The Old Gray House thanks all who have taken the time to write about our retirement hobby. Below you will find reprints of some that that have come to our attention. We thank all who have gone out of their way to share in our retirement dream by telling others about us. Should you run across an ariticle written about the Old Gray House we would appreciate hearing about it.

We are dedicating section of our site to the many guests who come to the Old Gray House. If you have comments or pictures you took while at Hatteras that you would like to share this is the place we will post some of them. If you visited the old Gray House Learning Center and sent us a picture you took of yourself you will find it on the Path Section. Click Here For Pictures of 2008 Graduates of the Gray House Learning center.

1. magical moments


2. the old gray house poem


3. southern hospitality

Magical moments are always just ahead of you, yet they are not hard to find on Hatteras Island. If you would like to share your magical moments that you had on Hatteras Island contact us at OuterBanksShells.com

Magical moments                                                                                                            April of 2008

magical moments

By Dewey parr

Today, as I was transplanting magic lilies in the Old Gray House Garden, I suddenly realized what makes life meaningful and why Mary and I love the Old Gray House and Hatteras Island so much. Those magic Lilies given to me by Jane Newby many years ago have brought me great joy as have the many plants brought to me by Friends of the Old Gray House. The lilies also remind me of an incident that occurred one day while I was working in my garden.

A little girl came walking my garden path with her daddy. Wide eyed she looked all around and then she excitedly said to her daddy, “Daddy, this is a magical place.” I guess this is probably the greatest thing that has ever been said about my garden.

To us the Old Gray House and Hatteras Island are magical places. They are full of magical moments that inspire us. It is the magical moments shared with us by guests who visit us that provide us with those warm fuzzy feelings that have enriched our lives since we opened the shop. Mary’s magical moments occur constantly inside the shop and mine are mostly outside while roaming the garden. In the evenings we have the joy of sharing the magical moments of the day.

Often when I am working outside I have the pleasure of meeting and greeting many different people from a variety of places in America and foreign countries. Each one has new and exciting information to share. Not long ago I had the pleasure of meeting a Singing Lobster Man from Maine. Seasongs.com Then there was the silversmith story teller from New Mexico. JerryFaires.com On another occasion a lady from Sweden was overcome with tears. My garden brought back memories of her mother’s garden. I especially appreciate the visits from many guests from Canada who share information about that beautiful country. Their visits always bring back memories of the magical moments Mary and I had as we toured Canada.

Sometimes I am amazed at the generosity of guests who come bringing me plants and ornaments to display in the garden. I will never forget the first plant that was brought to me seventeen years ago. Right after we opened the shop a car drove up and out stepped a lady holding a plant she wanted to give me. Now I don’t remember her name but I remember that she was a psychiatrist who had a farm that grew herbs. I have not seen her since but each time I look at the plant I remember that magical moment spent with her discussing the medicinal value of herbs as well as the dangers of misusing them.

As I look over my little garden I see it filled with Magical Moments. One I recall was the day a man from Ohio came bringing me a wisteria plant. He said his daughters name was Wisteria. The Wisteria blooms are hanging from the tree and right below it are two other magical moments, the banana and the ruella plants. Everywhere I look I see magic in my garden. It might be a rock, buoy, fishing pole, bird house, bird feeder, shell, plant, or even a bowling ball that someone brought to place in the Old Gray House Garden. It is not the gifts to the garden that is the magic. It is joy I received from talking and sharing of life’s experiences with those who have visited me. I have no explanation why people continue to share so much with us. Could it be the magic of the Island?

Hatteras Island has always been a Magical Place for Mary and me. I will never forget the magical moment I had with my beautiful bride when I brought her from the hills of West Virginia to my home on Hatteras Island. She had never seen the ocean. As we made our journey from Nags Head to Oregon Inlet to the ferry I watched the look on her face begin to slowly change to a sense of concern. It was a windy rough day and the waves were clashing. When she saw Toby Tillet’s ferry that was to take us across Oregon Inlet the look of concern began to change to one of fear. Boarding the little ferry was a frightening experience for her. We were placed right up front with just a small chain in front of the car. Listen as she shares this Magical Moment with you in her own words.

“I will never forget my first trip to the mighty ocean and Cape Hatteras Island in 1953. This little girl from the mountains of West Virginia thought the end had come when she finally arrived at Oregon Inlet. As we waited to board the wooden ferry holding eight cars and, as I gazed across the inlet watching the waves splashing, I figured my time had come and this would be my burial at sea. At that time when you crossed the inlet you went straight across.

