Sunday, July 27, 2014

Down Point Decoys

I had occasion to visit with David O'Neal at Down Point Decoy Shop a few days ago. As soon as I stepped into his store I was reminded of what a tremendous inventory of old and new bird carvings he carries.














Dave was sitting at the counter, chatting with a customer about antique rifles and waterfowl hunting, when I entered. After the customer left I mentioned that I would like to come back with my camera, and take a few photos to put on my blog. Dave agreed, saying he always appreciated free publicity.














When I returned I noticed that David had a copy of the 1986 National Geographic Traveler magazine on display. David was featured in the magazine, and his picture was on the cover. I remarked that he looked a little younger in those days. His mustache was definitely not white!  That led to talk about how the senior years just seem to creep up on us without our awareness while it's happening.


















If you haven't been in Down Point Decoy Shop lately, be sure to stop by and check out David's wonderful collection of working and decorative decoys.


















And, if you are wondering why "Down Point Decoys" is located "Around Creek" it's because David started his business Down Point (on the lighthouse side of Silver Lake), near his family home...but he moved it Around Creek (on the Community Square side of Silver Lake) a few years ago.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article about the Ocracoke Crab Festival which was held each May from 1984 to 1989. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072114.htm.

3 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:28 AM

    NC Mainlander is laughing at the "Hey Mister, your wife called and said buy anything you want."
    Philip, is this business in the former little post office building? I seem to recall it, but need clarification.
    Looks like an interesting place to spend several hours. My goodness, taking his annual inventory must be fun! Thanks for sharing the great pics, too.

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    1. Down Point Decoys is located on NC 12, right across the street from the entrance to Howard Street. It is on the same property as Captain's Cargo and Captain's Landing Hotel. The "former little post office" used to sit where Down Point Decoys is today. The post office was moved to behind Captain's Cargo (it is now a rental cottage). The Down Point Decoys building is a former cabin from the Green Island Club (a hunting club a couple of miles south of Hatteras Inlet). The brick building that is Captain's Cargo was the post office prior to the present day post office.

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    2. Anonymous1:05 PM

      Thanks, Philip, for bringing me up to speed. You did a great job explaining all the changes. The next time I am in that vicinity I will try to replay the history of all the owners and changes in my mind.

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