Chincoteague Maps and Other Information - Chincoteague History Notes

1631 Very few horses were on the Island.

1650 Colonel Daniel Jennifer was the first to obtain land grant on Chincoteague. He was granted 1,500 acres.

1662 Owners of horses had to keep them fenced in.

1671 Chincoteague was given the name of "Land Across the Waters" by The Gingo-Teague Tribe.

1671 The first record of white man's land quest of Gingo-Teague is recorded on April 1.

1671 Settlers came to the Island on April 1, 1671.

1672 By 1672, large farm lands were in abundance, owned by the first setflers, Mr. R.W. Bishop, the Jesters, the Bowdens, Taffs, and many others.

1692 The first record of any religious history on the Island was in April.

1694 Court Records show William Whealton married in Horntown. His wife's name was Catherine.

1780 The Watson home was built. Parents of Deacon Will Watson.

1790 The Jester home was built. Parents of D.J. Jester.

1790 A Gunning Float used for trading with the Indians.

1797 Joshua and Mary Whealton sold land to William Silverthorn on Chincoteague.

1821 A hurricane swept the Island resulting in the death of five people.

1838 Thirty-six homes were on the Island.

1840 First school on Chincoteague.

1841 First Baptist Church was built and the first pastor was Reverend William Thornton.

1853 Methodist Protestant Church was organized on Church Street on land purchased from Evaline Sharpley.

1854 First postmaster, J.A.M. Whealton. Six letters arrived here from Horntown.

1854 At this time Horntown was the shipping center for early settlers.

1854 James E. Matthews in the same year brought mail to Chincoteague from the mainland.

1856 John W. Corbin was the postmaster.

1859 First doctor was Dr. Hudson from the mainland.

1860 Seafood business was the chief occupation.

1861 Chincoteague voted 132-2 not to secede from the Union and against slavery.

1861 John Whealton counseled the Island to stay with the Federal Government.

1865 First Sunday School was organized by the Baptist Church and was led by Benjamin Scoff.

1869 Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in August with 16 charter members.

1870 Eastern Shore rejoiced when self-government was restored when the last Union soldier was withdrawn.

1874 Winter Quarter Lightship was established.

1879 Captain John Bunting led in organizing Beulah Baptist Church.

1879 By 1879, the R.R. line boat between Franklin City and Chincoteague was completed.

1880 Early 1880's Mr. William Cooper became first undertaker, and Mr. E.T. Mears became undertaker in the early 1900's.

1881 Mr. George Tyndall, merchant down the Island, left to join the Sanctified Band in Galveston, Texas, without notifying anyone.

1881 October 17, 1881. During the October term of the County Court an order was entered transferring the bar room licenses of John L. Sharpley on Chincoteague Island to John P., Fenwick.

1881 On August 10. Pony Penning was held.

1883 Strawberries were now grown by William F. Cropper.

1883 On April 26, 1883 a private school taught and managed by Mrs. Leftwitch was established.

1883 Potatoes of the finest quality and strawberries were raised for market by William N. Conant and other farmers.

1883 J.A. Whealton enlarged his storehouse on June 7. It was perhaps the largest business on the Eastern Shore.

1883 By June 21, William N. Conant was the great contractor and builder on the Island.

1883 On July 12, steps were taken to organize a Masonic Lodge on the Island. Among charter members were the following gentlemen: C.F.W. Hall, Frank Hollis, William J. Matthews, and E.W. Richardson.

1883 James E. Matthews was the proprietor of Atlantic Hotel.

1883 On October 11, 1883, another private school was opened by Mrs. M. West.

1883 On November 22, Mr. Pholey of Philadelphia and M. Horsey of Pocomoke City, Maryland, purchased the old Hurley Hotel as a first class Bakery known as Island Bakery.

1883 On December 6, early oyster companies were Conklin and Jones, James and Tarr, Lewis and Tarr, Lewis and Whealton, Reed and Hill, H. Nedab, and others.

1883 On December 13, the first jewelry store was opened by Mr. West. The building was the old storehouse of S.J. Matthews.

