Tangier Island in Virginia is a rare experience. It has been the home to a group of strict Methodist families for centuries. The men are mostly all working watermen, making their living harvesting crabs. The 3 dominant families are the Crockers, Pruitts, and Parks. We were met by Milton “Gander” Parks (85 years old) at his dock, and he promptly gave is a tour of the islands 3 ridges via his golf cart (the only way of getting around on the island. At its height the island is 4′ above sea level with many canals and marshy areas. It is predicted that the island will need to
be abandoned by 2050 due to rising sea levels. There is no alcohol to be found and the locals talk with a distinct unique accent. The people could not have been friendlier, or the local seafood better. The sites of the crab sheds lining the harbor and the crabbing skipjacks and buy boats were quite unique. This will be a way of community and family life lost when the island is abandoned.
Just read your report to Cassie . It’s sounds great. Have a wonderful safe journey.
How interesting – I have Crockers in my family line – they were seafarers, so wonder if the Crockers on Tangier might be distant relations!