Cheryl Shelton-Roberts
Delivered by Sandra MacLean Clunies
at the Maritime Heritage Conference
Wilmington, NC
Planning a Large Event
Greetings!
Staging an event like a homecoming for lighthouse keepers’ descendants is outreach to potential supporters. Through press releases, a website, and direct contact with descendants, you are building a base of support for your lighthouse.
The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society (OBLHS) cosponsored with the National Park Service (NPS) on May 4-6, 2001, the Hatteras Keepers Descendents Homecoming. Other major sponsors included Eastern National, Bank of America, the American Lighthouse Foundation, LERC- maker of Coastal Cubs, the Dare County Tourist Bureau, the Christmas Shop in Manteo, and many Hatteras Island local businesses and realtors. Getting our sponsors took lots of writing and phone calls. Start-up money is essential- a startup grant from Eastern National allowed us to obtain stationery, stamps for mailing, and pay for some phone calls (many were done gratis). As a starting point to contact potential attendees, we did a mailing to keepers’ descendents whose ancestors were also keepers at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. We owe great thanks to Lloyd Childers, executive director of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse for the Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc., who met with us in April 2000 to share family names and to tell us about their homecoming, held in fall 2000, and to advise us how to proceed.
The form that we first sent to about 350 known descendants included spaces for information about other siblings and known direct descendants of Cape Hatteras keepers. Our second mailing grew beyond 500. By the time we sent out final registration forms, we were mailing to over 1,000 descendants. We contacted a total of about 1,300 direct descendants, of which over 1,100 registered and attended!
Amazingly the OBLHS did this event and published the copyrighted book HATTERAS KEEPERS ORAL and FAMILY HISTORIES under the editorship of me, Cheryl Shelton-Roberts, with family histories by Sandra MacLean Clunies. There were no fees or royalties. The Homecoming and book were an all-volunteer effort.
We thank photographers Dr. Margaret Harker, Tim Harrison and Kathy Finnegan, Mike Booher, Rick Polad, and Bruce Roberts for the use of their images. Bruce copied the prints onto slide film for this presentation.
Slide 1 The Cape Hatteras is arguably the most recognized lighthouse in North America, perhaps the world. If a person recognizes just one lighthouse, it is Cape Hatteras.
Slide 2 In 1999, all parts of the Cape Hatteras Light Station were relocated 2,900 linear feet to the southwest, placing them 1,600 feet from the shoreline- about the same distance from the sea as when the light station was completed in 1870. All buildings and the lighthouse were reset in their original relative positions at the new site.
Slide 3 A special unified jacking system was designed to operate the hydraulic jacks that lifted the tower and cushioned it while it took a slide to the southwest.
Slide 4 The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has witnessed several wars, including the deadly German U-boats in 1942, served as a marker for the Graveyard of the Atlantic, and became the tallest lighthouse ever moved. The move captivated the attention of America.
Slide 5 During the bold rescue from the sea, Cape Hatteras became a destination for hundreds of thousands of visitors who wanted to see the tower during the move. And today, any controversy over the move has dissipated due to a successful economy on the island where local businesses have benefited from increased visitation since the relocation.
Slide 6 The move, which has made the lighthouse even better known represents the preservation of the bricks and mortar facet of its continuing history. But what of the keepers and their families who lived at the lighthouse and kept the light burning?
A core group, the Hatteras Homecoming Planning Committee,
gathered to begin the hunt for living descendants of Hatteras keepers. Our
goals were to create a database for future research on family histories,
publish a book of oral and family histories, and to hold an event to which
direct descendants could attend as a family reunion and visit the home and
workplace of their keeper ancestor.
Slide 7 To house the expected crowd, we rented the biggest gleaming white tent available. The tent was provided by Eastern National, the nonprofit group that operates bookstores at national park sites. Since no facility on Hatteras Island would accommodate even 1,000 people, we had to have a tent. There WAS a plan B, which was to split the descendants into two groups at off-park sites, but that would have been difficult, so we were grateful for a weekend of ideal weather.
Slide 8 The first event of the descendants’ weekend was the unveiling of the original Cape Hatteras Lighthouse foundation granite stones, which had been engraved with the 83 known keepers’ names. The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society cosponsored this landmark project with the Dare County Tourist Bureau and with the cooperation of the NPS Cape Hatteras National Seashore. These stones are from the first plinth of the original foundation, once below grade.
Slide 9 OBLHS helped design the wayside marker to designate the original location of the principal and double keepers quarters. The wayside marker was created and sponsored by the NPS.