1884 On June 7, Dr. J.W. Fields moved here and owned a lot of land on Assateague.

1884 On July 19, 1884, Dan Whealton and his wife and others sold to John Jester acres of land for $65.

1884 The first school known on the Island was located on the land now known as Greenwood Cemetery.

1884 On September 20, twins were born to John Burton Whealton.

1884 S.E. Quillen, first assistant keeper of Assateague Light, was appointed as Keeper for new Light on Killock Shoals.

1885 On May 23, Sheep Penning took place.

1885 On June 27, Beulah Baptist Parsonage was built.

1885 On August 8, D.J. Whealton was appointed postmaster.

1885 On October 3, the fine home of John B. Whealton was completed.

1885 There was tragedy in Chincoteague in June, when Tom Freeman killed Jenny Hill and wounded her mother Zepporah Hill.

1885 A Pennsylvania Railroad Company placed one of their steamers on route between Chincoteague and Franklin City.

1886 A black school was opened with a teacher and 20 students.

1887 Leo Disharoom was principal of Chincoteague School.

1887 Work began on the new Methodist Protestant Church.

1887 One of our leading mechanics, Mr. William Conant, had been awarded the contract for building a boathouse 18 ft. x 6 ft.

1888 Special thanks are due to Mr. John A.M. Whealton and Mr. A.T. Matthews for construction of the school house.

1888 On April 20, interesting school programs were held. They were well attended. Prizes were given to Lizzie Barrett, Mrs. Lillie Daisey and Nancy Potts, for outstanding achievement.

1889 Supplies for Killock Shoal Lighthouse arrived.

1890 A building boom continued despite the hard times. The new steam mill of N.D. Gordy, was in operation, and a bakery was established by Mrs. Augustus Flemming; and W.N. Conant was building the parsonage of the Methodist Church.

1890 Teacher of the "Down the Island" school was William H. Warren, and "Up the Island" school was Miss Sallie Taylor.

1890 First school opened in September, on Assateague.

1890 The first barber shop was opened in Chincoteague located in the place where the Delmarva Power and Light office is today. This was washed away during one of the storms.

1890 A lodge of the order of Heptasophs with a membership of 60 was organized here this week by Dr. Quinn of Pocomoke City, Maryland.

1890 Corn is being brought here from Chicago and sold cheaper than it can be brought from the farmers on the mainland.

1890 Oysters were sold at Chincoteague last Wednesday at the following prices per barrel. Primes $1.40, Culls 10 cents, Cullenteens such as were known to be sold before from 30 cents to 40 cents. The purchasers were from the Northern and Eastern Markets.

1890 In a friendly trial of speed which came off here last Friday between the "Trotters" of Dr. N.S. Smith, William J. Matthews, Captain John W. Bunting and E.P. Timmons, they came under the wire in fact that Captain Bunting had recently brought home a handsome Morrill purchased of Mr. Elliott of Locustville and our horseman, jealous of her reputation as a "swifter," gave a challenge which was accepted. The race was an exciting and enjoyable one.

1890 1000 barrels of oysters were shipped from this point Monday on Steamer "Widgeon" and his average daily freight is about 500 barrels, the price being about $3.00 per barrel. Oysters were in great demand then.

1890 Mr. K.J. Bunting is closing out his stock of goods at auction. Timmons and Baker will be his successor.

1891 Teachers of our school were Lottie Clayville, Lydia Disharoon, Josiah Scoarh, Nellie Harrison and Clarence Feddeman.

1891 Frank Townsend, Clerk of O.M. Jones Drug Store, became Druggist.

1891 A Lodge of Red Men was organized with 66 members.

1891 A school was erected on Ridge Road and was called South End School. (Now used by the Melvin family as a private home, bought by Jessie Melvin's heirs, moved from land near Etta's Place).

1891 The Christ's Sanctified Holy Church was organized on February 14th.

1892 On Monday, October 1, public schools opened with the following teachers: Grade School Principal, Perry Hudson of New York; "Down the Island," Miss Ida Clayton of Snow Hill and "Up the Island," Miss Florence Davis of Stockton, Maryland.

1894 John S. Church, son of George G. Church, was proprietor of the Atlantic Hotel.

1894 T.P. Seivy, Uncle of Ralph Selby, Sr., founded a Retail Clothing Store in Chincoteague. (This original building was destroyed during the 1962 flood.)

1894 A large bell has been put up by the town which is rung promptly at 9:00 p.m., when all stores close.

1894 Mr. B.F. Scott has been employed as Keeper of Wallops Club House.

1894 A newspaper known as the "Chincoteague Islander" was started on December 1 with Editor, J.W. Fields and Frank Townsend.

1894 On Sunday, Reverend S.U. Grimsley preached his first sermon and was called to be the pastor of Union Baptist Church.

