Ocean Isle’s 50th Celebration
Help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ocean Isle Beach, Friday, June 5, 2009! Festivities are planned for June 5th& 6th with a Commemorative Celebration at the Town Hall followed by a Community Beach Picnic and music by “The Imitations” in Concert in Museum of Coastal Carolina Parking Lot.
Incorporated in 1959 Ocean Isle Beach was originally developed by Mannon C. Gore and Odell Williamson. Mr. Williamson still resides on the island.
Here’s a link to a video history of the island:
Schedule of Events for the Commemorative Celebration at the Town Hall
Friday, June 5, 2009
2:00 PM Commemorative Celebration – Town Hall
3:30 PM Community Beach Picnic – Town Hall
6:00 PM “The Imitations” in Concert – Museum Parking Lot
Sponsored by Ocean Isle Property Owners Association
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Saturday events sponsored by OIPOA
5:30 PM Meet & Greet – Town Hall Tent Area
6:30 PM Group Community Photo Op – on the beach
7:00-8:30 PM Street Dance – 3 West Third Street – Adjacent to tent
I have owned a house at OIB since 1980, one of the first homes built on the western portion of the island. OIB was once covered with magnificent dunes. These dunes have been destroyed and the forest burned by developers with the approval of the Williamsons. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach now has an ordinance that gives them the power to destroy any and all native vegetation on your property, with or without your permission. These three things , the dune structure, the forest and natural vegetation, are nature’s protection against storm surge and hurricane winds. Of course the destruction of these allowed for more lots to be sold. The destruction of native vegetation to “prettify” the island with grass, ornamentals, etc. appealed to people who have never experienced storm surge and has made a few people exceedingly wealthy. No, I did not celebrate 50 years of OIB. OIB is arguably the worst example of environmentally conscious barrier island development on the US east coast. Not “if” but “when” another major storm rolls over the island, those same people who had such a vested interest in looting the natural heritage of OIB will be first in line at the public trough for your dollars. I have seen this. I have fought it. I bear witness these things are true. Jane Oakley