The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1956-06-15
CELEBRATION AT RODANTHE
SATURDAY PROMISES MORE
EVENTFUL NEWS FOR AREA
A Get Together For The Outer Banks and Their
Friends From Across The Water To Pay Tribute
to the Old Timers. and to Plan for Progress and
Development Of Social and Economic Life of
Outer Banks.
FISHING CONTEST THREE
DAYS FOR CASH AWARDS

NNtS TIN SSASIl AVANOS
Friday night, this week, June
Is marks the official opening of
the Chicamacomico Celebration,
and at nine pm. dance will open
for the entertainment of young
and old, at the Chicamacomico
Motel, which is on the ocean side
near Rodanthe.
R. D. Owens, Chairman of the
Celebration Committee said 1.-THE
Knights, a nine-piece orchestra
from Portsmouth, Va. had been
engaged for this dance, and would
remain over to play during the
Saturday morning program. The
orchestra is directed by Lanier Ed
wards, and it successfully appeared
at the Pirates Jamboree dance in
April.
Mr.. Owens said that three-day
fishing contest, closing Sunday eve
ming was being conducted, but resi-
dents of Hatteras Island would not
be eligible for the cash awards.
First award for biggest fish is
$25 cash, and second award for
Rext largest fish is $40 cash. Rec
ords. will be made of parties catch
ing greatest number of fish. Off
cial entry place and weighing sta
ton is at the Chicamacomico Res
taurant, Rodanthe. The telephone
number is 113.
The principal program is plan
ned for Saturday, beginning at 10
am. with music and speaking at
the same site where a speakers
stand has been erected. Chairs will
be provided for honor guests. The
principal speaker of this program
is Congressman Herbert C. Bon
ner, and a short address will be
made by David Stick on coast
guard history of this area. Wood
row w. Edwards, officer in charge
of Oregon Inlet C. G. Station, will
make the address of welcome.
Other notable men expected to at
tend this celebration are Rear-Ad-
miral H. c. Moore, commander 9th
Coast Guard District, Norfolk, Va.
During this program, all notable
visitors will be recognized, and
particularly those visitors who
served in the former Life Saving
Service, which was merged with
the Coast Guard in 1915. There are
only 25 or 80 of them now living
in N. C. and nearby Virginia. Sew
eral died during the past year.
Many of them are too infirm to
attend, and have written express
ing regret and disappointment at
being unable to make the trip.
These, and other Coast Guard
personnel, as well as the children
of those men, of Rodanthe, who
in 1918 made the daring rescue of
the crew of the British ship Mirlo
off the Rodanthe coast, will be
special guests at luncheon fol-
lowing the ceremonies. Joining
them at this luncheon will be the
speakers, official visitors, and
their wives.
Taking part in the Mirlo rescue,
which was one of the most famous
and daring feats of World War /,
were the following men, led by
Capt. John Allen Midget. Zion s.
Midget, Prochorus Lee O'Neal,
Clarence E. Midget, Arthur v.
Midget and Leroy s. Midget of
Wanchese, who is the only living
member of the crew. Arthur v.
Midget died a few weeks ago at
the age of 81. He had looked for
ward to this event.
Following the speaking the in
vited guests will be given a lunch
con, 100 at Mirlo Beach Lodge and
100 at Chicamacomico Restaurant.
At two pm. the program will con-
tinue, with rescue, boat and hell
copter drills by the u. s. Coast
Guard.
The rescue drill by beach appar-
atus will take place at pm. The
rescue by air with helicopter crew
from the Coast Guard Air Station
See CELEBRATION, Page Twelve