When we finally boarded what I called a wooden barge we were right up front with nothing between us and the wind and water except a thin chain. I knew they put something under the wheels, but I figured nothing could save me from the sea.

As the engine began to roar and we headed out I resigned myself to the fact that nothing could save me from the sea and my family in West Virginia would only have bones to put in my casket, because the flesh-eating fish and crabs of Hatteras would pick my bones clean.

The journey across the inlet was even worse than I had anticipated. With every splash of water on the windshield of our car my fears became greater and greater. I hid my eyes, afraid to look while Dewey held me close. He occasionally laughed at me as I know you may, but remember, you are used to the sea, but to a young girl who had never seen the ocean to suddenly find herself in the middle of it, on a bobbing piece of wood could be a frightening experience.

Well thanks to God, we arrived after what seemed like an eternity, to the other side.

The trip down the beach to Buxton was the greatest adventure of my life. Never had I seen such natural beauty. The tall dunes and some areas where you could see water on both sides of the road were fantastic. Vegetation like I had never seen before and birds of all descriptions. Miles and miles of nothing except things untouched by human hands, and fashioned from the finger of God. I thought this had to be my Fantasy Island. Even to this day, every time I travel the beach I still experience that same beautiful feeling I did the first time I saw our beloved Hatteras Island.”

Hatteras will always be a magical place full of moments that make life meaningful. Here you can find healing from the wounds of the world. This old world is full of turmoil and unrest but once you cross the inlet if you will force yourself to leave all that behind you can regain the magic in your life.

Magical moments on Hatteras do not require elaborate planning or huge expenditures. They can be simple little things like reading a book on the beach or just feeling an ocean breeze on your face. One of my favorite moments is in the evenings is when Mary and I grab a can of Pepsi and a bag of pretzels and head for Cape Point to just sit there chatting about nothing in particular and observing the waves and watching people enjoying themselves. It grieves me to think as time goes on we will be deprived of that opportunity as a result of those who are determined to stop access to Cape Point.

Another magical moment for me is to go to the south Beach early in the morning to walk the beach and take a morning swim as the sun is announcing a new day. There is a feeling of awe that comes over me as I stand in the water and watch the suns rays streak across the sky. Often this Magical moment is made even more fantastic as the result of a rainbow, or a group of dolphins, or birds passing by. Magical moments such as this seem to make all worldly cares seem minor and help recharge your batteries.

If you want a real magical moment, place yourself at Canadian Hole at sunset with someone you love and watch the magic in the sky. So far I have not been able to find words sufficient to describe the scene being painted in the sky. Nor have a seen any artist able to reduplicate this scene. It is something you must witness first hand to appreciate. It is Hatteras Magic. There is enough magic on Hatteras Island to fill any void you might have in your life. Magic is everywhere you turn on the Island if you only will allow it to happen in your life.

I can not thank all of you enough who have brought magic in our lives by your visits to the Old Gray House. It is our hope that we have in some way added a little magic to your life. We would love to hear about your special Hatteras Island Magical Moment that we might put it our website to share with others. If you have a magical moment or pictures you would like to share then e-mail it to us at OuterBanksShells.com

OLD GRAY HOUSE POEM                                                                                         January 8, 2008

OLD GRAY HOUSE POEM

While visiting the Old Gray House and walking the garden path, Johnny Baum the Hatteras Island Poet, was insiped to write this poem. We hope this magical moment that Johnny had at The Old Gray House provides you as much enjoyment as it brought us.

By Johnnie Baum

To some it's just an old house, sitting on a hill. But the things that make this old house, a library could fill.

The memories in each piece of wood, shout loudly to be heard. Another waits impatiently, while each one is stirred.

Each short path leads somewhere, you can sit and rest. To the ghosts of the Old Gray House, you are an honored guest.

This is a most peaceful place, if it's peace you seek. Where strong spirits wait, to help those who are weak.

Lifesavers and Light-keepers, men of the bay and sea. Memories and traditions, that kept us proud and free.

Each step you take, each sound you hear, and all that you feel. When you leave will follow you, and into your heart steal.

And sometimes when your world seems cold, and your life's a storm. The memories of the Old Gray House, will help to keep you warm.

The laughter of good spirits, as they watch you from the sky. Will bring joy to your heart, no matter where you lie.