1894 Miss Georgia Tracy was the first Music teacher on the Island.

1894 Remodeled and Rebuilt the Red M@s Hall on North Main Street.

1894 Officials of Penn Washington and ]3altimore Railroad while here a few days ago, had under consideration the running of the steamer "Chincoteague" to Wisharts Point from this place three times a week and ordered crew of steamers to that point on a prospecting trip.

1894 The Red Men's Hall cost $1,340.00. A three story building with Mansard roof, the lower room to be occupied by sailmakers. Mr. Charles Holston was one of the workers. The second story was used by secret order as the Red Men's Lodge; third story to be reserved for public entertainment.

1894 Edgar Twyford is in the lead for early trucks, new potatoes, English peas for a summer dinner.

1895 The last issue of the "Chincoteague Islander".

1896 Union Baptist Church was destroyed by fire on Thursday morning, April 30.

1896 Member of Methodist Protestant Church bought the dwelling of Mr. Fred Ruediger in front of the Church and will enlarge and use it for a parsonage.

1896 School erected near the present place known as "Turntable," North Main Street. (Known as "Up the Island".)

1896 About $10,000 filters through the local mercantile channels, the result of strawberry labor; about 70 of our folks so engaged during the season just closed; averaged $15.00 to the net picker.

1896 Mr. Burton Dennis sold, on March 2 1, his store stock at "Deep Hole" to William P. Reed.

1896 Our bank building is completed and is one of the handsomest south of Wilmington. It is a two story building, 20 feet long by 32 feet wide, handsomely furnished and cost $3,000. Honorable W.S. Wilson and O.D. Collins, officers and stockholders, spent several days here this week assisting the cashiers in moving into the building. It is truly an ornament to our town.

1896 Oyster market First Class.

1896 The Western Union has opened up an office; and with messenger service attached. The office is adjoining Dr. Smith's Drug Store. Twenty-five messages were received and sent the opening day.

1897 The Methodist Protestant Church work began on January 15 and will be finished during the season. (It was finished in 1898-every dollar owed was paid for.)

1897 Dr. Burwell came to Chincoteague to practice medicine. He died in 1943 on April 5.

1898 First bank incorporated on Chincoteague.

1898 On April 9, Mr. Jones succeeded in having a mail route established from Wisharts Point on the Mainland to Chincoteague Island.

1899 Joe Baker has built a large Blacksmith Shop and has opened up for business this week according to "Fredericksburg Star".

1899 Every ice house on Chincoteague has been filled during the freeze with the finest ice that was ever saved here.

1899 Colonel John A. Whealton has announced himself as Clerk in the Boatsman Bank.

1900 First Barrel House was built.

1900 Mr. L.L. Derrickson of Berlin, Mr. William Burwell and R.W. White and others have bought the drug business of Dr. O.M. Jones and will have built at once a two story brick building 28 feet x 60 feet glass front, with office upstairs for all the physicians of the Island.

1900 Shipping 942 barrels of oysters to market on Saturday, broke the record. Before 600 to 770 were shipped.

1900 Early 90's Contractor E.T. Mears will erect a cozy home for Mr. Ebe 1. Bowden below Dale's on the Shore front lot.

1900 November 11, our barren factories owned by D.J. Whealton are running day and night in order to meet the demand of shipping oysters and vegetables.

1900 A petition is being circled here asking the government to place a Lighthouse at the outer end of Chincoteague Shoals.

1900 In June, Sheep Penning Day on Chincoteague.

1900 Derrickson and Collins were owners and managers of the Boatsman Bank.

1900 A nice brass band was in operation. One of its members was Ransio Davis.

1900 June 23 first shipment of round potatoes shipped by Reuben Bishop.

1900 The Atlantic Hotel managers were Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Matthews.

1900 The home of D.J. Whealton was built on Main Street.

1900 August 1, Mr. Robert Watson at the age of 73 died. He was the father of Mrs. Victoria Pruitt. He was survived by 4 sons, David, Alfred, William, and Dan, and 3 daughters, Marvelle, Sarah Ann Tatem, and Victoria. He attended school one day. He said the Bible was the only book he studied.

1900 Street Lamps arrived August 11, and streets were lighted soon by gas lamps.

1900 The large modern store house of J.A.M. Whealton (24 ft. x 60 ft.) was built and opened on December 8. This store was called "Big Store" and was destroyed by fire in 1927. It supplied the Islanders with furniture, clothing, school books, coal, food, etc.