Slide 10 A photographer, Geri, was selected by the Homecoming Planning Committee to independently schedule family portraits over the entire weekend. Geri took care of the appointments and payments, sparing the Homecoming committee that responsibility. The family portraits were an especially important part of the event, giving families a way to permanently record memories of the special weekend.
Slide 11 Friday at noon, registration began, and it had to take place off park grounds since money was being exchanged. Here, over 1,100 descendants registered, picked up their “goodies” bag, and began meeting their other family members and other relatives. Some had not seen one another for over 50 years.
Slide 12 The main part of the weekend was the heritage programs for the families. These programs began Friday night with Thomas Tag, noted authority on lighting apparatus. On Saturday, we had a group of well-known lighthouse community personalities who shared their knowledge on topics such as early island medicine, the history of the US Lighthouse Service, and lighthouse restoration. Speakers came from all over the country to join us and paid their own expenses. We provided accommodations, thanks to local realtors and friends, and some meals. Food for the Friday night barbecue and Sunday morning brunch were donated by local food stores and restaurants and was prepared by volunteers. Registration money helped cover the cost of a catered lunch Saturday at noon.
Slide 13 On Saturday night, the OBLHS participated in the rededication of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, much of which was geared towards the keepers’ descendants. Having the keepers’ descendants present in numbers at the base of the lighthouse for the ceremony was an historic event.
Slide 14 During the year previous to the homecoming, thousands of volunteer hours were devoted to contacting descendants, creating a database with detailed descendant information, conducting oral history interviews, and gathering genealogical information for the family histories. The book is a unique blend of historical research and human-interest stories from oral interviews and personal journals.
We could have used several more months to complete planning, but had we scheduled it for next year in 2002, several stories could not have been recorded since five key contributors have had grave health problems. Even our Hatteras Island coordinator has had serious health issues, and her husband, Rany, son of the last principal keeper, died recently on October 4. This points out the urgency to begin planning your event as soon as possible if you are hopeful to find keeper’s children and grandchildren. These two generations hold the memories of life at a lighthouse and usually are the caretakers of rare family photographs and can render positive identifications. Like the move of Cape Hatteras, the right people, energies, talents, and good will came together with the right timing to make our Homecoming successful.
On Sunday- and we haven’t a picture of this- but it was one of the best parts of the weekend, a panel of local residents and others who grew up on Hatteras Island delivered an informal talk and took questions from the audience. It was great! Some of the panel members participated in oral history interviews and submitted writings for the commemorative book. That morning, they told us about the first two cars on the island that managed to hit one another head-on as well as home remedies such as wrapping wounds with bread for days (can you imagine the aroma?!). Evidently this was an effective technique- a forerunner to antibiotics as witnessed in these surviving keepers’ descendants. We heard of spring tonics, daily routines, school, and other captivating stories of family life on the island. The lighthouse was central in their lives and they have always returned to see it just one more time. Fortunately, a keeper’s descendant, videographer Truly Clark, videotaped the panel discussion and OBLHS will transcribe the tape and make available in an upcoming issue of Lighthouse News, the quarterly newsletter of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society.
Slide 15 The closing activity on Sunday afternoon witnessed that famous and dramatic change in Outer Banks weather. We had said that the weather had been so good all weekend that the keepers were with us. The wind started to blow and served as a fitting stage for the ending activity. Near the Keepers Circle of Stones, the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Crew performed a rescue drill. This drama had been played out countless times in the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Surfmen shot the line from the Lyle gun straight through the crosstree despite 35 mph winds and “rescued” the ten-year-old great-granddaughter of a Keeper C.C. Miller. She slid down the 150 feet of lifeline in a breeches buoy and was safely caught in the arms of an awaiting surfman.
Now that you’ve seen an overview of the weekend’s events, let’s go back and take a closer look at some of the details. If you have questions, I’ll try to answer them.
Slide 16 On Friday night, registration was held at the Angler’s Club, about one-half mile from the lighthouse and off park grounds. While registration was taking place, a silent auction had been set up at the club so family members could bid on items including the stencils for the engraved names on the foundation stones. This yielded a great deal funds for homecoming expenses. The silent auction was open from Friday afternoon until Saturday night when bidding was closed and descendants came back to get their items. We had hundreds of donated items and only four went unclaimed. So, we highly urge you to have a silent auction and let the fun begin! Family members bid against one another and there were tears when one family member didn’t get the stencil for his grandfather’s name on the stones.
We charged adult family members a modest $20 registration fee (children under twelve years of age $10). For this modest amount, each registered adult received a copy of the commemorative book (a $19.95 value), a tee shirt, and several donated items including a matted print from Harbour Lights, two LERC Coastal Cubs, and much more. In retrospect, we should have sold the books at retail instead of including them in the descendants’ bags that they received upon registration. We could have recovered a great deal of expenses very quickly. No matter, really, for we have done well in profits and have been able to cover all expenses.