Johnny Baum

Making a Presentation at the British Cemetery on Ocracoke Island

Southern Hospitality                                                                             Published: January 16, 2008

Southern Hospitality

by Michael Letso

Michael Letso an annual visitor to Hatteras Island, and the Old Gray House has encounter many magical moments that led him to express his feeling in the song he wrote entitled, "Southern Hospitality". Whenever I hear the song I think of the wonderful joys one receives by being on Hatteras Island. We thank Michael for sharing his Magical Song with us.

A couple of years ago I was facing the fact of missing my annual Fall trip to Hatteras. As the time to go approached I was hit with great yearning, knowing I'd be stuck here in New Jersey. It was then a song came to me, about all the things I love about my visits. People like Dewey and Mary Parr, and places like The Old Gray House.

Southern Hospitality
Strangers smile, wave 'hello', talk about the weather.
No big hurry. Never, no. A little get-together.

Maybe go visiting with kin.
The neighbors stop to chat again.
Always find the time to say,
"how y'all doin' today ?"

Southern Hospitality
sure do feel like home to me.
"Bless your heart, set a spell.
Thank the Lord, pray do tell."

Down the trail, through the woods.
Down the hill, to the sea.
Grandpa's tellin' stories.
Junior's sittin' on his knee

If you have any comments you can contact up at OuterBanksShells.com It was a great privilege and pleasure to meet you both on our recent visit to Buxton. I was the one that bought the Orthoceras fossil for my son (the Biology major), and then came back to the Gray House to share it’s wonderfulness with my family. I have enclosed the pictures I showed you on my 2nd visit and included a shot of sea turtle tracks on Carol Dillon’s property…the nest is now VERY PROPERLY roped off from dastardly tourists and local islanders. Please use the pictures as you see fit…if you want to name me as the photographer, I would be honored to have my name on your web site or inside Gray House…but it isn’t necessary to give me any credit. The sea bean I now carry in my pocket is a great way to remember you and your business…thank you for that. I also have a new addition to my office…found a sea brick in the surf just north of Ms Dillon’s place and I have it prominently displayed on my shelves as a very adequate bookend. Tim Rhyne Tim Rhyne     Tim Rhyne Tim Rhyne Best Regards, Tim I'm really enjoying reading about The Old Gray House, and all the lore and stories. I had to figure out what the material was in the Beach Rocks story. Thought I'd send you a link with a picture. http://geology.about.com/library/bl/images/blfulgurite.htm Hope to see the house one day. Thanks, McRae I just wanted to tell you that we have been coming to the island since 1997 you are my very favorite place to stop, and I tell everyone that I know or meet here to come see your place. You are wonderful friendly people, and you do have the best prices on the entire island, one day I hope to have the same dream as the two of you. this island has to be a slice of heaven. The Vilsack Family Pittsburg PA A friend from the Chicago area writes: Thank you for making my trip to the Hatteras Island the most memorable time of my life..........I think about you two and The Old Gray House everyday fondly. I tell everyone we accidentally found a piece of heaven when we found you. A friend from Chicago Mr. and Mrs. Parr, thank you so very much for sharing your life on the Island with us. I cannot express the feelings that your website has conjured up inside of me. As a child’s memory guides me, a vivid account of my Dad and his following troops headed off to do battle in the surf on Hatteras Island every Fall fishing season in the early 50’s. Upon their return, the local rural folks of Gibson, NC would gather to share in the treasure: flounder, Va. mullet, drum, blues and sometimes a rare striper. This became one of the highlights of the town every October and or November. I recall one old friend of my Dad placing his foot on the tail of a giant drum and scaling him with a garden hoe. He would thank my Dad and appreciate the fact that Santa came early that year. When I finally got to visit Buxton, the first thing my Dad had me do was to climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Upon reaching the top, one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen awaited. A storm was coming in from Diamond Shoals. The sky was pitch black with brilliant bolts of lightening striking the ocean. I’ve been enjoying my visits to the Island since the early 70’s. We would often stay at the Atlantic View Motel, owned and operated by the Gray Brothers. Ben Pate, Pinehurst, NC Your web site is GREAT!!! We enjoyed our picture-THANKS. The food at the Captains Table was really good. Thanks for helping complete a perfect vacation. We even got an apple ugly (Orange Blossom) on the way out Wed. morn. John and Lynda Molnar

If you have any comments you can contact up at OuterBanksShells.com

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