1900 Early 1900's D.J. Whealton Mercantile Store on Chincoteague was opened.

1900 A drug store was built and used by Dr. O.M. Jones.

1900 The first barber shop in town owned by A.L. and W.J. Matthews.

1900 Sallie Lewis and Lillie Levy Ford Hat Shop was opened on the Island on land near present police Department building.

1900 D.J. and J.W. Whealton have dissolved partnership and are dividing their effects. In the division D.J. Whealton paid for the store house, Wharf, and Goods for $24,000.

1901 August 17, The School Board appointed the following teachers: Principal of the grade school, William Gillespie; First Assistant, Mrs. R.J. Whealton; Second Assistant, Miss Carrie Whealton; Third Assistant, Louella Burton; "Up the Island," Miss Hallie M. Whealton; "Down the Island," Edward Disharoon; Assateague, James E. Mears; Colored School, Peter Wharton.

1901 The Whealton Oyster Co., started.

1902 The Baptist Parsonage now in course of erection here, by E. Thomas Mears, one of the Handsomest and most convenient on the shore.

1902 James D.M. Whealton, first supervisor, William Conant, Constable; Overseers of the Poor, Joe Baker and Henry Mumford.

1902 Meetings in the Methodist Church "Up the Island" were held. In charge of the meeting was Reverend Dalhowner. There have been 100 conversions or more.

1902 A telephone office was established here. This connects Chincoteague with the rest of the world.

1902 Miss Retta Smith was the first telephone operator on the Island and was later succeeded by Mrs. Alice Laws.

1902 September 15, Teachers appointed for Chincoteague were H.L. Ames, Principal town school, Assistants, Misses Hattie Whealton, Carrie Whealton and Blanche Whealton. Bertha C. Smith; Stella Maelham, "Up the Island"; Elmer W. Somers, "Down the Island"; Virginia Berry, Assateague; W.A. Porhores, Colored School.

1902 On March 1, revival at Beulah Church, conducted by Reverend Sanderlin, there were 100 professions of faith, and of that number, 44 have been Baptized into the Church.

1902 Reverend Thomas C. Davis occupied the New Parsonage building, the handsomest structure on the Island.

1903 J.W. Dickerson of Shawakie, Pennsylvania, has bought out saloon business of J.W. Elliott.

1903 Mr. E.F. Matthews was cashier of L.L. Derrickson Banking Company.

1903 Captain John Rowley and wife were spending their vacation in New York City.

1903 On November 7, the return from Chincoteague last Tuesday shows that William N. Conant was elected Supervisor; N.S. Smith, Jr., Constable; Sidney Davis, William C. Bunting, and Burton Dennis, Justices of Peace.

1903 Mr. David Willbank, assistant cashier of the Derrickson Banking Company, has been transferred to Parksley Bank and is succeeded by Mr. Quillen on April 25.

1903 Mr. Charlie F. Matthews was cashier of L.L. Derrickson Banking Company.

1903 Mr. John Thornton, last constable, has opened up a grocery store on Jester Street.

1903 Mr. Odell Burch has opened up a News stand on Main Street above the Atlantic Hotel.

1903 The Baptist Sunday School Convention of Accomack Association met in the eleventh annual session with the Union Baptist Church, Chincoteague, Wednesday, June 3, and was called to order by President, Reverend S.U. Grimsley.

1903 Dr. Charles F. Turman, dentist of Floyd C. H., has arrived here and hung out his shingle. He bought the business of Dr. E.U. Potter, who will located for the practice of his profession in Roanoke.

1903 Mrs. Mary Hudson sold her dwelling April 25 on Main Street this week to Mrs. Mary Ann Hill for $1,900 and will open up an Oyster Saloon.

1903 The Confederate Pension under the acts of 1900 and 1902 will be paid in September 1903 according to the County of Accomack for all persons entitled to Confederate Pension.

1904 Captain Isaac Melvin has resigned the position of night watchman and was succeeded by Mr. Neal Watson of Horntown.

1904 Ten private schools were opened here with the following teachers: Misses Reta Smith, Carrie Whealton, Georgia Tracy, Nettie Davis, Blanche Whealton, Mrs. Annie Timmons, Miss Luella Burton, Mr. William Taylor, and Miss Laura Jeffries.

1904 Captain William J. Reed building a store house in "Tick Town" (Now Willow Street).

1904 The firm of Selbyand Scott has purchased a act of land up the Island and will engage in the trucking business on a @ scale.

