This article, part of a series for this edition, chronicled Hatteras Island’s encounters with well-known 1933 and 1944 hurricanes. This recollection by Ernal Foster, included photos illustrating the 1933 storm’s impact, proved pictures can be worth a thousand words.
Glimpses of the past were perhaps seen most clearly in this collection of photos. One was a reminder of when the ferry was the only source of transport for humans and cargo. Others were reminders of businesses long since gone out of business, as well as buildings still standing. Most the photos, though, attested the importance of waterways around the Island, whether the creek familiarly known as the “Slash,” Core Sound, or Atlantic Ocean.
John W. Rollinson, b. 1827, kept a journal of his life at Hatteras, from teaching school, piloting boats, fleeing with his family from the Union soldiers, farming, porpoise fishing, being Collector for Port of Hatteras and being a magistrate.
For the author, the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge is more than a connecting point between the North Carolina mainland and its Outer Banks. As indicated by his photographs, the bridge that opened up transporting options besides the ferry can also be appreciated for offering a scenic view.
The author discusses the project to document Hatteras Island heritage, using genealogy, history, archaeology and DNA. A large list of surnames of the families connected to Hatteras Island.