. . . I am by nature a reminiscent person, and I had often thought of writing my memories of Beaufort. In the latter part of 1946, I received a letter from my nephew, Paul S. Jones, enclosing an article on the 86th anniversary of Mrs. N.W. Taylor. My reply and the commentaries suggested by the article were expanded into these memoirs. . . .
In the '90s, the little white house at the foot of Ann Street, in which "Miss Mary" first saw the light of day, on high tide was situated at the water's edge. Early in that decade, or perhaps a little earlier, there was erected west of the Buckman home one of the first oyster factories in the world. . . .
The article on "Ma" Taylor quotes Mr. Taylor as saying that some of the streets were "cow paths" in those days. This reminds me of an institution rather peculiar to Beaufort, the two-wheel, one-horse carts, which did all the drayage business in Beaufort until some time after the end of the last century, perhaps until after the first World War. . . . I recall wood selling for fifty cents a load (1/4 cord) and being delivered in the carts for ten cents. We rarely used the word dime, shilling was more often used. . . .
One thing enjoyed in the nineties was superb—sailing in small boats on a high tide right out over Bird Shoal to the Inlet. The waves were big enough to gently waft a small boat about, but not yet dangerous. The security of shallow water made it doubly enjoyable to the timid. . . .
Before the breakwater was laid, you got the impression and the "feel" of the sea without its ravages. The young folks of today may not realize that at high tide in storms we had a miniature surf right on the shore in front of Beaufort. . . .
One of my impressive memories is of how the young ladies of Beaufort, with bustles, accentuated by corsets laced tight, would walk out in the afternoon, holding their long skirts up to avoid dragging on the ground. There was a trick in doing it gracefully. . . .
Beaufort was "divided" into three parts, and the marriages were for the most part, made up of couples from the respective parts. . . . (Carteret County News-Times 1948)
One of my impressive memories is of how the young ladies of Beaufort, with bustles, accentuated by corsets laced tight, would walk out in the afternoon, holding their long skirts up to avoid dragging on the ground. There was a trick in doing it gracefully. . . .
Beaufort was "divided" into three parts, and the marriages were for the most part, made up of couples from the respective parts. . . . (Carteret County News-Times 1948)