1904 Mr. Lloyd Watson of Philadelphia, son-in-law of D.J. Whealton, spent this week here assisting in the store of the Whealton Merchandise Company.

1904 A large barrel factory opened here; it was planned by Robert L. Marshall.

1904 The largest rock of the season weighing 16 1/2 pounds was caught by 0. Logan Wimbrow.

1904 Captain John W. Bunting bought the dwelling and show next door to William J. Adams this week for the sum of $1200.

1904 The scholarship medal given by the principal of the high school was won by Mrs. Vesta Gordy with Etta Twyford, second and Mrs. Ralph Laws, third.

1904 Ella D. Jones, daughter of Dr. O.M. Jones, graduated from Snow Hill High School, an honor student, the youngest graduate in the History of the School.

1904 The first round potatoes of the season were shipped from this place on Monday, by Mr. R. W. Bishop. Prices were good.

1904 April 22, 1904, Booth and Williams have bought Major Jones Hotel and now open up there a restaurant on a large scale.

1904 A Lodge of The Order of Modern Woodman of America was organized this week.

1904 John Brown of Berlin has bought stock of goods of S. Burton Dennis and son and moved with his wife and children, to Chincoteague.

1904 Mr. Charlie Henderson of the Island has opened a confectionary store on North Main Street.

1904 Mr. Demrest Peterson has resigned as first Assistant Keeper of Winter Quarter Lighthouse, and Oliver Clark has been promoted to his position.

1904 Mrs. Sarah A. Lewis died December 26, age 69 years. She was the sister of D.J. and J.W. Whealton and is survived by 3 sons, J.E., William Jones, and Daniel Lewis, and a daughter, Mrs. C. 0. Disharoon.

1904 A lot and storehouse on Cleveland Street was sold by I.A.M. Whealton to W.J. Adams this week for the sum of $300.00.

1905 Physicians of our town were C.F.W. Hall; A.H. Todd, and Dr. Nathaniel S. Smith.

1905 For Constable - William F. Cropper, also an undertaker of the Island.

1905 A large airy shed has been erected on the lawn in front of the Hotel and this with the comfortable seats and bathing pools at the end, added much to the appearance of the Hotel and the comfort of its guests.

1905 The Red Men Tribal No. 84 celebrated their 14th anniversary on Wednesday and with Sister Lodges from other points gavea grand street parade. A true treat was given by the order; addresses were made by Rev. G.P. Jones of Milford, Delaware, J.W. Church of Norfolk and J.T. Sharpley of Greenbackville.

1905 Captain William Harrison has been awarded the contract to place buoys at Chincoteague and Metompkin ilniets.

1905 Lizzie Daisey and Andrew Potts were married January 21,,at Chincoteague by Rev. G-W. Keracofe.

1905 Overseers for the poor were Samuel J. Matthews, Richard ldir-k) P. Reynolds, and Thomas H. Scott.

1905 John W. Bunting, father of K.J. Bunting and W, illiam Bunting, died in the year 1905.

1905 The Pochontas, a Lodge of Women, was organized with a membership of 38. It was organized identical with the orders of the Red Men.

1905 The Sanctified Band of this place on February 25th are selling their real and personal property, and will leave in a few days for southern Texas.

1905 On June 27th, Misses Gladys Matthews, Vesta Gordy and E.D. Jones are in attendance at Summer School at Charlottesville, Virginia.

1905 The first famous Ice Cream Parlor was in operation by Captain Emory Maffit, a Christian gentlemen, on the corner of Church Street. He sold the parlor at the end of the year.

1905 June 5, Chincoteague Rural mail delivery started with 4 mail boxes "Down and Up the Island." Alonzo Dennis was the first carrier. Succeeding him for awhile was Mr. Reuben Bishop and later his wife Mrs. Bishop. His salary per year was $540.00, $45.00 per month.

1905 May 13, Alice Burton and Vesta Lee Gordy were only 2 graduates on Chincoteague@ both were on the honor roll. Mr. G.G. Joynes, superintendent and Mr. G. Wigter Mapp attended the closing exer@.

1905 Captain L. Fedderman at one time was captain of the steamer called 'Chincoteague. - For annual repairs he would take boat to Wilmington, Delaware.

1905 The Jr. Order United American Mechanics have bought from D.J. Whealton, the Island hotel property and will convert it into a hall for themselves and organizations.