Slide 17 Much preparation and planning took place all year prior to the event. Ordering of office supplies and other materials, fundraising, media PR, setting up a website and online registration form for descendants, etc. Two days before the event, volunteers began assembling various needed items. Here, Nancy D’Andrade and Sandy Clunies, genealogist for the commemorative book and family histories database, sort through the badges that registered descendants wore. A badge was each descendant’s ticket to everything over the weekend.
Slide 18 The physical work of the event is what surprised us. One week prior to the Homecoming, we needed additional strong backs to haul heavy boxes of books, set up the 1,300 tables and chairs at the tent, and to stuff the goodies bag for each descendent.
Slide 19 After registering, descendants enjoyed finding their names on the family history charts prepared by Sandy Clunies, looked through items in the silent auction, and browsed items for sale.
Slide 20 About two weeks prior to the kickoff event on Friday afternoon, engraver A.C. Joyner and his daughter completed the engraving of the Keepers Circle of Stones. A.C. charged us according to how much money we had…1/2 the next lowest bid!
Slide 21 At the unveiling ceremony on Friday, I read the keepers’ names. The research that Sandy and I did on just this one part of the event was time consuming. Planning ahead for an event like this is critical- a year is recommended. In your initial planning meetings, set up a list of deadlines and make sure they are met.
In the background is the Hatteras Island Community Choir, represented by all churches on the island. They formed a new group as a result of this event.
Slide 22 This may become the most photographed hole in America other than the Grand Canyon! It’s a core sampling in one of the stones and was not purposely placed in this position. The core sampling told the movers and engineers exactly what made up the foundation so they’d know how much time would be needed to remove it. As fate would have it, the hole resides in this particular stone, placed in its original position, and looks directly at the relocation site.
Slide 23 At the unveiling, the US Coast Guard presented the colors.
Slide 24 Two bag pipers, one standing in the circle of stones and another, a keeper’s descendant, answered from atop a sand dune. Memorable notes floated through the air in honor of the keepers of the 1803 and 1870 towers and the Diamond Shoals Lightship.
Slide 25 The stones are now a permanent part of the light station and used for weddings and funerals.
Slide 26 About 1,000 family members gathered for the unveiling. There was lots of laughter mixed with tears. The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society wanted the families to know that we honor and respect the work of their keeper-ancestors.
Slide 27 The engraved stones have already become a special place for visitors.
Slide 28 But first things first. Bruce got impatient with the park service and had to get the lighthouse moved…Cofounder of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, Bruce gave an entire year to this event as a volunteer.
Slides 30 and 31 The undulating tent was enormous, but we filled it with about 1,200 descendants, more than 100 volunteers, media, and speakers. A caterer served lunch at the back of the tent. And here’s a tip: don’t overschedule speakers. Families need, most of all, time to be together. And don’t feed them until you want to lose them! Friday night, while registration continued at the Angler’s Club (and the silent auction, and vendors offered lighthouse memorabilia), a barbecue was held at the Hatteras Civic Center. After having eaten and socialized for a couple of hours, many attending descendants returned to settle into their cottages. We witnessed a similar loss of attendees after lunch on Saturday since aging descendants had to leave and dozens of families planned for their own special reunions at their respective cottages. The Saturday morning session was crowded and people were attentive, but after lunch, our speakers saw a decline in those who were listening. However, our devoted speakers persevered and delivered outstanding presentations. Those who stayed to listen gave the speakers rave reviews. In reviewing the event, it was good for descendants to have a chance to talk with speakers individually.
Slide 35 Superlatives,
in the form of certificates, were awarded for the descendant coming from the
furthest distance, the oldest, youngest, etc. Here, Beatie McArthur of the
cooperating Hatteras Island Genealogical Society (HIGHS) accepts the superlative
awarded to the descendant related to the most keepers- Beatie is related to
seven! According to Board-certified genealogist Sandra MacLean Clunies, during
the more than one dozen decades when the Cape Hatteras Light Station was
manned, there were basically eight families under whose stewardship this
important aid to navigation was entrusted. Their surnames are Austin, Farrow,
Fulcher, Jennett(e), O'Neal, Quidley, Simpson, and Williams, pioneer Outer
Banks family groups which had first settled there in the late 1700s. It was
also common for sons, brothers, sons-in-law, and nephews to become assistants
to the primary keeper, although many may have had a different surname. Each
appointment carried a federal salary, however modest, and this provided much economic
stability for many Outer Banks extended families. Most of those appointed to
the federal position of keeper were experienced mariners who were born and
raised on the Outer Banks. Beatie is a descendant from several branches of
these pioneer Outer Banks families.
