The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1957-01-18

Gates. Each person brought g
sandwich. Dessert was furnished
by the Manteo Society, and coffee
by the host church. A day of pray
er, meditation, and fellowship was
enjoyed.
outer banks "Old Christmas" last
ed longer in the two communities
which comprised Rodanthe, and for
a good reason. These people have
long been neighborly and indie
pendent people. They are friendly
and hospitable people. They share
with each other; they return gifts
and favors as something that is a
duty as we'll as a pleasure. They do
not take from one what they are
unable to return in kind. There
has always been marriage and kin
ship between the two communities.
1t was long their custom to visit
and share gifts and meals between
the communities at Christmas
time, and all the gifts and fine
things that were shared between
the communities during the uni
versal Christmas on December 25,
were again revived and shared on
Old Christmas. Then, on January
9th, all accounts were squared, all
gifts repaid, all visits returned,
and all had Jared alike lin both the
north and south neighborhoods.
The quaint custom has merit of
high order. 1t is an inspiring and
wholesome thing. 1t should be prac-
ticed in other places. It does good
because it makes for happier peo-
pie. In world devoted too much
to commercialism and greed, where
in many places so many of the fin
er things of life are apparently
forgotten, it comes as HEARTFELT
ing and inspiring thought to those
who do not like to forget; to those
who treasure old memories of
childhood and other days; to those
who cherish the traditions of their
forefathers.
So from year to year interest
throughout the land has grown. 1t
has caused many people to come
from afar to witness the celebra-
ton, until today visitors bring new
problems. For many years there
has been a program arranged by
people of the communities, and the
room which was sufficient for the
neighbors, is now completely made
quate to seat any large portion of
the visitors. The work and expense
entailed in putting on the celebra-
ton, the oyster roast, etc. cannot
be afforded by the few people anG
limited resources of the commu.
nifty.
Moreover, the type of entertain
ment rehearsed and staged, while
having served its purpose in other
days, bringing as it did colorfuI
and comical novelty to people who
had few opportunities to get away
for amusement, is not now suffi-
GENTLY comprehensive for the visi-
tors; nor for homefolks who have
opportunity to see wide variety
Of features on TV, or by way OF
the good roads which take them
| quickly to towns and cities, with
modern shows.
Heretofore, the very things
which visitors wish to witness
have not been incorporated in the
program at the old schoolhouse
The neighborly deeds, the numer-
Gus tableaus of community life, the
neighborhood caroling and visits by
young and old have not been re-
hearsed upon the stage, for they
would not have been new and in
teresting to the residents. And on
ly residents then could see them.
But these things now, reminis-
cent of bye-gone days, would be of
tremendous interest to all. So the
people of the community are be-
ginning to discuss the possibility
Of bringing number Of these old
things together, and starting in
time, unite the talent of the COM
munity, in putting on show that
would be worthy of even two OF
three presentations for the enjoy
ment of the visitors. There has
been proven great popular de-
mand for such production, both
locally and from afar. There is
only one road block now, and that
IS the problem of financing the
enlargement of their building, and
making possible better accommo-
1ations for the larger crowds in
Ill sorts of weather. Putting or
he celebration and the free oyster
roast, and other things that follow
t will call for more labor and ex.
Dense, and that is what is giving
concern to the mere handful OF
'eople who up to now have carried
he burden. A small admission
charge this season, paid expenses
My because the people did moi
charge for their work. The charges
you'd not have paid for the oys-
i tr1xar al - - n