1905 On Saturday, March 11, received long distance services.

1905 The first Post Office for Chincoteague was on the land of Samuel Fields next to the Old Bakery Shop on parking lot on Post Office Lane.

1906 The population was 3100, and they began to feel they needed a better government.

1906 Professor C.W. Swinley has been appointed principal of High School for 1906 to 1907.

1906 July, fire which started in the playhouse of Smith and Burton Dennis, Sunday night destroyed it and the top of the Pier on which it was located, also their furniture confectionares with a loss of $600 to $800. The merry-go-round and dwelling near the pier, with the help of the fire engine and scores of citizens who responded to the cry of fire, were saved from the flames. The pier will be rebuilt.

1906 Schooner "Alberta" recently carried cargo of empty barrels to Norfolk and brought back a cargo of coal for the Seaboard fish oil and Guano Co.

1906 The directors of our Bank, known as the Boatman's Bank, at their meeting on Tuesday ordered a general renovation of the building with improvement of metallic ceiling, tile flooring, etc.

1906 The Atlantic Hotel is to be improved by an annex, all glass and colored windows, which will give more room on each of the three floors and the handsomest dining room on the shore.

1907 January 12, Dr. W.M. Burwell, who for several weeks has been taking a post graduate course in the medical school in New York, has returned home.

1907 Mr. William N. Conant Sr., has sold his large hardware and building material store to his sons, Henry and William Conant. He will spend his time in the future in looking after his Marine railway business.

1907 First graduation exercises were held in the Union Baptist Church. Mr. Marvin Davis was the first and only student to graduate in 1907.

1908 Chincoteague was incorporated.

1908 Three students graduated and received their diplomas.

1908 A better government was provided.

1908 J.T. Mears came from Wachapreague to manage the Whealton oyster business in Chincoteague.

1908 The town received its first Charter from the State of Virginia.

1908 First mayor of the town was elected, Mr. Frank Matthews, father of Mr. Charlie Matthews, the Banker.

1908 The first automobile was brought to the Island. The owner, Mr. Archie Jones, purchased a Premier car in Baltimore, Maryland.

1908 A Five and Dime store was opened by John Marshall Brown in the Bunting Storehouse adjoining the Post Office.

1908 Mr. Thomas Mears has been awarded contract to repair and rebuild Assateague Light Saving Station.

1909 Mr. Matthews and James Powell will erect a moving picture building 20 feet by 80 feet.

1909 March 20, Contractor Mears was in Philadelphia during the week purchasing, supplies for Pope's Island Station.

1909 City Council regular monthly meeting on Monday night, September 6; Dr. Turman, with old officers be sworn in for a term of 2 years; A Clerk of Council for the same period.

1909 The Bank of Chincoteague was established.

1909 March 20, N.S. Smith, Jr., went to Philadelphia to secure songsters and vaudeille artists for their entertainment ball on the Pier.

1909 Beulah Baptist Parsonage located on South Main Street was sold.

1910 Superintendent G.G. Joynes as the guest of the local Board of Education, complimented the lodge in the sagacious move in taking title to the Dick Reynolds property adjoining the High School, to meet the necessary room for overcrowding condition.

1913 Dr. Emory Bell and wife of Berlin, Maryland, are registered at the Atlantic, Hotel. He secured license to practice his profession as Doctor in Chincoteague.

1913 The 11th grade was added to our High School.

1913 Mrs. Alice Laws resigned as Chief Operator, September 22.

1914 The schools were consolidated Up the Island, Down the Island and Reynolds School. These were before wooden high schools were built.

1914 The second jewelry store opened about this time on the comer of Cleveland and South Main Street. Owned by D.J. Berry of Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

1916 Rev. Dr. O.W. Sawyer, preached his first sermon in Union Baptist Church.

1917 Captain Demerest Peterson was keeper of Killock Lighthouse.

1918 Old Marine Bank was organized in 1918. Mr. Charlie Matthews, Cashier of it.

1918 The record ice in the Chesapeake Bay goes back to the Winter of 1917-1918 when the temperature dropped to zero, and Chincoteague Bay was frozen over for two weeks. The supply of groceries and oil became short and it was necessary to bring food by sleds to the people.

1918 Mrs. Evelyn Bishop succeeded her husband and became the mail carrier (retired in May 1957). She was second woman to hold this position in our country. Mr. Irvin Melvin was her assistant.

