Margaret Rudd Bishop, CRB, CRS, GRI

I lived on a 28' Chris Craft from June 30, 1970 until May 1, 1971, in Southport, and also traveled the Intracoastal Waterway from Southport to Washington, DC and South to Riviera Beach, Florida.

Captain Len Lowrey from Reedville, Virginia, had a 42' Yacht under the covered dock and he lived aboard when fishing in this area. Captain Len had given up alcohol and he said it changed his life, thus the name of his yacht "The Menopause". I always knew when someone saw that name for the first time, because of the laughter from the tourists and transient boat owners that walked by.

At that time there were 3 old wooden minesweepers converted to fishing vessels that fished out of Southport in search of menhaden or "pogies". These fish were processed at the Fish Factory and the product was either fertilizer or an additive to chicken feed, depending on who was telling the story.

The boats would be directed to schools of fish by airplane "spotters", purse boats would be dropped from the larger boat. These smaller boats then encircled the school to draw a net around the fish. The fish were then into the hold. I went out on one of these boats, and saw that the crew would spear out the good table fish for dinner. The "fertilizer" fish were processed locally and a good catch meant there was money to be spent in the town. Cruising back in by Southport, the boats would sound their horn three times to say "hello" to Southport, then each blast on the horn after that would signify 100,000 fish. I was told by Captain Len that when the catch was good that credit was easy to come by in anticipation of good paychecks to follow.

If you don't get in enough walking on Downtown Southport, Inc.'s Home Sweet Home Kitchens Tour this Sunday, June 7th, from 2-6pm, then you may want to plan to take advantage of other Southport walks that are quite fun and with no admission charge.

Take the Southport Historical Society's Southport Trail self guided walking tour through the Historic District and also enjoy Riverwalk, meandering by the Cape Fear River, Waterfront Park, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the Southport Marina.

Wednesday's are market days on the Garrison lawn seasonally, and be sure to take in the NC Maritime Museum at Southport which reflects the vast nautical history of Southport.

Waterfront movies are also shown during the summer months, get a schedule from the Southport Visitor's Center.

The influx of volunteers that cherish our lifestyle has provento be a tremendous benefit to Southport's citizens and to the surrounding communities. Numerous organizations owe their energy to this diversified resource. The Southport Historical Society, Volunteer Fire Departments of St James Plantation, Oak Island, Boiling Spring Lakes, Southport, numerous volunteer Rescue Squads, Sea Notes Choral Society, State II Productions, Brunswick Little Theatre, Brunswick Concert Band, Associated Artists of Southport, Knights of Columbus, Southport Lions Club, Rotary Club of Southport, Brunswick County Communities in Schools, Downtown Southport, Inc., Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, Civitan Club, Kiwanis Club, Dosher Hospital volunteers, the Sail & Power Squadron, and many other organizations all provide opportunities for community service and involvement. There are many festivals and events that celebrate the town and bring in crafts and entertainment and these too are run by volunteers. The N C Fourth of July Festival, Southport Spring Festival, US Open King Mackerel Tournament, Captain Charlie's Kids Fishing Tournament, Christmas By the Sea, Holiday Flotilla, and Holly Days help celebrate the seasons. There is always an opportunity for service, so come on down and join the fun!

an informed Real Estate sales have greatly picked up in May. With interest rates tweaking up investors and primary and second home buyers are in the market. Proper pricing to attract these buyers is a must! Oak Island property owners know to let us help them in their pricing, not too low, and not too high. We also know where the best priced properties are and can guide buyers to make choice.

The local charity drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association was a great success! They were still counting but when I left they had collected over $25,000. I want to thank sales associates Tom Griffin, Sandy Hall, Kay Jolliff and Brooke Rudd for donating their time and resources to volunteering in this fundraiser. Margaret Rudd & Associates CFO George Brake also did great duty by driving the whole day. They have handcuffs, warrants, places for photos as jailbirds, donated food, and a room where telephone solicitations can go on for last minute pledges. Several used the internet site to get their contributions. Isn't technology great! I had the pleasure of picking up volunteers from St James Plantation, Boiling Spring Lakes, Southport, and Oak Island. Transportation home was also provided by us as volunteers.