, Jr. of Mirlo rescue fame) and his wife Daisy. It was then passed to Cornelius' niece, Wilma Midgett and husband Palmer (Oregon Inlet Group Commander, 5th Coast Guard District) who was stationed in the area in the 1940s. This home will be open for the 2006 Season and will serve as the focal point for interpreting family life on Hatteras Island in the 1900s. "What we're trying to do is make Chicamacomico a living history site. And to do that, we have had to move the buildings to where they ought to be", said Ken Wenberg, Executive Director. It’s not often that historical structures are relocated (remember the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move in 1999?) and excitement is running high this project continues. The relocation began on Feb. 9, 2005 and should was completed by the end of March 2005. In November 2005, volunteers Mary Ann Cohen, Vanessa Purschwitz, Bob Huggett, along with staff members James Charlet and Linda Molloy helped to clean and prepare the house for opening in 2006.

Food Lion Shop&Share Program for Chicamacomico

Jan 23rd, 2006 11:11

Here's a great way YOU can help Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site EVERY TIME you shop at Food Lion! Register your MVP Card with Chicamacomico and each time you use your MVP Card you will be donating a portion of your purchase to this worthy organization. It doesn't cost a cent and it does not add any cost to your purchase. Go to www.foodlion.com. then click LionShop&Share link, and follow the onscreen directions to link your card to Chicamacomico. Or you may call 704-633-8250 for Food Lion's personal assistance. We need at least 25 cards linked before we receive donations from Food Lion, so don't delay. Thanks for your continued support!

2005 Film Premiere A Great Success

Feb 26th, 2005 10:01

The exclusive North Carolina Film Premiere of "The Voice of Gladdened Hearts", held in Manteo, NC on Feb. 12, 2005, was a wonderful success! USCG personnel, 36 Pea Island Crew descendants, Travis Media Productions film crews, dignitaries, residents and visitors to the Outer Banks enjoyed an exclusive screening of the new documentary of the 1896 rescue of all hands aboard the "E.S. Newman" by the only all-black US Life-Saving Service Station crew in America. Rear Admiral Steven Rochon, Kate Burkart, Bill Travis, Herb Collins, representatives from local organizations, and many more were in attendance. A reception after the screening allowed guests to speak with the people responsible for making this project a reality. Donations of artifacts were given, funds were raised to enhance the Pea Island Exhibit at Chicamacomico, new friends were made, and old aquaintances were reunited. Truly, a night to remember!

Documentary Filmed at Chicamacomico!

Jan 7th, 2005 20:27

Travis Media Productions and the U.S. Coast Guard began filming at Chicamacomico Life Saving Station Historic Site in June 2004 for a new documentary about the Pea Island Life Saving Station. This station was the only one in the United States manned by an all-black crew, and the heroic tales of rescues and the trials and tribulation of this crew will be available for all to see. The original station no longer exists so the film crew came to Chicamacomico to use the 1874 Station as a “stand-in”. Pea Island Station was originally located approximately six miles north of Chicamacomico Life Saving Station. This new documentary is scheduled to premier in Washington, DC in February 2005.