1918 Mr. Bill Matthews was cashier of the former Marine Bank.

1918 Dr. O.W. Sawyer held prayer meetings in the Baptist Church on Assateague Island once a week.

1919 The route of the road to be built across from Wallops Neck to Chincoteague Island has been changed. It was originally intended to make the road in a straight line across the marsh and to connect with the Southern end of the Island below the property of Mr. K.J. Bunting, and then to follow the road way Up the Island. The route has been changed and the bridge will be built from A.F. Jester's dock next to the Atlantic Hotel dock, leading across Chincoteague Channel to Marsh, across Black Narrows Channel and Marsh, then in a southwestern direction across Wire Narrows to Queen sound to the mouth of Shelly Bay, then in a westerly direction to W.H. Hickman's farm in Wallops Neck, thence to Wattsville, from which in a direct line to Oak Hall Village and LeCato Station. the new route is one half mile nearer the center of the Island than the first proposed route. The new roadway and six bridges will cost about $150,000 and as the company is only capitalized from $100,000 it is prepared to borrow enough money to finish the work. Already $80,000 in stock has been subscribed.

1920 Merchants getting tired of having their goods held at Franklin City on the Chincoteague Steamer, from 6 p.m. until the following day. The officials and crew prefer it to lay over in Franklin City to cut expense of 2 trips a day.

1920 September, the town's first major fire. Destroyed were the Atlantic Hotel, the homes of William Bunting, John T. Mears, and several other buildings.

1920 The Chincoteague Bridge was being built.

1920 The tablet was erected to the memory of John Whealton and the entire causeway was given the name of John B. Whealton Memorial Causeway.

1921 For the first time, the high school had 2 valedictorians; Elsie Mears and Bernice Jeffries were tied in grade averages.

1921 Masonic Temple was built. Building committee consisted of Ruben Phipps, John Mears, E. Thomas Mears, Charles Wimbrow and Daniel Jeffries.

1921 The old moving picture hall (now used by A.B.C. store) was used for school graduations.

1921 Old wooden building known as high school building was moved back and a new brick high school was built in front of it (later the old building was torn down). The elementary grades used the wooden building, High School students used the new building.

1922 A crew estimated at over 300 persons journeyed to Chincoteague from the mainland on November 15 for the opening of the toll road and bridge.

1922 Mr. Gus Pohlmeyer built the Chincoteague Bakery.

1922 The brick school building on Church Street was erected.

1922 A modern water system was installed. This water system is still in existence and is located on the mainland. The water is pumped from different wells and then run through pipes to Chincoteague where it goes into a water tank from which it is distributed to hundreds of homes. The original pipeline from the mainland remained in use until 1982.

1923 On July 11, Mr. E.T. Mears, age 48, a contractor and an Undertaker, a prominent merchant, was killed in an automobile accident near Pocomoke City, Maryland.

1924 On March 8, fanned by high northerly winds, a fire which started in the barrel factory of Mfg. Co., Monday night swept the business section of the community and for a time threatened the entire Island. Whealton's Big Store was part of the loss.

1924 First Pony Penning held.

1924 The first round up on Chincoteague was called Horse Penning.

1924 The Pennsylvania Railroad petitioned the Virginia State Corporation Commission to abandon its freight service from Franklin City to Chincoteague.

1925 Mr. Ebe Jones was the first fire Chief of the newly organized volunteer Fire Department.

1925 The factory and equipment of the Chincoteague Fish Oil Fertilizer Company sold at public Auction May 8 by Benjamin F. Gunter and Earnest Reudiger was purchased by William J. Highfield of Wilmington, Delaware. The purchased price was $17,350. The factory was built several years ago at a cost of more than 5,000,000.00 dollars.

1927 A third fire occurred in 1927 in the jail which was located on Mumford street. One individual was severely burned, and another lost his life. After the fire, a modern fire proof jail was erected on Cropper Street.

1928 On December 7, John Leonard Fish Company has a Big fish catch amounting to $3,500.

1929 Robert Colonna and Charlie Bowden were drowned about 7 o'clock June 10, when the automobile in which they were riding with Mr. Irving Bowden crashed through the guard rail on the Black Narrows Bridge and fell into 20 feet of water.

1929 Mr. John Winder was reelected Mayor of Chincoteague, June 11.

1929 On June 21, Judge Jeff F. Walter re-appointed Mr. John Winder a member of the Accomack County Board of Public Welfare for four years, beginning July 1st.

1930 On February 19, the State took over the John B. Whealton Memorial Causeway for a sum of $150,000, in June of the same year it was opened to the public as a free road.

