The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1957-05-31
THE THINNING RANKS
OF GREATNESS

loss of greatness in marked ex-
ample this week when the glori-
GUS career of Bernie Hampton
Griggs of Kill Devil Hills ended.
She was a woman marked with
the outward signs of aristocracy
Of the highest order, that of char
acter and intellect, and her life
had been one of intelligent and
dedicated service to the region
which occupied her heart and her
mind to a degree seldom evident
in this life.
Her early life was spent in sur
roundings that brought contacts
and associations with great people,
as well as ordinary ones. Her IA
Their was a noted man in his day.
The late Pierce Hampton of
Church's Island was famed in his
county. He represented Currituck,
he was a servant of the people,
courageous, and farsighted. He
operated a lodge to which famed
and wealthy people came for wild
fowl hunting.
Both Mrs. Griggs, and her hus-
band, Russell A. Griggs, knew and
loved the region where they spent
their entire lives. They continued
to serve the hunting fraternity,
and to their acknowledgement
Hampton Lodge, there continued
to come famous men. Among the
friends of this lodge was the late
Joseph P. Knapp, the wealthy
northern publisher, who formed
good impressions and civilizations
of the needs of Currituck County,
and largely because of his early
impressions he made vast gifts
for education in that county, may
be in millions as counted in dol
lars, but of inestimable worth if
measured by other values.
In time, as hunting seasons ard
regulations changed, and a differ
ent future for hunting lodges be-
came evident, it was natural, that
the experience and contacts
of Mr.. and Mrs. Griggs should
lead them to the Dare County
seashore, some rs years ago. This
coast was just coming to the at
tention of the nation. 1t was MAX
ing wonderful progress, and by
the establishment of the Croatan
Hotel at Kill Devil Hills, the
Griggses made a mighty contribu-
ton to that movement. Their great
following came with them, and the
Croatan Hotel became a quick sue
cess. 1t catered to discriminating
clientele, and it became the first
contact for many important people
who have done so much to aid in
the development of Dare County.
The Griggses have been valu-
able and cherished friends Of Dare
County. They Immediately won the
esteem and respect and affection
of all who met them. And their
friends also became helpful
friends of Dare County.
Despite the discomforts of sick
ness and the hardships of the
years which flew so fast, and de-
manded more and more of them,
the Griggses without apparent dis
may carried on until two years
ago. Illness finally forced them to
relinduish their hotel into younger
and stronger lands. They comm
ued to live nearby in their newly
built cottage, and never ceased to
be an active team in the civic
and social life of the community.
All of US may feel grateful, and
honored that the Griggses came
among US. They not only shared
our lot, and all the burdens of
citizenship, but they made an ever
lasting contribution to our welfare
and our progress-a contribution
far beyond the call of duty, or
that which is usually demanded
of anyone.
The ranks of great people of our
Coastland grow thinner year by
year. We can i'll afford the loss
of friendly, helpful citizens like
Mrs. Bernie Hampton Griggs. But
none of US view this loss so deep
ly because of the departure for
ever of one who helped to share
our burdens, and gave so freely
of her energies and talents to
bring progress to the profit of all
of us who live in th:c coastland.
We bear this loss in grief over
the passing of one who was good
and great, who lived with us and
among us so as to win our respect,
our affection, and our love. Her
goodness and her greatness will
remain imperishable in the MEM
DRY of people of the coastland and
her life and her example and her
accomplishments stand out to in
spire and encourage those who re-
main.