Slide 36 These superlative awards were popular with young descendants, too.
Slide 37 Beatie told us that the families’ being together at the Homecoming was a dream-come-true. She is one of the matriarchs of the island and gave much time to help us locate descendants and pumped positive comments about the event into the island community. She appreciates the new interest expressed by her grandchildren in their family’s history. Due to a recent stroke, Beatie has temporarily suspended her participation within the HIGHS, but active HIGHS members have informed her that many young adults are now seen at the genealogical/historical meetings who are seeking information on their lineage. Beatie continues to augment and guard recently acquired information on Cape Hatteras keepers and their descendants.
Slide 38 An official tee shirt (at right) was designed by a nephew of the Fulcher girls. Everyone registered received a tee shirt as part of the registration fee. We had sweatshirts available for sale to descendants and a special sweatshirt was provided volunteers. We made them mustard yellow so volunteers could be easily spotted if they were needed. Left is Jennie Fulcher Sharpe, 95 and at right is Annie Fulcher Pellegrini, 81 (sister Day is not in the photo). They were interviewed for the commemorative book. Both girls were born in the double keepers quarters; Jennie spent the first fourteen years of her life at the Cape Hatteras Light Station.
Slide 41 One of the main coordinators for the Homecoming was Lynn Jennette who lives near the lighthouse. The widow of the last Cape Hatteras principal keeper’s son, Lynn poured her heart into the event. We presented her with a framed commemorative poster “The Light Was Their Signature.” Nags Head artist Glenn Eure donated the poster’s design. Poster sales continue to raise funds to defray expenses.
One problem the planning committee encountered was retaining a good treasurer, which is essential for an event like this. Fortunately, Lynn is an accountant by trade and did much of the record keeping. Keeping track of every receipt and paid bill is crucial for an accurate accounting report for a large event; therefore, a CPA is advised. This record keeping will guarantee continued good standing of your 501 (c) 3. Establishing a separate bank account for the event is advisable so event monies and accounting can be kept separate from your main organization’s account. We also advise a separate credit card for the event and run all monies received through your event account.
Slide 42 Volunteers made this event. Individuals with specific talents handled each facet of what you’ve seen in these slides. As needs arise such as computer expertise, add to your planning committee. The core eight-member Homecoming Planning Committee had specific duties and formed their own subcommittees as help was needed.
When event time came, we needed the help of many. As the Homecoming began, it took on its own momentum and more people volunteered to help. Many descendants like Keeper Julian Austin, Sr.’s daughter, Verna Austin Wall (in the foreground) pitched in to help, and Margaret Williams (background), granddaughter of Keeper James O. Casey, helped with much of the prep work and sales during the event. A paramedics rescue team stood by; additionally, there was constant presence by the park service, coast guard, and the Dare County sheriff’s office.
Slide 43 Great faces like this one- Tim Harrison- rolled up his sleeves and helped with all phases of the last minute planning and grunt work.
Slide 44 Lauren Liebrecht of the Chesapeake Chapter of the US Lighthouse Society and her friend, Jane Morgan (not pictured), traveled from afar to give their all as volunteers for the occasion. What a great time we had! In the background and just visible is my daughter, Courtney Whisler. A thirteen-year-old, she was a gem. She worked nonstop doing sales, keeping track of what was sold in her area by writing down all details, trained new people manning the sales areas, and helped older descendants at the tent. Pull in your young preservationists to help- they can do a great deal.
Slide 45 Here are a few members of the Jennette clan who helped with volunteer orientation and collating of information that went into families’ registration bags. 60,000 sheets of material were put together!
Slide 46 The Homecoming event benefited many. One example is that OBLHS donated $1000 to the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Association from event proceeds. This exciting demonstration was a tremendous closure to the weekend.
Slide 48 …and left us with many good memories. We anticipate that descendants like this young lady will return to Cape Hatteras and see that it is taken care of in the name of her family’s keeper.
-End slide presentation-
Now, I obviously haven’t gone into ALL the specific details that you’ll need to do for an event like this, including a weekend program and printing, soliciting donated food and accommodations, a list of suggested motels/restaurants when descendants are planning their trip, how to keep up with which descendants have been contacted and who has responded, decorations, and entertainment.
To help you with planning, Bruce Roberts and I will welcome any emails/phone calls to answer your questions. Sandy Clunies is the best genealogy researcher around, but you’d better book her soon. Let us know how we may help you.
Cofounders Outer Banks Lighthouse Society
P.O. Box 1005
Morehead City, NC 28557
252/247-5436 email: croberts@outer-banks.com
or society@outer-banks.com