1930 The town hall was erected costing $2,500.

1930 Poultry Industry started on a large scale on Chincoteague.

1930 The annual banquet of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company was held New Year's Eve at Hotel Russell.

1930 Plans to build a New Fire House on the corner of Main and Cropper Street.

1932 The Marine Bank was merged with the Bank of Chincoteague.

1932 December 30, a bronze tablet to Captain J.B. Whealton, builder of the causeway and bridges connecting with the Mainland of Accomack County, was unveiled with appropriate exercises by J. Brooks Mapp.

1932 L.L. Derrickson closed the Telephone Office and moved to another place.

1933 Storm damaged lots of property, but no lives were lost.

1935 Mr. John Leonard was member of the Board of Directors of Bank of Chincoteague, and was a member until he died.

1937 A successful tent revival was held, which resulted in organizing the Church of God on Poplar Street.

1939 In 1939 three oldest people living on Chincoteague were Uncle Ben Scott, Aunt Myra Daisey, and Uncle Jack Daisey.

1939 June 23, the Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded by an Act of Congress, which was first called the Coast Guard Reserve.

1939 Coast Guard Navigation discontinued the lighthouse on Killock Shoals and replaced it by a buoy.

1940 The Bridge at Queen Sound was carried away by ice in January.

1940 During the freeze Levin Booth took food across Assateague Inlet to Wallops Beach, and walked across the marshes and bays between them to the Mainland.

1942 In June, Lieutenant Maurice D. Jester wins a Navy Cross, won decorations for sinking one German Submarine and capturing another with a crew of eighty men.

1942 About 1942 (a $2,000 fire) flames swept through a building opposite Russells Hotel.

1942 Helen Watson and Gene Thornton tied as valedictorian in Chincoteague High School.

1942 During World War II M.P. Church building was used to house the camp boys.

1944 The High School Principal listed the names of 10 students who had perfect attendance record for the year 1943-44. The list included Billy Derrickson, Elaine Fish (Savage), Ernest Jones, Shirley Lewis (Jester), Nora Adams (Walker), Raymond Horner, Anne Lumley (Davis),,Mary Williams, Eugene (Gene) Taylor, and Ernestine Pointer (Holston).

1945 When World War 11 ended and peace was declared and other people gathered to give praise for peace, A prayer meeting was held in front of the Chincoteague Fire House led by Rev. O.W. Sawyer.

1950 Voters of Chincoteague on Monday gave overwhelming support to the purchase of a school site. The vote was 584 for and 87 against. The election was for a $20,000 issue for the purchase of the Whealton tract of land which contains approximately 115 acres, purchase price was $18,000,.

1951 In June, Dr. O.W. Sawyer received the honorable degree of Doctor of Divinity at the University of Richmond, Presented Dr. George M. Modlin at the commencement exercises.

1951 The 12th grade was added to our High School.

1953 Dr. O.W. Sawyer was presented V.F.W. Citizenship award.

1953 On January 6, Mrs. John W. Warren, daughter of the late Captain John B. and Mary L. Whealton, passed away.

1954 In 1954 Hurricane Hazel did much damage, and people often speak of this storm.

1954 On April 8th the Chamber of Commerce was formed.

1955 Reida Bowden and Keith Thornton tied as Valedictorians at Chincoteague High School.

1958 New School building dedicated and opened to students in September.

1960 Before the storm of 1962, many people will remember the storm of 1960, which provided many an eye witness to devastation known as Donna.

1962 One of the worst storms that ever occurred on the Island; property and animals were destroyed, and much of the debris went out to sea.

1962 The custom of donating a pony to a charitable group each year began after the March 1962 storm, which flooded the Islands of Chincoteague and Assateague and killed many of the ponies. Chincoteague children and children all over the United State donated their many pennies to help to buy more ponies.

1964 St. Andrews Roman Catholic Church established in the former Methodist Protestant building on Church Street.

1968 Russell Hotel burned September.

1972 Storm of 1972 known as Agnes did some damage.

1973 August 11, at 3 P.M. Beulah Baptist Church burned. The cause was unknown.

1974 New Marine Bank opened October 21.

1976 Dr. O.W. Sawyer passed away on Feburary 28, at the age of 85 years.

1976 Lens used in Assateague Light House from 1869 to 1961 may be seen in the oyster Museum in Chincoteague today.

1979 Bank of Chincoteague merged with Farmers and Merchants Bank of Onley, Virginia, November 1.